Inspirational Monday: Culture Hub

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

Tinto Tintero is a cultural hub in Medellin, Colombia. I was so impressed to hear how Dave, a former teacher has, with the help of his partner, Monica, started a business model that is not only financially successful but is also making their community a better place! They have found a way to merge their passion for art, culture, literature and music all within one location. Through their efforts, they are transforming their community by providing opportunities for culture and offering a diverse array of options for entertainment throughout the week. But it is not only culture they are offering but also a public space devoted to building a strong sense of community.

Unexpected Courage

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

Squat toilet

Courage can take many shapes and forms. For me it did not take too much courage to go down class 5 rapids on the Nile River, it also did not take a lot of courage to record a song with Rwandan musicians or to start up conversations with people that I had never met. Instead what took the most courage for me in the last couple of weeks was going to the bathroom! Continue reading →

Inspirational Monday: Love Cafe – Cafe Converso

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

Well after spending the whole day trying to upload the Inspirational Monday I can relate to Thomas Edison when he said “ I have not failed. I’ve just found 10000 ways that won’t work.” I found it hard today to keep pressing on but I believe that this story is so important and I want to others to see how doing something so simple like smiling or being welcoming can make the world a better place. After doing this all day though, I am very excited to leave the hostel and go in search of something with lots of chocolate! Andres and Diana, the owners of Cafe Converso, declared themselves my first friends in Bogota and they may never know how much that meant to me. They helped me to feel welcome and loved when I was wondering if I was doing the right thing. I will be forever grateful to them for helping me to remember why I am doing this and for reminding me of what I know to be true -- there are good people everywhere, we just have to be brave enough to seek them out! Today is family day back home. My mom prayed for me before I left that I would find family everywhere I went and I believe I have found it here in Colombia.