The Zoo has returned to its native soil.
We arrived back at Messiah this evening following an airborne day that began at 4:30 AM (thank you God for safe travels throughout the trip!) This crew is returning in an exhausted but encouraged state. We adopted a rigorous schedule over the last week, but God provided strength throughout, drawing us close to Him and to each other over the course of every new journey Panama had to offer. And our final two days (Sunday and Monday) provided some of the best adventures of the trip!
Sunday
Our Sunday began with the much anticipated trip to Arraijain, a community close to Paraiso where God has been working through Rio Missions. Last year's team got the chance to visit and told us it was one of the highlights of their trip. It turned out to be one of ours too, as we got the chance to spend the whole morning and afternoon in Arraijan. In the morning we worshipped with the congregation and a powerful (and unexpected) blessing from the speaker. We also attempted to communicate in love with the crazy bridge monkey. Well.. at least some of us did.
The afternoon involved putting the final touches on an incredible bridge project that fellow MC student Danger Russ undertook this summer. For our part of the project the Zoo became Concrete Farmers. We transported material, mixed, then poured concrete into two large slabs on each end of the bridge (they'll serve as small ramps). It was a tiring and total team effort, and we are all very excited that we got the chance to pour a little extra love into the work God has been doing in Arraijain.
Post-concrete we headed to a national park for our final adventure of the day: the jungle run / jog / walk. We trekked through the rainforest to a beautiful waterfall, which we climbed (and fell down).
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| Worshipping with our friends in Arraijain |
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| That time Josh became a Man. |
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| The end result! |
Great way to end the day!
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Monday
Monday = last day = off day = beach day. But this was no ordinary beach day. Today we learned how to surf courtesy of our host and experienced surfer Dan Cotton. Monday was also a day to big chill, reflect on the trip, and watch Double D capture the 1st Annual Panama Zoo Invitational Pong Ping Tournament. (And climb Mount Risk). We closed our day by gathering in the Casa Paraiso living room for one last time of group devotions.
It is evident that God has stirred hearts on this team. As much as we have fallen in love with Panama, this group of MC students and leaders is pumped to get back on campus. We're eager to share what God has done, and continue serving him among our peers and in the Harrisburg area. This trip has centered upon bringing water to the people of Panama, both clean water.. and Living Water. God's river is carrying us home now, but that doesn't mean the water is going to stop flowing.
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| The view from Mt. Risk (Paraiso is in the foreground, Panama City in the far background) |
It is evident that God has stirred hearts on this team. As much as we have fallen in love with Panama, this group of MC students and leaders is pumped to get back on campus. We're eager to share what God has done, and continue serving him among our peers and in the Harrisburg area. This trip has centered upon bringing water to the people of Panama, both clean water.. and Living Water. God's river is carrying us home now, but that doesn't mean the water is going to stop flowing.
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| Our incredible leaders! |
Thank you for your prayers and support over the course of this week! We ask you all to keep both us and Panama on your hearts, as God continues to raise up a generation who takes risks for Him, who loves to live for His plans in total faith.
Much love and God bless!
The Panama Zoo
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