Aug. 9, 2011
"Game Day"
Back in Panama City, and to a computer where I don't have to try and fit everything into a few texts' then stand up on an unbuilt hut to get service! Day 3 on Ailigandi Island:
A few of us missed breakfast this morning because we woke up at 7:30...but today was picture day. Each family on the island lined up at the church doors and waited to get their picture taken. They either dressed up or wore some of the shirts we passed out. All of the adults on the island received shirts and wore then the entire day. Kayce Walker, Kathy Shelton, Sydney Wilson, Kelsi Kettler and Courtney Cox all played wiffle ball with the kids outside our main hut. Clare Hosack, Jayce Moore, Janay Melancon, Liz Paul, and I played volleyball and the tickle game outside of the church while their families waited for pictures.
Around 11, we loaded up the boat and headed to the mainland where the soccer field is. They also use it for their softball field. The islanders had two teams and they intermixed. They let us borrow all of their equipment, some worn out gloves and old bats. We ended up winning by a lot. Because there were so many of them, each time one made a mistake, he would be pulled. I can't imagine playing under that kind of pressure! Some of the Ailigandi people boated, swam and canoed over to watch us play--probably about 30 of them. So much fun, but SO hot! Waco doesn't even compare.
Lunch was spam, a potato and egg casserole, Pringles and bread. During our down time at lunch, a few boys hung around the hut, so Kelly Levesque was trying to learn parts of the body (nose, ears, head, hair, etc). So we sat across from them and taught each other how to say each part. The kids are so eager to learn and are so full of life, they love every second.
Vacation Bible School was held at the church next and the kids sang all the songs they knew. Our translator, who Kathy grew up on Ailigandi Island, explained the creation story to the children. We sang and danced along to songs like 'Father Abraham' and 'Jesus Loves Me'. The generator went out for a few minutes but one of the kids began a hymn in which all the rest followed suit. I don't know what it is about kids singing, but the innocence of their voices and their pure intentions can mend any troubled heart. Each one received a bag of crayons on their way out.
We packed as many as we could in the boat to go to a nearby island for a little vacation time. We swam for a bit over there because the island had a beach and was near another small island about 200 yards away.
When we got back to Ailigandi, they served us fresh fish--an interesting meal when it's staring back at you. After dinner we headed back to the church for a special service. Every chance they got, the kids followed to see what we were doing so they sat next to us and tried to sit still while Bryan led the sermon. Two women came on stage and told us they wanted to give us something. They presented the coaches and most girls with a gorgeous design sewn onto cloth (each different), and some got hand woven baskets. Others got hand woven fans (at least we think that's what they are). With the little that they have, they give so much.
The party at the main hut went on until about midnight, the kids played and played. We sat down with them and tried to learn more about them, played more games and taught them the hokey pokey. We incorporated Kuna words for them as well. Kelly handed out glow sticks which the elder women LOVE. I wish we had more time with them, I feel like we were just learning how to communicate and get to know them.
Sunday:
Woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Ate breakfast and said our goodbyes, then loaded up two boats with two motors each :). We rode for about an hour and a half, then stopped at a more modern island. We walked around for a few minutes and bought sodas. We hopped back on the boats for another hour and went to another island. We joined some of the Kunas for worship at their baptist church, while we hung around the island and waited for the luggage boat to catch up, then made the short trip to the mainland. The communication barrier was quite frustrating trying to figure out the jeep situation, but everyone ended up in a jeep (but packed like a jar of pickles.) We were so excited to get back to the hotel, shower and sleep on a real bed. After pizza for Ty (Moore's) birthday, we had a meeting where we shared some of our experiences. Mostly about who we remember or what kinds of things impacted us the most while we visited Ailigandi island. This has been such an incredible experience and we're so blessed to be able to make this trip. More fun to come tomorrow!
Monday:
Visited the Panama Canal, but missed the ship coming through so we decided to come back in the afternoon. We went to two different flea markets to shop for sourveniers. We spent a few hours there and then went to the mall, which was super nice. It was huge and most ate American fast food before walking around and shopping some more. On our trip back to the canal, we saw a huge boat go through, which paid over $300,000 to go through the locks. There was a video and a museum to wander through and then a gift shop, of course. Pretty cool to get to witness such a milestone in the world.
We leave at 7:30 a.m. this morning and should get into Houston around 2:15 p.m. Praying for safe travels and that no one loses their passport! What an experience that we will never forget!
Sic 'Em
Megan Turk
