We Made it to Panama!

It felt like I was in the DR for months!  After two weeks of working with Mission of Hope, I left with my co-lead, Josh, and our three alumni squad leaders to get all trained up as a leader!  We stayed in a cute and relaxed airbnb in Cabrera.  It seemed to be in an abandoned town as it was quiet and there were only a couple tiendas and a cute garden coffee shop;  the quaint town ended up being exactly what we needed.  In the midst of a busy training schedule we were able to get much needed rest because of the lack of distraction around us.  We met some of the locals, who were all extremely generous and welcoming.  There was one sweet old man, Martin, that brought us mangos most days.  After a week in Cabrera, we made our way to Santo Domingo to meet the rest of the squad for debrief.  Josh and I stayed quite busy with squad leading duties, but we made it through!  

Something I’m being challenged in learning to live out is Psalm 55:22 “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”  The work we’re doing in some areas of the world can feel emotionally heavy.  And now stepping into leadership, I catch myself attempting to carry the weight of my squad as well.  But thankfully, my God doesn’t ask me to carry the weight on my shoulders.  Rather He asks me to give it to Him, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Although the DR had its challenges, it was one of my favorite months.  I loved the people and culture.  I was also able to experience three very different cities.  We had some exciting adventure days as well!  We went to a professional soccer game with some of our translators, we jumped off/slid down 27 waterfalls, and we took a boat (thanks to our coaches, Beth and Jay) to Catalina Island where we snorkeled in the Caribbean!

Debrief ended on June fifth and we went to the airport on the sixth.  We had a twelve hour layover in Columbia before our arrival in Panama.  This month looks a bit different then most.  Instead of having a ministry host set up for us to stay and work with, we are doing ATL (ask the Lord).  Meaning we have to figure out what city or cities we will head to, as well as our food, lodging, and transportation on a very cheap budget.  And let me tell you, the Lord has provided!  As a squad leader I no longer am a part of a set team, but I stay with different teams on the squad each month.  This month I am with a team of four amazing women- Naomi, Emma, Sarah, and Amanda.  For our first few days we stayed at a hostil in Panama City.  We met quite a bit of people in only our first couple hours there.  As we were trying to find a grocery store we wound up on a corner lost.  Within thirty seconds two men that happen to run an English school turned the corner and asked if we needed help.  They kindly walked us to the grocery store and shared all about their country of Panama and how much they love it.  We then we met a sweet couple at the store.  They heard us speaking in English and we couldn’t find a seasoning, so they kindly showed us around the store; it was probably the largest grocery store we’ve seen in months…we aren’t used to city life as of lately.  They are both from Panama but after chatting with them for a bit I found out the man was a big Notre Dame fan!  In our few days at the hostil we built some relationships with people from all over the world.  We also took a trip to see the Panama Canal and would up running into a group of 180 missionaries from all over Central and South America!  I don’t think any of these run-ins were an accident.  We were running way behind schedule when going to the Panama Canal and wouldn’t have met those missionaries had we left at the time we planned on.

Yesterday morning we hopped on a bus for an eight hour ride to get to the City of David.  Remember when I said “He has provided”?  Not only did we see Him coming through in small ways while we were in Panama City, but we also have FREE LODGING for the month here in David!  One of our teammates parents had a connection to someone and they are allowing us to use their house for the month as they are in the states currently.  We have couches, beds, AC, a TV, and many other luxuries that we are soaking up!  Ministry will likely look different everyday.  Some days might look like worshipping in the park, others might look like doing street evangelism, hanging out with people at coffee shops, really whatever He’s asking us to do!  Since we’ll be here for a few weeks we will have the opportunity to build relationships with the locals as well.  I’m excited and expectant going into this month!

Spiritually, I’m still in a place of being simply in awe of God and just how truly good He is.  These past several months I have learned more and more about His character and who He is.  Something He’s been bringing me back to, and I just cannot comprehend, is His PATIENCE. He’s not in a hurry, and He’s not worried.  His will WILL be.  He has already won the battle.  As my friend Cici always says, “We fight from the victory, not for it.”

God has been answering small prayers and showing me how He is working in the big prayers.  Please be praying for Josh and I as we navigate leading this squad for the next six months.  Also be praying for us this month as we continue to practice listening to the Father’s voice, and fully depend on Him to provide.

27 Waterfalls

The City of Cabrera

Santo Domingo

Catalina Island

Panama City:

The Panama Canal

Standing on the roof of the tallest building in Central America!