The day started with a few bumps as our driver got stuck in traffic (for over an hour) and we (almost) forgot Erin...(Erica saved the day!) We finally got started (20 people in a van and 2 cars) and traveled for over an hour on maybe the worst road in Panama (think potholes 2 feet deep, 15 feet across). We then got in two dugout canoes to travel upriver (we did see 2 crocodiles) to a village of an indigenous people group in Panama, the Embera-Wounaan tribe. We had to bring a basket and mount it to a tree at one end of their dirt soccer field. We experienced a traditional tribal meal and dance, walked through their village, then did a basketball clinic for them. Tribesmen in loinclothes shooting jumpshots (one beat Cecil in a shooting contest, but to be fair, Cecil was shooting left-handed). This is a group that has heard very little about Jesus, so it was great to be able to share with them. Erin was very powerful as she shared her testimony, and Zach was amazing in demonstrating how Jesus has to do something we can't with his half court shot. We were tired, hot, and dirty, but what a phenomenal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After another harrowing journey back (we did beat the thunderstorm), the team took quick showers and returned to the church for Crossfire, their weekly youth gathering. Mark and Trent shared testimonies, and Coach Jaderston was able to speak twice to both the junior and senior high. The worship was AMAZING! It was such a powerful night and a great way to wrap up the day.