Round trip Bus ride: $30
Rented Car: $17
Gas:$10
Entrance to David City Fair: $6
Food:$20
Weekend Road trip to Chiriqui: Priceless
I am now heading off to Chiriqui, the mountainous western Part of Panama. I love my job. See you all in a few days.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Its beginning to feel alot like summer
Happy Thanksgiving!
Just a quick note to say that the weather has sure been cold here the last couple of days. It has been down into the sixities. Break out your winter coats.
The winter frost here in summer sure helps us to realize that hey it is almost Christmas, and today infact in Thanksgiving. The holidays are sure underway but it just isnt the same saying, "Happy Thanksgiving, we were going to the beach this weekend right?" or "Marry Christmas, I hope Santa brought me some sunscreen." As soon as the weather peaks up again, it will be summer here in Panama, so even hotter than what we have been through so far.
As for know, I will continue to sit in front of my fan, tan in the warm tropical sun and light the candles on the Advent wreath.
More to come on the week of distractions, same time, same chanell, sweet.
until later, keep eating...
Just a quick note to say that the weather has sure been cold here the last couple of days. It has been down into the sixities. Break out your winter coats.
The winter frost here in summer sure helps us to realize that hey it is almost Christmas, and today infact in Thanksgiving. The holidays are sure underway but it just isnt the same saying, "Happy Thanksgiving, we were going to the beach this weekend right?" or "Marry Christmas, I hope Santa brought me some sunscreen." As soon as the weather peaks up again, it will be summer here in Panama, so even hotter than what we have been through so far.
As for know, I will continue to sit in front of my fan, tan in the warm tropical sun and light the candles on the Advent wreath.
More to come on the week of distractions, same time, same chanell, sweet.
until later, keep eating...
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Here comes the slump...
Warning: This post will be a departure from the cheery, happy, posts that I have been writing. Nothing doomy and gloom apocolypic or anything but lets face it. Life happens, and being a Christian does not exempt us from that. Being straight up about that is something I will tackle today. And keep in mind, this is life, and as there are bad things, there are good things. It just happens that the bad things are what I need to talk about today. In other words, I am still enjoying it down here, and although it may sound different today, I still feel that God is working through me down here and that he will continue to do that.
With that said, here we go.
Needless to say, I have had a frustrating week. I think the whole shock and newness of Panama is wearing off into daily life. And the thing is, I am not sure I really want it to. I want it to be exciting and great and everything is wonderful. However, some of the realities are sinking in. I will always be a gringo here. No matter how long I am here, or how polished my Spanish gets, my skin will always draw the attention of kids and beggars alike. No matter however many relationships I make, I will never be a Panamanian, and I will always be the one who taxis honk their horn at endlessly, waving their arms and shake their heads when I KNOW thats the sign that their taxi is available. I will always be the gringo who gets pushed out of the circle of Panamanians when they start talking politics or anything cultural that I dont understand (like boxing for one). And I will always be the gringo walking the streets who has the money to give to beggars. I will continue being these things, and it is a hard revelation that you will never be one of the gang, completly at least, when that is one of your goals in coming to a foreign country.
Second of all, the crap that happens in the church in the States happens in the church in Panama. We are such a screwed up group of sheltered, degrading people that I wonder how the church has even succedded at all with advancing the gospel. Maybe this has become more apparent becuase relationships are so important here, but yet we go around with this self rightous attitude that redicules those who dont know our big theological words, cant understand our way beyond intellectual reasoning abstract concepts, and pushing away those who need to hear the gospel in a personal, realistic way. I think I realized this when we read the verse last week in church. "And when Lord did we see you without clothes and didnt clothe you?" Well, lets see. Everytime you sat there and distinguished between law and gospel in a bible study when someone needed a hug, and needed to know that someone loves them. Everytime you discussed the difference between amillenials and millenialists and there was someone who needed to know where tommorows meals were going to come from. Our theological knowledge distances us from the people who need to hear the very simple message we have been given: That God, wanting to bridge the gap of our sin, sent his Son out of his merciful love and Christ died on the cross, saving us from sin, death and the devil.
And basic courtesies go along way. An affirmation of what I am doing is something helpful and useful from those who see me would fill the void of emotions I have right now. To see fellow Christians carrying out the charge to edify each other would be a boost to my ego right now.
Well, thats enough of that. I needed to get it all out. I know that the best way to overcome some of these emotions is to just keep plugging away, but letting others know how I am feeling. I have blessed with an incredible support system, and they have been good at saying, lets go out and get your mind of all this. Lets talk about it. These are just the challenges in my life right now that God is using to show me what he wants to come of all this....
With that said, here we go.
