Panama ~ We arrived!

(I am sharing this post after our return, but wanted to document our time in Panama.  I kept a journal of our time there, but it wasn't possible to upload this to the blog while there. )
At the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal
It is amazing how little space there is between the ship and the side of the canal
After a short night and a broken suitcase requiring a quick change to a new one, we got to the aiport to find that Sam had come to see us off. What a sacrificial act on his part to make the trip to be at the airport at 4:45 a.m.! He helped us unload the medical bins that Cheryl had procured for us and blessed us by putting feet to his prayers for us.  We were saddened to not have Cheryl on the trip, but understood her need to minister to family.  Don was still sick, but we hope he will be able to join us later in the week.  
Our little team of 8 is down to 6.

 Thankfully, two uneventful flights landed us and our luggage safely in Panama. Stepping out of the airport we were greeted by the humidity of the raining season in Panama.
You can see the line of ships awaiting their turn

 Bill and Judy picked us up, took us to their home for lunch, and then took us to visit the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.  Amazing! We watched a number of ships move through the locks and walked through the museum with information on the canal and the building of the canal.  (Bob and I enjoyed wonderful espressos while there.  No surprise to anyone who knows us.) It was quite a treat to be able to spend the afternoon at the canal, to get acclimated before our week of work begins.  
The opening of the gates.  Fascinating!
Judy had made dinner for us, and Misty and her children Peter and Rosie joined us. Misty was able to share about the ministry of Heart's Cry Children's Ministry. (Matt and their other child, Issac, were not able to be with us that evening) 

To hear how the Lord took a couple that was simply interested in adopting a child, and worked in their lives to the point where the laws in Panama now allow for foster care and adoption is nothing short of a miracle.  

We then headed out to Casa Praisio and got settled in.  A beautiful mission house with air conditioning.  Who would expect that on a missions trip?
The first morning we enjoyed watching two toucans fly by the window

Who knows what this week will bring. Who knows what we will see, experience and learn this week.  Oh Lord, may we be the arms and feet of Jesus.  

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