Many people from home (and here) have been asking me whether I will be returning to Colombia next year. I made the decision, about a month ago, that I will not be returning next fall. This decision came after tons of prayer, counsel, and analyzing. Being in Colombia and at ECA has not been an "easy" experience. It has taken a huge amount of time, energy, and prayer to do my job well. However, for those of you who know me at all, I usually feel that when things are difficult, they are GOOD. I think an easy life is a life un-lived. Difficult situations lead to growth and strength spiritually, emotionally, professionally, and physically. I thank God daily for the opportunity he has given me to be here working with these kids. I have realized that teaching requires patience, dedication, tons of love, and most of all humility. All of which I will continue working on forever. Being here has made me realize just how much I still have to learn and has confirmed my calling of teaching.
Being here has also made me realize that ultimately, I need to be teaching in a public school. This is where my desires and passions are. Whether I will end up in California or not is still very unknown. Who knows if I will even find a teaching position back in the states? It's very possible that I will end up working in a less-than-ideal job for awhile, but that is the world we live in. All I know is that I have made a decision and feel completely at peace with it. I look forward to the future.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Second Semester Beginnings
So Sorry!
It seems that I am a complete failure at this whole blogging thing. Oh well. I apologize to anyone who actually reads these. :)
I returned home in December to spend time with family and friends over the Christmas holiday. It was so wonderful to be able to go home for Christmas. My family and I were able to travel to Arizona to see my mom's extended family and we were also able to fly to South Dakota to visit my dad's parents. I am very thankful that I had that time to spend with my grandparents. The older I get (and they get) the more I treasure the time that I am able to spend with them. It seems that each time we go back to visit, it gets a little harder to say goodbye...
I came back to Colombia on January 8th and school started back up on January 11th. I was able to bring a suitcase of "stuff" back with me from the states. The "stuff" included books, teaching supplies, and other various classroom resources. I was even able to raid the $1 section of Michaels before I left for all sorts of fun prizes for my kiddos. Over break, I was able to get a few things accomplished that has made my work load this semester a bit easier/ freed up time for me to accomplish other tasks with my class that I have not had time to do. I feel like I'm out of survival mode and am now able to work on improving the curriculum I am using and bettering myself as a teacher. In Social Studies, we just finished up learning about Ancient China. We concluded our unit by having a "Chinese New Year Celebration" which was a blast. (It just so happened that the timing coincided perfectly with Chinese New Year).
One of the more difficult aspects of being in Colombia has been finding a sense of church community. ECA is full of wonderful people but I miss having a church body that I can "do life with". I have been attending a church with my roommates and a few other teachers from ECA. It has been hard for me to really connect. There is the obvious difficulty with the language barrier that makes it difficult. My Spanish is improving but I am still not at a level that I can have deep and meaningful conversations. I have also been wrestling with whether or not I agree with all of the theology/ decisions that the church holds/makes. I won't go into too much detail but its difficult for me to attend a church that doesn't put a lot of time and money into helping the less fortunate (especially since I come from a congregation that holds this as a vitally important task of the Church).
It is coming to that point in the year when I need to make the decision about whether I will come back to ECA next year or return home. I have been in prayer over this decision and seeking guidance from people here in Bogota and back home. Initially, this was looking to be a very difficult decision. I really did not feel a strong pull in either direction. I had a long list of pros and cons for both options. Since I didn't feel a sense of calling like I did when I decided to come to Colombia back in August, I was terrified that I might make the wrong decision. However, after two very helpful, clarifying discussions with friends and family, I am realizing that sometimes we don't have strong calls in one direction or another. It is possible that sometimes God say, "This is your choice. As long as you honor and glorify me in your decision, it's your call." I have given myself the deadline of March 1st to make my decision.
Prayers
-For my decision to return to Colombia next year or not. That my decision would be guided by prayer.
