Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Merry Christmas!!! Its hard to believe another Christmas has already come and gone. This was definitely a unique Christmas and one that was very special.
Our celebrations started on the 24th (as thats when most Panamanians celebrate Christmas) and continued on through the 25th....straight.
Starting on the 24th, our team went out for Dim Sum (one of my favorite types of food!) for brunch, and then at night had the chance to attend a beautiful Christmas Eve service, where we sang some carols and heard the Christmas story. Then, our team headed over to the National Director's house, for some more celebrations, games, fellowship and food. It was fun, and became an even bigger party when the clock struck 12, as fireworks were going off non-stop. The games continued on, and we got home at 3am. Wow.
On the 25th, we celebrated Canadian Christmas. We all slept in a bit, had a yummy breakfast prepared by Lindsey, opened presents in the afternoon and then enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner made by Lindsey & Steve. I really enjoyed the time we got to spend as a STINT team family. Each of us also got to talk with our families in Canada, too, which made the day even greater. We eventually crashed into bed at about midnight, after a tranquil yet very memorable day.
It was such a privilege to be able to focus on and celebrate our Saviour's birth together as a team, and thats what the day really felt like... praying to thank Him for gifts we had received, the reading of the Christmas story and the real sense of love for eachother throughout the day. I am so thankful for all of these things. It was a Christmas to remember and treasure. In some ways I felt like Mary, when the Bible says she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19). God has blessed us so much, and allowed us to have such an incredible Christmas.

On another note, tomorrow we are officially on VACATION!!!! WHOOO! My parents and sister have come down to visit from Canada, and we'll be doing some touring around the city until Jan 4th. And then, for a week, we are going to Cuba to meet up with my brother, his wife & her sister. I am looking forward to the time spent with my family & all the fun that will ensue.
So, as such, I wont be online much in the next couple weeks....so, until January, have a very Happy New Year 2009!!!!

The past few weeks...definitely encouraging

If I had to sum up the past couple weeks in one word, it would be encouraging. I've felt so blessed and inspired by the various people we've met up with and things we've done.

Here's a re-cap of whats gone on:

Dec 6-12: Arrival of 5 Canadians for a Shepherding trip!! Steve & Robyn Strongitharm and their two boys, as well as Jessica Fauvelle (she was on STINT down here last year) came down to visit us. The purpose of their trip was to see how we & the ministry were doing and to encourage us with the Word. It was so great to meet all of them, and I was simply encouraged by their presence.

For a few days, starting on the 9th, we all went to El Valle (the interior of Panama) for a mini retreat. While we were there, Steve Strongitharm led a few sessions on John 13 - 15, and what the Lord had laid on his heart out of those chapters. It was some great stuff!!

One session was on John 13:34-John 14:14, about having an eternal perspective. He talked about how our view of eternity changes 3 things:

1. Our view of trials - we have control over how we respond to these; without an eternal perspective we can become bitter

2. Our view on posessions - See Matt 6:19-21

3. Our view on the unsaved - verses 27-31...do we really believe that those who aren't saved will spend eternity separated from God?

Jesus was also our ultimate example of living in light of eternity, as He knew where He was going once He left the earth.

Steve also shared with us how students from his campus in Ontario are praying for Panama and for our team...that was so cool to find out and reminded me how we are one large family of God. It was cool to hear how people we dont even know are supporting us in prayer!

While we were out in El Valle, we also got to open some gifts Jessica brought us from Canada, visited the Santa Clara beach for a day, and hiked the "Sleeping Indian" mountain. It was such a refreshing and encouraging 4 day retreat, spiritually and physically.

Jess brought our team Christmas hats and advent calendars!

