I am home! The perfect way to begin a “Thankful Thursday” post! Yes, the trip was great. In so many ways. But, I have to admit, this homebody is grateful to be home. I spent the day yesterday getting back into my routine, catching up on things that could not be done while I was away (including blog reading!), and even started a new Bible study….just to mix up the routine a bit:) I do plan to share more about the trip on Monday and to share more photos but, for today, just a quick hello and just a couple pictures as I share some things for which I am grateful.
I am thankful for –
safety as we flew…both there and on a return trip. Both flights were right on time and very smooth. Going through customs and security (which is a major stressor for me) was super easy and uneventful every time. I am beyond grateful to be able to say that! All of the luggage arrived and my new suitcase did not even seem any worse the wear. Can’t ask for more than that. We flew Copa Air, which I had never heard of but would highly recommend.
good health….for everyone on the trip. We had been cautioned about parasites and other potential stomach upsetters, but no one had any problems. We did drink bottled water (which I think is wise any time you travel) and were careful where we ate, etc. I had read the water is not a problem for visitors but we did not take the chance and, well, it apparently paid off.
good weather…during the entire trip. It is rainy season in Panama but it truly did not rain that much and was a non-factor while we were there. The humidity was intense and, honestly, the clouds and some rain in the afternoon were a welcome respite from the hot sun. About the weather, truly all I can say is HUMID. I typcially do not sweat a lot but that all changed in Panama. Phew!!
an air-conditioned hotel. What a wonderful treat it was to return to our room each night (after a lot of sweating!) to a cool room. Sometimes I take ac for granted but I certainly did appreciate it last week.
the warm and friendly nature of the Panamanians. It was a very different culture than what I am used to here at home. Perhaps it was just that we were tourists. Or maybe because we were “gringos,” as we were called. But everyone was very kind and enjoyed talking…or practicing their English:)
the opportunity to share the gospel. This was a missions trip. We did have quite a bit of fun and did some “touristy” things but there was also a lot of time to door-knock and share the gospel. A lot of chances to connect with people and almost everyone was welcoming and willing to listen.
I am very grateful for this opportunity. I pray for those who were given Bibles and those who heard the plan of salvation. I am thankful to have been a part of this team and on this trip. I plan to share some more photos on Monday. I hope you will stop by again!! Have a good weekend –
I’m glad you had a safe and great time. I have always wanted to do a mission’s trip but have yet to experience one.
Thank you, Dawn! I hope you will be able to do a trip one day. You will be changed!
Welcome back! I’m glad it went so well!
Thanks much!!
This looks and sounds wonderful! I shall come back and read it again. I just popped over to let you know the address of Glen Burnie Gardens. I hope you are able to go there. The address is: 901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601. Also, if ever you decide to go during the week, the garden and the museum next door are closed on Mondays. Have a great weekend!
Denise – thank you so much for the address. That was so kind of you. We did not make it to Winchester last weekend but hope to soon!!
I am glad to hear that everything went smoothly and look forward to hearing more- whatever you decide to share :).
Thanks Maria – and thanks for stopping by! Always glad when you do –
I am sure you were a blessing to many with seeds planted to those you ministered to. What pure joy to be able to serve God in this way.
Debby – it really was a joy! It was tiring (and hot!) but very much a joy just to have the opportunity!! Glad you stopped by –
Welcome home. So glad your trip was a success without any traveling hassles or stomach bugs. Where in Panama were you? Panama City but did you get into the interior at all for your mission work? My ex-husband had an aunt who lived, I think, in Chorrera. They were desperately poor.
Panama is HUMID!! And the sand fleas. Did you have trouble with them? Where we lived they flew right in through the screen, and we had no AC so the windows were always open. I wore OFF for 6 years. Surprised you didn’t have more rain but maybe the climate there is changing, too. We could almost always count on at least an hour long rainstorm every afternoon during rainy season.
Can’t wait to see pictures!!
We had a great trip…and I definitely getting away and the “change of scenery” but I’m not sure I would want to live there. For six years!! I have to admit that I did not experience sand fleas. I would count myself blessed in that regard! Hope you are doing well my friend. I look forward to catching up with your blog!
Jennifer, why am I just now noticing your picture on the sidebar? I love it! I love your curls 🙂 What a great picture 🙂
I’ve been absent around here for a few weeks, but it sounds like you had a nice trip. Yay for safe flights, both ways! I haven’t flown in so long and honestly, am scared to do it!!
I hope you’re getting some fall weather 🙂 I wish I was.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Aw, Debbie…you are so sweet! Thanks for your compliment. And, yes, I tried to slide that new photo on there without much notice…lol! Those curls served me well in the humidity of Panama. So there is that!:)
Welcome home, I am glad your trip was successful, my friend.
Thanks so much, Linda!!
I am happy to see your post, that all went well, and you are safely home! (May you find some time to rest, too!)
Thank you, Karen. I think I have finally rested and am feeling back on track:)
so glad your trip went well and you are back home to regularly scheduled programming. I love coming home the bestest!!
Me too…hooray for coming home!
I’m pleased you are home safely and have had a successful trip. What an experience!
Yes it was, Deb!! But I am glad to be home as well:)
A wonderful time away from home with lots of things to be thankful for and opportunities to share the Gospel with others.
Yes, you are so right, Beverley!
These are all such wonderful things to be thankful for. I am so glad to hear that the plane ride was so smooth and that you had such nice weather.
Thank you, Joanne! I thankful for those things as well (especially that smooth plane ride!)