Back in Panama December 18, 2010

Arrived back in Panama on Dec. 18, 2010 after many hours of travel.  Upon arriving at the Tocomen airport in Panama City we then rented a ford escape to carry all the luggage and Holly (dog) back to David.  Took hours to get out of the city since we had never driven it before so we decided to get a hotel in Santiago about 3 hours out of the city.  Cost was $30.62 this was worth the 3 hours sleep putting us back on the road to David about 5am.  We arrived at David about 8am and unpacked the rental vehicle at the mission house and turn right around and drove the 6 hours back to Panama City to return it in time.  This time it was day light and it was much faster getting back to the airport.  We took the Corridor Sur (South) to the airport which goes right along the Pacific waters, a beautiful sight and the closest we have gotten to the beaches in Panama.  We returned the rental vehicle and got a taxi.  The first taxi driver ask for $32 for the 30 minute ride to the bus station (we said no, no to much!) The next taxi driver we flagged down only wanted $25 which we knew was the going rate so we agreed and flew back down the Corridor South to make it in time for the last bus leaving PC to David.  Butch noticed the gas gage on the taxi car was at empty and the light was flashing (which he didn't tell me until we arrived at the bus station).  We realized  that this was the driver that needed an extra $5 for gas and it is Christmas and we were happy to give to him.  We arrived at 7:30pm and the last bus left at 8pm so we rushed to get our tickets and then to grab a sub from Subway to take with us to eat on the bus as we had not eaten all day. Another 6 hour ride to David.  Our legs were swollen and we were past being tired and slept most of the way back cramped up in the very last seat on the bus with the lady and child seats in our laps but boy were we happy to be back in Panama.

Dec. 21
A very sad day as the whole community is sadden and at the same time praising God for the life of 21 year old Anita Martinez who was in a coma until she died Dec. 17th after crossing the street in front of the Hogar (Orphanage) when she was hit by a car. She and her mother helped at the hogar with the children, the day after Anita died her mother went on to the weekly visitation to bring others to Christ.  The last person Anita witnessed to was baptised this past Sunday. You can see the services and her beautiful face on http://www.iglesiabautistadedavid.com/.

Dec. 22
Two funerals this week and graduations and Christmas.  Wow, I am busy sewing the graduation caps with Elaine for the graduation tomorrow. Finished them at 10pm. Sick today throwing up and the big 'D' so can't go to church tonight. Tomorrow is the big Christmas fiesta in Jebai and Butch will be going to take pics as I will stay at the mission house. We prepared over 200 bags with toys, tracts, fruit etc for this event.  After Christmas the 50 children that are commited to come hear God's word will recieve their Bibles and we will be back to lesson plans and purchasing food for the Jebai folks.