As I have written over and over again in my blogs...I feel the constant itch to explore the world around me. So when the opportunity arose fro me to travel to Panama (only 3 months after returning from being in Australia) I jumped at the opportunity. I had never done a mission trip, and everyone I talked to said that it is such an incredible, and much needed experience. So, without much hesitation, I along with 16 others from the Annex (my University Ministry), spent 8 jam-packed days working in Panama City, Panama. After quite a long journey and layover, we arrived in hot and humid Panama on March 24. We were picked up by our local guide/ministry coordinator Roy, A Costa Rican Missionary with a passion for reaching out to the poor. In this same spirit, we stayed with host families in the largest and poorest area of the City, San Miguelito. These families were financially poor, and did not speak a word of English. They lived in a relatively dangerous area, but were incredibly welcoming and hospitable in taking us into their homes, feeding us, and giving us a glimpse into the Panamanian lifestyle. While some of the members of our team stayed in houses with dirt floors, and no running water; me and my roommate lucked out with a "nicer" home in the area. While it was still the typical cinderblock wall with slipshod sheet metal roofs (as seen all over the district), it had basic necessities (cold shower, semi-functional toilet, adequate kitchen with appliances), and was actually decorated with the luxuries they could afford. We had our meals with another host family where four girls form our team were staying. All had rice as the main staple usually with another carb (noodles, potatoes, or beans), a protein, and the ever-popular plantain. It was great having home cooked traditional meals! Anyway, in regards to the work we did while there, it primarily involved working with kids. We ran multiple school and church programs with the children; playing soccer with them, preforming songs for them, and sharing messages with them. I would talk to the younger kids about bullying and cooperation, while others shared other basic messages and Bible stories. We also ran a feeding and after-school "hangout" at a local church to provide the kids a safe place to play after school. In addition to kids programs, we also helped put on multiple church services at local churches in the district. While their language and worship style was very different, it was inspiring to see the incredible faith of these people, despite their current situations. At two services we were blessed enough to be introduced to a local teenager suffering from downs-syndrome. With no real care provided for him, it was humbling to see his immense faith and joy at these services. Well, I have a lot more to share and this blog has gone on for long enough, so it will have to wait until my next post. Stay Tuned!
As I have written over and over again in my blogs...I feel the constant itch to explore the world around me. So when the opportunity arose fro me to travel to Panama (only 3 months after returning from being in Australia) I jumped at the opportunity. I had never done a mission trip, and everyone I talked to said that it is such an incredible, and much needed experience. So, without much hesitation, I along with 16 others from the Annex (my University Ministry), spent 8 jam-packed days working in Panama City, Panama. After quite a long journey and layover, we arrived in hot and humid Panama on March 24. We were picked up by our local guide/ministry coordinator Roy, A Costa Rican Missionary with a passion for reaching out to the poor. In this same spirit, we stayed with host families in the largest and poorest area of the City, San Miguelito. These families were financially poor, and did not speak a word of English. They lived in a relatively dangerous area, but were incredibly welcoming and hospitable in taking us into their homes, feeding us, and giving us a glimpse into the Panamanian lifestyle. While some of the members of our team stayed in houses with dirt floors, and no running water; me and my roommate lucked out with a "nicer" home in the area. While it was still the typical cinderblock wall with slipshod sheet metal roofs (as seen all over the district), it had basic necessities (cold shower, semi-functional toilet, adequate kitchen with appliances), and was actually decorated with the luxuries they could afford. We had our meals with another host family where four girls form our team were staying. All had rice as the main staple usually with another carb (noodles, potatoes, or beans), a protein, and the ever-popular plantain. It was great having home cooked traditional meals! Anyway, in regards to the work we did while there, it primarily involved working with kids. We ran multiple school and church programs with the children; playing soccer with them, preforming songs for them, and sharing messages with them. I would talk to the younger kids about bullying and cooperation, while others shared other basic messages and Bible stories. We also ran a feeding and after-school "hangout" at a local church to provide the kids a safe place to play after school. In addition to kids programs, we also helped put on multiple church services at local churches in the district. While their language and worship style was very different, it was inspiring to see the incredible faith of these people, despite their current situations. At two services we were blessed enough to be introduced to a local teenager suffering from downs-syndrome. With no real care provided for him, it was humbling to see his immense faith and joy at these services. Well, I have a lot more to share and this blog has gone on for long enough, so it will have to wait until my next post. Stay Tuned!
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