As I explained in my previous post, much of our time in panama was spent working with kids in the very poor district of Panama City. However, it was more than "working" or "playing" with them; it was living with the locals and experiencing their lives for 9 days. Living with people who spoke absolutely no English, and were living in a very dangerous and financially devastated area- was undeniably very uncomfortable. Yet this discomfort was a very good thing..that is what I traveled to Panama to experience. In regards to the language barrier, being forced to communicate in Spanish was difficult and trying, but it definitely improved my language skills even in that short time. In regards to the living conditions, it opened my eyes to how the other half lives. It was a difficult thing to swallow but to see first hand the contrast in the city-the bridge between the first world and third world-was both fascinating and humbling. In terms of the heat, well suffice it to say I have a new appreciation for AC! Anyway through all this, my awesome team and I had some time to play tourist and bond together as a group. the first day we were taken on a tour of the city. The downtown is incredible, it makes Miami look small with the number of high-rise condominiums and the like. It also features a very old colonial area, which we were told is very similar to Havana, Cuba. I even bought my self a Panama hat...I either looked very "old school" or way too touristy! However right next to the beautiful side of the city were the worst slums were saw on the trip. the contrast was absolutely incredible, but it is heartening to see the burgeoning economy in the country. We can only hope that this growth will extend beyond the downtown and to the Panamanians that need it the most.
Later in the week, we were able to tour the Miraflores Locks of the Canal. Its a remarkable feat of engineering, and it was awesome to be able to see it first hand. Finally, our last day was our chance to relax and debrief at the beach! While we were staying on the Pacific side, we went to the beach on the Atlantic...only an hour away! It was a nice chance for our group to spend some last bit of time all together. While I wish we had some more time all together as a group, it was a blessing to get to know the members of our team, and I only hope those friendships will continue back home in Boulder and the Annex.
So there you have it...a brief glimpse into my mission trip in Panama. I truly enjoy writing these blogs on my travels. Australia seems so long ago, and I'm sure Panama will soon be a long off memory..but all my travels both before and after the start of this blog, inspire me to see and do even more.
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