The view from the top of the Sleeping Indian hike

Sat, Dec 13 - STINT team + Jessica ROAD TRIP!!! We drove up to the Caribbean Coast, to see some historical sites and more of the beautiful country of Panama. Our first stop was at Fuerte San Lorenzo, a spanish fort from the 1600's. The second stop on our trip was a small town called Nombre de Dios. This town was a trade terminal across the Isthmus in the 1500's. There wasnt much to see here, but the black & white pebbled beach was serene. The third and last stop was at Portobelo, where we visited two separate forts. The first fort was Fuerte Santiago, and the second one was Fuerte San Jeronimo. Fuerte Santiago was built in 1739 and Fuerte San Jeronimo was the largest fortress ever built to protect the bay.

During the drive, I was in awe of how big our God really is and how He has created so many things. I also felt really blessed to be able to be living here in Panama and to be visiting such breath taking sites with great friends.
Looking out from Fuerte San Lorenzo

Steve in the middle of Fuerte San Jeronimo

M, Dec 15- W, Dec 17 - Vision trip to Santiago. We all jumped on a bus to head to a town 3 hours away, Santiago. We went to go visit the Vida Estudiantil crew out there, specifically to join them for their Christmas party, host a training session and hang out with some of the involved students. Its cool, because this ministry has really flourished and grown over the past while. Our Canadian summer projects have sent teams to Santiago for 3 years now, and its been neat to see the resulting fruit (involved students and changed lives) of the investment there. Throughout our visit, we were really able to see how God has been at work in the hearts and lives of students there...and thus felt super encouraged!!

We arrived there late Monday afternoon, just in time to eat a late lunch and head to the Christmas party that was being held on campus. Once I got there, I couldnt help but sense how the VE group there felt like like a big family. One could definitely feel the love in the room, and how they deeply cared for eachother. It was also really encouraging to see how many committed students came out, and how some new ones were there too! One girl, Cielo became a Christian this May, as a result of some Canadian students sharing with her on campus. About a month & a half ago, she led another friend to Christ and invited her out to come to VE. And then at the Christmas party, Cielo's friend also invited her cousin to come out!!! Whoa! It was neat to see spiritual multiplication in action.

It was also fun to meet up with Duby (on staff), Joanna and Marquis, three of our Dominican Republic team members!!!

Thurs, Dec 18 - VE Christmas Party in Panama City! It was a fun evening of great food, close friends, lots of laughter, games and celebrating the Christmas season. Making gingerbread houses in teams proved interesting, and the testimony time was also inspirational. Two students, Kiki and Ana both shared how they entered University feeling very alone and how through being involved in VE have not only grown in their faith but have made some solid friendships.

There were students there who had been involved in VE for a little while, and also some new faces. One new face was a guy named Samuel, who studies at the Technologica University, and whom Derek saw come to Christ this past semester. It was cool to see him come out and meet some of the other students who are also passionate about growing more in their faith.

The VE group at the Christmas Party

Looking back and forward....

This week we finished working on the campus for the semester. The last day of classes was today, and the students have their final exams for the next two weeks. This week was definitely different, as we helped host a professors luncheon on Wednesday, and also had a Vida Estudiantil planning meeting for next year this morning. Its wierd to think that this semester is wrapping up, and the 2008 year is coming to a close.

Looking back on this past week, for our last sharing time on campus, Juan Carlos and I ended up talking with a guy named Luis Alberto. After asking him a couple questions, we transitioned into sharing the 4 Laws booklet with him. We proceeded through the first truth (God loves you and has a marvelous plan for your life), and into the second point (Man is sinful, and is separated from God, which is why he cant know or experience God's love or plan in life). As we read through the associated Bible verses, about how the wages of sin is death, and how we're all sinners, the expression on Luis' face fell. He read over the pages again, his face looking like he was in total despair. I will never forget the look of utter hopelessness on his face, as it was a strong reminder of how destitute and desperate we are without God. The reality of that point really struck me. As we continued to talk, it was absolutely incredible to be able to share with him that there is a solution to this separation, and a magificent hope. That he doesn't have to be lost in this life, but can find fulfilment. And that the ultimate hope is found in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. God devised a way for us to know Him personally, and to save us from hopelessness: the ultimate expression of His love for us!!!

