I chuckle to myself as I think about the gift that Abuela gave me after I complimented the hot cup of crema that she gave me. She gave me ¼ of the package that was left after she filled a large Tupperware container full of the powder. “Where can I buy this?” I asked, as I seriously liked the stuff, not to mention it is packed full of vitamins. Abuela replied, “you can´t buy this stuff, it is from the government.” The government supplies it to the public schools and to retirees on a special plan a bit like social security.
Colleen excited to make crema for breakfast
Since finishing Abuelas gift of crema, I have yet to find any crema in Panamá that resembles the rich creamy taste that the government provides. Hopefully in the future I will get a taste again, as I am going to start teaching English in our local public schools when we are not traveling! Bonus!
What we´ve been up to:
In Yaviza: We were in Yaviza at the Church camp for 18 days for training and helping get “Club La Cima” started. We are very thankful for the love and care that Rick and Eunice Johnson, and Jorge Quintero Perez gave as they sweated to help clean, build, and teach the children in Yaviza. We praise God for providing Wounaan families that have the desire to serve these children. One family has signed on for one year (or more!) to help facilitate this children´s ministry. They have left their home hours away to serve! Praise God for them, and for the other team member´s that have a desire to work in this area. Please continue to pray for this team and for the children that come.
Everyone pitches in to help with homework
Jorge and Robinson lead us in exercise!
Club La Cima is a well organized center where children can be served food, receive help with homework, time for exercise, the opportunity to come to know the word of God….and many other activities, all under the care of adults who have hearts to show each child love as through Christ Jesus.
Eunice and Rick Johnson with Kalea
Church visit: We received a group from the local Church of Christ at our house in Catrígandi. They came out to share a day of fun and games with the children from their church, followed by a short hike to the waterfall for swimming! What a blessing it was to hear the children sing praises to God!
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Please Pray:
…for unity and direction for Wounaan and Emberá leaders. They desperately need for the Panamanian government to fulfill the laws and promises to title their lands and thus control the many threats of violence and threats to their health and future that are related to this ongoing issue.
…for Panamanian government authorities… for God´s control, timing, and peace:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; as the rivers of water, He turneth it whithersoever He will. Proverbs 21:1
Health:
It is difficult to serve joyfully when one has discomfort or pain! Please pray for Alan´s back, pray for strength. Pray for the pressure in Colleen´s head to subside. She will be having cervical-cerebral MRI in early March, as she has had ongoing symptoms for over a year. Pray for the physical and emotional health of our team members Einer and Girlesa.
We truly give thanks and praise for you! When I am not feeling my best, I still feel glad knowing that there is a family of people praying for me. We could not be here without your prayers!!!!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow o f the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust”…
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. – Psalm 91:1-2, 4
We invite you to take refuge under the wings of our gracious God!
We have been enjoying an incredible week with the Trabert Family that is visiting us from Ohio. Todd, Janice and their sweet little girl Malia took us on a 3 day excursion to El Valle up in the mountains, where we enjoyed time relaxing, hiking to waterfalls, going to the zoo, and the butterfly house. When we returned back home we put them to work! We are so thankful for their love and support….and they sure were a blessing to have in our home!
Back at home….I (Colleen) continue teaching English at the local school….the day starts with both teachers and children cleaning up the mess in the classroom. Evidently bats are living above the ceiling panels. Please pray into this, because we realize this is a health threat, and would like to tactfully advocate a solution. On another note….I am still having a blast teaching games in English and singing with the children….it has really sparked new life into me, as children are my passion.
