Grew up there story about Colombia

Grew up there by RuthG

I’ve lived several places in Colombia:

Pasto, Nariño
Puerto Asís, Putumayo
Villagarzón, Putumayo
Medellín, Antioquia

When I go back these days, though, it’s for peace & human rights advocacy. Most of my time is spent in

Bogotá, DC (the capital)
Cacarica, Chocó

Cacarica is a mostly Afro-Colombian community committed to nonviolence & protecting the rainforest to which they hold collective title. They are amazing! Consider coming on a delegation sometime & getting to know them.

over 7 years ago

10 cheers

Comments:

frugalmummy
10 places

cheers

gosh, Ruth, the things you care about AND get involved in are so admirable and worthwhile !

Most of us just stand at the side & watch.

Aug 01, 2005, 05:18PM PDT
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RuthG
Chicago

thanks

Well, my kids are young adults now, so I have a lot more freedom for adventures. It wasn’t always like this, believe me!

I hope it encourages you to dream of, & eventually find your way to, your own adventures. Not that they have to be overseas. It all depends on what/where we’re called to.

Aug 01, 2005, 06:04PM PDT
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It
18 places

Hi again. (:

You make it seem nice. My best friend’s from Colombia and she’s been there, but I’ve never really asked her about it. I should ask her what she likes about the place most to get a better idea, then decide if I’d like to go there (if I’m going to travel someday, can’t miss South America). Then again, it’s probably mostly family for her.

Aug 07, 2005, 11:26PM PDT
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RuthG
Chicago

Hi

That’s cool. Well, Colombia’s a really complicated place—beautiful &, if you pay attention to what’s really going on, heartbreaking. Never dull, never simple. :-) If you go there someday & have chances to communicate with poor people from the countryside as well as middle-class people from the cities, it will seem as if they’re talking about two different countries. Do talk to your friend & ask about her family’s experiences.

If you’re able to visit with her someday, you’ll likely have a lot of fun. You’ll learn the most, though, if you also participate in a human rights delegation. Go for both if you can!

Aug 08, 2005, 10:40PM PDT
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1 cheer

It
18 places

Yep, it certainly would be fun to go with her in the future. Thanks for the tip!

Aug 09, 2005, 04:52PM PDT
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ardilla
Florida

Wow...

I would love to volunteer on something like this. How does one go about getting information about going on a delegation? And what are they looking for in delegates?

Sorry for all the questions, I just don’t know where to start looking for this kind of stuff.

Thanks in advance.

Apr 27, 2006, 12:41PM PDT
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RuthG
Chicago

Hola,

Delegation travel IS fascinating & challenging—how cool that you’re interested.

As it happens, this year we aren’t planning a trip. But other organizations are; you could google “Colombia delegation 2006” & I’m sure you’ll get a number of options. The requirements & costs will be listed.

Let me know if you end up going!

Apr 28, 2006, 02:14PM PDT
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annick79
Killeen

I see a lot of positive comments about Colombia and it makes me glad because it is where I was born. Sadly, however, I have never been to the nice areas of Colombia. I did spend some time in Bogota, but most of my family lives in Caqueta and it is not an area that many tourists dare to venture. Every time I go it is a bit scary and I am not permitted to speak when out in public because of my accent. I wish I could go back but I am afraid because I have two small children and the danger would be far to great. I have lost many family members because of the FARC and I would hate to lose anymore.