from a mother with love...

I am sure that you would rather hear from Audra, mi hija, yet thought it might be fun to offer reflections of her during her time away.
After arriving in Bogota last Thursday night, it was fun to meet Laura Catherine and check out their apartment. I may be busy after we return to Bogota. It is wonderful that they have a safe place to stay - certainly helps from a mother´s point of view. As you know Audra is an amazing person who tends to develop relationships and cultivate love and respect where ever she goes. We stop and speak with the guards and all of the people working in the office. All conversations are antimated, with lots of expressions. It is a gift to be here and to listen to her. My limited spanish, with comprehension beyond my ability is a challenge, yet the positive, caring attitudes are unmistakable. There is love, laughter and joy all around.
Oscar and Myriam joined the rest of the office for a birthday celebration with cake and wine in the office Friday. It felt right at home and could have been Bishop Waggoner laughing and taking photos. Salud. We dispersed the gifts sent by Bishop Waggoner and of course cookies from home. Audra made sure that EVERYONE received something.
I do need to say that they will probably roll me off the plane when I return home. It feels as if we are eating all of the time, such good food although my lack of exercise will show. It is good that Audra heads to the climbing gym which is right around the corner. No clue what I will do!
Returning to visit Quito and Audra's former host family has been incredible. As they have challenged my spanish, providing opportunities to speak and Audra´s as well. The biggest challenge seems to be the merging of the two languages, I completely understand how Spanglish came into being. Our visit to the Colombian Consulate was discouraging yet, perhaps a gift as well. They did not like the word ´'volunteer' and denied her attempt for a visa. We will see where this goes. Tomorrow we head out to Panama and a visit with my friend from high school. You don´t want to know how long that has been...please!
What a gift to be with loving friends who have opened their hearts and homes to Audra. As we continue on our adventure we will post photos and perhaps offer a mother-daughter reflection of a land that is beautiful beyond words, and people who have so much to offer us and all of creation.
Chow...