-For my health: I have had a constant cough since the end of January. I believe I may be developing allergies from Bogotá's pollution. :(
-Praise: Smelly Belly Melly gets to come and visit me at the end of May! She will get to spend a couple days at school with me and then we get to travel around Colombia for 2 weeks. Yay!
It seems that I am a complete failure at this whole blogging thing. Oh well. I apologize to anyone who actually reads these. :)
I returned home in December to spend time with family and friends over the Christmas holiday. It was so wonderful to be able to go home for Christmas. My family and I were able to travel to Arizona to see my mom's extended family and we were also able to fly to South Dakota to visit my dad's parents. I am very thankful that I had that time to spend with my grandparents. The older I get (and they get) the more I treasure the time that I am able to spend with them. It seems that each time we go back to visit, it gets a little harder to say goodbye...
I came back to Colombia on January 8th and school started back up on January 11th. I was able to bring a suitcase of "stuff" back with me from the states. The "stuff" included books, teaching supplies, and other various classroom resources. I was even able to raid the $1 section of Michaels before I left for all sorts of fun prizes for my kiddos. Over break, I was able to get a few things accomplished that has made my work load this semester a bit easier/ freed up time for me to accomplish other tasks with my class that I have not had time to do. I feel like I'm out of survival mode and am now able to work on improving the curriculum I am using and bettering myself as a teacher. In Social Studies, we just finished up learning about Ancient China. We concluded our unit by having a "Chinese New Year Celebration" which was a blast. (It just so happened that the timing coincided perfectly with Chinese New Year).
One of the more difficult aspects of being in Colombia has been finding a sense of church community. ECA is full of wonderful people but I miss having a church body that I can "do life with". I have been attending a church with my roommates and a few other teachers from ECA. It has been hard for me to really connect. There is the obvious difficulty with the language barrier that makes it difficult. My Spanish is improving but I am still not at a level that I can have deep and meaningful conversations. I have also been wrestling with whether or not I agree with all of the theology/ decisions that the church holds/makes. I won't go into too much detail but its difficult for me to attend a church that doesn't put a lot of time and money into helping the less fortunate (especially since I come from a congregation that holds this as a vitally important task of the Church).
It is coming to that point in the year when I need to make the decision about whether I will come back to ECA next year or return home. I have been in prayer over this decision and seeking guidance from people here in Bogota and back home. Initially, this was looking to be a very difficult decision. I really did not feel a strong pull in either direction. I had a long list of pros and cons for both options. Since I didn't feel a sense of calling like I did when I decided to come to Colombia back in August, I was terrified that I might make the wrong decision. However, after two very helpful, clarifying discussions with friends and family, I am realizing that sometimes we don't have strong calls in one direction or another. It is possible that sometimes God say, "This is your choice. As long as you honor and glorify me in your decision, it's your call." I have given myself the deadline of March 1st to make my decision.
Prayers
-For my decision to return to Colombia next year or not. That my decision would be guided by prayer.
-For my health: I have had a constant cough since the end of January. I believe I may be developing allergies from Bogotá's pollution. :(
-Praise: Smelly Belly Melly gets to come and visit me at the end of May! She will get to spend a couple days at school with me and then we get to travel around Colombia for 2 weeks. Yay!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Chistmas! 2nd Grade Wish Lists
There are just a few short months until Christmas. It's time to start thinking about how you will be spending the holidays with loved ones and how you will be spending that Christmas bonus... here is one way you could spend that extra cash. ;)
I have put together a few wish-lists for my 2nd grade classroom. There are a number of things that are either impossible, extremely difficult, or expensive to get in Colombia.