Needless to say, I have had a frustrating week. I think the whole shock and newness of Panama is wearing off into daily life. And the thing is, I am not sure I really want it to. I want it to be exciting and great and everything is wonderful. However, some of the realities are sinking in. I will always be a gringo here. No matter how long I am here, or how polished my Spanish gets, my skin will always draw the attention of kids and beggars alike. No matter however many relationships I make, I will never be a Panamanian, and I will always be the one who taxis honk their horn at endlessly, waving their arms and shake their heads when I KNOW thats the sign that their taxi is available. I will always be the gringo who gets pushed out of the circle of Panamanians when they start talking politics or anything cultural that I dont understand (like boxing for one). And I will always be the gringo walking the streets who has the money to give to beggars. I will continue being these things, and it is a hard revelation that you will never be one of the gang, completly at least, when that is one of your goals in coming to a foreign country.
Second of all, the crap that happens in the church in the States happens in the church in Panama. We are such a screwed up group of sheltered, degrading people that I wonder how the church has even succedded at all with advancing the gospel. Maybe this has become more apparent becuase relationships are so important here, but yet we go around with this self rightous attitude that redicules those who dont know our big theological words, cant understand our way beyond intellectual reasoning abstract concepts, and pushing away those who need to hear the gospel in a personal, realistic way. I think I realized this when we read the verse last week in church. "And when Lord did we see you without clothes and didnt clothe you?" Well, lets see. Everytime you sat there and distinguished between law and gospel in a bible study when someone needed a hug, and needed to know that someone loves them. Everytime you discussed the difference between amillenials and millenialists and there was someone who needed to know where tommorows meals were going to come from. Our theological knowledge distances us from the people who need to hear the very simple message we have been given: That God, wanting to bridge the gap of our sin, sent his Son out of his merciful love and Christ died on the cross, saving us from sin, death and the devil.
And basic courtesies go along way. An affirmation of what I am doing is something helpful and useful from those who see me would fill the void of emotions I have right now. To see fellow Christians carrying out the charge to edify each other would be a boost to my ego right now.
Well, thats enough of that. I needed to get it all out. I know that the best way to overcome some of these emotions is to just keep plugging away, but letting others know how I am feeling. I have blessed with an incredible support system, and they have been good at saying, lets go out and get your mind of all this. Lets talk about it. These are just the challenges in my life right now that God is using to show me what he wants to come of all this....
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Our Little Barometers
This story is a combined effort of Marc and myself, as we both experienced it, but Marc had the creative genius to construct the story of Our Little Barometers, aka, the children of Loma Cova. Thanks Marc!
Upon arrival in Panama, one will immeaditly have to become accustomed to the humidty and the daily monsoon, which is bound to get you soaking wet at least three times a week. I am told, that this climate, once you get used to it, is very "readable". Much like old peoples kness that creak when it is about to rain, Panamanians have an innate sense of the coming weather. This explains some of my confusion when it is perfectly sunny outside, yet people are all carrying their umbrellas. They just know when and when it is not going to rain.
Exhibit A. The Children in Loma Cova. Many times, we have the oppurtunity to play and just hang around after church service, English classes, all that jazz. This last weekend, the excitemet of the students was even higher, as there were new gringos here to play with, namely the sem students who are here for their mission trip.
A group of the sem students and Marc decided to play soccer with ther students at the local soccer field, which is reall just a converted basketball court, cement and all. I decided to join the group, but sat the game out as I wasnt feeling well (just a headache mom, dont worry). During the game, it began to rain lightly. As they would say in Spanish, it was a "tierna" (very gentle, like Snuggles, the fabric softner bear gentle) rain. However the kids all stopped immeadiatly, looked at each other, and said, "Umm, I think we should be done." I dinstincly remember Marc saying what I was thinking. "Well, its not raining that hard. But, okay." So we all started to head back, and the rain picked up just a little. Now the rain was falling just enough to start feeling it hit your head, and if it was a big drop, you could feel it through your clothes. For Panamá, this is considered a light rain still. We were all talking and joking and enjoying the refreshing rain.
Half way back to the church, all the children stopped, and screamed "RUN!!!" Awaiting the attack of some rampant animal that might pounce out of the overgrown brush, I looked around. When all the kids started running, I thought I might as well run too. I started running and remember thinking, well its not raining that hard still. Wondering what was going on, I quickly follwed the smallest child through the field of over growm brush.
And the firmament opened. With the church in site, I knew exactly why the kids had said run. It was absolutly pouring. And when I say pouring, I mean being drenched in the whole ten seconds I was out before taken shelter under the church's eves.
Lesson learned: Always trust the weathermen in Panamá. They are all around you and they are actually always right.
