Buenos dias amigos y familia!
Tomorrow morning, we will be meeting up with the squad at the airport to fly to Columbia for Month 10! Time is flying by, but at the same time moving very slow. It’s been a great month. If I had to describe this month in three words, the words would be Insight, Growth, Intentionality. God opened my eyes to more of His character, but also showed me new things about myself. I’ve experienced a new level of freedom.
This month, June (month 9 of 11), my team was assigned to Panama City. It’s smaller/less populated than Manhattan, New York, but way bigger than White Plains. There’s always traffic because of on-going construction throughout the city. We commuted mostly by Metrobus and sometimes Uber. We were within walking distance of multiple shops and restaurants, and even a gym that I took full advantage of the indoor cycling classes.
Our ministry was partnering with CRU Panama and the Student-Led Movement (Vida Estudiantil Panama) at Universidad de Panama and Universidad Tecnologica de Panama. CRU is an international organization, which used to be called CCC (Campus Crusade for Christ). When I was in college, I was a part of CCC. I’m a very different person than I was back in college. I’m wiser and more at peace. I have a message to actually share now, a testimony because I’ve been through a test!!
This month, I even had the opportunity to do some public speaking. Thanks to my years with Toastmasters International, I was excited to get a chance to practice my public speaking since its been awhile. We shared our testimonies and the Gospel in classrooms, talked with students one-on-one, and participated in missional communities. On each campus, CRU Panama has something called a missional community, a time for students to meet, talk about highs and lows of the week, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. During the month, we were able to invite students to come and participate.
Halfway through the month, we also held an event. At the event, we learned how to dance Salsa, played games, and had discussions about faith. The event was a success! Some new (to CRU/SLM) students even showed up. Overall, living in a hostel, within walking distance to coffee shops, the mall, restaurants, and grocery stores, and the University only a bus ride a way was a challenging adjustment from living in the middle of nowhere jungle (in Costa Rica), but now I’m genuinely sad to leave. I made life-long friends here. I pray and hope I get the opportunity to return to Panama in the future!
Thank you CRU/SLM for an amazing month partnering with you as you spread Jesus to all of the campuses.
A special shout-out to Massy, Alfredo, Kim, Carril, Selegna, Pastor Todd and Marielena, Shannom, Lisa, and Eduardo!
Thank you for translating for us, but most of all for your hospitality and friendshhip!
In courageous faith and for His glory alone,
Sharon
Bonus: Due to fast Wifi at Starbucks, I was able to upload more than one photo from the month. Enjoy!
Solarium is a deck of cards with random photos on it. We ask questions like choose 3 photos that describe your life right now. Or choose a photo that descries what you think about God. It’s a great conversation starter on campus!
Team Level Up and our host Massy in “The Four” shirts. These shirts are a great conversation starter as well. Each symbol is a different part of the Gospel.
Sharing a little piece of my life story with a group of college/engineering students.
