PANAMA

PANAMA

Friday, May 22, 2015

Another Adventure in Panama

Another beautiful early morning in Paraiso, we all awoke anxious for another adventure. After scarfing down some cereal and cinnamon buns, which were actually quite delicious, we headed out to our destination. Rather than the green forest we ventured to yesterday, we found ourselves going into the concrete jungle of Panama City. After enduring some rush hour traffic we arrived at a Panama Christian Academy. Walking through the front gate and to the single concrete basketball court, we were greeted by a group of 8th graders ready to play volleyball. We started with our traditional game of „Tierra e Mar" with Pete at the helm, which is always fun to watch and participate in. The kids smiling faces and enthusiasm showed it all. It was a blessing to see them laughing and so excited to play.  We split up into groups and taught them volleyball basics, such as hitting, passing, and setting. The kids picked it up very well and we were all having fun. We quickly made friends and were able to make some deeper connections today as most of the kids spoke English. After a few rounds of intense volleyball games we went to our testimonial section. Craig shared today and left a lasting impact on the kids encouraging those that were already Christians and telling and explaining the good news of Jesus Christ. After this class dispersed, we learned pretty quickly of the free flowing environment. Kids were out on break constantly and we were able to play with them and make more friends and continue to encourage and teach. Clip was able to get the kids going with a game of high fives and along with Craig and Pete showed some of the kids how to dunk. Suzi was talking to girls about the life found in Jesus. Aaron spent some of his lunch talking to kids around the little courtyard, and so on! Everybody was interacting and loving on the kids and they were loving back. It was amazing to connect, but yet again sad we had to leave. We all have agreed this is one of the hardest parts of our mission both for the kids and people we are impacting and ourselves, but our short time here will still have an impact and gives good help to David and Marianella's ministry for Christ.

After a hectic morning of fun with the kids, we took our afternoon time to watch some soccer and visit Panama City. Unfortunately David's team lost. After gaining a 2-0 lead in the first half, the second half ended in a draw. It went into pks were David's team, CCA Eagles, lost by 2. It was a sad loss especially in semi-finals, but it was a great lesson to us as athletes how David was able to walk across the field after the game and transition back into life without letting it effect him. We kicked around a little bit, and watched little Dani show off his natural soccer abilities against Rev (Chris) who was in goal. Once we finished kicking around we went into the historic part of Panama City in search of memories and souvenirs. The history of  the city was amazing. Marianella told us a story about a church that was amazing. The center piece of the church, which was gold leafed and all carved images of Jesus and other saints and other artistic interpetations was thrown into the ocean by Pirates, but was recovered by the indigenous people. We soon found ourselves walking on a walkway by the bay where home made souvenirs were scattered across the tables of eager barterers. It was amazing to see the selflessness of everyone as they picked out necklaces and gifts for friends and family back home.

The drive back we passed the ghettos along the highway and you can't help but think the hardship that is there in the city. It reminds you of how fortunate we are and how much people need to be reached out to in the world and in our own country that are in similar situations. Ending on a happy note, we ate out at a mall that would put many malls in the U.S. To shame. It was huge! We enjoyed each other company before returning exhausted, yet ready to do laundry and for another intense game of signs! What is in store for us tomorrow? Another adventure we are eager to go on.




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