Upon arrival in Panama, one will immeaditly have to become accustomed to the humidty and the daily monsoon, which is bound to get you soaking wet at least three times a week. I am told, that this climate, once you get used to it, is very "readable". Much like old peoples kness that creak when it is about to rain, Panamanians have an innate sense of the coming weather. This explains some of my confusion when it is perfectly sunny outside, yet people are all carrying their umbrellas. They just know when and when it is not going to rain.
Exhibit A. The Children in Loma Cova. Many times, we have the oppurtunity to play and just hang around after church service, English classes, all that jazz. This last weekend, the excitemet of the students was even higher, as there were new gringos here to play with, namely the sem students who are here for their mission trip.
A group of the sem students and Marc decided to play soccer with ther students at the local soccer field, which is reall just a converted basketball court, cement and all. I decided to join the group, but sat the game out as I wasnt feeling well (just a headache mom, dont worry). During the game, it began to rain lightly. As they would say in Spanish, it was a "tierna" (very gentle, like Snuggles, the fabric softner bear gentle) rain. However the kids all stopped immeadiatly, looked at each other, and said, "Umm, I think we should be done." I dinstincly remember Marc saying what I was thinking. "Well, its not raining that hard. But, okay." So we all started to head back, and the rain picked up just a little. Now the rain was falling just enough to start feeling it hit your head, and if it was a big drop, you could feel it through your clothes. For Panamá, this is considered a light rain still. We were all talking and joking and enjoying the refreshing rain.
Half way back to the church, all the children stopped, and screamed "RUN!!!" Awaiting the attack of some rampant animal that might pounce out of the overgrown brush, I looked around. When all the kids started running, I thought I might as well run too. I started running and remember thinking, well its not raining that hard still. Wondering what was going on, I quickly follwed the smallest child through the field of over growm brush.
And the firmament opened. With the church in site, I knew exactly why the kids had said run. It was absolutly pouring. And when I say pouring, I mean being drenched in the whole ten seconds I was out before taken shelter under the church's eves.
Lesson learned: Always trust the weathermen in Panamá. They are all around you and they are actually always right.
This is the church in Loma Cova. Not only is it a church, but it also doubles as a weather forcasting station.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Sem Group and Prayer Request
The first volunteer group is here for this year. It is a group of Five from the St. Louis Seminray, and they are going to be immersed in the culture and ministry of Panama. Welcome to the group, and I ask that you pray for their safe travels around the country, for continued strength through a busy schedule and that both the group and the national church would be blessed by their visit.
I also ask that you pray for Kenny, one of my students from the Military academy who has been coming to my English classes. Kenny came to church this last Sunday. I ask that you pray for the Lord to open his heart, and that through classes and services and other things the church does, that he would be able to see the love of Christ. I am unsure of whether he is a Christian or not, but please pray for the Lord to work in him as he continues to come to class and church services.
until later, keep on!
I also ask that you pray for Kenny, one of my students from the Military academy who has been coming to my English classes. Kenny came to church this last Sunday. I ask that you pray for the Lord to open his heart, and that through classes and services and other things the church does, that he would be able to see the love of Christ. I am unsure of whether he is a Christian or not, but please pray for the Lord to work in him as he continues to come to class and church services.
until later, keep on!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
The Art of Summarizing
The novelty of blogging is wearing off. As a blogging addict, I have been displaying the symptoms of excessive bloggage. I did not heed the warning that has proven ever so true in my life. "Please consult your physician to see if blogging is for you before starting a rigourous blogging regement as common side effects may include but are not limited to: implusive typing finger syndrome, over excessive blogging entries, frequent blog check-ups, premeditated blog writing, and hyperactive observation skills. Blogging may not be for you if you have a social life, and dont plan on committing six hours a day to the anxious typing, updating and checking your blog, nor will it help those who suffer from insomnia, depression, or general social ineptness."
Now I am in blog withdraw. Not having the time to sit down everyday and update everybody on every little detail on my life in Panama, I am forced to pull myself from the blogging addiction cold turkey. In the blogging world, this can only mean one thing...summarizing.
So pardon me when these events that I am telling you about are more than a week old. We will take this 12 step summarizing program one step at a time, one day at a time.
Here we go. Hello my name is Chris and I am a blogaholic.
With that out of the way, heres a summary of my last couple of weeks.
One thing that was cool was our little road trip to Santa Clara. Man I love Panama. With the Atlantic Ocean right by the city, and the Carribeen only about 80 miles away, a weekend trip to the beach is well worth it. We went to Santa Clara, found a nice spot on the beach, necogiated with the local restaurante to get a cabana on the beach for free, popped out our blankets, and slept on the beach, under the stars. You have not lived until you have swam in the ocean at midnight, and then gotten out, fallen asleep to the sound of the waves, and woken by the sunrise warming you in the morning. And despite only eating cold hot dogs with trasure island dressing, the weekend was a great success. My ego was also stroked when I took a public bus back to Loma Cova all by myself in order to teach my class there. I am getting a hang of this living in a different country and the public transportation thing.
