We did it!
manuelita otero
Community is amazing! We just got back from our Bogotá Experience and that’s the only way I can describe it. We are coming back with our hearts full and so much excitement for what goes on during these trips, the friendships that form and the many memories that we all create. At this moment I am feeling so many different emotions that I need to take some time to pause, savour, and fully appreciate them.
This was the first time Ana and I, along with My Closet Etc were able to host a workshop together. Our Know Yourself, Love Yourself theme was a beautiful way to get to know ourselves even more and to celebrate how wonderful we are. We wanted our guests to feel treasured, to take a pause in their busy lives and spend time on their own and remember how amazing they are. The workshop was accompanied by calligraphy lessons from Catalina, who shared with us her talent and experiences and hosted by Ana Maria and Miguel from De Tal Madre who made everything beautiful and delicious.
I am always happily surprised at how things turn out, how the “perfect” plan always changes and turns out to be better than expected and how God brings together the best people and takes care of every detail. I love so many things about our travel experiences, but my favorite part is getting to know the people who attend. The first lunch is the best, when we go around the table describing ourselves without realizing that sooner rather than later we will know more about each other in five days than what some of our friends back home know about us. It makes no sense, how can strangers get so close so fast? It may be the country, the attitude, the places we visit, all I know is that it’s a beautiful reminder of the power of community and how we build each other up.
The women in this group are beautiful inside and out. They are strong, independent, intelligent, talented, creative, wise… There are so many ways to describe them. I admire each of them. I could go on and on about our trip, the fun things we did, the shared memories, the hand holding in special moments, the way each woman touched our hearts to the point that I still get teared up thinking about it. But instead I will like to write a few of the many things I was reminded of during this trip:
-Working with women is amazing. I already knew that, but I had to say it again.
-Being vulnerable is a beautiful way to connect.
-Share your story, someone needs to hear it.
-Museums are spaces where creativity stirs. Note to self: spend more time at museums.
-It is possible to make real friendships in just a few days when you are open to it.
-Age doesn’t matter.
-It’s never too late to restart, reignite, and recreate your life.
-The best plan is the one that wasn’t planned.
-Flexible people are the best.
-We don’t mind being princesses, we just don’t want people to assume we need a prince to save us.
-Honesty is a beautiful thing.
-Young people are so cool.
-What you are doing matters.
To the women who attended I want to say: “Thank you!” You can’t imagine what it means to us to have the privilege to get to know you and share with you a couple of days in our country. You inspire us and fill us with joy. To our team: Ana Cuellar with the support of Manu, De Tal Madre, Catalina, Edilson, the team at Casona de Usaquen, and all the people who in one way or another made this possible, thank you for making such a beautiful impression on our guests and to you, our readers, remember how precious you are and how much we love you.
Manuelita
Check out these blogs written by the amazing Jhazzmyn Joiner who attended our Bogotá Experience