Missionaries Panama Paul and Chrissy Collins Since we've been in Panama
We arrived in Panama on August 18th, 2010 after a very long bus ride. The kids did marvelous, no one got car sick, and all of our bags made the trip. We met some people along the way who wondered at all our bags, so we were able to share our purpose for moving to Panama. Nothing in too much detail, however, we had to speak a lot of Spanish on this trip.
When we arrived we were immediately greeted by Steve, Lori, and Melanie Torrison, and Steve and Judy Lytle, as well as a whole crew of seminary students. It was a bit overwhelming but a nice greeting all the same.
Stan and Brenda Bunch broke us in by allowing our family and the Torrisons to watch after the children of the parents during a dinner held at the Good News Church in Chitre. We also were officially introduced to the congregation there the following Sunday. Lydia took right up with Brenda and thoroughly enjoyed Children's Church and Sunday School.
Well, I'll not go into a day by day, but each has been full. We've been busy. Paul has hustled around, getting an internet connection, phone services, and a vehicle. Not to mention, attending a few classes at the seminary, preaching a few chapel services, and getting to know some of the students and pastors. The kids and I began homeschooling and trying to find a routine that works with our, at times, hectic schedule. The kids have made friends with every child who has passed by our fence. There has been a lot of playing going on. I was able to go on some errands with Judy and have learned so much about their experiences.
We are truly blessed to be a part of such a team. The Bunches, Lytles, and Torrisons have been so helpful and encouraging. They have such a passion for the work that God is doing in Panama.
Paul and I feel guided to minister in Santiago, Panama. It is a growing city located about halfway between Panama City and Costa Rica. On one of our visits we felt so at peace with this decision and the location that I was just sure there was a house somewhere with our names on it. We are very excited to hopefully have to opportunity to work with one of the seminary graduates. Our ministry will revolve around the relationships that we will make. We have already been getting some good practice where we are living now in Chame.
Unlike Costa Rica where we were surrounded by walls, the house we are renting in Chame has a nice yard and a chain linked at the back yard. (That is where most of the kids walk around and play. It is an alley-way.) The front gate, that is normally locked, can be seen through easily as well as opened so that the kids can let their friends into the yard. With the help of Lydia, I have made friends with one of our neighbors of whom we share a fence with, Eiky. She is very friendly and has helped me with my Spanish as well as teach me a few things about the culture that I could only learn if a Panamanian told me. She also has a strong desire to know more about God and has told me on more than one occasion that she is not satisfied with how her life is right now. The Lord is at work in her.
All in all, we are at peace here in Panama. A part from missing family, the kids seem very content here and are speaking more and more Spanish everyday. Paul is getting his feet wet preaching, speaking, and doing business (which is something that must be done). While I am busy being mom, teacher, and whatever else crosses my path. We are becoming more and more versatile. We are so thankful that our God is big enough to fill in all of our inadequacies.