Now I am in blog withdraw. Not having the time to sit down everyday and update everybody on every little detail on my life in Panama, I am forced to pull myself from the blogging addiction cold turkey. In the blogging world, this can only mean one thing...summarizing.
So pardon me when these events that I am telling you about are more than a week old. We will take this 12 step summarizing program one step at a time, one day at a time.
Here we go. Hello my name is Chris and I am a blogaholic.
With that out of the way, heres a summary of my last couple of weeks.
One thing that was cool was our little road trip to Santa Clara. Man I love Panama. With the Atlantic Ocean right by the city, and the Carribeen only about 80 miles away, a weekend trip to the beach is well worth it. We went to Santa Clara, found a nice spot on the beach, necogiated with the local restaurante to get a cabana on the beach for free, popped out our blankets, and slept on the beach, under the stars. You have not lived until you have swam in the ocean at midnight, and then gotten out, fallen asleep to the sound of the waves, and woken by the sunrise warming you in the morning. And despite only eating cold hot dogs with trasure island dressing, the weekend was a great success. My ego was also stroked when I took a public bus back to Loma Cova all by myself in order to teach my class there. I am getting a hang of this living in a different country and the public transportation thing.
Sunrise at Santa Clara.
We also went to celebrate some of the national holidays Panamanian style. We went to Via Espana to watch the local bachillerato (high school) parade. Let me tell you, they know how to march. And I guess the latest in marching fashion is the all time favorite go go boot. I dont know how these girls marched for three miles with those high heels and those boots, but they didnt seem to mind. It seemed that they rather enjoyed swinging their hips and tossing batons, and it was at least an excuse to try to make their school uniforms look as seductive as possible. (you know, that whole blue button down long sleeve shirt can really turn some people on!) I just wanted to go out in the middle of the street with all the ghetto girls and shout, "You shake that thang, honey, it aint nuddin' butta chic'n wang."
Ah nah chu did'n, gurlfriend, being all upst in my grill, wit chu'r go go boots and chu baton. Uh uh, back it up honey.
The typical traditional dress, called pollera. They are also dancing the typical dance called typico.
And there also was a high school who looked liked they got their uniforms from the African Safari store. Last time I checked, the streets of Panama werent exactly the Serengeti, but hey, what ever floats your boat. All we needed was some sun glasses and Panamanian hats, and it would have been any retailer's biggest nightmare--A Panama Jack Parade.
And now we get a glimpse of this rare creature in its natural habitat. Join us for Panamanian Safari.
The parade commemorating Flag Day. Yes, there was a parade for Flag Day.
Today was my first AMILPA Party, as it was Senora Ruthie's birthday. We had sandwiches and cake, which I have been craving expectantly since Wednesday. The cake was a wonderful way to polish off a hearty meal of tuna sandwiches. Yes, I said tuna, mom. I actually like it. In fact, my life seems like one big monotonous menu right now, tuna sandwich, chocolate cake. Repeat. Yes, I even had tuna for dinner tonight. Twice in one day. I alone am bringing Star Kist out of a third quarter slump.
I have been busy with classes and with things to do. Going into the office and working to get things organized, trying to get in touch with students to encourage them to come, and building relationships with people around the office are all becoming parts of my job that become more and more important and larger as well. It seems that the "permanent vacation" is on hold for a while, or at least becoming more like a "only-vacation-two-days-a-week" lifestyle. Rough, I know.
And during the last national holiday, which was Thursday, I converted into quite the domestic all around gold champion. I sewed pillowcovers for my bed, and pulled out the hammer and hung my own blinds. My room is starting to feel more like a room and not just some dingy hotel...
And here are somethings to praise God for: An advertisement for my class came out in the NATIONAL newspaper last week on Thursday. The phones have been ringing off the hook, and I am expecting many new students to come to my classes here in Balboa. Praise God! Sally, the coolest person ever, gave the article to just the right person, and there it was in the newspaper!
Also, George Bush was here, and none of us were harmed. There were quite a few protests, and one of the major streets downtown was closed. They have also closed the university indefinatly, as it is one of the biggest areas with anti-American sentiment, and many of the protests were held there. Now, dont take this out of hand, and think that I am in serious danger. We were safe here in our little part of town, and took some precuations the day that Bush was here to make sure we would be safe. And most Panamanians are peace lovers, and didnt even want to be near the protests. I ask that you thank God for our safety during those days.
There are so many stories, so many things I want to tell, to share. However, I am pulling myself away from that, and trying to cut down on my bloggage since I can no longer sit for hours on end thinking of things to write. People to see and many things to do!
until later, buscando guayaba ando yo (you can invent whatever meaning you want!)
