Today was the big day! We left by bus early in the morning to reach the Alpes de Sevilla school in Galapa, Colombia. When we arrived, it was steaming hot! We saw all of the children, and got a tour of the school. It looked nothing like the school that I attend. Even though the school didn’t have as much in the classrooms as my school, all of the students seemed happy. After the tour, we met some of the students and their families, and then took our seats under a tent to watch students perform their country’s traditional dances. After the dances and some speeches, it was time to give away bicycles to 69 students. I gave away bikes to a couple of students, and so did my family and others involved in World Bicycle Relief. Then, after some of the students received their new Buffalo Bicycles (and tools, helmet and water bottle for each bicycle), we met a special girl named Maria Angel who, with her father riding her new bicycle, and her on the back of it, showed us the 4 km route to her home. We all rode bicycles together with her. It was a long journey to her home, and I was surprised that she had to walk it every day (1 hour walk each way). When we arrived at her home, Maria showed me her two room home (shared with 9 people). The home did not look like any home I’ve ever seen. Maria showed me her room (PS — it was beautiful). I met her little niece, aunt and grandma, and before we left, I gave her a Chicago Fire soccer shirt to give her a souvenir from our home. I was so pleased to meet Maria. Today was great!
Harper Builds Bikes In Colombia 