I'm going to miss Colombia

Today after lunch we were enjoying a Colombian delicacy, Choco Discs, and my immediate impulse was to arrange my candy in the form of the Colombian flag. I have also started talking about how WE did in the fútbol match. Maybe if my complexion were slightly darker, they would accept me as their own.

Big News & Updates

So the Hulseys have been slacking on our blog posts for a number of reasons: (1) Upon arriving to Cartagena, we were sick for about three weeks, and (2) ever since then, we've been busy playing catch up.

In new news, after lots of prayer, we have decided to head to Bolivia to work with a program there called International Orphanage Union (www.ioubolivia.org). Unfortunately, because the States and Bolivia are not exactly bffs, there is a crazy amount of paperwork we have to do before we can head down there. Further, it looks as though we have to go back to the States to do so.

We are emotionally mixed on going back as we had hoped to leave from Colombia. However, our time in Colombia has been a fabulous preparation for what is ahead and we will be able to bring back only what we need (vitamins-yes, business suit-no). And of course it will be great to see friends and family. We're not sure of our dates just yet, but it looks as though we will head back to DC August 12th and hopefully be in Bolivia in September.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare for another adventure. Pray that the paperwork would be expedited and that the details would fall into place. Also, start looking at your calendars to see when you are coming to visit us :)

They May be Angels

One thing we truly lack in the States is hospitality. I'm not talking about entertaining guests, we have whole professions based on entertaining- I'm referring to going out of your way for a stranger.

Latin America is incredibly hospitable, and we've been told even more so here on the coast. It's so humbling it's almost uncomfortable.

Case and point:

Billy- the Dad of a friend in Bogotá. Just in knowing his daughter, Billy picked us up from the Santa Marta airport, fed us lunch (twice), let us use his house to store our things and ended up driving us 3 hours to Cartagena.

Lilly- we met Lilly when we needed somewhere to store our luggage for a week. She is a friend of our landlord. Our landlord simply called, asked if we could drop our things and instantly we were granted permission into her home, met her and her family, and exchanged phone numbers.

Eduardo- truly a saint! We met Eduardo while on the search for a carribeaner (long story). Anyway, we hit up the local hardware stores within walking distance. After some beautiful diagrams and some new Spanish terms, we knew what we needed, but it could only be found at Home Sentry (the Home Depot of Colombia). We're familiar with Home Sentry because in Bogotá I did a dance-spasm-move at the store that ended up in a fall so ridiculous, I'm sure the security tape will make it to YouTube soon. Anyway, after giving us directions, Eduardo finally said "vamos" and like that we went with him out of the old city, caught a bus and ended up at a very nice mall. Eduardo not only went with us to the mall, but made sure we found the carribeaner. After saying multiple rounds of "muchas gracias" and "adiós", he actually found us again to make sure we knew directions to get back home.

It's a really an amazing feeling to be so blessed by strangers. I hope and pray we can do the same!

Paradise has it's Drawbacks

A letter to the creatures who are free-loading in our apartment:

To the many ants that show up in your countless parades of labor, I used to feel bad about killing you. But now that the can of Raid is always near, it's almost a game to see where the next line will be. I suggest you give your queen a rest and find a new dwelling to invade.

Dear Gecko, although you and your offspring are pretty gross looking with your tan-ish body, as long as we have the same goal of keeping the apartment bug free, I will let you continue to reside with us. Can you save us 15%?

Dear Mosquitos, you are the everlasting thorn in my side and quite literally make people question if I have the chicken pox, mumps, measles or another communicable disease (see above photo). I will never underestimate you since just one of your clan was able to get my hand, face and arm in my sleep under a fan on full blast. Although you are somewhat DEET resistant, I am fully prepared for numerous reapplications. Bring it on!

Sincerely,
Yours Truly

Limónada De Coco Con Ron

What's the summer without a great refreshing cocktail? Colombia is known for auguadiente which is a liquorish flavored grossness and super light beers (think Natty Light), so we were relieved to come to Cartagena, the home of Limónada de Coco. The only thing that improves this already fabulous drink- Rum!

So here is the recipe with my own kick:

Blend together 5oz. of fresh-squeezed lime juice, 3oz. Coconut Rum, 2.5oz of canned coconut cream, and ice. Serve as a frappé. Makes two generous portions.

Enjoy!!!!

Walking at Night

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The Walled City of Cartagena is genuinely enchanting and takes on such a beautiful character at night when the lights shine on the historical monuments. Here are some shots from my phone while just out walking.

And speaking of walking, while my dear husband is Mr. Directions, it's yours truly who is up by 12 or so points in knowing my way around. I brag only because I have been humbled most of our marriage. Watch out, I might just start giving directions....ok, maybe not, I still struggle with my right and left.

Cartagena...our new home

Sorry our communication has been lacking recently. It feels like we've been on a continuous trip living in different houses, hotels and hammocks and constantly packing and unpacking our bags. We are currently living in a hotel in Cartagena, but on Saturday we will finally be moving into an apartment and will stay there at least until the end of August. The apartment is really close to the "walled city" and only a few blocks from our school.

So far we are already falling in love with Cartagena with the amazing colonial architecture and history. We will keep you posted on all our many findings and adventures, or you can come see them for yourself. We'd love to host!