July 24, 2010
As we approach the end of our first week, the routine of planning to have time each morning to relax, reflect and share devotional time together has proven to be nearly impossible. Something seems to come up every day. The last two mornings the team has been split to go in separate directions. Yesterday Mike and Brent visited the University and met with a new local missionary, while Barbara, Patty and I went to Old Panama. Today Mike and the ladies went to a birthday party complete with a clown (who happens to be one of our readers), while I took Delores’s van to have the window repaired.
It is important to note that while our plans seem to be somewhat unstable, they all seem to pivot around two key individuals, Edwin Garcia and Norberto Lasso. Both men have never hesitated to give of themselves when we are in need. None of us would even be here without Edwin and his family. His tireless work ethic and desire to serve is admirable. It almost seems like he can read our thoughts just by watching our body language and actions because he is always one step ahead of everyone (except his wife)!!
Norberto and his family continue to provide lodging, fellowship and be our Garmin GPS when we venture out of the normal commute. His mother washes our clothes and shares a bedroom with her son and granddaughter so Mike and I can have her room and shower.
If we recall nothing else on this trip, we should all remember the sacrifices and hospitality of these wonderful friends.
Our readers are humble, dedicated, fun loving and eager to learn. We hear statements and thoughts from them every day that should be compiled into a book. My favorite yesterday was from Yasmir. When I asked him why the devil tempted Jesus in the desert he said, “because it was his job.”
Although serving the Lord is not my job now, my hope and prayer is that when I return home I will be one step closer to making it my job.
We are looking forward to the weekend and another week of being immersed in the wonder of God.
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