Where did the time go?

kids help Pastor Ermes bring soil to the planter

We traveled to the community of Platanares for 9 days to work on finishing their water filter and help with children´s ministry. Alan trained people in water testing, and we stayed very busy with puppets, movies, music, art, and worship each afternoon and evening. Pastor Einer guided the construction of some raised planting beds made of bamboo and taught discipleship classes each morning as well as helping with the water filter. Alan got to be part of a “boat dragging” where a freshly hued canoe was dragged from the mountains to the river.

Isaiah masters the pipette

The time spent with the children was priceless. Even when there are no “programs” scheduled, the children come to the house where we are staying. This time spent playing games and talking is my favorite part. I have been reading through a book on becoming “emotionally whole.” This time for me personally was an awesome learning experience. My personal preferences for private time were pressed to the limit with having the children over all the time, and not having anywhere to go to have a few minutes of privacy. It´s okay to set personal boundaries, but it´s all in the way you handle yourself emotionally, verbally. I reflected on this hours later as I thought about my tone as I told some kids I needed time to rest. I didn´t feel good about myself and how I handled the situation. I thought about how I could have told them in a more loving tone; this is a recurring problem of mine; I wait to express myself right as I´ve “had enough” and my attitude seems out of control!

Javier studies about Noah

one of our favorite forms of “church”

The next afternoon I was reading my book on emotional health and was enjoying the silence of the house, when Javier showed up. Normally, I would have taken an unloving tone and told him this was my time, and I would have continued to read. …I finished reading a sentence in my book and marked it. I put the book down. Javier looked at me beaming. Just before he showed up I was reflecting on the fact that  all of the children that show up to the pastor´s house where we stay also show up to church, and most have parents that don´t participate in the church. They show up to the house because they are curious, because they want my time, because they want my attention, and my love. So as Javier showed up, I thanked God that he sent me a blessing in the form of a child named Javier to smile at me, and remind me that all I need to do is love this child with the time here that God graces me with….it´s not “my” time! It´s Gods time! I am thankful for this lesson and have been mindful to be loving with my tone when I do need time to myself.

Coming up:

We will be traveling back to Platanares on the 14^th of November with Jamie and Murray from Mb mission. They will be facilitating dialogue on Asset Based Community Development, a mindset that empowers -rather than subjugates-  our partner churches in Panama.

Praise Report/Prayer Requests:

Praise God for all the little children of the world!

Praise God for the close relationship that our team is forming and the vision He is giving for His work in Panama!

Pray that God would help me have peace with my health (There are no tick borne illnesses in Panama! I am currently being treated for a pinched nerve)

Pray that our growing relationship with Engineers Without Borders would be a blessing to many people.

Pray for the Einer and Girlesa as they deal with sickness and death in their family.

Here´s a short video of dragging a newly made boat off the mountain and into the river:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wBFnuLlfm8&feature=youtu.be&rel=0]