Safety and Chocolate Croissants
Posted by Kristen on Oct 23, 2008 in Uncategorized | 8 commentsSo our security situation in Bogota seems to be quite bleak. In the past few months I haven’t even been able to go to our big grocery store (among other places) because any crowded place it at high risk for being targeted. I did a major stock up trip when I returned from the states and haven’t returned since. Throughout the city there have been numerous bus bombs and bombs at big shopping areas. We have had to send our maid in a taxi a few times as bombs were going off in buses during rush hour. I asked a security friend how things were going security wise and he said I should be fine heading back to the big store. Things had apparently simmered down.
This morning Jackson and I headed to Carrefour. I knew I wanted to get in and out but also wanted about 3 months worth of cleaning supplies and dry goods like pasta, crackers, etc. So, we buzzed around and skipped having lunch in the mall like we normally would have. We got home exhausted but we had a successful trip! In addition to our necessities we got a pack of their chocolate croissants! Every time I do a “third world country” grocery shopping trip I allow myself a chocolate croissant on the way home as my prize for surviving the chaos!! Carrefour makes the best buttery, yummy, chocolate-filled croissants! A million calories a bite but I burned it off fighting my was through the store, right?
This afternoon once we were settled at home I started getting notice phone calls. 5 explosions had gone off around the city, many close to where we live! I had plans to go for a big walk in a nice park this afternoon but will be housebound!
This is one of the very challenging things about being in Bogota! People look at our Embassy life as being so exciting but there truely are risks for us each day. Kidnappings, bombings, unsettling protests! Pray for our safety. Seth and I have tickets to Aruba in 2 weeks and we have to know that it is okay to leave Jackson and Seth’s mom! Mia is going to get a security briefing from Seth before we leave. This won’t be an exploring Bogota visit! Good thing Joe/Grandan isn’t coming for the adventure!
The biggest threat to me at the moment is a 15 month-old that desperately needs a snack!! That’s all for now!
I don’t envy you the stress at all Kristin. I do pray for you guys to be safe, but this is why I won’t come visit you guys there. Take care!
I don’t envy you the stress at all Kristin. I do pray for you guys to be safe, but this is why I won’t come visit you guys there. Take care!
Holly,
I guess we are just aware that God sometimes calls us to be out of our comfort zones! As obviously uncomfortable as that might be! We know we are here for a reason. But we are very excited about being in Bern soon!
Kristen
Holly,
I guess we are just aware that God sometimes calls us to be out of our comfort zones! As obviously uncomfortable as that might be! We know we are here for a reason. But we are very excited about being in Bern soon!
Kristen
Kristen,
I don’t know if this is helpful but I read this quote this weeK…”Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run that outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” Helen Keller This isn’t Christian but I guess we could say knowing that God is sovereign and living with the wisdom He provides in the strength He gives….we are comforted.
Kristen,
I don’t know if this is helpful but I read this quote this weeK…”Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run that outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” Helen Keller This isn’t Christian but I guess we could say knowing that God is sovereign and living with the wisdom He provides in the strength He gives….we are comforted.
doesn’t the embassy offer driving training…the guys in the movies never get hit by bombs…oh, and if one ever explodes near you, just make sure you jump…apparently this lets the force throw you aside and all you suffer are some scratches and bruises
thanks for sharing part of your “adventure” with us
doesn’t the embassy offer driving training…the guys in the movies never get hit by bombs…oh, and if one ever explodes near you, just make sure you jump…apparently this lets the force throw you aside and all you suffer are some scratches and bruises
thanks for sharing part of your “adventure” with us