Every week we visit a school in a nearby community. Each week the task is different, consisting of cleaning, picking up trash, painting, etc. On Saturdays we rally the kids and perform a Bible Story drama, bring crafts, and play games upon games. Every week we are greeted with the brightest smiles, full-of-life giggles, and the best hugs. We laugh our way through our Bible Story acting, sing songs in Spanish, and dance our hearts out.
On Tuesdays we conduct Bible Distribution in a town called Dolega. Amber, Lindsey, Mary, Amanda, and myself meet people in their homes and ask if they would like us to pray for them. I have been surprised by how welcoming people are to us, and the acceptance of prayer and Bibles. Along the way we met a elderly lady named Berta, who invited us into her home and immediately starting telling us about her life. She told us stories of her childhood, her family that lives next door, and started tearing up when she spoke about all the people she’s lost in her life. She explained to us that she can no longer walk to church because she fell and hurt her knee. With tears in her eyes, she pointed to a painting hung up in her home, and said Jesus is her invisible friend; even though she can’t see Him, she knows He is always there. After about an hour of sitting and talking we decided to sing a few songs and pray with her. Before we left Berta thanked us and told us she was sorry she didn’t have a meal for us, but would cook for us next time. She will never know the impact she had on me; her unfailing faith, her giving heart, and indescribable strength is truly inspiring and her presence is a gift from the Lord.
As Americans we often view mission trips as visiting under developed nations and spreading the gospel to people who have never heard the name Jesus before. We envision poor living conditions, poverty stricken communities, and are expectant to experience overwhelming feelings of sadness. In my first month of the race I have laughed until I cried, I’ve sang and danced with so much freedom and joy, and seen some of the most beautiful countryside. Jesus has shown me so much light and love through every person I’ve met in Panama. He’s shown me he doesn’t need me to be superwoman, but He wants me to experience His love through His people. He’s taught me it’s ok to love hard and hold things loosely, because He’s carrying them more carefully and sweetly than I ever could.
I cannot believe month one is coming to an end. I CANNOT believe it, y’all. Here we come Costa Rica! But first, this song has spoken to me over the past few weeks and I felt called to share.
Lean Back by Capital City Music feat. Dion Davis
You will never leave
Your love sustaining me
Before I even knew what love was
You’ve brought me here to rest
And given me space to breathe
So I’ll stay still until it sinks in
I will lean back in the loving arms of a beautiful Father
Breathe deep and know that He is good
He’s a love like no other
Now I can see Your love is better
Than all the others that I’ve seen
I am breathing deep all of Your goodness
Your loving-kindness to me
My team (minus Mary) enjoying our last Adventure Day in Panama!
