Faces of Panama

The 2 weeks that we spent in Panama were phenomenal! It was such a powerful time and a great opportunity for us to help lead a team from Aaron's church. We did a lot of children's ministry and we spent time in an indigenous village as well. Working with the Wounnan tribe was one of my highlights of the mission trip. We had to take canoes across lake full of crocodiles to get to the village and we stayed in straw huts on stilts. It was so surreal to spend time with the tribe and learn their customs and their way of life.


There was one afternoon that we went to an orphanage. I was holding a little boy who had just arrived the week before with his two sisters. There was a point where he clung to me so tight and in that moment I was so frustrated at the unfairness and I just wanted to make things right for him... but I can't. In the book "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell he says,
"It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display." And sometimes that's all that I can do. I have to give of myself generously and love extravagantly whenever I can.

After the team left back to California, Aaron and I stayed in Panama for a few extra days to have a mini vacation. It was so nice to be able to relax and enjoy ourselves. We had fun walking and exploring around the city.


Aaron's parents and two of his nephews are arriving today. They will be here for a visit for a week. We will be going on a road trip to Kanannaskis, Jasper, Golden, Radium and Banff, all those beautiful places. It will be great to spend some time with them as we only have one month left until Chile!

As the days fly by I realize how much there is to do before we leave and sometimes it is very overwhelming! This is such a big step for us and we are learning more and more to trust God. We also have such great families and friends that are so helpful and supportive as we take this step. Anyways, as always I have many pictures from our time in Panama. Enjoy!