Thoughts from Gigi

Well the eve of our trip is upon us. I have been looking forward to this for weeks. Not only am I the newest member of the team but this is the first time on such a venture. I hope to re-learn how we are all God’s children by sharing our gifts and talents of healing . Having only briefly met my fellow team members, I am anxious to learn from them as well as get to know these caring, kind people better. I hope I can bring something added and new to the team as well. My expectatations are freedom, growth and happiness of which I think I am certain to find here. Family and friends wishing me off are already certain upon my return to hear stories of how rewarding this experience was. They also predict that this will not be my last mission trip.

-So Team- as they say ‘Game on!’

~Gigi

Quick update from Panama

Jan writes:

“It’s actually pretty comfortable here today. It was warm and humid when I woke up but where I was staying was close to the ocean. Tonight back up on the InterAmerican Highway. See you all soon. “

Anne observes: “It’s cooler and wetter in Panama than in NC today!”

Update from Jan

Jan arrived in Panama Friday on schedule, finding some positive changes at the airport there that allowed him to make a quick exit.  Good thing, since he was bushed after waking at 4:30 and traveling for 8 ½ hours.  He spent Friday checking on supplies left there, getting his Panamanian cell phone set up, making sure everything for the team is set for our arrival on Friday night, and then he flew to David.  Not knowing for sure where he would be staying for the next week.

He spent Friday night with our friend Naty, who visited us here at UUMC in 2006.  Yesterday, he went to Jacu, the village where we built the church, to stay with Nina, the matriarch of the community who was the driving force behind the church establishment there, and he worshiped there in Jacu today (Sunday).  Back to David tonight, where he will begin getting all the logistics of the clinic in order.

Hopefully, his ability to communicate will improve, as all the cell phones in Panama were non-functional for 2 days when he arrived.  Turns out that the company that runs Panamanian cell system (and whose towers AT&T uses) is based in Mexico and was shut down due to the hurricane!  He sends his greetings and appreciates the thoughts and prayers of UUMC members and others.

Packing Party Pix

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Packing Party on Tuesday!

Packing Party — get the Medical supplies packed up and ready to ship

Where: Jan and Anne Sassaman’s House

When: June 29 (Tuesday) at 6:30 PM

Panama fund raiser at Studio 91

The Missions Committee would like to thank Studio 91 for hosting our Panama Mission fundraiser, where we raised over $700.

Chiriqui orientation 2010

See: Chiriqui orientation 2010