Looking forward, the next couple weeks are gonna fly by! Here is a glimpse of some of the things we're gonna be doing:
--Dec 6-12 is the Shepherding visit, where 3 Canadian staff are coming down to visit us. They're coming to see how our STINT team is doing, to give us some training and to take us on a refreshment retreat. It should be a good time!
--Trip to Santiago - We're gonna have the opportunity to visit the Vida Estudiantil crew in Santiago, to give them some training and join them for their Christmas party!!
--Dec 18th is the VE Christmas party (here in Panama City)
--Meetings to review & evaluate the past semester
--and of course, CHRISTMAS on the 25! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!!
Needless to say, we're going to be busy.

Refreshment

I really enjoyed last weekend. We headed up to a place called El Valle, which is a 2 hr drive from Panama city, in the interior, mountainous area of the country. Some friends of ours had a house up there and graciously opened it up for us to go to.

El Valle is very tranquil, pristine, and surrounded by fresh wilderness. It is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of living in Panama City. When you are there, you cant help but relax. I felt like my soul especially needed some of that refreshment and a break from everyday busy life.
God encouraged me so much over the weekend. Simply through the hospitality of our friends, the beautiful mountains and foliage, and also His Word. One verse that specifically came alive for me was Zeph 3:17, which says,

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

This verse connected with my heart for a couple reasons. Firstly, it was a great reminded that he is mighty to save. He is able to save me, students on campus, and people in the world. I needed to hear that after having a long week on campus, where it seemed like nothing really happened and students were indifferent towards spiritual things. The second thing was that He delights in me and quiets me with his love. I felt very precious, treasured and secure. It reminded me of how a father and small daughter relate with eachother. She feels so free to be herself as she knows her dad loves her, and feels safe when she's around Him. God wants me to have this close relationship with Him too. To put it simply, I felt very loved.

On Sat, we also went to the beach. This picture hopefully captures a small part of the tranquillity and peacefulness of the interior of Panama:

On a side note, this quote summarizes what its like outside right now: "its raining dragons and horses." -Jose Andres
(this quote is the Panamanian equivalent of its 'raining cats and dogs.')
Its been pouring outside non-stop for about 3 days now and things are pretty wet.

MORE Dominican photos...

I've posted yet some more pictures from the Dominican Republic Project on facebook. And, for those of you who arent facebookers, here are the links to see the albums:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178444&l=c4833&id=618945586
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178548&l=636ba&id=618945586
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178551&l=0a468&id=618945586

Enjoy!

Highlights of the Dominican trip...in pictures.

1. Marquis, & Isaac's first time on a plane. Smile, Laura!

2. The Dominican Republic Flag.

3. At the entrance of Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo - our campus for the week!

4. Showing the Jesus film to 250 people in a poor Santo Domingo neighbourhood. Lorenzo is sharing his testimony in this picture

5. Lorenzo, Steve (not pictured here) and I evangelized in the Facultad de Artes all week. It was encouraging to see the transformation in Lorenzo over the week

6. Marjorie, a Dominican student I got to share the gospel with, and I

7. On Thurs night, we hosted a fiesta, complete with music and a few student testimonies. Laura is sharing her testimony here.

8. Me, Lorenzo, Juan Louis, Gleny and Steve - Juan and Gleny were two students our faculty team shared with

9. And finally...Our VE team: 7 Panamanian students (Marquis, Joanna, Isaac, Lorenzo, Laura and Abraham); 3 Panamanian staff (Oliver, Duby & Secondina); 6 Canadian STINTers (myself, Lindsey, Raquel, Juan Carlos, Steve and Derek) and 2 film crew (Selegna and Juan). Leyla and Prospero, the two Dominican staff members also joined us for this picture.

Its finally here!!!

I cant believe it is actually here....today is the official start of Dominican Republic Missions Project 2008 (Oct 31-Nov 9)!!! This afternoon, 7 Panamanian students, 3 Panamanian staff and our STINT team of 6 are all going down to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic via a stop over in Costa Rica. God is going to work in so many ways, impacting both our lives and the people of Dominican Republic.

