Angels Unaware -Part 2
Everywhere we have been around the world you do have to keep a watchful eye and an extra grip on your handbag or backpack but nothing at least for me has happened. It is however a bit more shady as you enter into Panama City especially in Casco Viejo where our hostel has been, but just is life…you move on and venture out.
It was our first day in the city and after resting Tradday and I went to meet up with some of the gang at the mall. We were taking in the sights, observing women walking the streets with big hair curlers in their hair (coming from the salon?), and noticing that there were many more Black people in Panama (very few in Costa Rica). While we were discussing the whereabouts of the bus pickup, Traday said “keep your purse tight”. My purse was close up to the side of me but I pulled it even closer and to the front.
This moment of the story too, needs to be backed up. So as we were walking Traday was apparently behind me and noticed a woman as we were passing a hat stand. We were at that time walking on a more crowded street with more vendors. She saw the woman lean down as I passed her as if she was leaning over to pick up a fallen hat. But Traday felt alerted about it and looked right at the woman and then told me the warning.
As these words came out of her mouth, I pulled up my purse and saw that it had been sliced by a blade. And right in view were my wallet and a teammate’s passport that I was holding! We immediately looked around and the lady was nowhere in view. What a miracle that the lady didn’t have another second to reach in and pull out what was there!
We kept walking and felt very shocked and overwhelmed. Even at the mall Trayday and I several times brought it up and had to process it all over again.
One thing that has calmed my nerves in those moments and thereafter is the way that I have felt especially protected and looked after. After the attack we needed to find our bus to the mall. We had no clue but as World Racers we just go, pray and usually our “angels” of directions will come. And so he did, guiding us after several misunderstandings (the language barrier), to the correct bus. He even came on and got us as we got on the wrong bus, he wouldn’t leave until he knew we were going in the right direction. And there after, there have been “persons” who seem to hold out a protective eye out for us. As we are running, crossing over dangerous areas…there is that extra protection and guidance being offered.
I have always teased about the presence of angels in my life. Whether it be “they” are my bodyguards and ward of unwanted men (or wanted onesJ), or protect me in my many times of driving among the craziness of Detroit traffic. But I seriously know that they exist and are here to protect, guide and glorify God’s kingdom.
I am so grateful as we are traveling into the depths of the enemy’s ground that we are being watched out for. “These protectors” along with the presence of the Holy Spirit and His discernment has made my traveling moments peaceful and not fear-filled. It is so reassuring that I am a child of the King and I am being protected in all circumstances. It is good to know that among us there are angels roaming unaware.