Monday, November 07, 2005
From the mouths of babes...
A quick post today about some the kids God has blessed the church with down here.
Having grown up with little sisters, and with the plethora of kids in the church, I have gotten quite use to the things kids say, but there are still times when something slips that catch you off guard and make you laugh. Kids say the darndest things...
Exhibit A. In Loma Cova, a Kina Indian Village, one of the little kids was hanging around in the church after class while I was helping one of the adults from the class. She came up to me, and was hugging my leg, a common thing in Loma Cova, since most of the congregation is under the age 10, and put her hand on my stomach. Her eyes got really big like she just had some life changing realization, and she looked up at me and said, "You're fat!"
Exhibit B. Also from Loma Cova, we were playing a game in class, where we had to say a verb that we do, and then act it out. For example, I said "I Swim", so I had to act out swimming. After my freestyle demonstration, one of the kids in my class was looking at me backwards. If it was becuase I was acting quite absurdly, or becuase she didnt want to act out her verb, I will never know. But I do know what she thinks of me...she called me a crazy gringo (in Kuna, the native language), which got a quite a few laughs, even from me.
And as my last witness, I would like to call forwarf my friend Aron. Aron has been coming with his family to the Satruday classes that we have at the church here in Balboa. A couple of Sundays ago, we had 10 kids get baptized in Balboa, and Aron and his brother Alfonso, had been sitting with some of the missionaries and me. Aron and Alfonso intently watched as the kids were baptised. The baptisms came and went, and then it was time for communion. We asked if they could come up to communion with us to get a blessings, it was most liekly their first time to do any such thing, and after their mother consented, we were off. Aron, tagging along with Becky, says really loud, "Are we going to take a bath like the other kids?" Then as pastor came around giving us the wine to drink, Aron, intently watched him. His eyes got bigger and bigger as he tried to understand what the pastor was saying. "Take and drink the true blood of Jesus Christ". Becky drank, and Arons mouth fell to the floor. As soon as Pastor Patricio had walked by, Aron yelled, and I mean loudly, "WHAT DID YOU DRINK?" Trying to hold it together ourselves and quiet Aron down was quite the scence.
Please pray for Cecilia, the mother of Aron and Alfonso, as she is becoming more and more active in the church. Pray that the church continues to be a place where she meets people who are welcoming and friendly, and who provide the support she needs when things are tough. Please also pray that through her involvment in the church, that she would have the Word of God planted in her and her family.
lots to say, but lots more to do. until later, keep on...
Having grown up with little sisters, and with the plethora of kids in the church, I have gotten quite use to the things kids say, but there are still times when something slips that catch you off guard and make you laugh. Kids say the darndest things...
Exhibit A. In Loma Cova, a Kina Indian Village, one of the little kids was hanging around in the church after class while I was helping one of the adults from the class. She came up to me, and was hugging my leg, a common thing in Loma Cova, since most of the congregation is under the age 10, and put her hand on my stomach. Her eyes got really big like she just had some life changing realization, and she looked up at me and said, "You're fat!"
Exhibit B. Also from Loma Cova, we were playing a game in class, where we had to say a verb that we do, and then act it out. For example, I said "I Swim", so I had to act out swimming. After my freestyle demonstration, one of the kids in my class was looking at me backwards. If it was becuase I was acting quite absurdly, or becuase she didnt want to act out her verb, I will never know. But I do know what she thinks of me...she called me a crazy gringo (in Kuna, the native language), which got a quite a few laughs, even from me.
And as my last witness, I would like to call forwarf my friend Aron. Aron has been coming with his family to the Satruday classes that we have at the church here in Balboa. A couple of Sundays ago, we had 10 kids get baptized in Balboa, and Aron and his brother Alfonso, had been sitting with some of the missionaries and me. Aron and Alfonso intently watched as the kids were baptised. The baptisms came and went, and then it was time for communion. We asked if they could come up to communion with us to get a blessings, it was most liekly their first time to do any such thing, and after their mother consented, we were off. Aron, tagging along with Becky, says really loud, "Are we going to take a bath like the other kids?" Then as pastor came around giving us the wine to drink, Aron, intently watched him. His eyes got bigger and bigger as he tried to understand what the pastor was saying. "Take and drink the true blood of Jesus Christ". Becky drank, and Arons mouth fell to the floor. As soon as Pastor Patricio had walked by, Aron yelled, and I mean loudly, "WHAT DID YOU DRINK?" Trying to hold it together ourselves and quiet Aron down was quite the scence.
Please pray for Cecilia, the mother of Aron and Alfonso, as she is becoming more and more active in the church. Pray that the church continues to be a place where she meets people who are welcoming and friendly, and who provide the support she needs when things are tough. Please also pray that through her involvment in the church, that she would have the Word of God planted in her and her family.
lots to say, but lots more to do. until later, keep on...
