Panama 2010 - Day 3

Our third day in Panama: This morning I woke up rolled out of my bunk and stumbled into the comon area to be greeted by the sun... and pancakes. A good night sleep and delicious breakfast was all we needed to get pumped up for the day ahead. As a group we were all excited to return to Corundu to play with the kids we had met yesterday and perform a few new skits, play more games, and help out the mission any way we could. That turned out to be a stellar performance of David and Goliath with Jordan playing the torso and head of Goliath on Brian's shoulders; Hunter and Chris hanging out with a group of boys flipping, running up walls, and singing rounds of "Ole, ole, ole, ole," while jumping in a huddle; and two groups working on painting and sanding in the unfinished portion of the building.

The second half of the day was very similar to the day before. We went back to the orphanage ready for anything. Each team performed their skit, we played some games, and got a tour of the facilites to really see where these kids live and what their experience there is like. It might be a step up for many of the children, but their desire for attention and love is still apparent on each of their faces. We made more of an effort to connect with the older kids and pulled them aside for a group discussion. Joelene shared her story and got to have a very special conversation with one of the girls coming from a very difficult home situation. You will all have to ask her more about that when we return because I was outside playing tag and chase. I was really moved to see John Branham playing with little Freddie all day even when he was tired and sweaty he just poured out the love of Christ on that boy all day.

We may have only been at that day camp and orphange for two days, but for the kids it was obvious that we had made an impact in their lives that week. As we pulled out into the street piled in the buses, kids waved, cried and chased the buses. As a staff member, I was so moved to really see how big the students hearts grew for these kids, and how willing they were to just be present and open even when the kids were sick and dirty, even if they were tired and hungry, and even with the language barrier.

Tonight we refueled with a wonderful meal of Paella to prepare for the six hour drive to Santa Catalina tomorrow morning. I know that as we leave this beautiful place and head to the coast, we will be taking many memories with us and leaving behind tears of both joy and sadness.

Today I am thankful for Purell, sneakers, Hunter's dance moves, John's patience, Ana's laughter, Patte's kindness, and Dillow's Zicam.
Please pray for the children in Corundu and at the orphanage, travel mercies for tomorrw, health for students caring for sick children, and for Sonrise ministries and their continued work here in Panama.

We miss our HCC family and look forward to sharing more great stories from Panama on our return.
Katie Wolff