Ignite takes on Panama
We found ourselves packing up and leaving Panama City after almost a week helping Carman and tutoring at the school and heading on a journey to the Island of Kuna Yala. As our things were piled on and we squeezed into the front and back of a truck, we prepared our selves for a 1 1/2 hour journey to the Island. After three hours(and still going!) we were introduced to dusty roads, sweltering heat, bumpy rides, steep hills, rivers and still the adventure rolled on. At the half way point (and tallest point of the mountain) we stopped to see the amazing view of where our final destination was. The sparkling Carribean Ocean was seen far in the distance, which at least brought hope to the end of our trucking across the Panama mountianside. Are we there yet?
Our contact from the Island was the Pastor of the church. He served us in many ways… host, translator, transporter and friend.
Yes, these are our bathrooms and showers, where does it all go? The Ocean …of course!
Our home for the next days was cozy and sanctified.It was also the home to newborn muskrats,Ahh!
The Kuna people make their income from tourism and by selling the beautiful “molas” that they sew and create.Their creativity and hardwork is amazing. And of course I couldn’t leave without supporting them ;0.
Smile for the camera!
On Sunday morning we led the children’s service and at night the Adult service. After doing a DRIME, Traday and Seth shared and Aaron and Traci led worship. Marie (Aaron’s mom) was our hero…she was an amazing translator!
Over the next days we were able to pray with some of the islanders and also help out the Pastor’s wife in the kitchen.
It looks like I know what I am doing, right?
Where’s the car?…boat it is!
I am in awe every time I see a sunset. Beautiful!
Views of Panama City
The Causeway
Metro Centro- the “Old” Panama City
Our second day in Panama we had a Squad day. It was filled with the Panama Canal, Bennigans, the Causeway,and ending at the mall.
It was filled with funny photos, challenges and a creative meal plan…I was the chosen eater…and yes my teammates helped, a little
The Panama Canal
As I returned with Aaron, his parents, and Molly back from the Island to Panama City ,my next days were filled with great opportunities to play, love, and listen.
We stayed at an orphange home with the Beloved Ones. It was a great time eating, loving,and hanging with the kids. I found myself on the day of Renee’s birthday being the game coordinator…what fun! Memories of pin the smile on Lightening McQueen(Cars) dance through my brain!
The Birthday Gal
Don’t let them fool ya…they can swing…watch out!
One of our days we were able to work with a ministry at a woman’s clinic.
We sat down,started conversation(we had a translator), shared our God stories, prayed and handed out bibles.This time was very speicial. God was able to use me to speak truth and life into thier lives. All of us left encouraged through His love and power.
Isn’t he adorable?…and only 3 months old! His mom was among three woman that Molly and I were able to pray with and give a bible to.It was certainly ordained especially since they understood our Spanglish!
The last three days of my Panama stay was spent with these gals (Pam and Heather) in a solitude retreat
Our nights were filled with dinner and conversation…what a needed and refreshing time!
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My weeks in Panama were truly tailor made for me…our hostel stays (awesome ministry moments), working with Carman and the school, living on an island with the Kuna people, living in the orphanage with the Beloved girls and my three day solitude retreat with Heather and Pam… not overwhelming or too much…but enough… and for that the ministry and impact was abundantly blessed!
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