Panama City and Canal

Panama City Skyline

Mira Flores Locks of Panama Canal

Mira Flores Locks of Panama Canal

Marques, Chad, and Jon at Mira Flores Locks

4:25 AM came very early since we were up past 11:oo playing cards and packing. The team was all ready to go at 4:45.  This team of guys have been great. They have not complained (not even when moving chicken manure!), not squabbled with each other, worked hard, remained flexible, etc. We were reflecting on the trip in our devotional time last night and we were amazed how long ago it seemed that we did our first project in San Felix and at the same time how difficult it was to believe our work in David was completed.

There were no complications and we boarded the 5:30 AM bus out of David.  Although the window was fogged, those of us that were still awake, were treated to a beautiful scene God created - mist rising from the jungle on a backdrop of the mountains as the orange sun rose.  We received a text message indicating PBU was delayed 2 hours because of snow.  That seemed so strange since we were enjoying the phenomenal Panama summer.  High today is predicted to be 90. 

Our bus ride lasted 7 hours. Next challenge was to find our tour guide.  Imagine trying to find a guy with a piece of paper that says "Philadelphia Bible Collage" in a large bus terminal (a former US Air Force base terminal).  Our guide, Byron, helped load our luggage into the bus and proceeded to give us a 4 hour tour of old Panama City, souvenir shops, San Jose Church, the Mira Flores locks, and museum of the Panama Canal. Part of the deal included dropping us off at the hotel.

Since we had a very small breakfast and no lunch, we dropped our luggage in the rooms and immediately ate dinner at the hotel restaurant. Everyone is staying in tonight and many are watching the Central American soccer semifinals.  While watching the game I received the following from the pastor of the church to whom we donated some baseball equipment: "Here is a picture of our kids trying out the equipment you gave us. Thank you so much. They are using it right now".   Picture provided below.

A very smooth day. The team is ready to be home. Personally, I am looking forward to familiar surroundings and being able to communicate more easily.