Monday We started our climb up the mountain sometime around 10:00am on Monday morning, Mrs. Washburn, Anita & Taylor waved goodbye as we drove away. We made it through customs and left Medellin all safe and sound - PTL!

Sunday. What an amazing day. It was so jam-packed of goodness that I have not been able to devote the time that this post deserves.

It wouldn’t feel like Colombia if I didn’t wake to the sounds of a car alarm in the morning. Last night was pretty intense Medellin parties the night away on Friday nights and they decided to do so right outside our hotel. I am pretty exhausted this morning, I woke up every hour and I think I finally went to sleep at 3:44 am, yes that is the exact time.

Today has been an incredible day. Another once & a lifetime experience. We started our day taking the Metro to ride the City’s new Cable Car.

Today was the day we worked our tails off - we were too busy to whistle,  but we did sing a few songs (I am happy to report, I successfully got "there's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza...," stuck in Grant's head after one round!).  Although today was our busiest work day, it was also the day we were blessed with getting to sleep in until 7:00 am! Let me explain why this happened: In Colombia there is a surplus of cars & drivers (one comes with the other of course :) ) &am...

Can I just say that Wednesday has just flown by! But...I cannot type another word before I say this. My first blog was written at 2:00 am on our flight to Panama, and I was very remiss in forgetting an extremely important player on our team, Mark Alexander.

In America when I want a commentary on Revelations, or Philippians. Or say I have been put in charge of teaching Community Groups...I might go to Lifeway or Mardels....or get on the internet and have the materials shipped directly to my house without a second thought. For pastors in Medellin & Colombia that is not an option.

We started our first full day in Colombia with breakfast at the hotel. We had eggs with tomatoes, & onions; and arepa, which is basically a thicker corn tortilla with butter a an amazing cheese on top all washed down with fruit juice! It was fabulous...oh & let me not forget the COFFEE - FAB-U-LOUS!

The view from the Mr. & Mrs. Wasburn's apartment.

Waiting for luggage 10:22

Today we started our journey to Colombia! Our group consists of: Damon, Angii, Grant & Macy Durham Kori & Kami Bussert Amy & Caley Caudell Kasey Wilcox Bailey Roach Ashley Courtney Kelvin, Anita, Tyler & Taylor (15 people total from Gateway Community) The Barnetts are already at work in Colombia; Gateway sent a team that consisted of 11 people last week to Colombia and they accomplished so much, I can’t wait to see all that they have done! The rest of our group gathered at the Bu...

We had a full house for church this morning! Testimonies by Paula Beer and Patrick Courtney, special Spanish music by Alisha Courtney, and preaching by Kelvin Barnett! Some of the ladies lead the children's Sunday School hour.

2nd weekers be ready to put in a ceiling! More Ceiling Fun week 2!

Pictures of work started at church and pictures of the ladies planning activities for the church children services.        

All are excited to see the church building, especially the guys. Pastor Rick shows Kelvin, Mark, Tyler, and Patrick the projects we will complete in the next two weeks! The two main goals are to texture and paint the worship area walls and build a ceiling and paint the worship area.

Alexander Family arrived safe from a long day of travel tired and excited to be in Medellin, Colombia.After a seven hour lay over in Bogata they landed in Medellin! The entire team celebrated by going out to eat before getting a much needed nights rest! All are eager to start work in the morning!...

We split into two groups again...Alexander family must leave now, at 7am to fly to Bogata, Colombia because the airlines over booked for our mid-morning direct flight to Medellin. They will have a 7 hour lay over! It is proof God has great plans for Colombia & Satan is trying to upset us!

Hotel nap is a no-go! Soooooo... Sleeping in the Panama City Airport!

Group to reunite within the hour! Will take a short nap at local hotel provided by the travel agent and then back on a plane to Colombia ! !

 The Courtney's leaving Dallas, TX with great help from Omar at Taca Airlines!

Group picture after Church Service and Prayer at Pleasantview Baptist Church in Arlington. Pray for this group. Travel arrangements were just finalized which including splitting us into two groups...one leaving right after church service!

Kelvin Barnett Anita Barnett Tyler Barnett Taylor Barnett Damon Durham Angii Durham Grant Durham Macy Durham Amy Caudell Caley Caudell Kasey Wilcox Kori Bussert Kami Bussert Ashley Courtney Bailey Roach Mark Alexander Kim Alexander Brittani Alexander Nicole Alexander Patrick Courtney Marci Courtney Alisha Courtney Paula Beer Rachel Beer