Here are some more trip details...

Saturday, Nov 1- training and orientation of the city. The training includes sessions such as sharing your personal testimony, evangelism brainstorming and practice sessions, spirit filled life...
Sunday, Nov 2- church in the morning followed by an afternoon/evening showing of the Jesus film in a rural community outside of Santo Domingo
Monday Nov 3- Friday Nov 7- Each day we will be heading to the UASD (Universidad Autonomia Santo Domingo) campus for evangelism and outreach activities. We'll be focusing in the humanities and arts faculties with the goal of reaching as many students with the gospel through various means and then engaging in initial follow-up. The hope and prayer is that by the end of the 5 days on campus we will be able to turn over a committed group of Christians (both new and old) to Layla and Prospero, the campus staff in the Dominican.
Evening activities this week include: a training session for students from the Dominican Republic, sharing the vision for Vida Estudiantil at a private campus, and a wrap-up party for all the students from the Dominican.
Friday evening and Saturday Nov 8 will be spent debriefing and bright and early Sunday Nov 9 morning we head back on a plane to Panama City!

This trip truly is a dream come true in so many ways. Thank you so much for your prayers, thoughts and partnership!!! I am so blessed to have such an awesome support team, and definitely couldnt do any of this on my own. You've made an impact in my life, the lives of Panamanians and now in the Dominican Republic.
You guys are great! Blessings, Karina

Today

Today I was reminded that God has a way of working things out in His way and timing. And, He often has a sense of humor....

Just before lunch, Raquel, Lindsey and I were going out sharing. We thought that since we were a group of three, we would share with another group of say 2-3 students. We headed to the Science faculty and proceeded to approach one group, but they were going to class soon; we then approached another 2 girls, but they were studying for a midterm; we yet again approached another group, but they too were also busy doing something. By this time we had reached the entrance of the Biology building, and were semi-disappointed that we had been shut down so many times (usually students here are so open to talking, even when they have things to do!). So, we proceeded to pray and then walked across the parking lot to pass by the Science cafeteria. As we were walking down the path, we saw a girl sitting alone and decided to go and talk with her. She was a super sweet Catholic girl, and as our conversation proceeded, her friend came and joined in. And then, her boyfriend also came and joined us. The conversation was great - we talked about everything from spiritual things, to general talk on Panama, to things like marriage and choosing churches once a couple gets married. Even though I did not understand most of the conversation, I left our meeting feeling very encouraged. Not only did God provide us the opportunity to share with a group after all, he also orchestrated us to meet some students who were solid and serious in their Christian beliefs.

Please pray for next week as we meet up again with Yisa, Joel and Idalises: we have set a follow up meeting with them on Tuesday at 12pm, and want to challenge them to get involved with Vida Estudiantil.

Semana de los Valores (Week of Values) at UTP...

Sometimes I forget how busy life gets down here! We are finally back to a more normal schedule, after taking a two week theology course in addition to our work on campus. The course was pretty interesting, yet at the same time it has felt good to be back on campus on a more regular, daily basis.

Looking back over the past couple weeks, one large highlight was the Week of Values at the Universidad Tecnologica de Panama (UTP), that took place Sept 23-26:

God opened so many doors on the UTP campus this week!! Right from the time we (Vida Estudiantil, VE) were invited to participate in the Week of Values, up until the end of the week, we were amazed at God's provision and work. Each day when we arrived on the UTP campus, we had a brief time of prayer and organization, and then were linked up with a member of the administration who took us to our assigned classroom. I was amazed to see these administrators simply usher us into the class and announce that we had something important to share with the students! Our campus staff team was able to present the lectures along side all of the Cruzada staff from other ministries, which was a unique opportunity. Some students involved in the ministry also took part in these lectures. I was in one lecture where a student from UTP was able to share a brief story about his involvement with VE and how the Gospel transformed His life.

