Wednesday, January 8, 2014

I'm sorry...

It took me a while, but I’ve posted a few photos from my Colombia mission trip.  I believe you’ll enjoy them.

I’ve included a few from our last day before we came home an excursion to Bogata.  There, we visited two beautiful places—Cerro  de Monserrate and the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá.  The salt mine has been transformed into a magical place called Cathedral de Sol.  There we toured deep into the earth to 180 meters underground. This mine is the largest deposit of rock salt in the world. We walked and observed this magnificent and magical underground world for about two hours. 
Our work days consisted of seeing patients in the towns of Duitama, Socha, Paz de Rio and Floresta.  As usual, it was a wonderful experience.  Colombia is a beautiful country with loving people.  One of the common blessings that people would say to us was,
Que Dios te pagan porque somos pobres.
May God pay you because we are poor.
It’s said with much heartfelt emotion often delivered with tears, hugs, handshakes and kisses on the cheek!  It is very moving.  They don’t realize how much they pay us immediately with their graces and the privilege to treat them as we simply carry out our humble work that God asks us to do.
The land will never lack for needy persons; that is why I command you: “Open your hand freely to your poor and to your needy kin in your land.” –Deuteronomy 15:11
Enjoy the photos.
God willing, Costa Rica and Guatemala will be the 2014 mission trips.
Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. If you enjoy the photos, drop me a note on Facebook.