Saturday, May 24

This morning we headed out to Arraijan for a clinic.  This is one of my favorite clinics because we get to walk the town and invite kids, and also get to see Pastor Fedrico.  Getting there proved to be a little bit of a challenge since the roads have been changed, but stellar driving by Cecil on steep hills and narrow winding roads proved to be the difference and we finally made it (even if those in the back of the van felt a little sick to their stomach).  A little cloud cover helped cool things just a little which was huge since there isn't any shade (or bathrooms) there at the outdoor court we play at.  Both Troy and Emily shared powerful testimonies of what God has done in their lives, and many new friends were made.

After the clinic, we went to Diego's home to swim, eat, sleep and watch the Champions League soccer championship. It's amazing how much more you watch the game when you can't understand any of the commentary!  It's also fun to watch soccer with Panamanians because you realize how passionate they are!  Estephania, Diego's girlfriend is a huge Real Madrid fan, so she now gets to talk trash to him for a full year.

That evening we went back to Arraijan to join them for a church service.  We sang worship songs in Kuna and Spanish, Jake shared his testimony, and Coach Jaderston preached.  Many of the kids from the clinic came, and it was great to fellowship together regardless of ethnicity or language.

After dinner, Paulina (our translator) and her father treated us to dinner at the Gamboa Rain Forest Resort.  It was unbelievable!   We definitely are not starving on this trip!

Tomorrow is a day to rest.  We'll go to church at Crossroads, then eat and shop a little.  We're playing the men of the church and the high school team in a fun game in the afternoon, then everyone will enjoy a dinner with a different family from the church.  We need to rest because on Monday we're off at 7:00 to a dugout canoe ride up the river to an Embara village to do a clinic.  Keep praying for health, the ability to communicate clearly, and the group would continue to find ways to reflect Christ's love to all we come in contact with.