On Wednesday, we also had the opportunity to throw a concert in the main courtyard entrance of the campus, and had an information table table set up. At the information table, we got to use an innovative evangelism tool, called Soularium ( see http://www.mysoularium.com/ for info). How this tool works is students look at various thought provoking images on a table or wall, and then answer questions on their life, spiritual walk and view of God. The images caught the eye of many of the UTP students and we were able to ask them the various questions, followed by a 4 Laws Gospel presentation.

(Left: The band playing at the concert; Right: Soularium in action - Tania and Raquel talking with a student)

The concert was both an outreach opportunity to share with a large crowd how they can know Jesus personally, and also to increase awareness of Vida Estudiantil presence on the campus. Just after the concert, a girl named Jeaniris came up to my partner, Marielena, and I, and was very interested in knowing more about VE. She explained how she was a Christian, but felt like her present relationship with God and going to church was all very mechanical. She wanted to be challenged in her faith and taught new concepts, and wanted to get involved with VE. It was such a privilege to be a link and resource for students such as Jeaniris, in their walks with God!

Overall, during the week we were on the campus, 586 students were exposed to the Gospel, and 83 were interested in getting involved in Bible Studies. Praise the Lord!!!! This task, however is pretty big. Please be praying for the staff team as they begin the follow up process of meeting with students who indicated an interest of knowing more about knowing God personally.

crazy opportunities....

This week we've had a slight change of plans, compared to our usual days working on the Universidad de Panama (UdeP) campus....

One of the other Universities we work at, Universidad Tecnologica de Panama (UTP), is having a "Week of Values and Morals," throughout the campus. As a part of this, the campus administration asked Vida Estudiantil late last week if we wanted to make presentations in some of the first year classes. Our national Panamanian staff jumped at this incredible opportunity, and so this week we get to visit 30 first year classes!!!

We are talking in these classes on successful relationships, and then wrapping up our talks with a gospel presentation. Overall, by the end of the week, we will have presented in about 30 classes, to over 540 students.

Wow.

My new family, home and place of work!!

The past few weeks have been filled with settling in here in Panama City with the new team (my new family), into our apartments (our new homes) and starting on the campuses last week (our new place of work). Here are some pictures of each of these:

1. Our team, or my new family for the next year!! I love these guys.

Back row: Me, Raquel, Lindsey & Steve. Front Row: Juan Carlos & Derek (aka. Juanchito & Diego) .

2. Our new home! Our kitchen and living room....

I am so thankful for the apartments God led us to...His hand was definitely involved in the whole process! While searching for our new homes, we were having a hard time finding places for reasonable prices, as the real estate market in Panama had increased quite a bit over the past year. And, to make things even harder, we needed 3 bedrooms in each apartment. Then, on one Monday, we viewed and said "Yes" to both 3 bedroom apartments, within our price range, within one hour!!! Thanks God! Our respective places are within a 10 minute walk of each other, near a grocery store, banks and one of the major roads in Panama City (Via Espana).

3. And...our place of work: THE CAMPUS!

We're primarily working on the Universidad de Panama, and also spend one day a week on the campuses of Interamericana, Universidad Latina and UTP. Juan Carlos and I are specifically working in the Science Faculty on the Universidad de Panama and spend our Wednesdays on the Latina campus. Here's a pic of us with the Science faculty's mascot: Juancho the giant crocodile!

We have ARRIVED!

Hola from Panama City!!!
We arrived safely on Monday, Aug 18th at 1pm, after about 8 hours in the air. It felt so good to see some friends at the airport and to touch down on ground.

Right now we have a couple weeks of "settling in", where we need to find a couple of apartments to live in (one for the guys and one for the girls), get used to the climate, culture and our new city.

Just over a month until orientation time!! Thats pretty surreal.
I've been looking forward to the start of our STINT year since the fall, and it is coming up so very fast! Some days I am super pumped, and other days bring a bit of anxiousness and fear. But, in it all, God has everything looked after, and all I can do is trust in Him.
Ps. 56:3
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you; In God whose word I praise..."

On the news front, we have a 6th team member! Juan was accepted to join our team.

