Hello all,
As you may know, or will find out soon after this comma, I have been given a wonderful opportunity to travel to Colombia to work with an organization called Formando Vidas; a faith-based organization that attempts to undo the years of physical, psychological, and educational neglect that have been suffered by the thousands of orphaned children that roam the streets of Bogota, the capital city. I will be volunteering for up to 2 years, serving in a number of capacities ranging from teacher to case worker to live-in house facilitator. Colombia has the third highest rate of displaced peoples in the world, which means that this small organization and I have our work cut out for us.
Things are running along smoothly, with a few exceptions. First, it is proving somewhat difficult to even get inside the country. State based bureaucracy is notoriously slow, and the added strain of having to cut through red tape in two languages makes this a somewhat frustrating process. However, things are moving along and it looks like it will all be settled within the month.
Secondly, I guess that a long time ago, Colombia adopted a system of regulated currency exchange, and now they want you to pay for things. News to me, but the fact remains, living ain’t cheap. Well…in a way it is. Adding up the costs of food, shelter, public transportation, medical insurance etc. My cost of living comes out to be somewhere around $8.20 a day (that’s $250 a month). I know what you’re thinking, not bad, right? Well here’s the catch, I am doing this on a volunteer basis, and so I won’t be earning a dime. I have some savings, some leftover graduation money, and my gracious parents are willing to help as well, but I just don’t have enough to cover both plane trips and all of my months down there.
This is where you come in. I realize that many of those who are reading this journal are fresh out of college, just like myself, and just as unemployed and dependant as I am. If that is the case, no sweat, but if you do have a few bucks to spare, and you think that this endeavor is worthwhile I would greatly appreciate your help, even if it means covering one day, every little bit is appreciated. My family has set up a special account through Chase bank, and since I won’t be around to endorse any checks, if you could make those out to Jeanne or Jimmy Mowry and send them to:
4727 Kensington Ct.
Arlington, TX 76016
I will be keeping records of all of my funds received and expended, so you can know if I got you check, and how the money is being used.
On top of all of that, this will serve as the official travel journal of my adventure down here in Colombia, and I will post my activities as frequently as possible, so check back often.
Thanks and God Bless,
Tyler Mowry
