Below you will find a journal entry from a previous team member. For every person who steps foot into Brisas del Mar, the experience is often transforming and the words and pictures rarely do the experience justice. Perhaps for a moment, you can travel into Colombia with these words.
"My heart was not fully prepared for this day. I had no idea exactly what was going to unfold. We saw so many areas of what to us are run-down houses, but to them are home. Bunched together, thatched roofs, mud sides and people sitting outside in almost every bungalow. We are spoiled with our cars and homes and every day needs. My heart strings are being pulled on already.
I felt at home from the very first moment, welcomed with open arms. I adore the children.
Their feet are dusty and dirty, but their smiles are bright and nothing else shows. They are rearranging my perspective every second I am with them.
As we were able to help the clinic by providing a few supplies, I was once again so humbled. They have nothing and every thing is a gift. Again, what I find as every day life I take for granted and don't even realize it.
They do an amazing job communicating to us, even though we don't speak Spanish and they don't Speak English. hand gestures go a very long way.
Shovels and picks and wheelbarrows- things we rarely find ourselves using anymore- are what they know to get a task done. There is no complaining, no wishing... only hands eager to work alongside us, happy for us to be in their small village. Again, the kids with no shoes, but full of laughter and smiles.
I came to serve and somehow I am finding myself being served. It's an unreal experience and one I never want to let go of. I wish time could stop for just a moment... and perhaps it is. As I try to capture these experience in words, I pray that I will forever hold them close in my heart and take them home with me.
As much as we are working, I don't even feel tired because my heart is so full. More full than it has been in ages. It's being touched in areas I forgot even were a part of me. Perhaps I will feel the exhaustion at some point, but I don't want to miss a moment of what God is doing here in Brisas. The moments are few and sleep can come later.
I got a small cut on my arm today and my blisters on my hands are breaking open, but I don't care. I haven't felt this happy in a long time. Ironic- when minimized to almost nothing, one finds some of the most joy. Living in the moment, instead of buried in technology. Learning to laugh at myself as the kids laugh at my attempts to speak with them. Serving others instead of being so involved in my own pursuits. This is what life is about. I don't worry about how I look or what's going on... I'm just being me.
In the dusty days of our construction, dirt gets caked on the skin, and a little water goes a long way. So many every day things we experience that are taken for granted. What the people of Brisas are teaching me is something I'm not even sure I can explain to myself, let alone others. Today, a little boy sat next to me in church, grabbed my hand, and smiled up at me. He held my hand most of the church service.
Tears fall easily at this point, unashamedly. I am forever changed because of my time here in Brisas and I pray that the Lord will allow me to return. But as I go home, I hope that I can carry on these lessons I have embraced. "
Dear Friends who have an interest and passion for the people of Brisas,
We know too much time has passed since we have written any thoughts, ideas or updates here. While a busy season does not excuse our lack of communication, it is the best thing we can say that has occurred.
But the people of Brisas have remained close in our hearts, even when we are busy with life. And as a new team prepares to head out there once again in the month of February, we want to return to sharing about the beautiful village and people who have stolen our hearts.
Today, a previous team member shares their heart through a written prayer for the people of Brisas del Mar Colombia. If you are so inclined, take these words yourself and pray them for the people. Reshape the words if you wish, but let them sink in and be used. The people there are so special, so unique and so beautiful. We pray that this prayer will bless you and touch your heart as much as it will be used to touch theirs over there as well....
Father God~
You are an amazing God! Creator of Heaven and Earth! You hold each of us in the palm of your hand. You have blessed me in so many ways! I love you Lord! I put my trust in you. I want to walk in your ways. I want to please you Lord and give you Glory in all that I do. You have laid Colombia on my heart. My heart is broken for them.
They are struggling . Their load is so heavy. The church is trying to serve the "least of these". They need you Lord. They need your guidance. They need the paths made clear and smooth. They have so many barriers in their path. You alone know their needs and the course they should take. Show them the way Lord.
