Blessings at La Gloria....

12/30/2013 So I'm sitting here in the lobby of the Hotel waiting on our group to rise and shine. I'm listening to the Panamanian news blaring, because that's how they like all noise, music, tv....LOUD! Today is our first work day at the church. Yesterday was a very nice day. We went to the church service in the morning and had a great time of worship! Afterwards we had pizza :) and some of the group filled bags to take to La Gloria. We headed to La Gloria in the afternoon with Nina (Pastor Anhil's daughter). She's a very sweet young woman who knows English and has been a major help to our group! La Gloria was amazing as usual! When we arrived this time all of the children were sitting in the church (more like a blocked park shelter) and singing songs with Pastor Anhil. We were so amazed at even when we pulled out all of the goodies, the children were so quiet and stayed seated the entire time! They enjoyed our skits for them....David & Goliath and Zacchaeus. They were a lot of fun! We organized our gift bags and our flip flops this year so we could line the children up and pass the things out. Three years ago it seemed like we were just completely bombarded with children when we pulled out the flip flops, we didn't want that this year! It was awesome to hand this little boys and girls (and some older children), mostly with bare feet or very dirty flip flops, a new pair of flip flops that were their very own! What a blessing! If my count is correct, we handed out over 160 bags and even more flip flops!! We are so thankful, especially, for those of our friends who have taken part in this trip, not by coming, but by giving! Whether you gave flip flops, the many bags, or the toys....everything was donated and we appreciate everyone giving a little to make those amazing few hours possible! More coming....