Palmira, Colombia (July 2024) - Service Trip Recap
Dates: July 27 - August 4, 2024
Location: Palmira, Colombia
A dream that started with a vision trip in 2023 became a reality as we sent our FIRST team to Colombia! In just 8 days our team served in many ways alongside our newest international partners. Their week included: English lessons, arts & crafts, sports, distributing meals and clothes, church services & worship, dance class, fun excursions, and of course - delicious food!
It was a great way to wrap up this 2023-2024 Service Season and get excited for what is to come next season!
Read all about our first team to Colombia below! ⬇️
Day 1
Part of the team arrived in Palmira and was greeted by our Colombia hosts! ✈️🇨🇴
After checking in at the finca, the team got to know the cook through a round of questions while enjoying some of her delicious empanadas, mora (blackberry) juice, and pineapple! 🥐🍍
Next, they sorted donations, rested, and went out to dinner where they met their partner pastors who helped coordinate the service projects for the week. 🧳🍽
Day 2
The day started with church service as the team helped out with the kids service. Lida and Mario led a story and coloring activity which the kids really enjoyed! 📖🖍️
After a typical Colombian lunch with yummy Lulo juice, the team went into an underserved community to lead soccer drills & games and chalk activities for the kids while the parents and families were able to hear a message from one of our partner pastors. ⚽🎤
In the evening, the team was finally complete with the arrival of Marcelino and Marissa! 🤗
Day 3
The team began the day serving at a local school with English and sports classes. 📖👟
After a delicious arroz con pollo with maracuyá juice for lunch, the team welcomed kids and families into the finca to have a play day with various activities such as English class, soccer games, bubbles, jump rope, and chalk! ✨
The day ended with pizza and an in-depth introduction of our partner organization, the finca, and its history. 🏡
Day 4
In the morning, the team visited another school of about 70 kids to lead sports and English classes! They donated school pouches to each student and teacher. 📚🎒
The team spent the afternoon in debrief, reflection, and donation sorting. Later, the team visited a church in a neighboring community and shared some time with the children. ⛪
They were expecting 10 kids, but it quickly grew to around 40 with very limited space! The team adapted well and were able to bond with their small groups. Some met inside and others outside on the street! 🙏
Day 5
Today was the team's excursion day to Colombia's Parque Del Café! The team really enjoyed this experience which included learning about coffee, seeing performances about Colombian culture, dancing, enjoying roller coasters, walking in nature, and eating delicious foods! ☕🎢😋💃🕺🇨🇴🌳🎋
Having the excursion mid week allowed for Saturday to be another service day in the community! 💙
Day 6
The team served in two schools this morning. They supported a total of 540 kids! 🏫✨
The elementary and high school kids enjoyed our team's visit with interactive activities and a powerful message that was shared by our partner pastor! 🙌💙
After lunch, the team went into a neighborhood to lead sports activities with the kids and play an anticipated USA vs Colombia soccer game. (USA won 4-1!) 🇺🇸⚽️🇨🇴
The team ended the day with a night swimming pool party at the finca! 🏊♀️🌙
Day 7
The day started with breakfast at a beautiful place in the mountains with lots of games and activities! ⛰️
Then, the team took a dance class which covered Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia! Fun Fact: Cali, the neighboring city, is known as the Salsa capital of the world!💃🕺
After getting some souvenirs and touring the main plaza in Palmira, the team served at a daycare and took the children to a nearby park for some fun! ⛪
The day ended with a Friday evening church service at Relive Church and leading Bible story time with the kids! 🙏🖍️
Day 8
The team's last day started with bringing resources to an underserved community that has been experiencing hardships since the start of the pandemic. They took lots of clothes and shoes for the families. Thank you to those that donated to make this possible! 👗👟👕
The team also passed out lunch, snacks, lollipops with Bible verses, and led activities for the kids while our partners shared a message about God's love with everyone. 🍛🙏
Later, they explored Cali, Colombia's third largest city! They practiced their new dance moves at dinner before flying out in the evening. 🌆✈️
We're very thankful for our trip participants and our partner churches and organizations on the ground as they help us set the tone for future service trips to Colombia. Stay tuned for our 2024-2025 Service Trip dates later this Fall! 📆
We are very grateful for HFK’s expansion to serve in Colombia and are thankful for this first team and the collaboration with our local partners that paved the way for future teams!
Thank you to all our team participants, donors, and supporters this 2023-2024 Service Season! Make sure to check out recaps from all our trips here.
