Panama Mission 2011

7-18: Today, after the morning worship at the base, we went to go to San Antonio (Wounaan) to visit with Alex's mom Rosala, Alex's dad Tito, and to help some with details after the remodel of their home.

So we drove over to Gamboa, then boarded a canoe to cross over the Chagres river to San Antonio, next to Ella Puru, Embera ('Ella' means 'Hill' and 'Puru' means 'Village'). During our crossing of the river, we noticed how bad the pollution had become in the water since two years ago. We each expressed our regrets at this development, and even spoke later with Kenneth, the director at the YWAM base, who described how this is in fact a part of the call of the missionaries and Christian teachers to live with and to disciple others in this vital part of stewardship.

7-22: After four days and nights in La Bonga (Embera) in the Chagres National Park, we returned with some good memories of this village on the Pequena river:

There were a number of things learned and/or experienced while on this excursion. Several topics include village life in La Bonga, Embera spirituality, school-days in the village, and others (read more ...).

7-23: With only a minor fender-bender (I scraped the side of the van a bit while parking at Rey's on the way up) we got up to Errebache (Embera) found northeast of Sabanitas on the Rio Piedras:

Relating to this village, there are a few different subjects experienced and/or learned including: music of Errebache Embera, aspirations of the new chief who is a Christian, and others (read more ...).

7-29: From Monday afternoon to Friday morning, we spent quality time with the Kuna people at San Blas, Carti, Sugdub (Kuna) ('Sugdub' means Crab- Island). We also found other Westerners at this particular island. One was an anthropologist from the University of Georgia, the other was a photographer from Holland doing a documentary on global warming:

There is eventfulness throughout the day and various customs that are very much shared and exclusive to everyone who is Kuna. It was interesting, though a little tenuous, that the women were especially not willing to be photographed, especially those traditionally dressed. With care to ease into various acquaintances via the local Pastor and his family, I was given permission by a neighbor woman to photograph her working on a mola. It was she and her family that allowed us to use their kitchen house to cook most of our meals while here.

The eventfulness, customs, spirituality, and some particular human stories that took place that give a glimpse into the lives of the Kuna are documented in my field notes (read more ...).

7-30: Today, we went to the church at La Margarita, Chepo for fellowship and a fundraiser meal. We had a great time watching soccer (football) and playing with the kids:

It was encouraging to see so many from this community as well as friends and family members from as far away as San Antonio. Though it rained pretty much all day, we stayed dry and had a nice time.