international hospitality

 We met the Brenneman's when we were here in February. They graciously invited us to family worship with them. It just happened that we became good friends.

 

When we decided to come back to Isla Colon, we naturally contacted them. As things would work out, they would be gone for an International Convention in Seattle, Washington and more than generously offered their home to us while we looked for a place to land.

The very first day we got here they helped us retrieve the bikes we had purchased and showed us some potential rentals.
 

As you can see, we suffered terribly. It was an awful location, right on the Marina, with a view of the boats to the front and views of the Caribbean off two other sides.

  

 

This is Raymond trying to "steal" my bike.
The sister I bought it from forgot to leave the key.
So we had to steal it... not that hard.... hmmmmmmm.

Maddie, Titus, Carl the night before they left for Washington and
the coveted International Convention.

Captain Raymond

The people who own this house graciously let The Brenneman's store their bikes
in their yard... and their boat at their dock when they come to town.
We just met her, she's a teacher at the school who Valerie studies with.

And we're off to the meeting.

Valerie, Maddie and Titus

First day on the bikes and I didn't kill myself.... over the next week I only crashed twice, scared the daylights out of some nice local people, and had to abandon my umbrella.
However, I'm much better now.

 

Carl and Raymond heading out for service after the meeting.

Then come the rains....

WOW! I think I heard the angels sing again!!!

This is not my story... I was a withness.

One of the reasons we came to Panama is because our friends, Bob and Cynthia from Arizona, were going to be here. So we thought it would be a great idea to meet Panama and see our friends. As it turns out, we never did see them. They were far and none of had vehicles. BUT they emailed us to let us know that their friends from Arizona had moved to Panama, and were looking for a place to land. We said that we would help in any way we could. Our lovely friend, Sylvia let them stay with her.

So when they arrived we proceeded to grill them on their needs. They were trying to determine where Jehovah wanted them to serve, and since all of the congregations have some sort of a need, and sometimes that need is not readily evident, they made their prayers to Jehovah VERY specific. Wait till you see....

Our friends came on Thursday afternoon 3ish. They had already made an appointment with a realtor to see a house. And then they were going to leave on Friday. Not much time to find a house. In Boquete. In high-season. 

 

And, of course, who do we know????? How can we help???? Well, we thought of one of my RV's and he, of course, manages some rental homes. So we started there. But that meant that Frank and Darlene would have to stay another day. No problem, they said. No problem, Sylvia said.

 

We started at one apartment which would be great... except that he'd already rented it. Then on a whim he took us up to the "compound". I always thought he meant some sort of religious thing when he said that! But no... it really was a group of houses behind a gated fence. (which was one of their requirements) So we pass a cute little bungalow and go to a house kind of duplex thing. It was cute, small, really messy... And there was something missing (but I can't quite remember what - Darlene had a lot of specifics in her prayer.) Then we go around back to the "loft" apartment. It was okay, but there really was no place to hang a hammock. (????!!!!!!) Really? yes... it was one of her requirements.

 

So, they go meet the landlord. Frank speaks fluent Spanish (he was raised in a Spanish speaking family) and he and the landlord just hit it off. And they love Darlene (you would too!) So they say... "we don't have the key to the bungalow, but it will be available on the 1st. You can look through the windows". So we go look. They peek through the windows. Darlene starts gesturing and smiling. Carl and I walk around to the side of the house and my mouth drops open... There - in front of me - is the best outdoor area I've seen in Boquete. A barred in, gated, outdoor area ..... WITH A HAMMOCK! NO WAY!!!  You won't believe me.... I know it. But it's true. They signed the papers without even seeing the inside fully. The time it was available was exactly what they wanted. The price was exactly what they needed. The inside... the outside... the gates... the security ...  

 

Jehovah truly answers our specific prayers. He doesn't have to.. but He knows that we are listening and sometimes we need assurance for our decisions. I learned a lot on the last bit in Boquete.

BOQUETE!

Is it really true? Are we really back. It feels wonderful to be here in Boquete, even though we know it's temporary... Boquete will always be a very special place for us. It's not the terrain. It's not the weather. It's the wonderful memories, and the terrific friends. This will always be lodged in our hearts. 

The Bromiley's were gracious enough to welcome us into their home. Although we weren't able to visit with April because she had the nerve to go to the States to attend the International Convention in New Jersey AND witness her Bible Student get baptized! But we were privileged to spend some time with our dear Kamerin and his wonderful father, Ken.

 

Carl gave the talk and the congregation, true to form, put together a super, spectacular, wonderful and warm hospitality. It was so special. These friends have always and will always make me feel like I'm something special. I feel so loved!

And then Kamerin arranged for a terrific meal. He did all the work, with just a little bit of help and guidance. I think he must have spent a long time planning. He invited Cindy and Scott, who we had tried really hard to connect with the last time we were here. Scott is the son of Linda's friend. She should be happy to see him! And Kamerin made vanilla gelato! It was very tasty...

A couple of our calls from the last time.
They were VERY happy to see us. It was very touching.

 

Out in service with the Probst's
and look who we ran into having a fun time and laughing it up.
Steve will always be someone very special to Carl.

It was a long walk up a mountain to get to this call. She's a Spanish speaker who wanted to study in English. But the sisters have been helping her realize that she would benefit from studying in Spanish. On this last visit of Teena's (her family's headed to Mexico!) Teena brought her a Spanish Bible and Marleny just teared right up. When she read Rev. 21:3,4 in her heart language, SHE GOT IT. And I think that sealed the reason why she should be studying in Spanish. April studies with her now and she is always in my prayers.

 

 

The Martin Family. They are in the process of moving to Mexico.
I cannot tell you how happy we were for their last week in Panama. It would have been very sad if we missed them.
It was wonderful seeing the way the children have progressed while being raised to serve Jehovah in a wonderful and self-sacrificing manner. Such gems.

The Montez family. We just love them, too.
We met them right before we left Panama. They taught us to seriously pray specifically, very specifically. And then when we're not sure of a certain direction - and we see our prayers answered - then we become sure.