UPDATE! Books: The majority of the books in our class are old and falling apart. Many of them are being held together with tape. (We currently h
ave a basket where I have student's put books that are falling apart, missing pages or missing covers.) Books in English are very hard to find in Colombia and when you can find them, they are very expensive. Originally, I was going to have people buy through Scholastic so that we could have the books delivered directly to school. This would have been VERY convenient! Unfortunately, the Colombian government has decided to hold the Scholastic orders for ECA for whatever reason. This means that the books our students ordered back in September are being kept at a holding facility and will not be released unless ECA pays a lot of money (we are talking more than a couple hundred dollars). These recent events will change the way I do wishlists. I have created a wishlist on Amazon which I will post on the left side of my blog. Here is how you can help:
I have put together a few wish-lists for my 2nd grade classroom. There are a number of things that are either impossible, extremely difficult, or expensive to get in Colombia.
UPDATE! Books: The majority of the books in our class are old and falling apart. Many of them are being held together with tape. (We currently h
ave a basket where I have student's put books that are falling apart, missing pages or missing covers.) Books in English are very hard to find in Colombia and when you can find them, they are very expensive. Originally, I was going to have people buy through Scholastic so that we could have the books delivered directly to school. This would have been VERY convenient! Unfortunately, the Colombian government has decided to hold the Scholastic orders for ECA for whatever reason. This means that the books our students ordered back in September are being kept at a holding facility and will not be released unless ECA pays a lot of money (we are talking more than a couple hundred dollars). These recent events will change the way I do wishlists. I have created a wishlist on Amazon which I will post on the left side of my blog. Here is how you can help:- Go to our Amazon Wish List and find an item you would like to purchase.
- Put the item in your Shopping Cart
- When you are finished shopping, go to your Shopping Cart and Checkout (The Wish List already has my home address attached so that the items can be directly shipped to my house in California!)
- **Please do not feel that you need to buy these books only from Amazon. If you find them cheaper elsewhere or even if you have a gently warn used copy of these titles, I'll take 'em!
- Go to this link Wish List
- Under Find a WishList type my first and last name (Megan Reeves) and click Search
- Click on Megan Reeves
- Find an item that you would like to purchase for our class.
- Type the quantity and click Add to Cart
- When you are finished shopping, click Checkout
- Review order and click Continue checkout
- Fill out billing information. At the bottom choose Ship to a Different Address and click Continue checkout.
- Fill out the shipping information with my home address in California. (If you need my address...facebook message me) Click Continue Checkout
- Select delivery method. I suggest choosing Standard 4-6 Business days
- Fill out paymet method and click Place Order
- *Note: If you are able to find these items (or very similar items) somewhere else for less money, go for it!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Ecuador = Equator
Karen, another teacher from ECA, and I have been in Quito since Saturday (October 8th). We came to Quito to apply for our work visas. Yes, Colombia has this silly little law that makes you leave the country to apply for visas.
Karen and I had separate flights since we booked at different times but we both got into Quito around 8pm. Our "host family" picked us up from the airport. (Don't get me started on how amazing they are!)
On Sunday we went to church and then visited what is locally known as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word Equador is Spanish for equator. There is a museum and monument on the "alleged" equator line. However, the actual equator is 240 meters North of the marked line. From Wikipedia: "This discrepancy is partially due to increased accuracy [from technology like GPS systems and computer mapping products like Google Earth] but primarily due to a different choice of mapping datum. Similarly, the line marking the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich in England is roughly 100 meters from the exact zero of longitude as indicated by GPS receivers." We then headed to the Intiñan Solar Museum a "museum" claims to be built on the real equator. Here we learned about the history of native Ecuadorian people and took part in a variety of demonstrations such as standing an egg on a nail, trying to "walk the line", and watching water drain (Coriolis affect).
On Monday we headed to the Colombian consulate to wait in line and submit our papers for our visas.
Tuesday, we took a ride on the TeleferiQo, a gondola lift running from the edge of the city center up the side of the Pichincha Volcano. This was an interesting experience. Walking around the complex at the bottom of the TeleferiQo was like walking through a deserted amusement park. Slightly terrifying. There were dozens of abandoned buildings and a total of maybe 10 people walking around. We bought our tickets and rode to the top of the mountain. The views from the top were breath taking. Apparently, the TeleferiQo is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. We spent time hiking along the ridge enjoying the views and then headed home.