I pray that the leaders in Colombia and around the world might have their eyes opened and their hearts softened. I pray that the leaders may see and feel the burdens that have been placed on the people of Colombia (and Brisas) and that they may feel compassion and show mercy and grace to them. I pray that they may be moved to serve. Move them to see what is is that they should do. If they are an obstacle or hindrance then move them to be a blessing Lord. If they are a solution to a problem then move them into action.
I know that all things are possible for you Lord. I know that there is no problem too big for you to solve. That there is no person too small to escape your love and care. I know that you love and care for the people of Colombia (and Brisas). I know that you can soften the hearts of those that are doing wrong and oppressing, abusing and neglecting the people of Brisas and others in Colombia. I know that there is a way to get funding to run and supply the clinic. I know that there is a way for the hungry to be fed. I know that there is a way for the people of Brisas to have an abundance of clean water. I know that there is a way for people to be lead to Christ.
These are big and impossible tasks for us Lord. Only through you can these tasks be accomplished. Only through you can there be justice for the oppressed and hurting people of Colombia. Only through you can the hungry be fed, the hurt receive health care, the thirsty given clean water and the searching a place to worship.
I know that you have placed this on my heart and on the hearts of others for a reason. I know that these are big problems and I am too small. But You can do ALL things. Help me to do my part. Help me to know my part. I pray for wisdom and courage for myself and the others who are called to serve. I pray for the wisdom and insight to know what to do and when to do it. I pray for the courage to step out of my comfort zone. I ask for your grace and mercy for when I mess up. I ask for you to break the heart of others so that they might share in this wonderful burden of serving the "least of these" in Colombia.
This week I have been pondering the fact that it was 6 months ago that my life changed.
Why did it change, you ask?
My life changed because of the time I got to spend in Brisas del Mar, Colombia.
Our trip was from February 9-17. We had planned for months our time in that small village and what our agenda would be. For me, I had been planning before most of the other team members because God had shaping me to be a part of that experience for a couple of years. I just didn't realize it until the trip came and I was there.
The truth is, I could fill multiple blogs about my experiences in Brisas. To put it into a summary is more challenging than you can know.
My friend Kristen had attended the trip 3 times prior to my going. Each time, she asked me to join her, but each time, I was not in the right place spiritually or mentally to be a part of that. I prayed for her, and I watched God transform her life, but it wasn't my time. When I finally decided my time had arrived, it was not time for Kristen to be a part of it any longer, but I knew without a doubt God had that laid out for me, so I began to walk the road of the mission trip.
I didn't know anyone on the team. I didn't attend that church. I wasn't even a part of that denomination. But none of that mattered. When God places a calling on your heart, obeying Him allows Him to do a whole new work in life.
There were bumps a long the way, but I want to share those as well.
Raising money was a fear of mine. Now, when God calls me to do something, I ought to know He's going to pave the way. However, I am a compulsive worrier, so I was concerned about raising enough fund. I began my journey of that in July of 2016. It wasn't until later August I saw my first donations come in. And then a little more. And little by little, He provided. This was a slight challege I faced that others did not, per say, in the sense that I was going with a group no one in my church was familiar with. Therefore, the support system I had was very different from those who were going from churches connected to the mission.
I needed to have $500 by the end of October, and I was crawling that way, but hadn't reached that amount. If I didn't reach it, I would have to cover it, as tickets needed ordered. I hesitate to share this piece of the journey, as it is not one that has been too public. But it's such a part of the journey, I feel like its truth helps paint the picture of obedience to God.
In that time, I felt like God was asking me to fast. Now, I like food, so fasting is an act I groan inwardly about when I feel God laying it on my heart. I kept asking God, "Are you sure?" and He kept saying yes. So, one day a week, I began fasting. As I began doing this, little did I know how He was not only going to answer my prayers about funding, but He was transforming me. I didn't used to understand fasting, but after this experience, I see the validity. It's not that you always see results on the day of fasting. But over time, I look back, and I know how much that obedient gesture changed me. I embedded myself deeper in prayer and my faith grew in ways I can't explain. Not only that, but He was reshaping me and how I saw myself.
Fast forward. I needed my final amount by January (I believe). I was nearly $300 short. I kept praying and striving to trust and kick away that nagging fear. And the last week of December, I got a check for the exact amount I needed. I couldn't believe it! Although I should not have been surprised. God answers prayers. We just have to wait sometimes so He can teach us in the process.
