Dani's Reflections

When I thought about going to Colombia for a missions trip, I was not expecting anything. I knew God had called me to go, but since I’m originally from there, and I know the culture, I didn’t know what else to expect. However, that quickly changed from the moment the woman’s conference started in Barranquilla. I was reminded of growing up in Colombia, where my mom and grandma would take me to woman’s retreats and missions trips. I was reminded of the bold faith the woman in Colombia have. During a song about God being the potter and we being the clay, I cried as God reminded me of His great love and how this beautiful faith I grew up in had never really left me…I had just forgotten.

For me, God made me love my home country again. I had lost so many things here in Canada, like relying on God for literally everything, and trusting God. Seeing that faith in these woman reminded me of my grandmother and her faith in Christ. I was yet again reminded that although I’ve lived in Canada for the majority of my life, God planted His Word in me in Colombia.

I loved seeing how although Colombia is a Spanish-speaking country, I could see we had so much culture by going to La Guajira. Seeing the woman speak in their native tongue and how God reveals Himself to them left me in awe of God and His wonders. I remember this particular lady who said that a few days before we got there, God had revealed to her that we would be going to see them. I’m so amazed at the fact that God is doing so many wonderful things in Colombia.

I loved learning from Rosa, and her faith reminded me so much of my grandmother’s faith. I loved seeing her with her grandchildren and putting on Superbook and other Christian shows for them on her phone. Seeing her and Helen reminded me of the importance of planting the seeds in your children/grandchildren from a young age. I looked at Rosa, her family, and I was inspired to continue to raise my son in the faith.

To conclude a few of the many things God taught me, I learned to pray continually and in all occasions (Eph 6:18). I learned to have faith, but I also learned about allowing the right people God has placed in my life, to speak to me and learn from them. I learned the importance of having community and relying on each other. I loved being with our group of 8, as we sat in the bus for 3 hours or eating pizza the night before came back to Canada, and speaking the wonderful things God has done in each of our lives. I loved making new friends, that I pray will be lifelong friendships, and laughing, crying and praising our wonderful Lord together. The Daniela that left to Colombia is not the same that came back and for that I’m eternally grateful to God.