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Lets get ready to rumble
Okay. Panamanians are very festive. These last few days have proven this beyond any doubt. This entire week is nothing but national holidays. And after seeing the first of many parties that celebrate one of the six national holidays this month, it is no wonder the favorite saying around here is "Viva noviembre!" (Long live November!)
So yesterday was Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is very different from the famous celebrations in Mexico. It was a solemn day (key word here being DAY) much like our Memorial Day. It is cool to be in a capital city when they have their national holidays. Flags and patriotic cymbols are everywhere!
Well, as I said, the DAY was calm. Students didnt have school, but the mercant military acadmenty across the street still had their drill practice. But even the acadmeny showed its leaniant side. The students didnt even have to wear their uniforms. They were practicing in the church parking lot when I came into work, and as if I havent had enough harrowing expereinces that include these students, another one was added to the list. Walking through this huge crowd of gun twirling, saber throwing students yelling "SI SENOR" with the knowledge that you could be incapacitated at any minute by flying gun barrels or impaled by out of control saber was just another chapter in Chris' adventures with the Marines here in Panama saga.
So yesterday was Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is very different from the famous celebrations in Mexico. It was a solemn day (key word here being DAY) much like our Memorial Day. It is cool to be in a capital city when they have their national holidays. Flags and patriotic cymbols are everywhere!
Well, as I said, the DAY was calm. Students didnt have school, but the mercant military acadmenty across the street still had their drill practice. But even the acadmeny showed its leaniant side. The students didnt even have to wear their uniforms. They were practicing in the church parking lot when I came into work, and as if I havent had enough harrowing expereinces that include these students, another one was added to the list. Walking through this huge crowd of gun twirling, saber throwing students yelling "SI SENOR" with the knowledge that you could be incapacitated at any minute by flying gun barrels or impaled by out of control saber was just another chapter in Chris' adventures with the Marines here in Panama saga.
Marine Students at drill practice in the church parking lot. Notice the distance from which this picture was taken!
In order to celebrate, we went to the house a member of the church, Marta, and she made us incredible sancocho, a typical Panamanian chicken soup. It was incredible. Then she made our delight complete by serving the best rice pudding I have ever eaten. Then we sat with her daughters, Heidi and Haili, and talked about Smallville and other popular American TV Shows that have made their way to Panama.
All smiles after a very satisfying meal of Sancocho. From Left: Cheryl, Becky, Sra. Marta, Heidi, Joy, Haili, Marc.
Then, we had a bible study as a team. Joy lead us in a bible study over a song. We touched on so many topics, and the bible study made me think of a few theological questions (More on that later, that deserves its own entry!)
Then, the party began. After a quick trip to the grocery store, it was time to head to the fun. Parties happened all over the city. The one we went to, at the cuaseway, was about five miles from our house. We all piled into the car, and then, by some random suggestion, decided to walk. That was a smart move on our part. As soon as we got into the main street, we saw that traffic was at a complete standstill. And it would be at a standstill from where we started walking to the cuaseway, where the party was, five miles away.
You can see the complete standstill on the road. And all the people just partying in the streets.
We walked and arrived at the scence, which really seemed more like the set of Fast and Furious than Panama City. Cars were parked in the streets, hoods open, music blaring, and owners proudly checking out their engines. Apparently every radio station in Panama was playing their station on speakers that they bought from Bon Jovi or something, so the overall effect was just this low rumble that shook you everytime some person said a word. Crowds were eveywhere, dancing and singing with the music. It was great. And I was told that this is a mild celebration in comparison to Carnival, in March.
Red and Blue were the colors of the night. Here we are at the party, not already to have our picture taken. From left: Joy, Carly, Becky, Noriel, Anna, and Evelyn.
So, we came home at 4 in the morning, and the music was still going strong. From our house, you could hear all the music from the still jammed up street 100 meters away! It was crazy.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
No es de yeye, sino de Yasuri Yamileth
This is for all the A-Town folk out there wondering if I have lost my true inner ghetto-ness. Lest you think in Panama, I have no access to all things ghetto. (We can discuss if a brother from the hood would actually use the word "lest" another time.)
One of the very first words I learned here in Panama is a word that you all have heard fall from my lips. Thats right. GHETTO. And for all those none A-townies reading, Webster says: Ghetto (Polish, adj, "ge-toe") signifies:
1. anything below the status quo, as in "That cheap torn-up shirt is ghetto" or "That uncoordinated outfit looks ghetto." This word does not simply refer to clothes or appearance, but can modify any noun, as in "That hotel with the cockroaches was ghetto".
