by Colleen
I return toSouth Carolina after living in Panamá for five months. I am now surrounded by language everywhere that I understand. I don’t have to work to listen, and I am pleased to communicate with anyone and everyone, even the simple exchanges in passing with strangers of which I would have previously taken for granted.
visiting with cousins
We returned on a Saturday, and on Sunday we were glad to visit BethelBaptistChurch, the church where Alan grew up, and where now many of his blood relatives attend. At this point the only family I had seen were my parents in-law. I arrive to church a little late (still on that Panamanian time; always late!) and everyone is standing, moving and greeting one another. I want to go see Gran. As I make my way through the crowd I am greeted by so many faces. All are family in Christ. I feel so overcome with joy to see relatives and other familiar faces I have not seen in five months. I think to myself, this must be a bit like heaven. I know it will feel this good…As I’m sitting in church my mind travels as the preacher talks about overcoming difficult times…I have lived in a place where my neighbors are poor. They have dirt floors, they wash their clothes in the river, they have no electricity, at times no running water, and the nearby grandmother is frequently out of money to buy food.
We were blessed with a visit from Todd and Janice, two of our supporters. What a beautiful afternoon on Whiteside Mountain!
I myself have been down to the last $4 and wondered where my next meal would come from. At that point in time God provided through our neighbors. I had just finished telling Alan how tired I was of eating rice and beans, or beans and rice, how wouldn’t it be great if we had tortillas. Not even 5 minutes later, “Grandmother” shows up with tortillas; 5 minutes later another neighbor shows up with bananas; and by dinner time yet another neighbor brings a meal. They didn’t even know we had this need. I sat there laughing each time a neighbor showed up. Laughing that God is so good…so good…I barely had a chance to ask, and a need was met. We still have financial need, but I don’t spend my time worrying. If it is Gods will for us to stay in Panamá, it is through Him that it will happen…
The pastor then begins to talk about God’s purpose for us…While the difficulties I’ve experienced (for me personally mostly lack of comfort) have been challenging, I take comfort that He wants me there, he has prepared me and it’s my purpose.
For now, I take great joys in even the simple things; running water (Hot water! Soap in every bathroom, electricity, butter, and the list goes on!). I now have a new appreciation. I cherish these precious moments with family and know that while my neighbors back in Panamá are poor in many areas, they are rich in so many others. Through their love, I know I have much more to learn.
If you´re happy and you know it... pray and praise!
