Back ''Home'' in Sabaneta, Colombia

 

One would think that I would get used to my life of constant change, but a new move still brings a bit of apprehension ... unless that move is to a place that we consider ''home''. Thus, when we arrived in Colombia last week and made our way south of Medellín to the pueblo of Sabaneta, our ''travel jitters'' quickly disappeared with ...

the vibrant colors of flowers blooming in the trees,

and the sound of cheering ''fútbol'' fans drowning out the traffic noise,

and the fragrance of arepas, empanadas, and bunuelos spilling out into the narrow streets. 

A sign near the central park reassured us that ...

(which translated means)

If you like to visit Sabaneta,

you are already a Sabaneteno!

Ever since we first set our eyes on this quaint, friendly community a few years ago, we were ready to become Sabanetenos. We are excited to have this be our home for the next three months! 

Our Airbnb apartment, located on the 20th floor, has an incredible view of Medellín, a city of 2.5 million people, to the north.

Sabaneta, the smallest municipality in Colombia, is located in the southern part of the Aburra Valley. Because its area is so small, a majority of its 44,000 residents live in the many high-rise apartments that line the landscape. It's name is derived from the Spanish word for ''savannah'', and thus, its streets are flatter than other urban areas on the hills of the valley. Sabaneta also shares the incredibly beautiful ''spring-like'' weather that Medellín is famous for ... making its year-round 85 degree highs and 65 degree lows a perfect winter hangout.

Colombia's tourist industry is happy to welcome back visitors to their winter paradise. And we are happy to be back once again also. Our plan this winter is to reconnect with old friends and meet new friends all while continuing to try to improve our Spanish.

Always fun to meet up once again with Doug's college friend and his wife!

Language exchanges are a fun way to meet new friends while practicing our Spanish with creative games that encourage conversation.

My choice for an Airbnb apartment proved to be a winner for us. The two bedroom, two bath dwelling is plenty big ... and even has room for a guest or two (hint, hint).

The kitchen contains all the basic cooking utensils  

...  plus a new one for me to try out.

Will I be convinced that we need to find room

in the van for an air fryer???

The view from the balcony (along with Colombian coffee, fruit, and arepas) is a great way to begin another perfect day in paradise.

Reasons we love our new ''home'' include ...

#1

The many small cafes nearby who serve up delicious ''menú del día'' lunches.

For $4 a meal, there is no need to eat dinner later on ... although Doug often seems to find room for a dessert.

#2

The abundant and inexpensive supply of fresh fruits available in all the local grocery stores. 

Avocados, Plantains, and Mangos ... oh my!

But no need to go into the big name grocery stores to buy our daily fruit ... many small stores in front of private homes have a fresh supply for sale. Our neighbor, Ingrid picks me out the best avocados while giving me a short lesson in Spanish conversation. 

#3

The numerous malls provide great entertainment and people watching opportunities,

as well as non-traditional Colombian food options ... like when we just need our Chinese ''fix'' from Señor Wok.

#4

The beautiful weather helps promote a strong sense of community.

Whether it is outdoor dining,

skateboarding, walking, biking or fútbol,

or just a visit in the park,

... Sabanetenos know how to bring color and life to their neighborhood.

We're happy to be back ''home'' and feeling like a true Sabaneteno in the land of arepas

... Sabaneta, Antioquia, Colombia!

Making a Difference: Habitat For Humanity Build in Sebring, Florida

Digging a twelve inch trench in the hot sun. Bending way, way down to caulk the lowest row of siding. Waking up with achy muscles and joints. At times like that, we couldn't help thinking that this is not quite what we signed up for when we joined another Care-a-Vanner crew in Sebring, Florida. This didn't seem like a ton of fun ... this was hard work.

But as our team gathered the next morning, one member shared a poem that was written by a mother who had recently become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. Her words suddenly and powerfully made our complaints feel minuscule in comparison. 

A New Beginning

by Jane Ann Wells

 

I wake up each day and from my bed I am torn,

Hanging sheets in the doorway ... trying to keep warm.

My concern is not for me and the way I will shiver,

But for my children upstairs and the smile I’ll try to deliver.

I keep my chin up ‘cause I don’t want them to see,

The fact that I cry for things that can’t be.

For our home is full of love, but with little to no heat,

Making the best of things is no small feat.

We don’t need to go outside to check the weather,

For it creeps in through doors, windows and wherever.

We heat with Kerosene; and it’s filled just right,

I hope that it’s enough to take us through the night.

I was careful to keep us out of harm’s way,

When Habitat called and gave us the OK!

A new house means a new way of life,

Without the worry and the constant strife.

The old house is just a bad dream,

It never existed or so it would seem,

As I sit on my porch with the sun going down,

Listening to the birds, loving the sound.

As we continued to work during the next two weeks, we realized that ...

this foundation, despite being laid over sand, is going to provide strength ...

this roof is going to protect from all sorts of weather ...

these windows are going to let the light of hope shine in ...

this Hardie board cement siding is going to keep out the cold ...

and this house is going to make a difference in the lives of the family who will call this ''home''.

While we faced some challenges on the construction site, they paled in comparison.

When my knees and back didn't like bending down any more, I found a more comfortable position for caulking those bottom rows of siding.

When there was a tricky piece of siding to cut, Doug made use of all the talent around him to achieve that perfect fit.

When my hands were getting sore after hours of using a traditional caulk gun, a fellow volunteer borrowed me his battery-operated one that he just happened to get for Christmas ... Thanks, Jim, for sharing your ''gift''!

And most important of all ... when we needed some encouragement, the ever-present smile of Jazan, one of our skillful supervisors, kept us going.

Together we worked hard to lift up and improve the lives of another deserving family.

This house will be their new beginning!

 At the end of the two weeks, I looked back and saw how much we had accomplished with the help of the local Habitat affiliate, as well as our skillful construction site supervisors, local volunteers, and our Care-a-Vanner team,

and I was moved to add one last line to Ms Wells' poem ...

I’m grateful for this house, a gift from above,

Reflecting Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer love.