Yesterday afternoon we arrived back to San Jose, Costa Rica after a 16 hour trip including three hours at the border. It feels nice to be back in a familiar place where there are familiar faces to catch up with. Panama was awesome though, and the month really flew by.
The last week was all ministry within the city, with the exception of one day where we went to another tribe. City ministry days usually meant traveling into the busy parks, streets, and sidewalks and performing dramas, giving testimonies, etc. A lot of passer-bys stopped to watch and listen, and after each program we would talk with anyone who wanted to hang around. Sometimes we did up to three or four programs a day, with four dramas per program and explanations of dramas/ testimonies after each one. Each day was jam packed, for sure.
One day we went into a slum/ghetto to meet up with a children’s ministry. They are a really small Christian organization that has a place for kids to come and hang out if they don’t attend school and their parents aren’t with them during the day. They provide meals, education, games, music, and love and attention for each child. It’s a really great place, and I’m glad we got to spend a day there. We put on a program in the morning and afternoon and then just played with the kids in between. Our kids programs usually include dramas, songs, games, and small teachings.
Another day we went to a neighborhood close to the base and invited the community to their soccer court for a program. We had intended to do a presentation for adults, but found ourselves with an audience of young kids…so we changed our plans and had a great time with the children instead. (Games, dramas, playing soccer) Change during outreach happens often but it’s kinda fun- a very effective way to build flexibility and creativity.
The day with the tribe was awesome as well…it was the same Embera tribe as before, but a different village closer to the city. We put on a presentation for them and then had a time of learning about their culture, getting a tour of the village, and buying artisans.
There are a ton of specific stories, incredible moments, and awesome people that wouldn’t be possible to write out in a short time…especially one handed. But I will share a little more of the month with you in another way (photos) and I can’t wait to catch up in detail when I come home. So here are some (of many) pictures from the time we spent in Panama:
The last week was all ministry within the city, with the exception of one day where we went to another tribe. City ministry days usually meant traveling into the busy parks, streets, and sidewalks and performing dramas, giving testimonies, etc. A lot of passer-bys stopped to watch and listen, and after each program we would talk with anyone who wanted to hang around. Sometimes we did up to three or four programs a day, with four dramas per program and explanations of dramas/ testimonies after each one. Each day was jam packed, for sure.
One day we went into a slum/ghetto to meet up with a children’s ministry. They are a really small Christian organization that has a place for kids to come and hang out if they don’t attend school and their parents aren’t with them during the day. They provide meals, education, games, music, and love and attention for each child. It’s a really great place, and I’m glad we got to spend a day there. We put on a program in the morning and afternoon and then just played with the kids in between. Our kids programs usually include dramas, songs, games, and small teachings.
Another day we went to a neighborhood close to the base and invited the community to their soccer court for a program. We had intended to do a presentation for adults, but found ourselves with an audience of young kids…so we changed our plans and had a great time with the children instead. (Games, dramas, playing soccer) Change during outreach happens often but it’s kinda fun- a very effective way to build flexibility and creativity.
The day with the tribe was awesome as well…it was the same Embera tribe as before, but a different village closer to the city. We put on a presentation for them and then had a time of learning about their culture, getting a tour of the village, and buying artisans.
There are a ton of specific stories, incredible moments, and awesome people that wouldn’t be possible to write out in a short time…especially one handed. But I will share a little more of the month with you in another way (photos) and I can’t wait to catch up in detail when I come home. So here are some (of many) pictures from the time we spent in Panama:
the San Juan river
The Embera Tribe 
Some of the homes
this was about 7ft long head to tail
Jovonka
Me and Jovonka
the girls' hut
dinner!
some of the guys bathing
the artisans
Sifting sand
Working on the roof
kids program
Oajaca (2nd village)
the girls' room (behind me)
Hiking through Oajaca
Our shower/bathroom
performing a drama at the school
the students
pretending it really hurt
that doesn't look right....
my bright pink cast
speaking at the Oajaca church 
look how many things we can put in the cast
Performing dramas in Panama city
the slum we visited 
singing songs with the kids 
precious....
a few of the kids
praying after the teaching
me and Mitza
The ride to the village
other tribe village
performing dramas at a church in Panama city
the city
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