This month has been a great one so far. As a squad leader team we figured out a way to get to visit every team throughout the country of Panama. Not only has this been great since we get to see every member of the squad, but we get to travel all throughout the country.
We’ve already been in the mountains twice, and now are in a little beach town. What’s interesting about the next couple of days in this beach town is that I’ve been here before. I came to Las Lajas on month 3 (November 2013) of my Race, with this same contact the Kingdom Shakers are working with now. It’s been pretty cool to revisit a ministry site on the Race, but it’s also been fairly surreal.
Month 3 of my Race was pivotal for me. It was when the honeymoon phase of my Race ended, it was when my team (the BFF’s) learned how to really fight for each other, and it was a time when my true identity in Christ began to flourish. Like I said, pretty pivotal. But it was also a really fun month with Danny and Heather, our amazing contacts. People whom I truly came to love during my month in Panama. All-in-all, I remember this place fondly.
So here I am again. Two and a half years later, in a different phase of life. I’m leading a squad, rather than on the Race. I’m older, I’m wiser (in my opinion), and just overall different.
Today we went and painted the pastor’s home, which is something I did on my own Race. Same house. Same walls. Just different colors.
I gotta tell you, it was weird. I walked through and around the house and looked at different places where my team had conversations. Places where I had breakthroughs. Places where we painted the ceiling on accident (basically everywhere).
This room is where I put on the welder’s mask. This is where Ray and I painted the outside wall and laughed for 30 mins straight. This corner is where Claire told me about her spiritual gifts. This room is where Jessie gave me feedback that started me on a road to emotional maturity.
All the memories hit me like a truck.
But beyond that the town itself. This road is where Christina, Ray, and I went to the grocery store to figure out what the heck we were gonna cook. The river is where Daphnee, Kate, Claire, and I went and hung out one day. Also where Ray and I had a man day.
This beach is where Ray was baptized. Danny and Heather’s house is where we had Thanksgiving. This is the grocery store where we would always get snacks before heading up the mountain.
So many things happened here. It was such a full and fantastic month.
And now here I am again. Painting the same rooms with the Kingdom Shakers. Going to the same grocery store with Hayley. Going to the river with Alyssa, Nicole, Sara, and Hayley. Watching movies, hanging out, and doing the same things we did back on my Race.
I’ve talked many times about how far I’ve come and about how I’ve grown and whatever. But there is no better illustration or reminder to me than actually walking a road I’ve already traveled. Swinging back around to a place where my life changed for the better. A place where God met me on my journey, and I allowed Him to do His will for my life.
Now I’m here again. 2 and half years is not a very long time, but the amount of life I’ve lived in that span is mind blowing to me. The places I’ve been, the things I’ve seen, the people I’ve met. And here I am again. A totally different man than I was when I last traveled these roads.
Actually, I would venture to say that when I was here last I was more of a guy. A dude really. Not quite walking fully in manhood, but not a boy either. I think that as I walk these streets now I’m more of a man than I ever was back then.
In this way, I have truly enjoyed getting to spend time here for these few days. If nothing else it’s a fantastic reminder of who I was, who I am now, and where I’m going.
It’s never really fun to have to re-walk a road because you missed something.To try and figure out what you’re missing.
But, I’d say it’s pretty cool to re-walk a road already traveled. Just for the sake of seeing how you, and it, have changed.
Pictures: 1. The BFF’s from W squad up on the mountain meeting a monkey at church. 2. Nicole from A squad walking through the house we painted when I was there on my Race. 3. Kate from W squad taking pictures on the mountain of a local kid. 4. The kitchen of the house both A and W squads painted.
Guys! I only have $2,000 left to raise before I’m fully funded for my squad leading trip! Thank you so much! As I’ve said many times, none of this would be possible without you guys!! I have a little ways to go before I can go to all the debriefs for A squad, but I know with your support I can make it!
Interested? Here’s two ways how you can do it.
Either follow this link: https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=Seth%20Powell&appeal_id=POWELLSETH
Or mail a check made out to Adventures in Missions to this address. Also, make sure you put my name in the memo line so that it gets to me.
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
Thank you so much!!
