Right around this time last year was when I went to Colombia. It was an extremely fast trip, cut even shorter by American Airlines screwups. But it was one of my most memorable overseas jaunts. π¨π΄π¨π΄π¨π΄π¨π΄
My friend introduced me to members of a rural community that had been torn apart by the conflict and clashes between guerilla fighters and paramilitary members. They showed me the sites of deadly events, they told me their own stories of hiding and escaping. Most importantly, though, they all showed me how they were moving forward. From having ex-combatants participating in rehabilitation sessions, to ordinary community members creating small businesses in coffee and ecotourism so the next generation would have better options.
Itβs easy to get discouraged by seeing groups at odds. Whether itβs as extreme as a civil war or just persistently toxic like the political headbutting weβre all familiar with. These community members in Colombia helped me see that moving forward might be difficult, but it definitely isnβt impossible. π«π¬π«π¬
Iβm in the middle of a stretch of time thatβll most likely be my longest gap in between international trips. Iβll be so excited when itβs safe to get out there again. But Iβm at least thankful that my last journey out was such an impactful one.
This trip to Colombia makes number 1οΈβ£8οΈβ£ on my list of stuff Iβm thankful I did before turning 30. before turning 30.