Friday, August 30, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Log boats, jungle voyage, henna tattoos!
The last day...
Today we went quite the distance! First by car, and then by boat!
We drove up to a river bank, and pretty soon, some log boats came floating into view! We sat single file in the boats and we were off! Before going to the island where we gave out water filters, we went to a separate island and hiked through the rain forest...
Tiny frogs, waterfalls, rushing streams (we got soaked), and REALLY tall trees... God is truly a master artist.
After our adventure in the wilderness, we hopped back on the long wooden boat and made our way to our final destination. Here we were greeted by indigenous villagers, dressed in colorful attire and playing instruments! They prepared for us fried plantains and freshly caught fish, along with some refreshing fruit. But that's not all! We heard the instruments once again as the villagers came out to dance. Pretty soon, we (Team P, that is) started dancing along with them. The children were especially fun to watch, as they giggled and stomped their feet too. The villagers also brought out special ink to give us some "henna tattoos"...don't be alarmed when we come back with some strange markings on our arms and/or legs--it's just temporary!
Once again, it was a rewarding experience to be able to provide Sawyer water filters to more people... fresh, clean water is not something we should take for granted.
What an amazing trip!!!
Team P always!
Chao,
SJ and Liz
Revitalized
It's been difficult keeping up with these posts, we've been so busy!
On Sunday, we visited the pastor and his village again--this time, we worked on his home, which is a tiny structure made of wood and plastic. We helped install wooden beams to provide more support, and we covered the roof with tarp and black plastic to keep rain out (the intensity of rainy season is right around the corner for Panama). This is only temporary, though, because the bigger plan is for his home to be completely re-built. It was a blessing to be a part of the work in progress, though! The pastor's eyes were full of life and thankfulness, and he was so eager to help us in any way possible. The same can be said for the other men in the village. They were willing to help with all the digging, moving dirt, hammering...
Sunday evening we had dinner with the Cottons, the missionaries living here at Casa Paraiso. They have been a blessing to us all week, cooking meals for us and providing us with what we need. Then, yesterday morning, Dan Cotton took us to a National Park! We ran miles through the rain forest, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Before we knew it we had run quite a while! We saw GIGANTIC trees, swinging vines, an armadillo, a snake, over-sized spiders, and a beautiful rushing waterfall.
The waterfall was the highlight of our early morning in the rain forest. We climbed off the path to get to the streams... we followed the rushing waters into two pools of water, in which we jumped with a SPLASH! The water was so refreshing, especially since we were sweaty from our run. After continuing to follow the stream of water, we came to the waterfall--and climbed down it! It was careful going, since the rocks were slippery. We all made it down, but of course we had to climb back up! Water spraying in our faces, we gripped the rocks and steadily made our climb. It was a BLAST.
Yesterday was our rest day, and it was much needed. We spent the day with each other, sight-seeing and doing some shopping. What a beautiful place Panama is!
Highlights:
-Trying a really funky fruit! (The shell was really spiky)
-Swimming in the waterfalls
-Having one "tourist" day in Panama (it's a lot different than being a missionary, for sure!)
Go Team P!
Chao,
SJ and Liz
On Sunday, we visited the pastor and his village again--this time, we worked on his home, which is a tiny structure made of wood and plastic. We helped install wooden beams to provide more support, and we covered the roof with tarp and black plastic to keep rain out (the intensity of rainy season is right around the corner for Panama). This is only temporary, though, because the bigger plan is for his home to be completely re-built. It was a blessing to be a part of the work in progress, though! The pastor's eyes were full of life and thankfulness, and he was so eager to help us in any way possible. The same can be said for the other men in the village. They were willing to help with all the digging, moving dirt, hammering...
Sunday evening we had dinner with the Cottons, the missionaries living here at Casa Paraiso. They have been a blessing to us all week, cooking meals for us and providing us with what we need. Then, yesterday morning, Dan Cotton took us to a National Park! We ran miles through the rain forest, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Before we knew it we had run quite a while! We saw GIGANTIC trees, swinging vines, an armadillo, a snake, over-sized spiders, and a beautiful rushing waterfall.
