Day 2 (10/12/24)

The day started off with meeting at 2:50 AM in the hotel lobby to prepare to move out for our 5AM flight to Miami. The Skylink for whatever reason wasn't running, so we took an airport shuttle bus.  It was rather dark and deserted at the bus stop (except for our lively crew)

The bus eventually came. It had seating for exactly 14 passengers (the exact number in our group!) with no standing allowed.

In Miami we met up with Craig from Most Ministries in the airport, and he flew with us from there to Panama. arriving a little before 1pm. 
There was plenty of waiting in lines as we went through two different checkpoints. 


We discovered along the way that one of the checked pieces of luggage (with some of the eyeglass clinic supplies) had actually not made it to Panama, but it was eventually found in Miami....As we exited the Panama City Airport, it was a bright, sunny, warm, and humid day, but we didn't experience that very long because pretty soon we were back in the air conditioning of a charter bus. Which by the way had a distinctive mood lighting due to the fact that all the curtains were purple





On the bus we welcomed two additional people - Griselda (Deaconess at Dios Es Grande -Loma Cova) 


and Nury DeMilian (from Guatemala) who narrated the bus ride from the airport to the mall, telling stories and pointing out various things along the way.
As we drove through Panama City, we saw a variety of housing




as well as the F & F tower (also known as the corkscrew - a 52 story office skyscraper completed in 2011. 


Of course there was also the Pacific Ocean, which was at low tide with much exposed mud.

 Our initial destination was Allbrook Mall, where we had lupper at El Trapiche restaurant. 
















Most of us got 





given the high recommendation this sandwich (which literally translated means "old clothes", but is quite delicious with it's unique blend of flavors!) received from Vicar. 
While we were eating, the afternoon rains came through, but the rain had passed by the time we walked over to get some snacks/drinks at the grocery store (Super 99). Then we got back on the bus for the short drive to our hotel where we met Pastor Rickman and his family.






After a devotion and some quick reminders about tomorrow, we were all quite ready to go to bed. given that we had gotten up pretty early....

In thinking about the day, I remember flying into Miami at sunrise, seeing that amazing sight of light dispelling darkness as the sun started to light up the sky with the clouds below us, and thinking 
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24). 

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait  expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)

Lord, we wait expectantly for tomorrow, the first day of the eyeglass clinic. We pray that all may go well, that you would bless us, bless Pastor Rickman, bless the congregation that he serves, and bless those who come to the clinic. Be with us and guide us, and may Your will be accomplished through us in this place. 








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