Wednesday, we headed back to the Colombian consulate to PICK UP OUR VISAS! There were some concerns with our papers. The vice consul said she would not be able to issue us 2 year work visas because two of our important documents contradicted each other. One document said that we were applying for work visas (which implies that we receive a salary) and the other said that we are volunteers. The vice consul said she would be able to give us 1 year missionary visas. However, when we were given our visas, they were 1 year work visas! I have no idea what made her change her mind... maybe she just forgot?
Thursday, we spent the day exploring Quito's historic old town. Quito is full of beautiful old buildings and churches. Our favorite, however, was actually a church built during the 20th century. It's facade reminded me of Notre Dame Cathedral. In this church we were allowed to explore. We climbed the clock tower (literally climbed up ladder after ladder), walked across a "cat walk" that connected the two clock towers to the highest tower, and then shimmied up the side of the highest tower. From the tower we had a 360 degree view of Quito. AMAZING! (and a little terrifying)
We have spent most of today (Friday) catching up with the "real world". I have been researching how to better teach writing to my 2nd graders, creating classroom wish-lists, and reassessing my assessments.
We head back to Bogota tomorrow with visas in hand. :)
Karen and I had separate flights since we booked at different times but we both got into Quito around 8pm. Our "host family" picked us up from the airport. (Don't get me started on how amazing they are!)
On Sunday we went to church and then visited what is locally known as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word Equador is Spanish for equator. There is a museum and monument on the "alleged" equator line. However, the actual equator is 240 meters North of the marked line. From Wikipedia: "This discrepancy is partially due to increased accuracy [from technology like GPS systems and computer mapping products like Google Earth] but primarily due to a different choice of mapping datum. Similarly, the line marking the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich in England is roughly 100 meters from the exact zero of longitude as indicated by GPS receivers." We then headed to the Intiñan Solar Museum a "museum" claims to be built on the real equator. Here we learned about the history of native Ecuadorian people and took part in a variety of demonstrations such as standing an egg on a nail, trying to "walk the line", and watching water drain (Coriolis affect).
On Monday we headed to the Colombian consulate to wait in line and submit our papers for our visas.
Tuesday, we took a ride on the TeleferiQo, a gondola lift running from the edge of the city center up the side of the Pichincha Volcano. This was an interesting experience. Walking around the complex at the bottom of the TeleferiQo was like walking through a deserted amusement park. Slightly terrifying. There were dozens of abandoned buildings and a total of maybe 10 people walking around. We bought our tickets and rode to the top of the mountain. The views from the top were breath taking. Apparently, the TeleferiQo is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. We spent time hiking along the ridge enjoying the views and then headed home.
Wednesday, we headed back to the Colombian consulate to PICK UP OUR VISAS! There were some concerns with our papers. The vice consul said she would not be able to issue us 2 year work visas because two of our important documents contradicted each other. One document said that we were applying for work visas (which implies that we receive a salary) and the other said that we are volunteers. The vice consul said she would be able to give us 1 year missionary visas. However, when we were given our visas, they were 1 year work visas! I have no idea what made her change her mind... maybe she just forgot?
Thursday, we spent the day exploring Quito's historic old town. Quito is full of beautiful old buildings and churches. Our favorite, however, was actually a church built during the 20th century. It's facade reminded me of Notre Dame Cathedral. In this church we were allowed to explore. We climbed the clock tower (literally climbed up ladder after ladder), walked across a "cat walk" that connected the two clock towers to the highest tower, and then shimmied up the side of the highest tower. From the tower we had a 360 degree view of Quito. AMAZING! (and a little terrifying)
We have spent most of today (Friday) catching up with the "real world". I have been researching how to better teach writing to my 2nd graders, creating classroom wish-lists, and reassessing my assessments.
We head back to Bogota tomorrow with visas in hand. :)
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Updates on EVERYTHING!
First, I would like to apologize for my serious lack of blogging that has occurred thus far.
