Bibiana in Colombia with the children at Mission Life’s center in Bogota, Colombia

"The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others" – Gordon B. Hincley

Written by: Bibiana Medina

With two oceans, the Caribbean ocean in the north and the pacific ocean in the south, enviable climate, some of the best forests, beaches, rare species of plants and animals, diverse cultures, and considered the most biodiverse country in the planet, Colombia is filled with natural resources and beautiful people. However, Colombians have been victims of social unrest, crimes, violence, corruption, and poverty for over five decades. But God is rewriting the history of Colombia, and He is doing so through Mission Life.

Here is how my story with Mission Life begins. I was not supposed to travel to Colombia in March. Instead, I had a trip planned to Europe. I planned to travel alone for half of my trip to visit France and Germany and then join the rest of the family in Spain for the other half of the journey. A vacation of my dreams, or so I thought. But for personal reasons, I had to cancel my trip. Instead, I ended up being part of the exploratory mission trip to Colombia. God's plans are always better than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

If I could describe my trip to Colombia in one sentence, it would be, "A reconnection with my roots, my purpose, my calling, a reminder that I was born in Colombia for a purpose and I left Colombia for a purpose." The trip was much-needed fuel for my soul!

Growing up in Colombia, I spent most of my childhood days playing outdoors with my friends, taking walks to the river, chasing the chickens, waking up to the sound of the rooster, eating arepas (Colombian pancakes) for breakfast, and drinking hot cocoa every morning. I have great childhood memories of all the vacation days I spent at my grandparent's farm. Memories such as trying to count the stars at night (something impossible to do in Boston-due to the city lights).

Since I left Colombia in 1998, I have been back a few times for leisure but this trip was different. First of all, I was not visiting my family or going to the city I grew up in or was familiar with. Instead, I was going to the country's capital, Bogota and the most desirable and exotic place in South America, "the Amazons," and the mode of the trip was mission and exploratory.

Once we arrived in Bogota, we spent the first few days of the trip at Formavida, a place where the presence of God is vivid through its beautiful people. Formavida, one of Mission Life’s child centers, is located in Santa Cecilia, a neighborhood built on a mountain. The hills are so steep that only special cars can go up the hill. Bogota is well known for its cold weather, and Santa Cecilia was not the exception. Since Formavida is located on top of a mountain, cold mornings and evenings are typical. "El chiflon" is what Bogota's people call the evening breeze. I thought the "chiflon" was an animal I saw one night! It goes to show you how little I knew about my native Colombia.

The pastors, the children, the youth, and volunteers who work at the foundation and their warm hearts make Formavida a warm place. The center has been through an arduous journey from financial struggles and trying to sustain the services they provide to the community. The children who attend the center are the result of Pastor Lucy and her team's love and perseverance. They are the true reflection of what serving the Lord is and what it is to be a selfless person.

As soon as three o’clock arrives, one can hear laughs and many small conversations between the children arriving at the after-school program. You can feel this unique energy of gratefulness, love, and caring between all the teachers and the children. Genuine teachers give their 100% to all the children knowing that for some of the children, the three hours they spend in the program is the only time they will receive love and attention because their families are so busy providing for them by working long hours. Their curriculum is precisely on target, aiming to nurture the children in the most needed areas, teaching them to pursue a relationship with Jesus, and creating awareness that their identity should depend on their savior, Christ. The center is a living testament of what Jesus commanded us to do in Matthew 19:14 - But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Walking through the classrooms, seeing all the smiling faces, the joy, and hearing their conversations grounded me. Since I left Colombia at a young age, I've been so disconnected from Colombia and its struggles that I have turned my face away since some of the struggles are too overwhelming to bear. When hearing the stories and testimonies of some of the volunteers at Formavida, I couldn't hold back my tears. They are so resilient, and their cup is full of love, kindness, and gratitude. Hearing their stories, their processes, and where they are in their journey gave me a different perspective on my life and my actions as a Christian.

Mission Life's role in rewriting history in Colombia is only starting, and the impact that it is creating is already notorious. Children are being loved, cared for, and are receiving knowledge about Jesus. The investment in the children of Colombia will have a great impact on future generations. Colombia will be different because we are caring for the most vulnerable. We are giving them an opportunity to grow and develop in an ecosystem that loves and supports them, but mostly because we guide them to Jesus!

Through this trip, God replenished me with love for Colombia, my calling, and the work in His Kingdom. He reminded me that although he brought me to the U.S and allowed me to live here for decades very comfortably, it is time to give back to the nation that saw my beginnings and offered me so much during my childhood. It is time to roll up my sleeves and get to work. I'm so excited to be part of Mission Life. I get overwhelmed just thinking that this is the beginning of a beautiful journey, and I just bought my ticket to get on the boat (Mission Life) that will take me on this journey. Our destination includes many more countries, new little faces, new friends, and new horizons!

Is God calling you to take a leap of faith to serve on a global mission trip? We still have some open spots on our upcoming fall trips to Colombia, Rwanda and Nicaragua! Learn more and complete your application by May 7th here.

Going Home to Colombia but for a New Purpose