The waterfall was the highlight of our early morning in the rain forest. We climbed off the path to get to the streams... we followed the rushing waters into two pools of water, in which we jumped with a SPLASH! The water was so refreshing, especially since we were sweaty from our run. After continuing to follow the stream of water, we came to the waterfall--and climbed down it! It was careful going, since the rocks were slippery. We all made it down, but of course we had to climb back up! Water spraying in our faces, we gripped the rocks and steadily made our climb. It was a BLAST.
Yesterday was our rest day, and it was much needed. We spent the day with each other, sight-seeing and doing some shopping. What a beautiful place Panama is!
Highlights:
-Trying a really funky fruit! (The shell was really spiky)
-Swimming in the waterfalls
-Having one "tourist" day in Panama (it's a lot different than being a missionary, for sure!)
Go Team P!
Chao,
SJ and Liz
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Dead...
Dead tired, that is!!!
Today's blog posting is a bit more low-key :)
Yesterday we visited a school nearby, in a little town where there has been no water for a few days. We were able to interact directly with the kids, both in classrooms and out. One of our big tasks for the day was repainting a wall in the school-yard! It was a challenge to keep the little kids from touching the wet paint-- one little boy got paint ALL OVER him when he mistakenly leaned against the wall! The kids were overjoyed to have us around and they even sang a few songs for us before we left. This particular trip was tough on a lot of us, especially because of the connection many of us felt to the kids.
Today we traveled to an extremely poor area in which a pastor and his family have been ministering to people. What a privilege to meet this spectacular man! He left his home in order to come to this desolate place, to care for and teach these people about Christ's love. We got to know the people, the children, and spent our day digging waterways in the mountain-side to prevent flooding, covering a roof to keep rain out, caring for babies, giving out toys, snacks and hygienic products, and playing with children. Tomorrow we'll be back at this same village--we'll even attend church with them under the roof we helped to mend!
Highlights:
-Making our OWN orange juice! Last night, we used the oranges from Rico's dad to squeeze our own delicious beverage!
-Attending a Bible study at a local skate park. This is the only skate park in Panama, so the country's top skaters come on a weekly basis. What a great ministry!
-Seeing a beautiful waterfall :)
Team Panama Turn it Up!!
In Christ,
SJ and Liz
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Lost!
Seriously, though. We were LOST.
We'll get back to that in a little bit...
After yesterday's post, we visited an island village only reachable by boat. We were humbled by the experience. Upon our arrival on the island, we climbed out of the boat and up a steep, muddy hill to get to the village. We were welcomed by curious faces peeping out behind straw huts. As we walked closer, we saw that the villagers had set up tables where they sold crafts and other hand-made things. A few of us bought some neat items that we'll be excited to show our friends and family back home. We started to unpack our bags filled with our own gifts, and handed out bubbles, lollipops, stickers, snacks, and a bunch of other miscellaneous knick-knacks for the children and their families.
One of the most exciting aspects of the afternoon took place in a muddy clearing in the middle of the jungle: soccer! A few of us played a pick-up game with the kids and it turned into a mud-bath, literally.
It was humbling to see how happy the people were with what little they had. How can it be that we complain about things such as air conditioning and our iPhones?
So now on to the next adventure: today.
We started out our journey by our host saying that we were going to another village only 30 minutes away from where we were staying...........but...........it turned into a 1 1/2 hour long journey over winding roads, pot holes, and you get the picture. The drive to say the least was interesting! Finally we arrived at the school and were greeted by village children going to and from classes.
Today was the first day we got to distribute the Sawyer Water Filters! We demoed the system and showed the families of the village how to assemble the filters. Some of us even drank from their water source (that looked legit like chocolate milk,because it was so dirty) after we had filtered it to show the people that the filter made it safe to drink. The people were amazed by how crystal clear the water from the filter came out and a older man from the crowd even wanted to try some! The people were sooooo grateful that they had tears in their eyes. It was a very touching moment for all of us who were able to work with them.
We had lunch on the mountain and were able to spend time with the children, handing out school supplies and other fun goodies that we had brought along! Of course we managed to fit in a bit of soccer :) Finally, we headed back to Paraiso!
