Update #2 from Team # 1

Another good day in Panama! Soldados de Cristo was successful again. Today, there were many students who came in to schedule sessions with us. They seemed very nervous but excited about learning English. Some students who came in spoke great English, and some could barely say English class. It was so cute and exciting for us that they want to learn a foreign language. For Jaclyn, today was a busier day. She felt very rewarded to just be with the teens and experienced a lot of laughing and smiling. Terry had 2 readers, but on his down time he relaxed with Taylor, outside on the bench, watching the rain. By the way, today, the rain looked just like California rain. So, nothing different there....YET! Taylor had 1 reader this afternoon with a girl who was very quiet and spoke little English. It was a great time for Taylor to open her heart and show compassion with this shy reader. Surprisingly, I had no readers today. But, I was sure busy. I had everyone's schedules and was working with the coordinators from the school to fill up our schedules. I guess you could say I am the team organizer. Today, I was very thankful to have the skill of organization. By the end of the day, it had all come together. Some of the moments today were slow paced. But, sometimes a little relaxation never hurt anybody. After leaving from the school, we went to eat and did some grocery shopping. We have planned our party and are ready for Friday to be here. Speaking of parties...we were invited to one of our reader's(Jessica)daughter's 14th Bday tonight. So, after our last session from 7-8, we went to the Bday party. They had some great lasagna and a delicious cake! We sang happy birthday in English first, and then in Spanish. It was very cool! Well, I am a little tired and am ready to hit the hay. I hope you all are enjoying the updates on Davis Park's team in Panama. Please continue praying that God blesses our time here. Goodnight.

With Christian Love,

Sarah

Update from Panama

Team #1 reporting from PANAMA!



Well church family, we have made it safely to the hot and humid Panama! Although we had a couple delays in our flights, we finally arrived at 9:00pm. Terry, Taylor & I were welcomed at the airport by our wonderful chauffer, Elio (who waited 2 hours for us to arrive). We had a warm welcome from Delores and her daughter, Deborah. Delores is so sweet you just want to squeeze her every time you see her. Jaclyn and I have the wonderful privilege of being Delores’ company for 2 weeks in her home.





Terry & Taylor have a very hospitable host, also. The Hoffman’s are so happy to be staying with a family they met at the last LST visit. During a late night snack at a McDonald’s restaurant, Terry & Taylor’s hosts showed interest in why we were here and what we are about. It is so exciting to see God working with us and through us, and we haven’t even begun the LST program yet. This family is already planning to attend church with us next Sunday. : ) Our first evening in Panama was blessed.




Sunday morning, we had our first experience at church, which takes place in a high school classroom here in town. We had the honor of meeting new Iglesia de Cristo families, and reuniting with the old. Following worship service, we went to pick up our last team member, Jaclyn, who made it safe and sound. Finally, the team is all together! Definitely taking advantage of the little free time we have, Deborah took us to do some sight seeing, and shopping while Delores cat napped in the passenger seat. Awww! Finally, our grocery shopping is done for the week, and we are ready for some rest. Pray that God gives us wisdom & patience as we begin LST tomorrow. Goodnight!




With Christian Love,

Sarah