Month 5 in a Nutshell

Our ministry this month had us scheduled to work at a school, cooking meals for children all month. Well, that didn’t happen. But I can tell you all that has been happening here in little Caisán, Chiriqui, Panama…

[beautiful views and rainbows]

Ministry looks different every day here at Manos de Fe. As I am typing this I am realizing a pattern and remembering writing that same sentence several other times throughout this year. But it is a good, and exciting truth. Every day is an adventure.

We live with a sweet couple at a ministry site called Manos de Fe. The purpose of Manos de Fe is ultimately to run an orphanage. They have three little houses that have been ready to accept children for over two years. Unfortunately, the government has yet to go over their papers, and so the waiting process continues. Libertadoras has been actively praying for this to change. Not only are these little houses ready for children, but there are six women from the community who are waiting to be hired as Tias (Aunts/caregivers) for these orphans. We are praying for doors to be opened so that the children can come!

We have had the privilege of attending, and sharing, at four different churches. We were asked to participate in youth group Sunday school, share the Word with the congregation, and sing songs. We also painted windows, and tour down a stage.

We have also had the opportunity to work with a local kindergarten. We painted a (pretty snazzy, if I don’t say so myself) mural outside their school, and we were also invited to teach english classes and help the children with their various studies. Plus, we got to play games and sing songs!

And, we have helped with this ministry’s feeding program. We packed bags with food, dish soap, and toilet paper, and headed out into Caisán and the neighboring communities (and, one day, deep into the mountains) to deliver the items to families who need it. We talked with them for a short bit, prayed with them, and then went off to the next home. I really enjoyed getting to meet these families and get a glimpse of the way they live life. I wish I could stay longer and get to know them better.

It’s so hard to summarize a full month in a few short paragraphs. This month has been the “shortest” month so far, and while I am looking forward to living in Colombia next month, Panama will be surely missed. We have 3 days left of ministry here and you can bet I will be soaking up each day!

[hay muchas frutas y flores y animales bebes en Panama!]

 

Every day I remember my supporters, and I become more and more thankful for you. Without YOU I would not be here. Words cannot express this grateful heart. <3

 

Photo creds: Betsy Swann, Ashley Thaggard, Katrina Nixon, and me 🙂