After a bit of rest and relaxation, our group decided to be a bit daring and find our OWN way to the mall (which had FOOD). We took one too many wrong turns and we ended up having to hail a taxi--we literally followed it to the mall because we had no clue where we were. Thank goodness Rico knows Spanish!! Walking around the mall and figuring out how to communicate with the Spanish speaking people was an adventure in itself. BUT the worst was yet to come!! Finding our way back home was the most exhilarating/nerve-racking/painful experience ever. Traffic was insane. Too many close calls. Our driver drove like a Panamanian (or should we say Panamaniac). 15 minutes turned into an hour (Thank goodness for a full tank of gas). And Brenton had to pee.
We made it back. Phew.
And we were welcomed by Mangoes, Coconuts, and other exotic fruits! Thank You to Rico's dad. :)
All in all an eventful day, wouldn't you agree?
Team P, turn it up!
Chao for now,
SJ and Liz
Highlights of the day:
-we saw monkeys on the way back from the island!
-finally got a photo of SJ sleeping (seven down, two to go)
-smoothies at the mall, yum!
We'll get back to that in a little bit...
After yesterday's post, we visited an island village only reachable by boat. We were humbled by the experience. Upon our arrival on the island, we climbed out of the boat and up a steep, muddy hill to get to the village. We were welcomed by curious faces peeping out behind straw huts. As we walked closer, we saw that the villagers had set up tables where they sold crafts and other hand-made things. A few of us bought some neat items that we'll be excited to show our friends and family back home. We started to unpack our bags filled with our own gifts, and handed out bubbles, lollipops, stickers, snacks, and a bunch of other miscellaneous knick-knacks for the children and their families.
One of the most exciting aspects of the afternoon took place in a muddy clearing in the middle of the jungle: soccer! A few of us played a pick-up game with the kids and it turned into a mud-bath, literally.
It was humbling to see how happy the people were with what little they had. How can it be that we complain about things such as air conditioning and our iPhones?
So now on to the next adventure: today.
We started out our journey by our host saying that we were going to another village only 30 minutes away from where we were staying...........but...........it turned into a 1 1/2 hour long journey over winding roads, pot holes, and you get the picture. The drive to say the least was interesting! Finally we arrived at the school and were greeted by village children going to and from classes.
Today was the first day we got to distribute the Sawyer Water Filters! We demoed the system and showed the families of the village how to assemble the filters. Some of us even drank from their water source (that looked legit like chocolate milk,because it was so dirty) after we had filtered it to show the people that the filter made it safe to drink. The people were amazed by how crystal clear the water from the filter came out and a older man from the crowd even wanted to try some! The people were sooooo grateful that they had tears in their eyes. It was a very touching moment for all of us who were able to work with them.
We had lunch on the mountain and were able to spend time with the children, handing out school supplies and other fun goodies that we had brought along! Of course we managed to fit in a bit of soccer :) Finally, we headed back to Paraiso!
After a bit of rest and relaxation, our group decided to be a bit daring and find our OWN way to the mall (which had FOOD). We took one too many wrong turns and we ended up having to hail a taxi--we literally followed it to the mall because we had no clue where we were. Thank goodness Rico knows Spanish!! Walking around the mall and figuring out how to communicate with the Spanish speaking people was an adventure in itself. BUT the worst was yet to come!! Finding our way back home was the most exhilarating/nerve-racking/painful experience ever. Traffic was insane. Too many close calls. Our driver drove like a Panamanian (or should we say Panamaniac). 15 minutes turned into an hour (Thank goodness for a full tank of gas). And Brenton had to pee.
We made it back. Phew.
And we were welcomed by Mangoes, Coconuts, and other exotic fruits! Thank You to Rico's dad. :)
All in all an eventful day, wouldn't you agree?
Team P, turn it up!
Chao for now,
SJ and Liz
Highlights of the day:
-we saw monkeys on the way back from the island!
-finally got a photo of SJ sleeping (seven down, two to go)
-smoothies at the mall, yum!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Captured!
