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| Shabooya |
Wednesday, August 12
Wednesday brought a change of pace for the squad, as we divided
into two groups in order to divide and conquer two very different locations. We got an early
(6:30) start to our day, and by 7:30 we tearfully parted ways. Half of us
(along with half the softball team) drove 20 minutes to the community of
Arraijan, while the rest walked down the road.
Our modes of ministry were at different ends of the scale… one group
headed to a small but growing church, while the other visited a large, established school. One
handled pick axes and shovels, while the other entertained scores of energetic
kids. Though our experiences were different, we shared two distinct
similarities by the end of the day: shirts drenched with sweat (you’re soaked
after 38 seconds down here), tired arms (from picking up bag after bag of sand…
and kid after kid), and a lot of joy, having experienced a unique and purposeful
morning/afternoon in two awesome locations.
Here’s a little bit more on each team’s day..
A-Team:
For most of us, Arraijan was nothing like we have ever
experienced before. For all of us, the six hours spent at the church were both
tiring and uplifting. The Arraijan church consists of concrete flooring and a
tin roof, and it sits neatly at the base of large hill in the middle of a
sprawling community. The church’s founder, Pastor Reuben, and his family greeted
us upon arrival (they live behind the church) and immediately put us to the
task.
Our main project involved clearing a stingy blockade of dirt
and rock to make way for a new concrete retaining wall, one that will protect
the church from mud and rock sliding down the hill it sits beneath. The project
left each of us with dirty, calloused hands, but we made great progress – to
the point where the church can begin laying rebar for concrete. To help get
that task rolling, we transported the rebar, along with numerous bags of sand
and concrete, down a sketchy path from the road to the church. We also began building a door for the
church’s food stand, a small structure from which the church provides free
meals to the community.
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| Pre-boxing workout with Pastor Reuben |
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| Colin 'Good Hugs' Fry and Casey |
And let us not
forget our third, and perhaps most difficult task – entertaining the kids on
hand. It takes talent and the grace of God to balance work and play in
Arraijan, especially when you’re plastered with stickers (we salute you, Colin
Fry), juggling soccer balls, or trying to get your baby back. Our time with our
new friends ended with a boxing lesson from Pastor Reuben (an ex-pro himself),
and we all paid witness to the beginning of Adam Janney’s UFC career. We finished the afternoon perhaps as tired,
and as grateful, as we have ever been to have meet and helped Pastor Reuben
advance God’s presence in his community.
B-Team:
Paraiso is the local town that Rio Missions and the Cottons
call home. We were able to get into the local elementary school for their
recess time. Just a short walk away the school has a nice asphalt area. As we
ran four stations (hitting, throwing, base running, and fielding) we quickly
were reminded that a smile is powerful. The kids responded to our smiles and
theirs filled our hearts. No gloves, no grass, no dirt...but baseball/softball
brought some happiness into the day. One teacher even changed his day (and
ours) when he saw the fun and decided to bring his class out for a short break.
He is a believer in Jesus, and we saw him again with his class in the
afternoon. Thanks to our bilingual
softball player, Alyssa, we were able to sit the kids down at the end of each
class and share why we came to Panama and the importance and hope that the love
of God gives us. Many attend church with their families, but it was nice to
share with them that people around the world love them, and Jesus. Although
young, we hope it gives them a sense that there is a global church supporting
each other.
Wiffleball and kickball dominated the afternoon sessions,
but as soon as we would pick up or play with a kid, everyone wanted the same
attention. Our organized games slowly faded until we were taking selfies,
running around, and one large group of Messiah students and Paraiso kids
started to play hand slapping sing-song games. The language of the songs was not
important; all were having fun. When the
teacher announced it was time to go (which ended our day), there was a clear
grumble of disappointment from everyone.
At lunch time everyone seemed worn out, but the end was not welcomed.
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| Sharing testimonies with the kids! |
After a morning and afternoon dedicated to work, we took the
evening to explore Panama City alongside our hosts and friends. We shopped in a
district of the city styled similarly to New Orleans, then walked along a path
that overlooked the Pacific Ocean and downtown Panama City. We dined outdoors
at Casablanca Restaurant and danced (or tried to dance) to the rhythms of
Panama’s finest street performer, Fabio Broccoli. Our daily reflection and a volleyball
tournament tapped the night off upon our return to Paraiso, putting a great
stamp on another full day.
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| Panama City in all her evening glory |
Please pray that we continue to seek the Lord amidst these
packed days, as it’s been to get caught up in our work ministry, feeling tired,
or wanting to have fun while in this beautiful country.
God has blessed us with an amazing trip so far… games start
tomorrow!
In Christ,
The Fellas