As February approached, I was not nervous. I was elated to get going on this journey. A week or so before we left, we had our last team meeting. I hesitated in going, as the meeting were an hour away for me and I knew soon I would be gone for the trip, so I was balancing the cost and effect on my family. However, I felt like I needed to be there. And wow... that meeting was a marker in my life I won't forget. As Pastor Ed broke bread and we took communion together, we were "commissioned" to go to this little village. I felt so unworthy, yet on that day, I know God was telling me He had called me to be a part of the trip. I cried through most of the meeting, as I was finding healing I needed, and I was learning to let go of old thoughts and feelings and ways. I left that meeting, driving home, crying most of the way. Not out of sadness, but out of freedom, knowing that I was truly on a path God had laid out for me.
On February 9, we embarked on our trip. I still didn't know what to expect, but I was elated to see it unfolding. I still didn't know much of my team yet, but that was about to change. I was ready to be immersed in hard work and new people.
You guys, I could fill pages here to tell you about the experience.
We worked hard in the hot sun to help build what will become their church.
We put on youth events.
We held children's programs.
We gave supplies for the clinic and watched them open those supplies with tears in their eyes.
God had provided in hundreds of ways.
Our team bonded. I hadn't felt that type of bond for many years. Watching God work. Seeing prayer be answered. Hearing stories of lives being changed.
The people of Brisas del Mar have been devastated by the drug wars of their country. they are poverty stricken and at times have reasons to fear for their lives. However, that is not what you see when you enter their village.
We stepped off the bus into Brisas and I immediately felt at home. I was embraced by people who didn't know me. I was welcomed by all ages. I was made to be a part of their family.
They have nothing.
But they love with everything.
I thought I was going there to help them. Little did I know how much they would help me.
I got to serve as a translator of sorts. I wasn't the official translator, but I know enough Spanish that I got to bounce around like a ping pong ball at times, helping translate conversations. I had so much fun immersing myself in their culture and their language. I had the opportunity to teach the youth lesson in their native tongue, with a little help from our team translator, Paola. That was a stretching experience, but one I will never forget.
The people of Brisas del Mar helped me see Jesus in a whole new way, and I thought I was supposed to be doing that for them. I bonded with a young girl named Mileth, and we spent much time swapping words and learning about each other. I stayed up late with my teammates, talking about the experiences. I could hardly get through those moments without crying, because as I was there to serve the Lord and help the people of Brisas, at the same time, God was moving me. He was healing my heart and opening my eyes to Him in all new ways.
It's so hard to put into words how this little village changed my life forever.
They taught me to love again without fear of response.
They taught me that who I was was accepted and loved.
They taught me that my first world concerns were piddly compared to their third world problems.
I came home wanting to embrace these new experiences and thoughts and changes.
So, 6 months later, I have been reflecting on my trip and how it changed me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't look at at least one of my Colombia photos. When I see them, I am reminded of finding myself again, after years of having been fighting against God's plan for me. I see the smile on my face, and I remember that is who I am.
I am reminded that my worries are not as great as others'.
I see how God has used that trip and those people to change me forever.
How are those changes playing out now, you ask?
When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a missionary in the Spanish speaking culture. I moved away from that plan, but my trip to Brisas resurrected that interest. I had been praying (and fasting) leading up to my time there, and I felt impressed on my heart while I was in Brisas that I needed to go back to that path somewhat. I have a family and can't just up and go. But, I am on the road to obtaining my degree in Spanish now officially, so that one day I can serve as a translator- however God may see fit. I am finally pursuing what God laid on my heart 15 years ago.
My spending habits have shifted. I experienced a village where people have nothing. They wear clothes that are given to them or teams bring in and leave. They drink water that is not clean- it's the color of urine, to be honest. They eat what they grow. And they don't have beds. It's unreal and unimaginable to most of us. Only seeing it can really help you understand it. As an American, it's hard to taper that on-demand button we have. But I have been working on that. I am fortunate to have what I have. I'm not perfect at this, but it did change me.
