This morning Seth got a call that he needed to report to the Embassy immediately because there had been a plane crash. He rushed out the door as quickly as he could. When he arrived at the embassy a motorpool van was waiting to take him to the military hospital where he spent the day assisting the victims of this morning’s crash. Seth was their family today. He translated for them, called their families to tell them they were alive, made sure they had everything they needed and were resting comfortably. Their injuries are ranging from very severe to minimal. If you read our blog that probably means you know us, and thus know Seth. He is about the friendliest face you will ever meet! You never have to wonder if he cares, he does!  So even though today was “just doing his job”, he did it like no one else could. I was worried about him all day but so comforted for the victims and their families that they had Seth as their advocate. He is on his way home after a long day! Who knows what tomorrow will bring. You can pray for him as he launches back into work after an unusual day. And pray for the victims and their families as they try to process these horrible events.

If you check out the CNN website you can see pictures of the plane. It is amazing that these people lived through it!!!

Well, there is something about being in the states where it is hot and summery for the 4th. It just feels like the 4th if you know what I mean. Watermelon, dripping ice cream, hamburgers…. it might not have been quite the same but we celebrated here in Colombia as well! We had our first embassy 4th today. It was as American as you can get minus the weather. All of the US companies provided food- TGI Friday’s, McDonald’s, Budweiser, KFC, Hard Rock and then some. We also had a fantastic fireworks show. The best part was that it was all free. It was Jackson’s debut and he was showing off his scar all evening. The community welcomed us back with lots of hugs and questions about Jackson.

Here are a few shots from the day. In addition to going to the party tonight we had a family outing to a pretty park near our apt. I added a few random shots from that too.

So big…standing up

In front of a helicopter used for anti-narcotics. Jackson wasn’t as excited as daddy!

Our little family

Plug your ears…these fuegos artificiales are closer than we thought!

“Little Firecracker”

Meeting Daddy at the airport!!!

Opening presents at ealry birthday party

Monkey cake…banana cake with chocolate frosting

“All this for me? And it isn’t even my real birthday yet??”

Not so sure about this sugar stuff! Maybe mom was right to keep me away from it!

It’s not so bad once you get messy!

Today is a historic day in Colombian and American history.  As you’ve probably seen in the news, 3 American hostages who worked for the embassy were rescued from the FARC (a Colombian terrorist group) by the Colombian military.  The hostages were currently the longest held Americans in captivity in the world, over 5 years.  Every American delegation to Colombia raised the issue with the government, emphasizing our desire for them to be freed.  The Colombians always stated that they were doing their best.

The rescue was announced to the embassy via intercom.  A marine said that the Colombians had rescued the Americans and that they were alive.  Everyone clapped and had a look of shock on their faces.  I think most of thought the day would never come.

I called Kristen and she immediately turned on the TV and watched the news with Sonia and Jackson.

The Colombians were ecstatic and proud of their country, as they should be.

In the embassy there is a small table with the picture of the 3 hostages, along with some symbolic items.  Since their capture, there have been a dozen yellow roses next to their pictures.  After hearing of the news I went by the table, and in addition to the other symbols, there was a celebratory can of beer next to each picture and a verse from the Bible taped to the table.  The Scripture was from Exodus where Moses tells Pharoah, “Let my people go so that they may worship me.”  In February at the 5th anniversary of their capture, the ambassador gave a speech, and he quoted that verse.  It was nice to see it fulfilled, in a way.

The embassy was already planning a huge 4th of July bash at the embassy.  This Indepedence Day will be extra special for our embassy community.