Then There Are the Things We Fear

Then there are the things we fear

Before I came to Colombia I heard a lot of horrible stories about violence here. Barranquilla is supposed to be less violent than other big cities, and the whole country has improved since 2005. I haven’t had any problems here. I have remained blissfully apart from the sketchiness that exists here, but it is here. I have taken a cab through some really depressing and scary looking neighborhoods, where I’m sure there is a lot of crime, but that’s been roughly the extent of it. The thing is recently I have heard some not so pleasant news that is a bit closer to home.

This week at school we are having a mass for the sister of someone who works at our school. She was shot because someone tried to take her bag and she resisted. Apparently there was a lot of traffic Wednesday because someone was shot in a drug deal. The person who makes photocopies at our school and who rides his bike to school everyday, was mugged and his bike was stolen. The prevalence of drug money is around. Corruption does exist. The armed security guards everywhere are not there in vain.

I know that violence is all over the world and that the items mentioned above could happen anywhere. I know that it is pointless to worry about things that I can do nothing about. I have not been a part of or witness to any violence in Colombia gracias a Dios. I’ll do what I can to keep it that way.

“We live in a violent society, weirdos all around, get them before they get you.” – Stella from 'Foul Play'. My way to get them is to remain out of harm’s way.