We have returned from Panama. It was a good trip!

After flying all day, we arrived after 1am and needed to meet the next morning at 7am. Needless to say, the sleep was quick and we did not take any photos until the next morning.

Up early to get some breakfast and meet our team. The hotel has a beautiful pool/garden area.

Panama is a lush country. Everywhere you look is vegetation.  If we look carefully, we will see banana and other fruit trees. While in Panama, we enjoyed fresh fruit unlike anything we have ever tasted. It was wonderful!

While meeting our team in the lobby, I noticed a beautiful Christmas tree. The decorations were gorgeous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The tree was covered in lights, ribbons and huge flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once our team was together, we went to the Bible School of the Americas to pick up all the children and their families for a Christmas Shopping Spree. Money had been collected by the Forest Park church of Christ and everyone at the school was treated. All the children were allowed to select their own gift and a give to exchange. We went along to help with the 50+ children.

Here is part of the group, getting on the bus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We followed the bus to a large store, similar to an American Wal-Mart Super Center.  “We aren’t in Kansas anymore Toto” Outside the store is an armed guard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The childrend were so excited and so well behaved. All of them were very thoughtful as they selected their gift and the gift for their gift exchange.

 

 

 

After spending several hours selecting their gifts, we all waited outside the store for the bus. Everyone is a little worn out from the morning!

Back on the bus and back to the Bible School of the America’s compound. Everyone at the school has worked so hard to make the school and it’s grounds look beautiful.

From the grounds of the school, I could see the skyline of Panama City.

Once at the school, one of the children wanted to show me their pet rabbit.

The rabbit was being a bit shy, but we did manage to get a good photo.

They also had some beautiful chickens. . . however, these are not pets, but for food.

 

Panama is a beautiful country, with lush jungles and mountains. It is also a country of contrasts; the contrast of “have” and have-not”.

Back at the hotel, we saw some people in traditional Panamanian costume. Simply beautiful!

The embroidery looked similar to 16th Century Black work.

All our days in Panama were very busy. While there, we attended the graduation of the Bible School of Americas. 10 students from across Central and South America graduated. Many of their family members attended.

Some of the people attend the graduation were from the School of the America’s in the San Blas island. The Kuna indians live on the San Blas island and the women always dress in Mola’s, batik type skirt and beads on their calves and arms.

After enjoying the graduation, we were back to the hotel for a quick night’s sleep before an early morning flight back to the U.S.A.