Thanks!

First things first, thank you.  I cannot express how much it means that so many folks read our stories.  It’s like having a gang of family and friends with us all day, every day.  Surely all know by now, I write as if I’m talking to a friend.   I have no other purpose but to record and share what we do, what we experience, how we feel and hopefully provide a glimpse into another part of the world . . . for me it’s like talking on the phone about any ordinary day or week to a beloved friend or family member . . . we exchange stories, laugh, help each other and merely say hi.  Many of you have made comments on my blogs; you have sent sweet messages to me.  I thank you!  I’m asking you to continue your comments because hearing from friends and family means so much and keeps me going.  I have responded to each and every comment.  I hope you found my replies and read them. They are meant for you.

Now today’s story. . .

Saturday was a big day.  Our little church collected gifts to be distributed to kids served by a volunteer organization that helps children of El Chorrillo, one of the most severely poverty stricken, most dangerous areas of Panama City.  Many of these kids have never been to school although they live only blocks away from affluent areas of town.  Their parents don’t send them or maybe the older ones are needed to watch smaller kids or maybe some are sent into the streets to sell items to make a little money.  I can’t say.  The apartment buildings they call home have no doors; no windows, haven’t been painted in 50 years and garbage is everywhere.  They live in it.  Victor Peretz founded Localinpty KIDS to give these kids a place to come, sing songs and earn basic things like numbers and math.  Volunteers also teach basic English as well.  Victor’s organization helps keep these kids off the mean streets and gives them a ray of hope.

Stan and I volunteered to be among those who helped host the Christmas party for Victor’s kids.  A bus delivered about thirty boys and girls, age 6 to 14, perhaps to Michael’s Restaurant.  There were no instructions for the volunteers.  We adlibbed and did our best to talk to the kids, serve food and gifts.  Seeing these young ones, all dressed up and expectant, was moving.  I hope it was a bright day in their lives but for some of the kids, they’ve seen all this before.  After the bus ride, awkward interactions with strangers, pizza and gifts, they go home.  My God, this world has heartaches.

Sunday night we were invited to a dinner party!  All of the couples were from our church, Life Bridge International.  There were 12 of us in Ricardo and Gigi’s gorgeous condo on the 24^th floor of the Yacht Club.  The potluck dinner began at 5 pm and was wonderful.  Ricardo and Gigi are still newlyweds, they were married in 2019 in two separate wedding ceremonies; a very fancy Chinese wedding in Gigi’s home, Hong Kong, and a big customary Mexican wedding ceremony in Ricardo’s home country.  Four months ago they purchased their stunning condo.  Its clean lines and shades of white merely accent the two long walls of floor-to-ceiling windows.  A panoramic view of the city, Panama Bay, Casco Viejo and the Pacific wraps itself around the space.   As if ordered by the hosts, a magnificent rainbow with all seven colors appeared in the east.

We played a fun but challenging brain game designed to break the ice.  Winner was the couple who best communicated with each other – Imagine this, Stan and I won!  Party guests talked and got to know each other better.  And we ate!  Dinner was roasted pork, homemade empanadas, and an assortment of salads, appetizers and cakes.

In little pockets, we all swapped about home and families, why we are in Panama, what parts of the country we’ve seen so far and what we must see yet.  I learned about lock down in Panama.  I’m so glad we were not here during that time.  People were quarantined in their homes for 7 months.  The couple we talked to said men were allowed to leave their apartment just 3 days a week between 11 am and 1 pm; women could leave the house for two hours on the other three days.  No one was allowed out of the house on Sundays.  Seven months!  This couple took online classes to remain sane . . . a pretty smart thing to do. 

We appreciated and enjoyed the little party very much.  I think everyone did.  We appreciate having new friends here too. Nearly all the attendees have no family here.  The gathering was festive and helped to create for all of us a bit of sweet Christmas cheer.

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