Most importantly, I found healing in Colombia. Healing from my past and hope for my future. Healing from hurts and hope for my heart. Amazing- I went there to give them hope and I left with dreams bigger and a heart more full. God works in mysterious ways.
Lastly, my daughter now, 6 months after my time there, is beginning to say she wants to be a missionary. Prior to my trip, she hadn't had much exposure to that world. It's not me who is doing that- it's God. And I can't wait to see how it unfold.
God used Brisas to change my life. I don't know if He will allow me to go back, but whether or not I do, the people there left an impression on my heart that will never be the same again.
Here is a bit of the testimony of Michael Estep and how he came to be involved in Colombia and Brisas del Mar a few years ago.
It’s amazing what God can do...and will do with a willing heart. After 31 years as our local church youth leader and days after my retirement from my career job I found myself wondering... ‘Well God’s, what’s next?’ Oh, let me tell you, what’s next stirs my heart.
Missions!!, the core of my work with youth and my passion as a leader in the church. Advancing the Kingdom of God in meaningful and practical ways to persons who long to hear and heart that desire the truth. I became certified as a Volunteer in Mission Team Leaders, of the United Methodist Church, just before retirement and within months I would lead my first adult mission team to the precious community of Brisas Del Mar, Colombia.
Inspired by the passion of my pastor who had been to Brisas in February 2012, and after extensive research about the devastation this community experienced at the hands of Para Military and drug cartels, it became obvious the needs of this community were worthy. But more than the research, God was relentless in moving my heart to Brisas. Our team in February 2013 worked alongside community members helping to complete a school building. These are people with pride, not looking for a handout, but instead a hand up, as the slow recovery of the community takes place. Thankfully the Colombia Methodist Church has found their way to Brisas and has offered hope through our Lord Jesus. The volunteer mission groups has built a small but very modern, state of the art clinic that serves Brisas and the many surround communities. Persons are known to walk a day’s journey to come to the Clinic.
This is a community with dire needs. When we left from our February mission I asked community leaders what we could bring back, what are you most important needs. Of all the personal items they could have asked for their request was for Bibles.
I am excited about the connectional ministry we have established with the Colombia Methodist Church and I look forward to returning at least twice or more a year. We go with the blessing of the Ohio River Valley District of the United Methodist Church. You too can be a part of this wonderful mission. Let me invite you to pray about what God may have you to do in connecting with the people of Brisas.
Michael has since been going to Colombia nearly twice a year every year. He has led many people in joining his passion for the people of Brisas del Mar. His passion is contagious and his love for the Lord and he people is evident. If you spend 5 minutes talking to Michael, you will undoubtedly hear what his vision is for the future of helping Colombia. In future blogs, you will hear more of Michael's stories.
Here is a clip of an experience by February 2016 team member, Rachael McKinney. The things we take for every day granted here in the United States are luxuries to the people of Brisas del Mar. One of the difficult things when coming back from an experience such as I had is that people cannot fully grasp why I would give up a week's vacation time and spend nearly $2,000 to go do hard work in the sun, share a room with 6 women, and give up the luxuries we experience every day. When going to a foreign country, you never know fully what to expect. I had seen photos of those who had gone before, I had heard stories of those who had already experienced Brisas del Mar, and I had read facts about the small village. But none of those things did the experience justice. I was asked multiple times on the trip if my time there was living up to the expectations I went in with. My answer was that every single experience I had, far surpassed any idea my mind even began to form beforehand. I chose to go; I chose to give up the luxuries of life for a week. I was told to be prepared for cold showers and little water. Beware of the fact that you don't flush a toilet unless necessary (if you know what I mean). Be ready for tummy problems because food is different and the body might react on the negative side of life to the differences. Be ready to be exhausted. What those statements didn't adequately convey to me beforehand, I want to try to capture for you now. The water is scarce there- it's a precious commodity. What we take for granted, they are incredibly grateful for. And I learned to find gratitude for those same things. When it came to showers, I confess to you that I am a typical American- I like my showers very hot and I like the pressure of the water to be hard. However, I want to share with you that to me, a shower had never felt so good as it did there in Brisas. I was caked in dirt and sweat after a hard day of working in the sun digging holes, and so a quick run of water over my skin (then turn off water) lather up my body in soap and try to scrub a bit of the grit off my scalp (then turn water back on and rinse off) felt absolutely amazing. I was grateful to have water. Period. I didn't miss the hot. I didn't miss the pressure. I was thankful for anything at all. And upon my return home, I think twice when taking a forever long shower. I don't take the heat or the pressure for granted any longer. And I hope that sticks.