2. anything that evokes feeling of disgust, as in "That burnt meatloaf was ghetto".
3. in reference to embarrasment or shame, as in "I felt so ghetto when I fell down the bleachers in front of the entire school."
4. walled areas of oppression during the Second World War.
See also the verb form (to ghetofy), the suprilative (ghettoist, or most ghetto) and the pop culture usage (ghetto super star).
In Spanish, at least in Panama, racataca (rah-kah-tah-kah) means ghetto. And its counterpart, yeye (yea-yea) is best translated as yuppy.
And me being bien racataca (bee-n rah-kah-tah-kah, meaning sufficiently ghetto) I needed to hear some musica racataca (ghetto-theme anthems).
And along came Yasuri Yamileth, THE biggest racataca superestrella (ghetto superstar) in Panama. Yes, her name is Yasuri, Yasuri Yamileth, with a YA not from yeye, but rather from Yasuri, Yasuri Yamileth.
All that for a lesson in Panamanian pop culture. Follow this link to hear a little racataca direct from Panama, and know that A-town culture will always live on in this poor soul. You will need Quicktime or Windows Media Player to hear it.
http://www.cune.org/Christopher.Carter/01-yasuri_yamileth-mi_nombre_es.mp3
until later...keep jamming
One of the very first words I learned here in Panama is a word that you all have heard fall from my lips. Thats right. GHETTO. And for all those none A-townies reading, Webster says: Ghetto (Polish, adj, "ge-toe") signifies:
1. anything below the status quo, as in "That cheap torn-up shirt is ghetto" or "That uncoordinated outfit looks ghetto." This word does not simply refer to clothes or appearance, but can modify any noun, as in "That hotel with the cockroaches was ghetto".
2. anything that evokes feeling of disgust, as in "That burnt meatloaf was ghetto".
3. in reference to embarrasment or shame, as in "I felt so ghetto when I fell down the bleachers in front of the entire school."
4. walled areas of oppression during the Second World War.
See also the verb form (to ghetofy), the suprilative (ghettoist, or most ghetto) and the pop culture usage (ghetto super star).
In Spanish, at least in Panama, racataca (rah-kah-tah-kah) means ghetto. And its counterpart, yeye (yea-yea) is best translated as yuppy.
And me being bien racataca (bee-n rah-kah-tah-kah, meaning sufficiently ghetto) I needed to hear some musica racataca (ghetto-theme anthems).
And along came Yasuri Yamileth, THE biggest racataca superestrella (ghetto superstar) in Panama. Yes, her name is Yasuri, Yasuri Yamileth, with a YA not from yeye, but rather from Yasuri, Yasuri Yamileth.
All that for a lesson in Panamanian pop culture. Follow this link to hear a little racataca direct from Panama, and know that A-town culture will always live on in this poor soul. You will need Quicktime or Windows Media Player to hear it.
http://www.cune.org/Christopher.Carter/01-yasuri_yamileth-mi_nombre_es.mp3
until later...keep jamming
Monday, October 31, 2005
Water
As my month anniversary in Panama comes and goes with the daily ins and outs of life, as the feelings of familiarity become moments that last longer than the sight of a fleeting building or a conversation, and as I think about what things have happened since September 30, I am brought to the image of water many times.
My very first day here in Panama, I went to a shopping center and bought a nesecessity that I had carelessly left in the States. An umbrella. For a person from Colorado, who really hasnt seen significant, consistent rainfall in the past four years, an umbrella is a trival item that often takes up too much coat closet space. But in Panama, a country surronded by ocean, and a culture shaped by the rainfall, it really is necessary. I learned this lesson on Friday when I had to walk the half mile from the bus stop to my house in the pouring rain.
And when you couple the rainfall with the humidity (whose intensity cannot be explained in mear words, although you might capture the feeling if you stuck your head in a bucket of water and tried to breath), water is an important part of life here. After driving over Madden Dam a few weeks ago, where they store all the fresh water for the Canal, one of the missionaries made the comment that Panama would die if it were without water.
And then tonight brought more encounters with water. We rented bikes and drove out on the cuaseway, a strip of man-made land that connects three miles located to the south and east of Panama City. It was a great experience to ride on a sidewalk, with the Atlantic sprawling out to one side, and the waves of the current gliding into the canal on the other side.
But maybe it is something else that happend today that is making me think about water. 10 kids were baptized today at the church in Balboa. There were babies and children up to the age three, all being recieved into God's kingdom. It was an amazing site, and I rejoice with Christians all over the world and God himself at this newest addition to his kingdom.
It is amazing to think that through simple water, God can work miracles. It is something we drink everyday, something we see in almost every ad, newspaper, and can now buy in bottles for less than a dollar a pop. It is the most abundent element on earth and yet it the element that God choses to gather together, to make new and to claim someone his own. And it is through this daily element, when we bath and wash our hands that we are reminded by Luther to remeber our baptism.
