Change of plans
One of the two main reasons I decided to hop over to Peru while I’m in South America instead of another country was to visit a girl I have sponsored for the last several years (the other reason is Machu Picchu). It’s also on my list of things to do in life.
But this morning I received the disappointing news that the organization - which is phenomenal, by the way – I sponsor Belen through is closed for an entire month over Christmas, and no one is available to take me to visit her. I guess it was to be expected that holidays would impact when I could see her, but it’s too bad it’s not even an option at all.
Belen will be 12 in November. I began sponsoring her at least five years ago (probably more) and we have exchanged dozens of letters and several photos over the years. Our correspondence has been especially exciting lately because I can read her original writing rather than relying on the translation to understand her note. She always signs off with something along the lines of “with a big hug and kiss” and I would love to give her a real hug someday.
I guess I’ll just have to return to Peru eventually.
Oh, the excitement
Apparently the fact that I’m currently living in Colombia and teaching English to high school students is not enough excitement for my life.
If all goes as planned, I will be spending Christmas and New Years’ in Peru with my fabulous friend, Sheri. We are hoping to have two weeks to explore Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca. Machu Picchu is on our to-do list, as well as visiting a girl I have sponsored through Compassion Canada for the last several years. Sheri is the one who was brave enough to go skydiving with me, and we’re thinking bungee jumping over the Amazon jungle should be our next major thrill.
Sheri and I with our skydiving certificates. It wasn't the first adventure we had together and it won't be the last.
So, that’s December and early January. At the end of the month, my sister-in-law is due to have a baby boy and I am already impatient to meet my new nephew.
There will be another addition to the Brink clan in April, when my sister Lisa is due to have her third child. Another baby to spoil.
Though school here ends in July, I will heading back to Ontario in May to be a bridesmaid in my dear cousin’s wedding. She is going to be a gorgeous bride and I am thrilled to be able to be a part of her big day. It also gives me a great excuse to return to Canada for a weekend and hopefully have a few moments with my family (and the aforementioned new baby) before jetting back to Colombia for another month and a half.
Chrissy and her fiance, Joel.
I’m also considering a quick excursion to Vancouver on my way home from Cali to visit the other new nephew, but that’s still dependent on a few other factors. Like my bank account, for example. As always, donations of air miles and cash to Cheryl’s Travel Fund are always welcome.
If I had 36 million dollars
If I won the lottery, say $36 million or something like that, I know exactly what I would do with it.
I would travel to space.
The billionaire founder of Canada’s Cirque du soleil will rocket to international attention after blasting off into outer space to host one of the most unique spectacles in human history …
He started as a street juggler and fire-eater and, because he was the best at math among his group of performing friends, Laliberte was put in charge of a little performing troupe that would eventually become the world-famous Cirque du soleil.
That business venture helped Laliberte become wealthy enough to plunk down $US35 million for a seat on an old Russian spacecraft and a stay aboard the International Space Station.
This guy is definitely my hero of the day. How cool would staying on the International Space Station be? Even just the travel to and from earth would be freakin’ amazing. I may have to make my list 101 things to do before I die … or 102, cause I don’t actually play the lottery.
The only problem with an adventure like this: you could never do anything to top it.
South America, check
Well. After nearly a month in the lovely country of Colombia, I am officially checking South America off of my life to-do list. Yes … there is more to do and see and visit on this continent, and I would love to do it all. But for now, the line is being drawn through the item.
I am still hoping to make it to Peru, possibly over Christmas. I want to visit the girl I sponsor through Compassion Canada and either hike or ride to Machu Picchu, depending on funds and money.
If Cali is an accurate representation of the rest of South America, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it! Both the people and landscape are beautiful, dramatic, colourful and glorious all around. And HOT! A massive thunderstorm last night failed to cool the air and the near-equator sun is relentless most days.
The sun sets behind the mountains of Cali, Colombia
Another one down, only about 80 left to go …
Cali, Colombia
I’m moving to Colombia.
There’s a million things I could say about this and I’m not quite sure where to begin. Most of you have probably already heard the news anyway.
Here’s the short version: I’ve wanted to do a missions/humanitarian trip for a long time. I had pretty much finished an application for a volunteer position in Peru when this opportunity to teach English in Cali, Colombia was brought to my attention.
You might be thinking, “Cali? As in, drug capital of the world.” Yup. That Cali. Though that reputation isn’t entirely accurate anymore.
Colombia ... the place I'll call home for nearly a year.
I’m going to South America to teach for one academic year at Ekklesia School, which is part of a church belonging to the same affiliation as the congregation my parents attend (and I used to). I’ve met the pastor - a phenomenal woman of God. She’s one of the few that speaks English there, however, so I’ve been cramming Spanish and will continue until I get on the plane and after.
