Jack Barlow, the eldest son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow, embarked on a two-year Mormon mission to Colombia with high hopes of spreading his faith and immersing himself in a new culture. However, his journey has been anything but smooth, leaving fans wondering: What really happened to Jack in Colombia?
Jack’s mission took a troubling turn when he fell ill with a mysterious condition. While Lisa has kept the specifics of his illness private, she described it as concerning enough to consider bringing him home. Thankfully, Jack recovered quickly and resumed his activities, enjoying Colombia’s vibrant culture and cuisine.
But just as his health seemed to stabilize, another unexpected complication arose. This time, it was serious enough for Jack to temporarily return home to Utah.
Speaking on the RHOSLC After Show, Lisa revealed that the decision to bring Jack home was not easy. “He had something else happen… We’re like, ‘You need to come home,’” she explained. But Jack, determined not to abandon his mission, insisted on having a written guarantee that he could return to Colombia after his recovery.
Jack’s firm stance led to a Zoom meeting with his mission president and church officials. He made it clear that he would only come home if his return to Colombia was assured. “He said, ‘I won’t go home unless you put it in writing that I can come back,’” Lisa shared.
During his three weeks at home, Jack focused on regaining his health. He also brought Colombian gifts for his family, showing his deep affection for the country. Despite the challenges, he expressed a strong desire to return to Colombia and continue his mission.
Lisa noted how much Jack had grown during his time in Colombia. “He’s obsessed with everything about the country—the people, the culture, the church, and of course, the food,” she said.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jack’s mission is the people he’s encountered. According to Lisa, Jack has been working with individuals seeking redemption, including former members of Colombia’s infamous cartels.
“Mom, it’s so crazy cool how people want redemption,” Jack reportedly told Lisa. His work has brought him face-to-face with stories of transformation and hope, further deepening his commitment to his mission.
After recovering and returning to Colombia, Jack resumed his position as Assistant to the President of the mission. His role involves leadership responsibilities, service, and extensive travel across Colombia on small planes.
Lisa proudly shared that Jack is thriving despite the initial setbacks. “He loves it,” she said. “Now that his health has been cleared, he’s flying all over [Colombia] for zone conferences, education, and service.”
While Lisa and Jack have shared parts of his journey, many fans are left wondering about the full extent of his health challenges. Was it a tropical illness, or did other factors come into play? And how has his work with former cartel members impacted his perspective on life and faith?
Jack’s time in Colombia is drawing to a close, but his story is far from over. As viewers continue to follow the Barlows on RHOSLC, one thing is clear: Jack’s mission has been a transformative experience, filled with trials, triumphs, and a deep appreciation for the power of redemption.
The mystery of Jack Barlow’s health scare and his determination to continue his mission in Colombia has captivated fans of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. His resilience and dedication are a testament to his character and the impact of his faith. As his journey unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other stories Jack will bring back from his extraordinary time in South America.