Day 1-Where My Feet Are

Written by Reese Rodriguez

Hola!

Enoch and I somehow got 16 college students to another country. Still processing that. Truly only by the grace of God. We have such a unique team. So many different personalities, but we balance each other out really well. It’s been refreshing to serve alongside them. Even before we left, our time together was full of laughter, jokes, and real connection. I’m grateful for that.

Landing in Cartagena was a whirlwind. We stood in a two hour immigration line and were exhausted by the time we got to the hotel. But the people here? So kind. Some even welcomed us with little gifts like deditos de queso. That stuck with me.

Driving to the hotel, I had a weird mix of emotions. I didn’t expect Cartagena to look the way it does. It’s developed, busy, and touristy, but spiritually it felt heavy. Like there’s something darker just beneath the surface. It made me want to understand more. To learn about what life is like here beyond what we see. That first night, I had doubts. Can I actually lead this team well? Will I fall short? But even with all those questions in my head, the moment we stepped into Calvary Chapel, I felt peace. Not something I created, but something God gave me.

We went to the young adults group at Calvary and it was such a good time. Brooke and Trace shared their testimonies and they were raw and honest. You could tell God was moving. People weren’t just listening, they were taking it in. Also, pickleball really does bring everyone together. I stand by that.

I’m thankful to be here. To serve a God who stays steady even when I don’t. To serve a WORTHY God. I don’t have all the answers, and I definitely don’t always feel confident. God please shape me through this. Please soften my heart, convict me where I need it, and help me stay present.

I want to reflect Him in how I lead, how I love people, and in what I say. Not because I need to prove anything, but because He deserves it. I want to stay grounded. If all I do this week is sit at His feet and lead from that place, then that is enough.