Jesus Driven Day

The Don Bosco church had such a full service and a glorious one. There I stood in this beautiful church for the first time. It was Our birthday and I was so proud of all we accomplished. Having such powerful spiritual moments I weeped tears of joy and thankfulness. No one had been there for me more and loved me more-how could I not give my life and serve him?

The pastor spoke in a clear Spanish I could understand as if he was speaking that way just for me. The church was overcrowded with people standing in the back near the door and on the sides. It was clear that other people were touched by this church and it's meaning. People were friendly with "La paz contigo" and sincere looks(Believers more friendly and kind in Panama).


At the end of service, I like to be around and meet people of the church. I enjoy talking and learning about their community and the problems they face and the strengths they hold.

There was a man who worked for the church standing in front handing out flyer's. We got to talking and it turns out he had been helping out with the church. He informed me that the neighborhood behind the church was one of the worst in Panama City. This refers to that previous post where I discussed how those who are suffering, lost, poor, angry, confused-they are place nearby the church. God keeps them safe. This is how he wants it. 

He wanted to introduce me to the pastor who was in the back and he showed me around a bit. The church held an after school program three days per week and I met a few of the kids (age 12-17).

This was not just distribution of food rather I felt the community that was present. They had a futbol field, basketball court, different rooms for activities including an art room with bean bags.  

I was impressed with this and I wanted to participate with the short time I had, which was only a few days with this tight schedule. I was suppose to have more time here, but each country was an extra couple days and that created less time in Panama.   

It turns out the Pastor had to leave-it was pouring I should mention and he had to go across town. It would have been nice to meet him, but I was speaking with someone who had the most hands on work.


Sharing our ideas and sadness among those who die so you, it was refreshing to hear a common voice. The gangs were some of the worst and trying to address this problem is always challenging. In Belize, in East LA, in Chicago-this problem exists larger than ever. For me, the solution is group therapy, building community supports, afterschool activities, increased amounts of community programs, and serious education on gang violence. It’s not a simple problem to fix, but education and community action can save lives. 

The pouring rain was coming down hard and people were starting to leave. I looked at the time and it was almost 3pm. I said my goodbyes and ran out the door. My South American friends were leaving at 3pm and I would feel incomplete without a proper hug and final goodbye.

When I ran back out of breath and soaked, I was asking Popola, “Where is Carlito and Mary?”

“Girl, you went through some serious rain. They are still here.”

Phewww, we said our sad goodbyes and then it was time for me to leave.

I am putting my things together and Popoyla says, “Join me for lunch.”

I look at my watch and he tells me that we can take the bus together. He makes an awesome vegetarian lunch (he’s vegetarian) and very picky with his food- like me. He made a Carrot, tofu, and curry dish with rice. He kept apologizing and I was eating every bite up.  We were discussing the whole hostel situation and how it’s not really for us, but sometimes it just makes sense. If I didn’t go there, I wouldn’t have met him and then what? There is reason not just coincidence.

Off I went and I decided to just take a taxi and he took the bus. It was my arrival at one of my favorite hotels The Hard Rock Hotel.