The group of volunteers from the U.S. are home, following two weeks of work at the construction site in Cali. The following is a progress report from group leader Sam Suddarth of Smyrna, Tennessee."The work on Hogar Samaria is progressing. Our 13 member group was from 5 states. We moved dirt in wheelbarrows. We dug ditches and poured concrete, twisted wire ties to put reinforced steel together. Hard work!!!
Tired and dirty, we fellowshipped with our Colombian brothers and sisters, and were treated as royalty by our hosts.
We had Holy Communion at the worksite, and stood in a circle on the newly poured foundation for a new wing and prayed. This new wing will be a two story structure with living quarters above, and a gymnasium below. (Photos coming soon!)
We visited Popayan, one of the oldest cities in Colombia, and Ramonsa, the poor area where there was a devastating fire last year. We also visited the Colegio American and it's satellite schools in Samaria, San Marcos and Renacir."
The next opportunity to travel to Cali to volunteer with the construction of Hogar Samaria will be in October 2007. If you have an interest in possibly joining the group on this trip, drop me a note and I'll send you information. Just as Sam mentions in his report, these trips offer much more than just work (though there is a lot of hard work!), but also an opportunity to visit various parts of Cali, including schools, churches and cultural sites. As someone who has been to Cali twice, I can attest that time spent with the gracious people of Cali is bound to be a life-changing experience.
Please join us in thanking to the volunteers who made the January work trip.
Ollie McClung, Glenda Riddick of Birmingham AL
Tommy Jobe of Nolensville, TN
Barry Summers of Huntingdon, TN
Sam Suddarth, Kim Glasscock of Smyrna, TN
Gloria Gregory of Nashville, TN
Obadiah Okeson, Eddie and Linda Bowen of Hodgenville, KY
Cheryl Bingemer of Jasper, IN
Tommy Tiffin, Marvin Terrell of Longview, TX
(photos by Sam Suddarth)
