Holiday Highlights

"In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world - just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace." Col 1:6
How cool is that, that the Gospel is growing throughout the ENTIRE world, and is continuously doing so!? I was really hit with this statement, as I travelled to different locations during my holiday time. God was at work at each one of the places we visited, and it was cool to catch a glimpse of this work.

The first place was here in Panama. My family came to visit me for a few days, and we went on a tour of the Gamboa rainforest. Another lady named Kathy, who works in Puerto Rico and visits Panama frequently came with us on the tour as well. As we were hiking throughout the rainforest, her and I started talking a bit. She began asking me questions about why Im in Panama and what I do here. I shared with her that I work with students on the University campus and talk with them about God. She asked a few more questions, as to what that entailed, and I was able to share with her what talking about God means by describing a simple coles notes version of the gospel. God really orchestrated that conversation and it was really cool to think that no matter where we are, whether on vacation, working or just going about our daily lives, God's hand is always at work in the hearts of people.

We also took a team vacation for a few days to the lovely town of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. This town is located on the Caribbean coast, has a very island-y feel to it and is host to many foreign, surfing oriented visitors. One day we visited a coffee shop in the town, Caribeans Coffee, and met its owner, Paul. As we talked with him, Paul shared with us how he and his wife initially moved to the town as missionaries, and when their term ended, they felt led to stay and open up the coffee shop. They envisioned using the shop as a casual place where they could share the love of Jesus with those who visit, both in indirect and observable ways. It was incredible to hear Paul's heart to share truth with the people of Puerto Viejo, and how the shop was being used as a light in the town. This meeting was a sweet example of God's work places where we often least expect it. I left the town feeling very encouraged that God is at work in so many ways and so many places.

On another note, here are some more of my holiday highlights:
1. Spending some rich times with my family, both talking and doing things together
2. Touring Panama City with my parents and sister, including the Monkey Island tour, which took us in a boat up the Panama Canal to see real live monkeys!
3. Walking and talking on the beach with Nadine, Evan, Toni, and Dawn
4. Visiting and taking SO MANY pictures of the astounding architecture in Havana, Cuba
5. Snorkelling in the Bay of Pigs, Cuba

A whole new look

Happy 2009! To celebrate this new year, mr. blog got a makeover. It was fun trying to pick out templates that matched my feeling for the year and work down here in Panama...and I finally arrived at this one. It feels serene and I simply liked it (however, I dont quite understand the 'il primo' and 'il secondo,'...why are those random italian words there? Apparently they cant be removed. I tried. Too bad they werent in spanish. )

Any comments on the new look?