Maaaaaade it! 7 days in Panama. Half of me feels like we’ve been here for a month and it’s already home, and the other half feels like we just stepped off the plane. Our home is nestled in the mountains of Chiriqui, and every morning when I walk outside I’m greeted with the cool air and unbelievable view of the volcano across the street. Yes, a volcano.
It’s sort of mind blowing how much Jesus can move, teach, and stir in my heart in a short amount of time. Learning to live in constant community, while discovering my identity in Him has proved to be challenging, but even more life giving. Learning to fear less and trust more, to choose love and joy even in hard or uncomfortable circumstances. What a time this week has been!
This first week we’ve played with children from the local community, danced and sang at an orphanage and a nursing home, had a morning filled with meeting people at their homes praying and giving away Bibles. It’s been a whirlwind of fun, and heart wrenching moments all at once. In the midst of this, what has completely shook me is how Jesus perfectly crafted my team of girls I will be doing life with over the next 11 months.
Meet Amanda, Amber, Katie, Ali, Taylor, Mary, and Lindsey! I will be living with, traveling with, doing ministry with, and experiencing all of the adventures with this group of beautiful girls! We’ve laughed until we cried, we’ve cried cried, we’ve put our hearts on the table, we’ve chased waterfalls, loved hard & prayed harder. Each one of these precious humans has a story and it’s ridiculously obvious that Jesus hand picked each of us to journey together. Even though we’ve only known each other for a short time they’ve already taught me that there is freedom in vulnerability, beauty in the brokenness, and power in unity. I know Jesus has many lessons in store for us and I am beyond thankful for them during this season.
We’re in Panama for 2 1/2 more weeks and I’m stoked to see how Jesus is going to continue to rock my world. Thanks for reading and being part of this crazy ride!