Yes, we've been captured....
by the people, the surrounding environment, the wonder of this country! We arrived safely at Casa Paraiso (missions base) exhausted and happy to eat some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches waiting for us! But it wasn't smooth sailing...
First of all, we were supposed to leave Messiah at 8am for BWI airport. Unfortunately, our bus driver was SO late (by almost an hour). and he didn't know the way. and he didn't have enough gas.
We barely made the flight.............
The rest of the day consisted of sleeping on the plane, playing "catch-phrase," "Black Magic," and other games to keep us entertained during our three-hour layover in Atlanta. We boarded the plane for Panama and discovered that we had our own mini televisions on the back of each seat! The flight from Georgia to Panama was about four hours but it went by rather quickly, especially since we all slept most of the way.
Finally, we arrived at Casa Paraiso and found that it is a really neat place for missionaries to stay! The boys' room has ten wooden bunk beds! (We'll post some pictures of the house soon.) The place is welcoming and relaxing, a great place for our fellowship and devotions after our long days in the Panamanian heat.
So-- day two: Yesterday was our first day out ministering to the Panamanian people. In the morning some of us played soccer with a group of kids (they were CRAZY good) while the others attended a women's Bible study in the village. We enjoyed a hearty lunch from the people at the church nearby and even got to experience the refreshing taste of fresh coconut!
The afternoon consisted of a baseball clinic-- the children were so eager to show off their skills, trying to impress us constantly. They were lively, to say the least. We wrapped up with a wiffle-ball game just before a storm rolled in. We were hot, sweaty, and grateful for the hour-long bus ride home as we reflected on our first day full of new experiences.
Highlights/funny moments:
-falling asleep first on the bus = blackmail
-getting laughed at by the Panamanian soccer players (they schooled us a few times)
-the children admiring Kalann and Rico's muscles... they kept asking them to flex!
We've got to go for now-- we're heading out for another adventure, this time in a village nearby! We are going to bring donations and our happy smiles and get to know these people. We'll be back soon... Chao for now!
Team P! Live it up!!!
SJ and Liz
by the people, the surrounding environment, the wonder of this country! We arrived safely at Casa Paraiso (missions base) exhausted and happy to eat some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches waiting for us! But it wasn't smooth sailing...
First of all, we were supposed to leave Messiah at 8am for BWI airport. Unfortunately, our bus driver was SO late (by almost an hour). and he didn't know the way. and he didn't have enough gas.
We barely made the flight.............
The rest of the day consisted of sleeping on the plane, playing "catch-phrase," "Black Magic," and other games to keep us entertained during our three-hour layover in Atlanta. We boarded the plane for Panama and discovered that we had our own mini televisions on the back of each seat! The flight from Georgia to Panama was about four hours but it went by rather quickly, especially since we all slept most of the way.
Finally, we arrived at Casa Paraiso and found that it is a really neat place for missionaries to stay! The boys' room has ten wooden bunk beds! (We'll post some pictures of the house soon.) The place is welcoming and relaxing, a great place for our fellowship and devotions after our long days in the Panamanian heat.
So-- day two: Yesterday was our first day out ministering to the Panamanian people. In the morning some of us played soccer with a group of kids (they were CRAZY good) while the others attended a women's Bible study in the village. We enjoyed a hearty lunch from the people at the church nearby and even got to experience the refreshing taste of fresh coconut!
The afternoon consisted of a baseball clinic-- the children were so eager to show off their skills, trying to impress us constantly. They were lively, to say the least. We wrapped up with a wiffle-ball game just before a storm rolled in. We were hot, sweaty, and grateful for the hour-long bus ride home as we reflected on our first day full of new experiences.
Highlights/funny moments:
-falling asleep first on the bus = blackmail
-getting laughed at by the Panamanian soccer players (they schooled us a few times)
-the children admiring Kalann and Rico's muscles... they kept asking them to flex!
We've got to go for now-- we're heading out for another adventure, this time in a village nearby! We are going to bring donations and our happy smiles and get to know these people. We'll be back soon... Chao for now!
Team P! Live it up!!!
SJ and Liz
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