Secondly, here is an update on just about EVERYTHING.
Church
I have been attending a church called VidaBogota. This is the church that meets at ECA. I visited this church the second week I was here and have now adopted it as my "home church". The head pastor lived in the US for many years and just returned to Colombia with his family two years ago with the intention of starting a church. He actually graduated from Biola (gasp). The service is in Spanish but the church has been finding ways to help transition the "Gringos" into the service. (There are about 4 other teachers that regularly attend this church as well.) The PowerPoints are now in Spanish and English and they have provided us with a translation of the Spanish worship songs so we can fully understand what we are singing. Currently, there are a handful of people who are willing to translate during the sermon as well. (I've been told the church is looking into providing headphone sets for those who want translation.) Since my 3rd or 4th week here, I made the decision to not have someone translate for me. The first few weeks were difficult but I have found that each week I am able to understand more and more of the sermon.
My roomates and I have joined a "young woman's" small group. We meet weekly to talk about life, read scripture, watch Numa videos, and pray. This has been another great source of Spanish practice.
Class
Teaching is going great as I have found my weekly rhythm and flow. However, I am now beginning to understand what everyone meant when they said that teaching was a 7 day a week job. Even if I am "caught up" on grading and lesson planning, there is always something I want to tweak, change, add, and/or improve.
Retreat
Two weeks ago, we had our staff and school board retreat weekend. We stayed at a place about 2 hours outside of Bogota. It was a beautiful camp/retreat where we spent time in professional development focused on working with and honoring those with different personality types than ours. It reminded me a lot of "Beginnings" and "Strengths" from freshman year at APU.
Jungle
Yesterday, I went with the 12th grade students to their ministry project. Each grade at ECA has a service project that students participate in one Saturday a month. 12th grade volunteers at "The Jungle", a place that is open to local children one Saturday a month to play, sing, listen to a Bible story, and make a craft. The Jungle is located in barrio Santa Fe. A neighborhood known for it's crime. Kidnapping, drug use, prostitution, witchcraft, and murder are part of life for residents here. There is a "joke" that in Santa Fe there are more stores that sell plastic sheets and tombstones than anything else. Many of the children who come to the Jungle are neglected, abused, and/or used as child prostitutes to pay for their families rent. More to come on this topic...
Visa
I had to miss part of the school day on Friday in order to go to DAS to get my tourist visa extended. Luckily, the process went quite smoothly considering my past experiences with my visa. My visa allows me to stay in Colombia until November 20th even though I will be flying to Quito in two weeks in an attempt to apply for and receive a work visa. Please continue to keep this matter in your prayers. I will be working with the staff at ECA over the next week to compile all of my paper work and will then need lots of prayer as I am in Quito applying for my visa. I should not have any complications. However, I should not have had any problem receiving my visa in LA and we all know what happened there...
Christmas
As many of you already know, I will be coming back to California for Christmas. :)
Secondly, here is an update on just about EVERYTHING.
Church
I have been attending a church called VidaBogota. This is the church that meets at ECA. I visited this church the second week I was here and have now adopted it as my "home church". The head pastor lived in the US for many years and just returned to Colombia with his family two years ago with the intention of starting a church. He actually graduated from Biola (gasp). The service is in Spanish but the church has been finding ways to help transition the "Gringos" into the service. (There are about 4 other teachers that regularly attend this church as well.) The PowerPoints are now in Spanish and English and they have provided us with a translation of the Spanish worship songs so we can fully understand what we are singing. Currently, there are a handful of people who are willing to translate during the sermon as well. (I've been told the church is looking into providing headphone sets for those who want translation.) Since my 3rd or 4th week here, I made the decision to not have someone translate for me. The first few weeks were difficult but I have found that each week I am able to understand more and more of the sermon.
My roomates and I have joined a "young woman's" small group. We meet weekly to talk about life, read scripture, watch Numa videos, and pray. This has been another great source of Spanish practice.