Which brings me to departure time. I don’t have an exact date yet, but it will be mid August. So very soon. My last day of work here is July 28. I’m going to spend a couple of weeks vacationing with family before I fly south. I’ll have just over a week to do some training and preparation before I get in front of a classroom.
It’s true, I have no teaching experience whatsoever. All I knew in Spanish was senorita, adios and gracias before a few weeks ago. I’m freaking out a little. This trip also means I am giving up my dream of going to the Vancouver Olympics next February; I’ll just set my sights on London in 2012.
I’m ridiculously excited. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and the door has swung open wide. Despite a few nerves, I know God has called me to do this and he will both equip me for the job and be with me every step of the way. Of that, I have no doubts or qualms. Plus, this is a great chance to travel – I can cross South America off my list – and experience more of the world.
This is my happy face - super stoked to be going to Colombia. :)
Never fear, I will not disappear off the face of the earth while I’m gone. I’m not sure what the Internet situation is there, but I will keep this blog updated with photos, stories and whatever else strikes my fancy as often as possible. Feel free to send in your requests, comments and updates on your life so I don’t feel too isolated down there. I’ll also be blogging regularly about the process to prepare and actually leave for Cali.
So, what do you think? I’m going to Colombia!
Learning a second language
Buenois dias.
Number 18 on my life to-do list is learn either Spanish or French. I picked Spanish … and started working on it a couple of months ago.
I bought Rosetta Stone and borrowed a couple of vocabulary books from my cousin, who decided to learn the language for fun about a year ago. Rosetta Stone is amazing. The computer program doesn’t have any translation, which basically forces the student to learn to think in Spanish, immersed in the language.
I'm learning Spanish using Rosetta Stone on my computer.
I’m not going to lie – I love it! It’s interesting, and I definitely think I’m making progress, but it’s also pretty slow going. I can almost feel my brain expanding when I’m doing my lesson every day. I try and work on it for about 20 minutes every morning, but I’m not always consistent. I’ve also been listening to Spanish television and music, and reading Spanish materials online and in print. Eventually I’ll be fluent …
So … you may be asking why Spanish? why now?
Oh, I have a very good reason. A very exciting reason …
… that I’ll tell you all about tomorrow. ;)
Kili
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has been on my list of things to do in life for quite some time. Just recently, I realized how entirely possible this goal is.
I’ve interviewed a couple people who have been to the mountain in Tanzania, Africa, who make it sound competely doable. It’s not Everest, but that’s exactly what I want. It takes about a week from arrival to departure. You don’t need climbing gear, just a lot of water and suitable clothing. The altitude sickness scares me a little, but I absolutely think I could do this. I don’t have any desire to tempt death on Everest; Kili seems like exactly the right challenge for me. I couldn’t go tomorrow or anything cause I probably would keel over. I should get in some semblence of shape first.
Now, who wants to sponsor me? A package trip is over a $1,000, plus I’ll need airfare to get there. I need to make some rich friends.
Odyssey, part one
Part one of a special feature series, Odyssey, was published in the Kanata Kourier-Standard today. This week’s story, by Blair Edwards, is about Barry and Chris Finlay who conquer Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate Barry’s 60th birthday. It’s a sweet read, check it out here.
The next two weeks will feature profiles written by yours truly. On March 19, come right here to follow Ray Zahab’s trip to the South Pole. And on March 26, climb to new heights with Meagan McGrath as she summits Mount Everest.
These were some of the funnest pieces I’ve ever gotten to write. Difficult at times, because there’s so many neat ancedotes and interesting information to pack into just a couple thousands words. But it’s so inspiring to spend a couple of hours with these super accomplished athletes. As a wannabe explorer myself, it’s motivating.
Head in the Clouds, part three
Today I have the final installment of my three-part series – a story about skydiving! I went to Mile High Parachuting with my good friend, Sheri Gagnon, for some good times falling from the clouds. Check out the article, photos and video here.
Over the last two weeks I’ve written about my trip in a hot air balloon and flying a Cessna airplane. What should I do next?
Head in the Clouds, part two
Last week I began a three-part series in the Kourier-Standard with a story about my excursion in a hot air balloon. Today I’ll take you on my journey into the pilot’s seat of a Cessna 150 airplane – with a real pilot sitting next to me, of course. I did a 40-minute introductory flight at the Ottawa Flying Club a few weeks ago.
To check out the story and see photos, click here. Check back next Friday to read about my skydiving adventure, and go here to see the content from last week.
Cheryl