Happy Easter from Colombia!
Brittany and I shared time between Usme and the cathedral for Semana Santa (Holy week).
Tuesday: 5 pm service at Usme was a nice, relaxing prayer service with members of the community.
Thursday: 2 pm service at Usme, back at 6 for a service at the cathedral. In Usme, couples were invited to wash each others' feet as a symbol of reconciliation.
Friday: 2 pm procession/service at Usme. We started by walking through the streets of Usme and stopped at 14 stations of the cross. I helped a lady (in the picture below) walk from station to station and had a nice conversation along the way.
Sunday: 9am service at Usme, 11am service at the cathedral. Both churches were full and there were lots of happy families.
Needless to say, we went to a LOT of church this week. It was busy, but a fun and exciting experience. I think we both missed our traditions, families, and churches back home, but they always do a great job of making us feel welcomed here in Colombia. Also, it's great to be part of so many special communities because we almost feel like we're home.
After the cathedral's easter service on Sunday, we were ready to head back to the apartment and take a long nap. On our way out, the bishop told us to sit down. Then, he introduced us (one by one) to his 40+ family members who were there celebrating a first communion.
We ended up celebrating with them (music, food, long stories...) and it was a lot of fun. I took a bunch of kids outside and taught them how to play 'futbol americano' (football) with a junior sized ball my dad sent me. They didn't really get the concept of stopping the play after getting 'tackled' (two hand touch), but it was a lot of fun!
We're hoping to get some easter eggs out here to have a hunt with the kids later this month. There wasn't a single easter egg or easter bunny here, so I think it will be a new experience for all of them.
Happy Easter! Love, Kate
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