Class
Teaching is going great as I have found my weekly rhythm and flow. However, I am now beginning to understand what everyone meant when they said that teaching was a 7 day a week job. Even if I am "caught up" on grading and lesson planning, there is always something I want to tweak, change, add, and/or improve.
Retreat
Two weeks ago, we had our staff and school board retreat weekend. We stayed at a place about 2 hours outside of Bogota. It was a beautiful camp/retreat where we spent time in professional development focused on working with and honoring those with different personality types than ours. It reminded me a lot of "Beginnings" and "Strengths" from freshman year at APU.
Jungle
Yesterday, I went with the 12th grade students to their ministry project. Each grade at ECA has a service project that students participate in one Saturday a month. 12th grade volunteers at "The Jungle", a place that is open to local children one Saturday a month to play, sing, listen to a Bible story, and make a craft. The Jungle is located in barrio Santa Fe. A neighborhood known for it's crime. Kidnapping, drug use, prostitution, witchcraft, and murder are part of life for residents here. There is a "joke" that in Santa Fe there are more stores that sell plastic sheets and tombstones than anything else. Many of the children who come to the Jungle are neglected, abused, and/or used as child prostitutes to pay for their families rent. More to come on this topic...
Visa
I had to miss part of the school day on Friday in order to go to DAS to get my tourist visa extended. Luckily, the process went quite smoothly considering my past experiences with my visa. My visa allows me to stay in Colombia until November 20th even though I will be flying to Quito in two weeks in an attempt to apply for and receive a work visa. Please continue to keep this matter in your prayers. I will be working with the staff at ECA over the next week to compile all of my paper work and will then need lots of prayer as I am in Quito applying for my visa. I should not have any complications. However, I should not have had any problem receiving my visa in LA and we all know what happened there...
Christmas
As many of you already know, I will be coming back to California for Christmas. :)
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Welcome to Colombia
I arrived in Bogotá on Sunday afternoon (July 31st) and was picked up at the airport by Judith, a mother of one of the students at ECA. We picked up lunch and drove to my apartment where I met one of my roommates Olga. Olga and a couple other new friends graciously ran around with me on Sunday evening to withdraw money, buy groceries, etc.
Monday morning began my crazy first week at ECA. My mornings were filled with meetings and my afternoons with lesson planning and preparing my classroom. (I love that I can say "my classroom"!!!) Each morning, my roommate and I walk about 10 minutes to where we are picked up by the "teacher van". We drive for about 15 minutes and are dropped off at school. Each evening there is a teacher van that leaves school at 4:15 and 5:15pm. (I have stayed until 5:15pm every evening except one) If teachers want to leave earlier or later than these two vans, we can take public buses which are easy to catch.
I live in a barrio (neighborhood) called Mirandela which consists of 12 different apartment complexes. We live right next to a park where people walk, run, play basketball and fútbol, walk their dogs, have picnics, etc. On the weekends in particular, the park is full of people enjoying themselves. August is known as the windy month in Bogotá so the park is full of people flying colorful kits. SO COOL!!! At the moment, our apartment is still very sparsely furnished. My bed came yesterday (I had been sleeping on an air mattress) and we finally got our washing machine hooked up. We are still waiting for internet and living room furniture but we may need to buy more than I initially expected.
I just finished my first week of teaching. I have an adorable class of second graders who are very friendly and talkative :). Preparing for school has kept me very busy and I come home every evening exhausted (I've heard this is a sign of a good teacher!) but I finally feel like I am getting comfortable with the curriculum and the school's inter-workings.
This coming Monday is a holiday (Colombians LOVE their Monday holidays!) which I will spend lesson planning and shopping for the apartment with the roomies. My second roommate, Lauren arrived this Wednesday and the three of have bonded really well already.
