Panama ~ Monday & Tuesday

Last trip: The men working on the 2nd floor windows

On our last trip to Panama, we stayed at a wonderful mission house, which we enjoyed, but it required an hour each way to get to  and from Casa Providencia.  This trip Bob looked into the cost difference if we stay at the Hotel Melia, which is literally around the corner from Casa Providencia. When he looked at the savings in gas, it ended up being the same cost.  With our breakfast included, we were able to leave the hotel rested and ready to start the day.

Each team member was eager to see the progress on the inside, as we had driven by on Sunday and seen improvements.  We met Matt and began the tour.  What an encouragement!! We began by riding the elevator up to the first floor.  The guys had helped on last trip with building some of the structure that was needed before the elevator could be installed.

We arrived on the first floor and the first thing I noticed was the windows.  The guys on the team two years ago had spent many hours mixing and hauling concrete up to the second floor and repairing the area around the windows so that new windows could be put in. These new windows looked wonderful!! 

(I realized after we returned, that I only took photos of the first floor windows, which  you can see are curved.  The second floor windows look similar, but are rectangular shaped as they were when the guys repaired them last trip!)

Last trip we had removed peeling paint from almost every wall (and ceiling, it seemed!) This time most of the walls were painted, with only some walls needing touch up, doors and trim needing to be painted.  The building had gone from looking run down (and our wondering when it would EVER be able to open!) to actually looking possible to house the children. 

Junction boxes installation crew

Susan and I were to start by painting some door frames. Much more rewarding than scraping peeling paint off the walls! And yet we both felt impressed that one of our major tasks was to be praying while we worked.  Praying for the children who would come in through these doors, the workers that would minister to them, as well as all on Heart's Cry staff.

Bob was to work on getting the WiFi setup.  Given the fact that the walls are thick concrete that were reinforced with rebar (This was an old US military building and built to last!), and there was metal in all the windows, it was a large task.  Mike and Ty were to begin installing the junction boxes in every room and hallway for the security cameras that were being installed the following week.  These are not a government requirement for an orphanage, but the desire of Matt & Misty to make sure that the children are always kept safe.  And so we began our week. 

Getting the WiFi set up

Did I mention that we were in Panama during the rainy season???  It felt like the muggiest of NC summer days.  By the time we arrived at Casa Providencia, we could already feel the sweat running down our backs. We were grateful for the large ceiling fans and good cross breeze through the windows.  And we tried to find the opportunity to drop into "Bob's office," as he was enjoying air conditioning.  He patiently endured our good-natured teasing.

And Tuesday was more of the same.  Bob helped us start our day by sharing a devotional by Al Mohler from Romans 8, on when adoption fails, it is the gospel denied. How grateful I am for a God who will never leave me nor forsake me!  How deeply each of us on the team desires to see the orphans brought to Casa Providencia, cared for with the love of Jesus and possibly adopted into loving homes.

We were grateful to have a very small part in making that happen.