Song of the Day

We sang this song in chapel on Wednesday morning, and I can't get it out of my head.
Just contemplating how much God loves us, how much He cares about our lives (seemingly insignificant when we think how He created the entire world), and how He knows exactly what we need.

My time in Panama has been a gift like that, from a loving and faithful God.

Listen:

Meditate:

Ephesians 3: 14-21 A Prayer for the Ephesians (And my prayer for the students at CCA)

    For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
     Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Avidadventurer :)

The Christmas Story-as told by kids

King Tut's Treasures

This is an article I wrote for the school newspaper about the 6th grade field trip to the King Tut museum. It was a great opportunity to connect faith and learning!:

King Tut's Treasures

On November 1^st, sixth graders had the opportunity of a lifetime!

Together, alongside Mr. Almack, Mrs. Harrill and me, they traveled to Museo Reina Torres de Arauz to explore the treasures and artifacts of Ancient Egypt and King Tuthankamen. King Tuthankamen was an Egyptian pharaoh who died at a young age, but it is all the “stuff” he left behind that reveals to us more about life in Ancient Egypt during his time. The 6^th graders not only were able to see artifacts from King Tut’s tomb but several rooms filled with exhibits on topics such as the relationship between Greece and Egypt, Ramses II, Cleopatra, Akenhaten, the pyramids, the mummification process, and the mysteries surrounding Ancient Egypt.

The replicas the museum used were very realistic, and the 6^th graders were inspired in the creation of their own museum exhibits for their Ancient Egypt and the Near East project. The students also were able to do a scavenger hunt for the many gods the Egyptians worshipped. In the words of one 6^th grader: “Their beliefs were so complicated! It would have been easier to believe in the true God, Yahweh.”

 

One of our favorite exhibits at the museum was where we were all escorted into a cave, an exact replica of the Book of Caverns, complete with painted hieroglyphics covering the walls and telling the story of their beliefs about the afterlife. They even had sand on the floor!

When we returned to school, Mrs. Harrill had a special surprise for all of us! She told us her recruiting friend from a school in Cairo, Egypt, had sent hieroglyphic bookmarks to the 6^th graders at CCA as a gift and a reminder to pray for them.

It is very difficult to be in school in Cairo, because of many riots and violence in the country. Also, people cannot worship God as freely there, and Christians are persecuted. When our CCA students see their Cairo bookmarks, they can remember their fun time at the Egypt museum and to pray for the students at the Cairo Covenant School.

Curundu Christmas Party

Twas 5 days before break, when 6th through 8th grade
Planned a fun party to give, share, celebrate
The presents were wrapped on the tables with care
In hopes that Curundu soon would be there

When up pulled a bus with the windows rolled down
Loaded with kids, not one had a frown
Meeting their buddies with hugs and high fives
The students kneeled down with care in their eyes

They guided the kids through a game and snack line
To visit Mrs. Claus and her elf--very kind!
They helped the kids listen during a skit
and watched little eyes widen when finding their gifts.

Feliz Navidad! They shouted in glee
alongside their buddy, attached at the knee
Jump ropes and make-up, hula-hoops and toy cars
The students learned that to love, there's no need to go far

Soccer balls in hand, the kids waved goodbye
Hasta luego and we'll see you next time!

Radical

Ever since the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church this year, I've subscribed to receive daily ministry updates and prayer requests from Open Doors International. (Which I'd highly recommend if you want to a) deepen your prayer life and b) become more aware of God's work and global events around the world.)

I just had to share this powerful devotional. Whether you are "standing strong through the storm" or giving God glory for calming the seas, this is a message of challenge and of encouragement for all Christ-followers. God has the victory!

RADICAL CHRISTIANITY 
(by Paul Estabrooks of Open Doors International, 2011)

"Radical Christianity is a lifestyle, not just a mindset. Radical Christianity is concerned with:

• Conquering, not cowering.
• Sacrifice, not superficiality.
• Victory, not verbiage.
• Scoring, not slumming.
• Penetration, not pandering.

Radical Christianity is in first gear, neutral is nonexistent.  Radical Christianity is courageous, but never constrictive, constraining or cautious! Radical Christianity moves mountains, crosses Red Seas, pulls down walls, builds walls, walks on water, raises the dead, calms storms, feeds 5000 and walks through closed doors.

It suffers regularly, soars often, sweats daily, saturates everything and spreads everywhere. Radical Christianity calls sin black, hell hot, hypocrisy evil, Satan a liar and judgment sure. It doesn’t back down, sit down or stay down. Radical Christianity doesn't depend on the strokes of others to keep it going. It doesn’t acquiesce in the face of loud opposition, fold under pressure, wince under criticism, tarnish under time, die under duress, fade under technology, nor rot under moisture. It doesn’t rust, retreat, renounce, reconsider, return or renege.

Radical Christianity always lifts up Christ, knocks down barriers, marches over objections, overwhelms pessimism, gobbles up cynicism, and tramples down skepticism.

Radical Christianity gives lavishly, prays relentlessly, claims abundantly, works feverishly, preaches powerfully, serves lovingly, perseveres patiently and believes expectantly! Radical Christianity dares to challenge the prevailing standard to make it God’s.

It never plays to the grandstands, nor waters down its position, nor adjusts its principles, but rather is a thermostat that controls its surroundings, never a thermometer that merely adjusts to them.