All is well so far in Bogotá. :)
Monday morning began my crazy first week at ECA. My mornings were filled with meetings and my afternoons with lesson planning and preparing my classroom. (I love that I can say "my classroom"!!!) Each morning, my roommate and I walk about 10 minutes to where we are picked up by the "teacher van". We drive for about 15 minutes and are dropped off at school. Each evening there is a teacher van that leaves school at 4:15 and 5:15pm. (I have stayed until 5:15pm every evening except one) If teachers want to leave earlier or later than these two vans, we can take public buses which are easy to catch.
I live in a barrio (neighborhood) called Mirandela which consists of 12 different apartment complexes. We live right next to a park where people walk, run, play basketball and fútbol, walk their dogs, have picnics, etc. On the weekends in particular, the park is full of people enjoying themselves. August is known as the windy month in Bogotá so the park is full of people flying colorful kits. SO COOL!!! At the moment, our apartment is still very sparsely furnished. My bed came yesterday (I had been sleeping on an air mattress) and we finally got our washing machine hooked up. We are still waiting for internet and living room furniture but we may need to buy more than I initially expected.
I just finished my first week of teaching. I have an adorable class of second graders who are very friendly and talkative :). Preparing for school has kept me very busy and I come home every evening exhausted (I've heard this is a sign of a good teacher!) but I finally feel like I am getting comfortable with the curriculum and the school's inter-workings.
This coming Monday is a holiday (Colombians LOVE their Monday holidays!) which I will spend lesson planning and shopping for the apartment with the roomies. My second roommate, Lauren arrived this Wednesday and the three of have bonded really well already.
All is well so far in Bogotá. :)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The Joy of Visas
Many have asked about my visa dilemma, so here is the rundown.
Before heading to the Colombian consulate in Beverly Hills, I tried to do my research ahead of time to make sure I had all of the necessary documents. I also wanted to make sure I went at the right time. Unfortunately, the website for the Colombian consulate in Los Angeles is only in Spanish. Even though I used Google to translate the page, I could not find any information about specific hours when visas were processed. I also attempted to call the consulate. Again, the phone menu was in Spanish and with my limited Spanish knowledge, I could not recognize anything that explained how to be connected to an actual person. (btw... I think automated telephone menus are the spawn of Satan.)
8:20am: I received the last document I needed for my visa on Tuesday and headed for the Colombain consulate on Wednesday morning. Thanks to LA traffic, we arrived in Beverly Hills in 2 hours.
10:20am: When I entered the consulate, the receptionist kindly explained to me that visas were only processed from 1:00-2:00pm. I politely asked if there was any way an exception could be made since I didn't live in the area and I had to be at work by 1:30pm. The receptionist called over a man whom we shall call Mr. Hair (it was obvious he spends too much time on his hair in the morning). Mr. Hair said, "I'm sorry, but the man that processes visas is not here until 1:00pm. You can come back then." Since there was nothing else I could do, I began frantically calling to find a substitute to watch my students until I could get to work.
11:00am: My father and sister (Molly) had graciously agreed to come along so we decided to get lunch at Pink's while we waited.
1:00pm: I walked back into the consulate and the receptionist called Mr. Hair back over to assist me. Mr. Hair said, "I can help you with your visa now." Wait. What? Yes, Mr. Hair didn't exactly tell me the truth. He asks to see all of my documents and begins scanning through them. When he is finished he explains that based on the wording used in my "Letter of Invitation" he cannot issue me a Temporary Work visa because I am not receiving a salary from the school....(this is where I had to remind myself that breathing is a necessary component to living). I began asking about other options. Mr. Hair explained that I could enter the country on a tourist visa and then apply for a work visa while in country once I got the "correct paper work" from ECA. This would mean changing the status of my visa while in country. After more discussion (and maybe a little bit of begging on my part), my dad asked if there was anyone else we could speak to in the consulate. "No, I'm the only person in this consulate that processes visas." says Mr. Liar, eh, I mean, Mr. Hair.
After many phone calls and emails back and forth with ECA, here is the plan.