Some EXCITING news!

I have some very exciting news to share!!!
Firstly, as of Tuesday, June 17th, my financial support goal was reached - I'm fully funded!!! Thank you, God!!
Secondly, we may have a 6th team member. My friend Juan from UBC, who just got back from the 6 week summer project to Panama, is applying to come on STINT with us.

I'm officially done!

Last Thursday was my Convocation ceremony from University.
<-- Here's me with my official BComm degree :)!

Last week I did some reflecting on the journey God has taken me on throughout these University years. He has indeed taught me so much: how to love unconditionally, to surrender to Him, to abide daily in His Holy Spirit and to have lots of fun. But, above all that, that He is such a good God, loves me so much, and has the best plan for me.

A couple verses I was reminded of were:

Jer 30:11-13 and

Rom 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."

These verses pretty much sums up my entire time at University. I entered my first year with the goal of academic pursuit, so as to acquire a great career from my hard work. I never dreamed I would be sharing my faith with my fellow students, praying for my campus, and now going to Panama for a year! God does have big plans, and I am so thankful He let me in on them.

Happy Anniversary

Its hard to believe I first stepped foot on the Universidad de Panama campus exactly one year ago today. Monday, May 7th, 2007 was our first day ministering on campus (during Panama project 2007). The time has absolutely flown by, and as each present day comes to a close, I anticipate my return to Panama and all the incredible things God has stored in advance for us. I can't wait.

Our Team so far!

I just received news this morning that our team now has 5 members!!! We were at 4 for the longest time, comprised Raquel, Lindsey, myself and Derek. A bunch of us were praying for another guy to join us, and God has answered our prayers. Steve, who is currently down in Panama on STINT, is now going to join us for another year.

Here are a couple pics of our team members... Derek, myself and Raquel on the left (taken last summer on project); and Steve & Lindsey on the right (taken a couple weeks ago).

You Just Never Know....

When you listen to the Holy Spirit's prompts, crazy things result.

I've been in the process of raising support for my Panama STINT for a few weeks now, and it has been such an enjoyable process thus far. I've not only gotten to share some cool stories about the country and people there, but also have reconnected with a few friends from my earlier University years. One specific meeting was with my first year Bible Study leader. We had such a great time catching up, sharing about our respective travels, our churches and life in general. We stayed at the Tim Horton's for a good 2-3 hours!! As we were chatting outside, saying our "last words" before we parted directions, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to share with her exactly the impact she had on me during my first year in University. I did, and explained how she really showed me she cared by meeting up for coffee with me that one semester, and if she hadnt done that, I wouldnt be involved with Campus for Christ today. Her actions had a huge impact on my life, and I wouldnt be going to Panama today if she hadnt taken that hour out of her schedule to meet up with me.

Tonight I gave her a phone call, and she initally picked up with an excited tone of voice, but said "can I call you back!? I have some incredible, great news to share, and you're the result of all of it!" She called me back an hour or so later, and began to share her story. Apparently what I had said about her impact on me really resounded within her the day we met and as a result of that, she shared the story with her pastor. The pastor then who mentioned the name of a young girl in the youth group who was in need of a mentor. My friend felt led to meet up with the girl, and did so, just in time for my friend to help support her through a major life crisis. The girl was struggling, and ended up confiding in my friend, detailing her situation and how she wanted to go to the hospital before anything else happened. My friend took her to the hospital, and spent Thursday night and part of the weekend with her. The girl just got released from the hospital yesterday, and is alright. In short, the girl is alive today because of my friend's willingness to mentor her, which came out of my response to the Spirit's prompting to share my heart with my friend the day we met for coffee.

You just never know how God will use you or why he places promptings on your heart.
A young girl is alive today because of my obedience to His promptings. And, through this whole situation, my friend's walk with Jesus has deepened and taken on a whole new dimension. Wow.

Support raising is a ministry in itself.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!! I will be using this site to keep you updated on my STINT to Panama. Please check back for updates, I will be posting more info soon....