How they do laundry
And lastly along the lines of water, because it is such a precious commodity, not easily attained, you don't flush the toilets unless you have to.... and without my being descriptive here, hopefully you can follow that statement. It isn't a gross as it would sound... but maybe that's because I learned how to live with it. The toilet paper goes in the trash rather than down the toilet. To them, it's a way of life. To us, it's an adjustment to remember not to flush or even not to put the toilet paper in the commode. To many in my life, their nose wrinkled upon hearing that fact of my travel. To me, I understood it. Water is not so easily attained in Brisas, therefore, it is savored until needed to be flushed away.
This is the septic system we put in to the church while we were there- so different from one here!
Putting in the "septic tank"
Complete!
And along those lines, since we are on the topic, the septic system there is another foreign concept to us. As part of our construction, that is one of the things we did. We "laid in" the septic system for the church being built. It's far different there than it is to us here. Essentially, it's a giant oversized black plasticish container with a pipe that sticks out of it. As we laid that in for the new building, I just kept thinking "This is crazy." Not crazy bad; Just crazy different from how we live. Normal to them. Eye opening to me. I left behind all my electronics for the most part (thank goodness for headphones I had to use to drown out some of the noise around me at night.. I am unfortunately a terribly light sleeper!) I listen to people around me every day complain because the internet is slow or their phone isn't working right. I would like to say that it was SO good for me to be away from those devices for a little bit. It was freeing. Admittedly, I haven't stuck to that so well upon my return home, but I will tell you that there I found beauty in not having those so readily available. I connected more intimately with people because I didn't have a phone or a text or an email constantly distracting me from being in the moment. I haven't figured out how to do that better yet upon my return, but it's one I still am working to incorporate as a lesson learned. It wasn't going without; It was learning to truly live in the moment again- something we so easily miss here with all of our distractions. I left my bed. Many of the people there don't really have a bed. Also, as we were there, I shared a bed with my teammate, Paula Lou, and I shared a room with 5 other women. Was it kinda crazy at times? Yes. They may not appreciate this (sorry team...) but most of the nights held a symphony of snoring. I am a light sleeper, so this was a "rough" part of the trip for me. But, if that's the roughest thing I had to experience... come on... that's not so bad. In fact, I came to laugh about it and appreciate that experience. Was it my soft comfy bed next to my husband? No. But I learned from that. And I bonded with those women unlike any women I have hung out with in the last many years. We came from all different backgrounds but we left with common bonds none of us will ever forget. And after learning what the people in the village don't have and after sharing a room with all those women, I have a great appreciation for my king sized bed with a nice cozy comforter.... The list goes on. We have food readily available- They struggle to have enough to feed their families. The village has a food program for the school age children, and they don't always have enough funding to keep it running strongly. I have never had to worry about my children going without food.
How we do construction there: No machines. It's all by hand
They have dirt roads, bumpy and dusty. We have paved roads, and complain at times about potholes....
