Derek in Colombia

May 24, 2007

Hola Derek here.

I have arrived in Colombia safely. I was kind of nervous about flying to Colombia all by myself but it went real well. I was blown away by the aid I received. Everyone was very helpful. I met a woman at the transfer at Huston who was going to the same gate as me so we hung out during the lay over and she helped me to the gate. She also taught me some spanish. On the flight to Colombia I was sitting with two people who were only a few years older than me and who were fluent in both Spanish and English and they helped me across the border. Wednesday night I felt rough but today I was fine, I was stuffed jam packed with information. The synopsis will be sent in a few days.

Well I gotta go the internet cafe is closing ciao.
Derek

May 26, 2007

Hola everyone, Derek here.

I am still working hard on learning Spanish but it's hard.
This past day was amazing, we went to a rally in Bogotá put on by students and teachers to protest the government cutting back on the education fund; it was quiet incredible. I had never been to a rally before.

After that we went to a part of Bogotá where displaced people were staying.
I have never been in such a poor district. We stopped at a place that organizes after school programs. And non violence. Everyone was so happy and welcoming. I really felt a calling to help these kids, to help them since they have so much potential to make a difference. A few of us played soccer with their neighbourhood kids. It kind of hit me while I was playing that some of the kids I was playing with will be killed in the next few years as part of social cleansing and many who aren’t will be drafted into the paramilitary that control the area. It was very sad. They were all so happy and welcoming.

The driving was very scary, everyone is so reckless. The roads are very narrow and very, very steep and full of pot holes. That evening we took a ride up to the highest point in Bogotá 10 000 feet above sea level. The city just opened up in front of you in a blaze of lights; it was so magical. Bogotá is massive it has a population of 8 million people. There was a really nice church on the top of the mountain, and we visited it, there was meditative music playing. It was the most holy place I have ever been. We finished by singing hymns on the mountain. It has been the most remarkable day of my life. It feels like a dream here.

Anyways, I have to go, Derek

May 26, 2007 Later...

Hola every one hope you are all doing well. Every day has been jam packed but I've been trying to get to the internet cafe as much as possible.

Today we had H speak to us about the issues in Columbia. He is a very passionate speaker. It is interesting because he is a wanted man by the military group for actions and leadership in the civil rights movement. Therefore he is very secretive in all his action, even his meeting with us is secretive and he never sleeps or stays in the same place for more than a day. He still shakes from when he was tortured a long time ago. He talked a lot about the civil rights movement and how it is hard to gain much steam due to the fact that the leaders keep getting killed.

In the afternoon we went to a community where former militants were being immersed back into the culture as civilians. We went and visited one former militant who teaches music to all the children in the area. This helps keep them out of trouble and away from violence. It is a very important program for the area as it helps install community and gives the kids something productive to do. It gives them self confidence and is an outlet for their creativity. However, this is not a government funded program. He uses his own money (which is very little) to fund it. I feel like we should support his project by getting him more instruments since his resources are very minimal. So anyone who has ideas of how we can spear head an initiative I encourage you to organize something. I have gotten his contact info and will be bringing it home with me. This is a great opportunity for community outreach. The kids were so happy when they were playing their music for us.

In the evening two people from Mesa Agraria talked about the agriculture industry in Colombia and the implications of the free trade agreement. It was very interesting hearing how the United States have destroyed the Colombian agriculture industry just to benefit their own country and how every trade agreement they make causes more and more problems for Colombia. It was also interesting to hear the implications of foreign companies coming to Colombia and patenting everything. Just to grow crops they must pay royalty fees. I will bring a more in depth article home with me.

Well until next time, Derek

May 27, 2007 Barrancabermeja

Today was a rough day for me. It started off good. We went to the 30th anniversary of a near-by Mennonite Church that had been hosting us in Bogotá. There were many inspiring stories told about the history. Our favourite part was when the youth stood up and did a presentation on what they hoped the church would look like in 10 years when celebrating their 40th anniversary. The youth talked about what they believed could happen between 2007 and 2017. It was very inspiring hearing their hopes and dreams for their church presented in this manner. The service was 2.5 hrs long. We went to really nice local restaurant. However, I started feeling sick.

We then left Bogotá and took an hour long flight to Barrancabermeja. That really didn't go so well. However, by the time i got to the CPT house, I felt much better. Barrancabermeja, is amazing, I love it here! It us unlike any place I have ever been before. I don't know how to describe it but i will bring back lots of pictures. All i can say is it is very different from what we are used to back home. Apparently the crime rate (house theft, rape, murder etc.) here is almost non existent. The area is controlled by the paramilitary who kill anyone caught doing any of these things. They kind of work like an illegal police force. Anyone doing anything that displeases them is killed. This has been a major issue for many civil rights movements who have had members, in particular leaders, killed.

I found out that one of the CPT long term members who has been here in Barrancabermeja for 6 years is from the KW area. his name is Pierre and he can speak 4 languages (English, French, Spanish and Crelle). We have been split up into groups and are sleeping at host families' houses that live next to the CPT house.

Anyways that's all. Until next time
Derek