Missions Blog

Oh, the joys of traveling in the winter. Our team landed in Panama City on Sunday, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Saturday morning, the first leg of our flight (Pittsburg to Atlanta) was canceled as Delta couldn’t get a flight crew there. Thanks to the persistence of our fearless leader, Brad Bridges, he was able to work with the Delta representative to find a flight for all 13 team members. The catch? The 6 AM flight now took off from Cleveland instead of Atlanta. What the enemy didn’t count on was the grit and the will of this team to get to Panama. The travel fun didn’t stop after we arrived in Atlanta either. The second part of the flight was delayed so we were an hour late landing in Panama City. 

Through the generous donations of our friends, church family, and neighbors, we were able to take 26 pieces of luggage filled with donations for the missionaries and the kids. It’s always a challenge when you take that much luggage plus 13 carry-ons, both logistically and getting through Panama customs. Once again, God showed up: only two pieces of luggage were opened but they were allowed through! 

Monday brought beautiful weather, good coffee, and a day full of hard work. After starting the day with a delicious breakfast, the team split up to divide and conquer the two tasks we were handed. Half of the team spent the day around the zip line clearing trees and making a path with machetes and a chainsaw. Yes, that team still has all their limbs intact! The other team painted the walls in the dining hall, and what a difference a coat of paint makes! 

The kids arrive tomorrow and we could not be more excited! We can’t wait to share the love of Jesus and support the Panama camp team…..a modern-day version of washing feet.