A week in Panama City

After arriving back from two months of traveling, the last thing I wanted to do was to leave home again. Sometimes it seems like my life is a constant series of packing and unpacking suitcases.  Although I am a missionary, and traveling is a part of my life, there is no denying that it can be pretty stressful at times.

We were supposed to go to Panama City this week to teach in their Leadership and Pioneering school.  While I knew I would enjoy immensely the chance to teach them on the subject of discipling others, I did not look forward to mobilizing our family again.  Especially since we had just gotten back into a good rhythm with home school.

But we went. And as I expected, we had a great time.  Alex and I got to share with a great group of 6 students a bunch of lessons that God has taught us over the last few years about how to mentor others in their relationship with God.  We also got to reconnect with fellow YWAMers there and rekindle friendships.

It was an interesting experience teaching, as I ended up telling a lot of stories.  I have always loved to listen to teachers who give a lot of examples. Sometimes ideas and theories are confusing to me until someone gives a concrete example.  So it was fun to sort through some of my OWN experiences and be able to flesh out the concepts that I wanted to talk about with examples from our own life and ministry.

I feel privileged that I have been taught so many great principles and also given the chance to put them into practice. I love living where we are, in a small community where we have the time and the opportunity to invest in the lives of young believers.  Even with all the multiple challenges, and those days that I complain or wish that this or that was different, it's wonderful to look around and know that you truly are in the right place and the right time.


Comentarios

Publicar un comentario

Entradas populares de este blog

Two halves of my life

Typical to the Oregon coast, the afternoon was cool and breezy. None of the kids were really dressed for it, as my sister and I watched them explore the wonders of the piles of driftwood. My sister Sarah and her kids were out visiting for some rare time for the sister (and cousins) to catch up with each other.  As I sat with Lucy in the sand, Sarah brought over a beautiful rock she had found.  As I admired it, and she went off to find something else beautiful, suddenly we were kids again.  I remembered a hundred outings as kids, exploring a creek, hiking, camping up near Mt. Hood.  My mom still picks up pretty rocks when she goes places.  Abigail and I have started collecting heart shaped rocks where ever we go. My sister and I are moms now, carrying the weight of responsibility, tired from babies waking us, working long hours, worrying about whether we are doing a good job.  It's almost impossible to get a quiet moment to just talk, unless the kids hav...
Leer más

Overwelmed.... in a good way.

Imagen
Overwelmed. That describes our experience this last weekend in many ways. Overwelmed by what God is doing in the lives of Wounaan belivers all over Panama. Overwelmed by the hospitality and generosity of the Wounaan people.  And yes, tired as well. We started out on Thursday of last week, waiting at the port of Coquira . Soon our captain arrived and the process began of buying the gasoline, and waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive.  Meanwhile the girls and I enjoyed a breakfast of fried tortillas and beef at a small restaurant. Soon everyone arrived, including our team from YWAM Chiriqui, and the boat was loaded.  We headed out down the Bayano River, only to realize that our motor was too small for the weight.  So we turned around again and switched out with a friend's larger boat and motor.  And we were off again!    The day was sunny and we covered ourselves as much as we could. The wind was low and we made good progress.  About ...
Leer más

Back in Oregon

Our long journey is over. Last night we pulled into my parent’s driveway here in Oregon. The only thing that’s left is a couple of days to rest, pack, and do last minute errands before we leave for Panama. This has been an outreach of extremes.  We began with below zero temperatures and snowstorms in Idaho. We finished with 70 degree temperatures and sun in Arizona.  We went from sea level at our first outreach presentation on the coast of Oregon, and finished driving back through Arizona over 8,000 + altitude at the pass.  We walked through the desert where nothing taller than a sage brush or tumbleweed could grow, and then went to see the mighty redwoods, the tallest trees on earth. But over all what will stay with me are the people. The Nez Perce and Hopi people, and the YWAMers and other missionaries who are giving their lives to serve these people.  I will remember Stella, who taught us how to do beadwork. She told us that her grandmother taught her...
Leer más