The GlobalFingerprints program has been an incredible blessing to the kids in the Embera community. Our first focus was to make sure all the kids had personal hygiene items. Secondly, we found out that many of the kids were sleeping on the wood floors. So, we began the process of delivering 42 mattresses down the river in a canoe! Once that was accomplished, we made sure each child had a pillow and a set of sheets.
Of course, the kids were happy to receive the mattresses, but seriously the kids were beyond excited to have a pillow. It made our hearts smile. Thanks to each of you who helps to meet the real needs of vulnerable children while showing them the love of Christ. These smiles are for you!
Pray that the Lord will change the hearts of this community. Pray that they will be a community who love the Lord.
Click below to watch a quick, fun video a friend made of one of our trips down the river to deliver mattresses and food.
HAPPY FALL! While many of you are enjoying the beautiful colors of the leaves and the cooler weather, Panama is still hot and humid. We definitely miss the change of seasons, but are giving thanks that rainy season is almost over and dry season is right around the corner. The summer flew by and that meant some big changes for our family!
The first to fly…
We knew it was bound to happen, but it seems too soon! Ian is off to college and there is now an ocean between us!
When we first moved overseas, I must admit I grieved what that would mean for our kids. They gave up so many of the “normals” that they had known and enjoyed. However, we have seen God fill in those gaps in beautiful and surprising ways.
In a college entrance essay, Ian wrote, “I have seen and experienced things in my 17 years that most American adults have not even experienced.” I know that some of these have been hard things- but I also know these experiences make Ian who he is today. I am thankful that he can view life through a different lens and I thank the Lord for the man he has become.
This is one our first family pics after the big move to Costa Rica. Wow… time flies! We are so thankful for God’s protection and provision over the years.
Our adventures and life in general will be much different without Ian here. There is a sadness of course, but we are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for him!
Despite my coaxing, Ian seriously did not want to take senior pictures. So, on the family trip we took just before he headed off for college, I snapped this photo to which he responded, “There’s a senior pic for you!” Honestly, this is the truest depiction of who Ian is and what he loves- always ready for a new adventure and always wearing a cap!
Matt in Florida…
When Hurricane Ian hit Florida, ReachGlobal put out a call looking for people to join with Crisis Response. Crisis Response is a ministry of ReachGlobal. Their heart is, “When crisis creates a new mission field, we’re there to share the love of Christ with those in need.”
Matt left for Naples, Florida the beginning of October and is still there serving with Crisis Response. Not only is Matt gifted with the knowledge of what to do from a demo and construction point of view, he has the heart to bring encouragement, hope and, of course, laughter into the lives of people. There is so much devastation and destruction. The days have been long and the work has been hard. Please join us in praying for those who have lost so much. Pray that the Lord would open their hearts and fill them with the hope of Christ!
If you are interested in serving with Crisis Response, please email Matt with the dates that you are available. You can come as an individual or bring a team. Matt will return to Panama at the end of this month, but hopes to serve with Crisis Response again in the future.
J4Journeys 