By Colleen
So I had two big cultural experiences within the past two weeks. A nearby church had donated us their bus in order for us to take a field trip with the public school in our community Catrigandí. This is the school where I have been volunteering my time teaching English. We decided to go to the zoo which is on the other side of the city from where we live. About a 3 hour trip. The kids, teachers, and parents were very excited. In total there were about 50 that went on the trip.
We never could gather everyone for a photo as everyone was so excited to get moving!
Highlight of the trip: Seeing a school bus full of children look out the windows in amazement at the airplanes as we neared the airport outside of Panama City. I had forgotten that living out in the countryside where we are there is only an occasional helicopter. I was thankful to be part of this experience, knowing, that for some of these children, they have never traveled so far in their own country.
Trying to catch a peek at the airplane.
All in all, it was a successful trip even with occasional chaos of kids running ahead of the group! Happy kids!
Two days later, there was a graduation ceremony for the sixth graders, as December is the end of the Panamanian school year. For some of the uprising seventh graders, they have a choice between two schools to finish out the rest of their schooling through Highschool depending on their house location. For some, like my neighbor Elena, they are contemplating moving closer to the road for the convenience of Carlos having an easier time traveling to school. Otherwise, if they stay, Carlos will have to walk a 35 minute walk out as early as 5 or 6 in the morning just to wait and catch a bus to school. We will greatly miss our dear friends if they move! Please pray for their family as the discern this next big step!
Elena and Carlos
Highlight of graduation: Getting to witness my neighbor and friend Elena see her son Carlos graduate. Some adults in the area have not had the privilege of completing a primary school education. What a proud moment to witness the seven graduates of our small rural community!
(Alena is the mother of Luris, one of Kalea´s mejor amigas!)
Kalea and Luris experiencing the zoo together.
Colleen- it is so fun to read about the zoo trip and graduation…I can picture it so well now that I have had the blessing of visiting your home, your neighbours and seeing the school where you help out. What a great week you have had!! Blessings on you as you celebrate Emmanuel-God with us during this advent season.
Dear Colleen and family,
It´s hard to believe that we were at your home just a week ago and got to know you a little more and the surroundings where you live. Thank you so much for your hospitality. Your blog is just awesome!