Sunday (06.19.2011) was a great day in the Lord! In the morning we headed to El Silencio with Silvia, Pastor Nieves, and Edson! That was a great surprise to see him! It was a great worship time with the people of the church. Many came to the altar to recommit their walk with Christ and dedicate in serving Christ outside the church.
We were able to visit with Pastor David and his wife. We were also happy to see, along with Edson, Alonso and Cielo.
That afternoon we went to lunch with Pastor Nieves at the Latino Pizza place....(yes, yet another pizza place!) the best yet!! It's in a new plaza that is being built on the left side as you enter in Changuinola.
Sunday evening we met in a different building to celebrate Father's Day. It's a huge deal here to celebrate mother's and Father's day....band outside in the streets, many parties going on....etc.... We had a great presentation. A newer couple from Chuquiri province led the celebration. There was singing, a drama from the kiddos, and we even played panamanian Newelywed game. It was super fun!! We had dinner together and cake.....afterwards they presented a present to each of the fathers...a towel with their name embroidered on it. We had such a great time, definitely another time etched in our minds when we think of panama.
Monday(06.20.2011) we headed to Silvia's school. this was definitely a great opportunity for me, as I love to see where thoe people in the church live, work, and spend their days. Silvia works in Finca 64. She is the kindergarten teacher, teaching 29 children BY HERSELF!!! In the US, we would be complaining for a second teacher, at least an aide of some sort! When we arrived, she was talking to the children with "Alex." they sang to us in English and then went outside to learn the left from the right. That day in particular they were studying the right, so we headed outside to kick the soccer ball with their right foot! Jeremy was the goalie....they loved it when he couldn't stop the ball!! What a great way to learn new things! Afterwards we went back in to the classroom where I taught them a new song in English, they really enjoyed it. I helped Silvia with getting homework ready for the kiddos.
We also met the little thirteen year old that we brought baby clothes for. Oh my! I could have brought that 15 day old baby home with me! The girl lives very close to the school and vibists almost everyday. I told Silvia that if she the little girl came back this week and wanted me to take her baby, I would drive up there and get her! :-).....Jeremy and I joke about getting off the airplane in Dayton with a baby in our arms! Ha!!
Monday evening we had dinner at Pastor Nieves' home. We had all of our favorite things....fish, garlic potatoes, rice, and lentils! Afterward, we went to the church where the ladies met with me. We sang prayed and I spoke about encouragement. We then made bracelets together to remind us to be constant encouragers to one another. There were seven of us there....it's was a wonderful time! Jeremy along with Nieves, Dario, and Arcenio went to the kuna center to show the Jesus film. There were around 25 in attendance....and one gave her heart to Christ!!!! Elpidia, the daughter of Fresca. That was an exciting moment! We also were able to give the kunas two of the kuna bibles on MP3 players. Before leaving they were discussing who would listen to it first and then they would give it to the next person! PRAISE GOD!!!!
Before heading back home we did our traditional meeting in the church for prayers....pastor Nieves and his family, Arcenio, Silvia, Alicia, and us.....I just love those people!!
Every year going is so different. Jeremy and I were talking about how we always come to encourage the people of panama, but we end up leaving being encouraged. I am so thankful we were able to make this trip. Relationships were made and strengthened. I believe we leave family every time we leave Changuinola, not friends. It's a blessing to know we have them as part of our lives!
I know that pur trip has not been possible for your prayers! Thank you!...continue them as tomorrow we head out to panama city!!! Praying that lives are changed there also!!!
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