I will fly into Colombia on a tourist visa. This visa will only allow me to stay in the country until October. There is a Fall break in October when I will fly to Quito, Ecuador for a week to apply for my Temporary Work visa again (It is illegal to change the status/type of visa while in country. Great suggestion, Mr. Hair). There is a family that I will stay with while in Quito that will be able to help me out with the process.
According to the director of ECA, all 17 new teachers this year had the exact same paperwork as me. I am the only one who was not issued a visa.
Prayer: The biggest frustration with this entire process is financial. I had to buy a plane ticket to Ecuador and back (about $400) which was an expense I had not budgeted for. Also, there is no guarantee that I will be issued the Temporary Work visa in Quito. There is always a chance that someone at the consulate there will not like the wording of my documents. However, apparently my situation is very rare and I will be taking multiple versions of the required documents with me.
Before heading to the Colombian consulate in Beverly Hills, I tried to do my research ahead of time to make sure I had all of the necessary documents. I also wanted to make sure I went at the right time. Unfortunately, the website for the Colombian consulate in Los Angeles is only in Spanish. Even though I used Google to translate the page, I could not find any information about specific hours when visas were processed. I also attempted to call the consulate. Again, the phone menu was in Spanish and with my limited Spanish knowledge, I could not recognize anything that explained how to be connected to an actual person. (btw... I think automated telephone menus are the spawn of Satan.)
8:20am: I received the last document I needed for my visa on Tuesday and headed for the Colombain consulate on Wednesday morning. Thanks to LA traffic, we arrived in Beverly Hills in 2 hours.
10:20am: When I entered the consulate, the receptionist kindly explained to me that visas were only processed from 1:00-2:00pm. I politely asked if there was any way an exception could be made since I didn't live in the area and I had to be at work by 1:30pm. The receptionist called over a man whom we shall call Mr. Hair (it was obvious he spends too much time on his hair in the morning). Mr. Hair said, "I'm sorry, but the man that processes visas is not here until 1:00pm. You can come back then." Since there was nothing else I could do, I began frantically calling to find a substitute to watch my students until I could get to work.
11:00am: My father and sister (Molly) had graciously agreed to come along so we decided to get lunch at Pink's while we waited.
1:00pm: I walked back into the consulate and the receptionist called Mr. Hair back over to assist me. Mr. Hair said, "I can help you with your visa now." Wait. What? Yes, Mr. Hair didn't exactly tell me the truth. He asks to see all of my documents and begins scanning through them. When he is finished he explains that based on the wording used in my "Letter of Invitation" he cannot issue me a Temporary Work visa because I am not receiving a salary from the school....(this is where I had to remind myself that breathing is a necessary component to living). I began asking about other options. Mr. Hair explained that I could enter the country on a tourist visa and then apply for a work visa while in country once I got the "correct paper work" from ECA. This would mean changing the status of my visa while in country. After more discussion (and maybe a little bit of begging on my part), my dad asked if there was anyone else we could speak to in the consulate. "No, I'm the only person in this consulate that processes visas." says Mr. Liar, eh, I mean, Mr. Hair.
After many phone calls and emails back and forth with ECA, here is the plan.
I will fly into Colombia on a tourist visa. This visa will only allow me to stay in the country until October. There is a Fall break in October when I will fly to Quito, Ecuador for a week to apply for my Temporary Work visa again (It is illegal to change the status/type of visa while in country. Great suggestion, Mr. Hair). There is a family that I will stay with while in Quito that will be able to help me out with the process.
According to the director of ECA, all 17 new teachers this year had the exact same paperwork as me. I am the only one who was not issued a visa.
Prayer: The biggest frustration with this entire process is financial. I had to buy a plane ticket to Ecuador and back (about $400) which was an expense I had not budgeted for. Also, there is no guarantee that I will be issued the Temporary Work visa in Quito. There is always a chance that someone at the consulate there will not like the wording of my documents. However, apparently my situation is very rare and I will be taking multiple versions of the required documents with me.
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