Random Thoughts: Family saddened by death
To the Editor:
When the sponsors of a youth group we were involved with decided to go to Columbia, South America, and bring a small group of teens with us, many people did not think it was a good idea. Columbia is viewed as a drug-producing, American-kidnapping country; President Bush's recent protested visit did not help. Despite appearances, we felt led to go on our mission trip.
An exchange student in Fowler, from a couple of years ago, initiated the whole trip. His aunts form a charity group called Foundation United for Love. Our purpose on this trip was to help the foundation help those in poverty.
In Monteria, Columbia, those in poverty make up 70 percent of the population. Their homes are made out of scrap wood and metal. Unfortunately, the tropical rains had flooded the area so that they were living in the city's sewage. Several of the little kids were abandoned by their parents and have to fend for themselves. It seemed a hopeless place.
We thought it would be impossible to make a lasting difference. We dug holes for a community building's foundation, wired rebar together for the structure, interacted with the families, and had vacation Bible school for the kids every day. We made the greatest difference by loving people, and gradually we were able to recognize that we were surrounded by hope.
There are teens who are able to go to school and have the hope to someday help others, as doctors and teachers. There is a young, single mother who provides hope to 20-some kids by feeding them breakfast every morning. There are those who placed their hope in God, and know that he will give them the food that they need to survive each day. They do not have much, but they still have hope.
Sometimes it is hard to find hope in our everyday lives. But if the people we met in Columbia can find hope when it seems so hopeless, I believe we can find hope here at home. We just need to know where to look.
Laura Johnson
Marion
