Our final month in Colombia has been filled with intentional moments: soaking up time with dear friends, showing visiting cousins around La Mesa and Bogotá, wrapping up our teaching roles, selling and giving away our belongings, and preparing for our return to the U.S.
We return to the U.S. as the same people who left Kansas yet profoundly changed. This year deepened our faith, expanded our perspective, strengthened our family, and taught us to trust God in new ways. While we felt clear and peaceful about coming to Colombia, the road ahead feels less certain as we transition back. We are trusting God for jobs and a smooth re-entry for our whole family.
Looking back, our expectations were not only met but exceeded. We experienced remarkable hospitality, witnessed God’s surprising provision, built lasting friendships, grew in character, and watched our children thrive. We even gained new language skills—though we’ve learned that fluency is a lifelong journey rather than a final destination.
Photo by Laura Sharp.
Provision for our needs
Friends in Kansas generously managed our home as an Airbnb while we were away. That extra income allowed us to keep our U.S. health insurance and continue critical medication that can only be prescribed stateside. Other friends and acquaintances also carried medication to us from the U.S. throughout the year — true answers to prayer.
Divine living arrangements
Our original housing plans in La Mesa fell through, but God provided the perfect place — the apartment above the pastors of the La Mesa church. The two-block walk to school and church opened the door to beautiful relationships, including a woman battling alcohol addiction and a father from Jesse’s soccer team who is in recovery and passionate about helping others. Given Laura’s background in addictions work, these friendships have felt like clear divine appointments. We’ve been able to connect the two, and one is now walking alongside the other on their recovery journey.
A family away from home
God surrounded us with an incredible support network. Ruth became our cultural guide; her sister Sarah, our frequent medical advisor; and their sister Esther included us in family holidays. Our pastors offered constant love, counsel and practical help. Friends from church and Colegio Americano Menno embraced us as true family. These deep relationships have been the greatest treasure of this year.
Growth in our children
Brielle adjusted quickly, making friends everywhere with her outgoing nature. Jesse needed nearly ten months to gain confidence, but the last two months have been remarkable. So many people have commented on how talkative and affectionate he has become. Watching him walk straight up to kids to play soccer or ask them to join him has been one of our greatest joys.
An unexpected health discovery
The warm climate, constant walking, and frequent hugs acted as a diagnostic tool for a condition Laura had lived with for years but never fully understood: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Local friends noticed her unusually cold skin after sweating and brought it to her attention. Symptoms like dizziness upon standing and heat intolerance became much more noticeable here, leading to greater understanding of her condition.
What we’ll miss
We will miss so much about life in Colombia:
- The tranquilo pace of life — where relationships matter more than productivity.
- The many joyful holidays (19 in 2026!) celebrated with street parties, dancing, food, and fireworks.
- Delicious food: chicken empanadas with ají, tropical waffles, arequipe, giant avocados, fresh mangos, ajiaco soup, and plantain chips.
- Warm greetings from strangers, colorful homes, vibrant murals, and music spilling into the streets.
- The “it takes a village” culture that makes La Mesa feel so safe and welcoming.
- Genuine hospitality — invitations always include generous food, drink and care.
- The breathtaking Andes Mountains never fail to inspire awe.
Despedidas (Farewells)
We’ve had many meaningful goodbyes: our final community English class (complete with favorite treats), an emotional last day at Colegio Americano Menno filled with dancing and gift exchanges, and a special farewell Sancocho lunch in the pastors’ backyard. Each one reminded us how deeply we’ve been loved here.
As we leave dear friends in Colombia and head toward dear friends in Kansas, we carry the same core calling: trust God, love our children, and continue growing in a changing world. We are grateful for everyone who has walked alongside us — through prayers, gifts, encouragement, and friendship.
Thank you, God, for your constant provision and unfailing love. We hold onto this promise as we step into the next season:
“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:26-28 NIV