 It is never big, popular, stylish, convenient, in vogue or in-step with the world. Its adherents are few, its sound clear, its philosophy unpopular and its rewards great. Its disciples aren’t rewarded by this world but are those to whom Christ will say, “Well done!”

A congregation of believers was worshiping in a Sunday service in Peru when a squad of heavily armed "Shining Path" rebels came rushing in. “We’ve heard that this group is committed to God. How many of you are willing to die for your faith? Raise your hands,” he commanded.

Fearing they would be slaughtered, most of the congregation remained still. But a small number of believers tentatively raised their hands. The others were released and the commander said, “Those of you who raised your hands, stop worrying. We’re not going to kill you. We just wanted to see who in the congregation believed enough in their faith that they were willing to die for it. That’s the kind of radical commitment we’re looking for.”

RESPONSE
Today I commit to being a radical Christian and give everything I am and have 

to Jesus.

PRAYER
Pray for Christians in conflict areas 

who must regularly put their lives on the line."

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS) A daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks

© 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission

La Pintada

I received a knock on my door this morning, "Hey, we're going to La Pintada today. Wanna come?"
It was the Pilliod family, all ready with the country music and their red truck, which they call "Little Mule," waiting outside.

"Sure!" I quick put in contacts, stuffed my money and passport in a bag, and hurried down the stairs to meet them.

An hour later, we find ourselves urging "Little Mule" on, as we chugged up the hill to La Cabana National Park. Our plan was to head to La Pintada, but since it was a clear day, we made a pit stop for pictures and a picnic of empanadas from Quesos Chela. The view was astounding..and I couldn't even believe I was looking at Panama. Lush green mountains lined with pine trees, bordered by sheer rock cliffs, contrasted with the serene, blue-grey ocean in the distance. You could see Chame, several little towns in between, and a cross on top of the nearest mountain. Plus, it was a gorgeous, sunny day with clear views in all directions.

Following this uphill adventure, we continued on to our destination town: La Pintada. La Pintada is known mainly for two things: 1) this is where the traditional Panamanian hats are made, and 2) there are rocks with petroglyphs here. Guess which of these we found??

Well, after driving down what seemed like every road in the little town, passing the church plaza area several times and a policeman who never stopped the crazy gringos in the pick up truck, we went down one road that said it led to the river. Sure enough, it did! I won't mention that we went off-roading down a steep hill to get there, but we found it!

It was wonderful to stretch our legs and climb over the tiny pools that had formed in the rocks along the bank and watch the sediment-laden river rush by us. We paused to take in the tranquility of it all: then suddenly, we heard branches crashing down right behind us. We whipped around, expecting to see an animal. But it was a person! He was a short man with sun-baked wrinkles, wielding a machete, and working to clear the land. He was wearing a sombrero pintado (painted hat-the traditional Panamanian hat). He gave us directions to the hat-making place.

We ended up not finding it, which is just as well because we later found out that everything in that town was closed for the holiday. We drove down little roads to explore awhile, and stumbled upon a cigar factory. The owner's face lit up when she saw us, and she agreed to explain to us a little bit about how they made the cigars. It was fascinating to learn about this local business; they literally roll each cigar by hand. They also had jewelry and hats for sale. Probably the only place open in the entire town that day. We paid her for her time.

Next, we went on a search up rugged mountain roads for the rocks with the petroglyphs. We didn't find them, but we did see a guy waiting on the side of the road. We asked him if he knew where the petroglyphs were and we'd give him a ride in the back of the pick up truck in exchange. Fair deal, he thought, and hopped in.

We drive back down the mountain, until there is barbed wire on either side of us, a thick, grassy area, laden with rocks and cow pies. Our "guide" starts enthusiastically pointing towards the side of the street. "This must be it," we agreed and pulled over.

What an adventure that was! Climbing over or scooting under barbed wire, crossing the river (good thing I had my Keens!), and finally following our guide to two different sets of rocks with moss-covered engravings on them. We would have NEVER found those petroglyphs without our guide. He said that there was another rock that had petroglyphs on it but it was currently underwater, but we could see it if we came back in March. Ha!

We dropped him back in town with our thanks and a tip and headed home, a little wet but savoring the fun, and a little loco, experiences we had in La Pintada and on our journey. We sang along to country tunes, and the "Little Mule" carried us back to Clayton once again.

Panama Pictures

A glimpse into my classroom (before school started-I'll take an updated photo soon)

I haven't been as faithful with bringing my camera everywhere, as I have been in other countries. Thankfully, I have friends who love to take photos, so here are some pictures from them of my life in Panama :)

Also, I am super proud of my 6th grade Ancient Civilizations class. Check out photos of our Night at the Museum, here: Night at the Museum

Playa Bonita: where we had our church women's retreat back in October

On very accurately named, Playa Bonita (Beautiful Beach). Only 15-20 minutes from the school.

Volleyball tournament with students vs. staff

We've made many trips out to the Amador Causeway--one of my favorite spots in Panama City.

There is an awesome view from the Causeway of the city skyline.

The view from Ancon Hill, overlooking the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal Museum at the Miraflores Locks

Learned how to make arepas (a Venezuelan meal) with my Spanish tutor, her son, and his friend.

Map of Panama (made by students for Fiestas Patrias)--Many more places to visit!!