Its like each of us. In the billions of people, we are just a drop in the bucket of people, gifts and talents. Yet we are the vessals that He choses to accomplish his work. And it is hard for us to accept that God uses water to work miracles, just as it is hard for us to accept that God is using each and everyone of us to provide for the needs of someone in the world.
And this makes me wonder about umbrellas. If the earth is cleansed by the rain, why is it so important for us to carry our umbrellas, to cover ourselves from the rain. I think this is a reflection of our spritual nature to refuse God's grace. With the sin in all of us, we think we can save our selfs, and we become too proud to acknowledge that we need help.
And yet, the ocean surrounds us. My bikeride tonight showed that the water is all around me. Just like God's grace. It is ever abounding. And just as the seawater evaporates, and then cascades down on the earth, Gods grace is ever flowing from heaven, through the wounds of Christ, and it covers everything we are. It is like a rain storm that penetrates you to the bone, one that leaves you shivering with the change it brings to your body.
And even though we might not be used to freely accepting his great, we whither without it. We are like Panama, whose rainstorms keep it alive. God's grace is such a part of our life, that we cannot even imagine what we would feel like if we didnt know about it. We would whither without the knowledge of the saving news of Christ.
So I pray that, when it rains, we would rejoice, we would get soaked and we would take in the grace that God freely gives to those who acknowledge His Son.
And as trite as this might sound, it is a reflection that helps me see the presence of God and His grace in this world. Bring on the rain...
until later, keep plugging...
My very first day here in Panama, I went to a shopping center and bought a nesecessity that I had carelessly left in the States. An umbrella. For a person from Colorado, who really hasnt seen significant, consistent rainfall in the past four years, an umbrella is a trival item that often takes up too much coat closet space. But in Panama, a country surronded by ocean, and a culture shaped by the rainfall, it really is necessary. I learned this lesson on Friday when I had to walk the half mile from the bus stop to my house in the pouring rain.
And when you couple the rainfall with the humidity (whose intensity cannot be explained in mear words, although you might capture the feeling if you stuck your head in a bucket of water and tried to breath), water is an important part of life here. After driving over Madden Dam a few weeks ago, where they store all the fresh water for the Canal, one of the missionaries made the comment that Panama would die if it were without water.
And then tonight brought more encounters with water. We rented bikes and drove out on the cuaseway, a strip of man-made land that connects three miles located to the south and east of Panama City. It was a great experience to ride on a sidewalk, with the Atlantic sprawling out to one side, and the waves of the current gliding into the canal on the other side.
But maybe it is something else that happend today that is making me think about water. 10 kids were baptized today at the church in Balboa. There were babies and children up to the age three, all being recieved into God's kingdom. It was an amazing site, and I rejoice with Christians all over the world and God himself at this newest addition to his kingdom.
It is amazing to think that through simple water, God can work miracles. It is something we drink everyday, something we see in almost every ad, newspaper, and can now buy in bottles for less than a dollar a pop. It is the most abundent element on earth and yet it the element that God choses to gather together, to make new and to claim someone his own. And it is through this daily element, when we bath and wash our hands that we are reminded by Luther to remeber our baptism.
Its like each of us. In the billions of people, we are just a drop in the bucket of people, gifts and talents. Yet we are the vessals that He choses to accomplish his work. And it is hard for us to accept that God uses water to work miracles, just as it is hard for us to accept that God is using each and everyone of us to provide for the needs of someone in the world.
And this makes me wonder about umbrellas. If the earth is cleansed by the rain, why is it so important for us to carry our umbrellas, to cover ourselves from the rain. I think this is a reflection of our spritual nature to refuse God's grace. With the sin in all of us, we think we can save our selfs, and we become too proud to acknowledge that we need help.
And yet, the ocean surrounds us. My bikeride tonight showed that the water is all around me. Just like God's grace. It is ever abounding. And just as the seawater evaporates, and then cascades down on the earth, Gods grace is ever flowing from heaven, through the wounds of Christ, and it covers everything we are. It is like a rain storm that penetrates you to the bone, one that leaves you shivering with the change it brings to your body.
And even though we might not be used to freely accepting his great, we whither without it. We are like Panama, whose rainstorms keep it alive. God's grace is such a part of our life, that we cannot even imagine what we would feel like if we didnt know about it. We would whither without the knowledge of the saving news of Christ.
So I pray that, when it rains, we would rejoice, we would get soaked and we would take in the grace that God freely gives to those who acknowledge His Son.
And as trite as this might sound, it is a reflection that helps me see the presence of God and His grace in this world. Bring on the rain...
until later, keep plugging...
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