An example of their roads
It's all about perspective. Giving up my luxuries for one week became a privilege. I didn't really even think about it, to be honest. Becoming immersed in their culture didn't feel like a foreign world. Somehow, it became home very quickly. That goes back to the piece of love I referred to. None of those things mattered because the people welcomed us with loving arms and surrounded us with their grace and their beauty. They made us feel at home.... and those little every day luxuries we have here faded into the background. The trick is applying those lessons learned now that we are back home. Continuing to have an appreciation for water, for food, for a toilet that flushes, for a warm bed, paved roads and cars to get us places, technology to connect (and to blog!) .... those are some of the lessons I want to hang onto and somehow help my family embrace, who were unable to experience this with me. I want to appreciate all of these little pieces.... one day at a time, never forgetting what I learned. Update: I have since learned from the team that attended the June trip to Brisas that the well that was built and made for the village of Brisas is not working. It will cost around 10,000$ to fix it. That's monumental to them; it's pennies to us. If we rally together, we can help this village have clean working water again. If you are interested in learning more about this endeavor or about Brisas in general, please email Mike Estep at michael.estep75@gmail.com You can be the hands of God to this little village, even if you never get to go, if you wish to help with events such as these. We have luxuries here. To them, we are incredibly rich. But to us, we view them as the rich ones. They know what matters: God, family, friendships, love. Those are the things that matter, the true things in life that make one rich. I wrote this piece upon returning home from my life-changing trip to Brisas in February. It served me well to read over it again and remember some of these ever important lessons, to put some of my every day worries into perspective again. I am blessed. Going to Brisas changed my life, and it has been amazing what God has continued to do in my heart and life since that trip. I will forever have the imprint of Brisas on my heart and soul.
Paula has been a team leader multiple times for the trips that go from Southern Ohio on a mission to Colombia.
Paula has impacted hundreds of lives - both the Colombians and the team members that travel with her. Yet she would tell you the trips impact her more than she impacts those around her. Here is a bit of Paula's story.
If you know me at all you would know that I am a person of few words. I am happily the person in the background, definitely not the "front man" (at least not as my first choice). I also tend to be reserved until I get to know you, but when I do, all bets are off. I am also a person who has been blessed with just enough to get by.
I have been to Colombia 5 times and plan to return again in February, 2017. You might ask, why?
Why does a person who doesn’t have money to spare choose to scrimp and save in order to spend a hard earned week of vacation doing manual labor in a place with few amenities and no luxuries?
The answer.…defies explanation. If you don’t know and love Christ you may never understand. If you do…then you probably don’t need an explanation. As a person of few words, all I can say is that I experience, see, feel, taste and even smell God in a tiny village called Brisas del Mar. After I returned home the first time I thought that it couldn’t happen like that again. I was right, because when I returned to Brisas again, I experienced God even stronger and in new and different ways. I feel His love and protection and mercy and grace envelope me. I feel the love and mercy of my brothers and sisters of Christ. I simply love those people! And they love me! It’s truly unbelievable! It defies logic! We can’t really share a meaningful conversation because my Spanish is rudimentary at best but the love is real! They inspire me to be a better Christian. To love more deeply, to forgive more easily, to worship more sincerely, to surrender more completely…the list goes on. I don’t know that I can explain it any better than that.
Philippians 1:21 “For to me, living means living for Christ.”
We are a unique blend of people who have given up our time to visit a beautiful village of Brisas del Mar. We have fallen in love with this forgotten village, tucked away in the northern corner of Colombia. The village has seen destruction and devastation through the years due to the drug wars and the paramilitary governments.
But one would never know it, because the moment you step foot into their village, you feel enveloped in a blanket of love.
These people who have nothing love with everything.
The people of Brisas del Mar.
Through the various blog posts that will grace these pages, you will hear stories of those of us who have visited through the years.
You will meet the teenagers, the kids, and the adults of the community.
And we are sure your hearts will be captured, just as each of ours have been.
Today's post is simply to introduce you to Brisas del Mar. And welcome you to our blog.
We hope that you will read along with us and feel as if you are there.
We hope you will sense the power of how God works in all of our lives.
We hope that if you have any questions, you will reach out to us- we love to share our vision and our hopes for this village.
We have watched God perform miraculous events in the village and we have seen their lives transformed and have been transformed ourselves.
One could throw a dart anywhere on the map of the world and be able to find a need. But our dart has taken us to Brisas del Mar, Colombia.
Won't you journey with us into the story book pages of these beautiful people's lives?
They have much to teach us. We go to serve them, to serve the Lord. But we come home with having learned far more than we ever imagined possible.
We feel a calling to this corner of the world, to help the less fortunate, those who want to give love as much as they want to receive it. We want to touch their hearts and take a little bit of hope into their lives. We want to show them Jesus.
