I learnt to move from self-pity to joy from people who had so little to give.
One of my dreams came true during Advent 1999 when I was living in Bogotá. Bogotá is the capital city of Colombia. Situated at around 2,700 metres above sea level, it is the third highest capital in South America. Our community was on top of one of the mountains called La Peña which surrounded the city. Ours was the last house; behind us was pure evergreen forest. Bogotá has a significant rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature is about 14ºC; it never gets hot.
Little Josecito with his donkey
One of the Colombian traditions during Advent is the praying of the Christmas Novena. People gather in the main square of their neighbourhoods every night starting on December 16. Together they pray and sing traditional Christmas carols and then drink hot chocolate with buñuelos—deep fried balls of dough and cheese.
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