Musings from Medellin: Volume 4

In the fall of 2020, I was doing some facilitation work for a network of high-performing public school leaders. One of them said something that really helped me put my performance in the midst of the pandemic in perspective. 

He said that as leaders, they were used to getting an A+. However, because of the pandemic, they had to deal with new challenges like hybrid learning, adding more buses that would allow students to sit further apart, and delivering food to students who sometimes had their only meals at school. 

Bottom line, he explained, "I decided that I need to make peace with getting a B- right now."

I have thought about that so many times since then.

So, what does that have to do with me being in Medellín?

I chose January to come here because in the beginning of the year business is slow as people are settling in following the holidays. Now, as we're nearing the end of the month, business is picking up, which is great!

That said, I am getting a B- at best in Spanish class right now. In addition to running my business, I am learning to navigate a new country, speaking Spanish all day, going on incredible, but also physically demanding outings, and being super hot all. damn. day. At the end of it all, the last thing I feel like doing is Spanish homework.

In retrospect, I didn't really need to take Spanish classes here. They will better serve me when I return home.

But, I have made peace with my B- and and it's all good! 

What do you need to get a B- (or less) in right now? Hit reply and tell me; I really want to know!

Now, let's get to the fun stuff. I cannot believe how many cool things I've experienced since my last blog.

First off, because the center of Medellín is in a valley, when you drive out of town in any direction, you get stunning views. Above is a view from the coffee farm, La Casa Grande, that I visited on Saturday.

Speaking of coffee, did you know that the effects of coffee were discovered when an Ethiopian goat herder noticed his goats acting extra hyped one day? He started watching closely what they ate and noticed them eating the red coffee berry. 

Mind blown!

The coffee farm visit, which included harvesting berries and a coffee tasting, was a surprising highlight of my trip so far. 

Last Friday I got to meet some really sweet kids in Communa 13, a formerly notorious barrio in Medellin. We hung out, played, danced and did a language exchange. 

I had a great connection with this cutie pie who was very confident and proud of her English skills. I feel like it shows in the way she holds her head. 

Our host, having suffered greatly from poverty, horrific abuse, being orphaned and living on the street at the age of eleven, wanted to create an organization that would keep other children from experiencing what she went through.  

Eighteen years ago she founded Sembrando Paz y Esperenza en las Communas which serves 400 students daily on very few resources. 

I was so inspired by her story and the visit that I decided to donate to the organization. To learn more and donate if so moved, click here. 

As I was leaving Comuna 13, I started jamming to the music coming out of someone's house. Out of nowhere, a woman came up and started dancing with me. I was thrilled when I learned that a member of my group captured it on video which you can watch here. 

Last, but not least, last week I had a piece of tres leches cake, which I usually don't like, that changed my life. The filling was almost as light as whipped cream and it was topped with toasted, grated almonds. I will definitely be going back for more!