Hola from the Mountains of Panama!

Picture mountains and valleys with many trees, but not only rainforest trees but also pine trees. These mountains and valleys were covered with bright green trees and plants. Off into the distance you could see huts and wooden homes and almost always you could see clouds cover the far mountains. You could hear the water flowing from a nearby stream and hear the birds chirping in the trees. It rained everyday on that mountain top and I love rain. Gosh, the view was breathtaking. I’ve missed being in the mountains and breathing in the fresh cool air, the warm and rich feeling that shouts life.

Not only was there a beautiful view, but beautiful Indigenous people called the Ngäbe, one of the seven indigenous tribes in Panama.

The first week of ministry in Panama we were told we would be on a mountain top with Indigenous people. You betcha I was excited! That was something I hoped for. The Lord heard my prayer and it’s funny how the Lord works because we weren’t supposed to be in Panama this month, but it happened in God’s plan. (Lol, slowly making it up to my own people while we travel (Navajo).)

The Ngäbe people were so welcoming, kind and hospitable. It’s so cool to see and be with other Indigenous people. I see similarities within their tribe and others I’ve seen in the states. The Ngäbe spoke their own language plus a bit of Spanish. As someone who doesn’t speak either it was difficult for me to speak to them, but smiles and laughter are languages of their own. So many smiles and a lot of laughter was shared between our groups.

On top of the mountain was a YWAM base and while we were there, they held a DTS (discipleship training school) for the locals. There the students learn so much and still keep close to their people and culture. The few days we were up on the mountain we were able to pray for the locals we met around the village and help build part of a rock wall for a house. One man we met was one of the originals who started the village and it was named after his family. He was a believer and told us that it was the Lord’s plan for us to meet. So amazing!

I’m amazed at the Lord’s beauty in creation. Creation of people, creation of trees, creation of mountains, creation of clouds, creation of purpose, and creation of language (I’ve been able to share my own language and introduce myself in Navajo to others, I love it!).

Here are pictures of the people and mountains: