We have been to the jungle and back and it was much more than I thought it would be! We had the best of all worlds. We got to use our tents to keep out the bugs, but we got to do it inside a house of wood. We went ot the bathroom outdoors but there was a gigantic tarp like structure to provide some privacy and they brought in a seat of sorts for us. We ate off the fruit of the land and it was delicious! Fresh bananas, oragnes, plantains, yuka-delightful! We also had eggs, lentils and rice along with some delicious hot sauce and ketchup (yes, we brought in the condiments).
Here is the bathroom and the billy goat tied up next door!
We were able to bathe in the Changinola River which was cold but not the coldest place we’ve been and it certainly was much cleaner than many showers we’ve had. We laughed about our team bath time in our bathing suits. It was quite the bonding experience as we took turns holding the soap and shampoo for others so they could rinse off. And we had a beautiful 30 minute hike each way to and from the bathing hole.
Our contact Octavio and his wife Sarah along with their family (3 kids, his brother’s family including 6 kids, the grandad and any others living there) were such amazing, gracious hosts. They gave up their rooms for us. Some slept on the floor downstairs and the rest shared the other 2 bedrooms of the house. There were people everywhere! Matt shared his tent with one of the boys each night because they fought over who had the privilege of sleeping in the nice tent. Precious. They worked to make sure all of our needs were provided and they were willing to share anything. There is true joy and love here. There is a real commitment to the Lord and to family.
Even though we are living off Cable 52 in the Chiquita Banana Fields in Changinola, Panama, the people here are from the Bogle trive and have been here long before Chiquita arrived. The people of this tribe marry very early in life and ask me every day if I have a spouse and/or kids. It’s the same peole who ask
every day and I laugh that they just don’t believe I’m still single. I tell them one day in the future God will provide and I guess each day they ask, maybe they think that could be the day God provides.
Octavio has a heart to evangelize the people of his land, his family and his tribe. We have shared the good news with others who live in the banana fields and with his extended family and their friends just across the river. People live in the kind of homes you see on TV commercials for Feel the Hungry. But there is
a real sense of love and community and a trust that somehow God will provide. And He does. There is joy enough to go around as well as plenty of love and hope. I am grateful to see men and women of God living in obedience in all circumstances.
a real sense of love and community and a trust that somehow God will provide. And He does. There is joy enough to go around as well as plenty of love and hope. I am grateful to see men and women of God living in obedience in all circumstances.
I feel every day like I’m living on the set of Lost, complete with a rusty hatch. There is great joy in simplicity and in sharing all you have with others. Joy to the World, the Lord has come to the people off Cable 52. I thank my God for this great Christmas blessing! Feliz Navidad!!
