Looking for Square Trees

Today was one of those bright sunny days that haven't been coming around too often. If you were to look at a brochure of El Valle de Anton, you would see that there  are several tourist attractions listed.  Because there are so many, Bob and I decided to do it a little bit at a time.  This morning we didn't have much going on, so decided to take the hike to the Square Trees.  We'd been to the location once, and it began to rain before we could even find out much - then went again, found out where to go, and you guessed it, it started to rain.  So today seemed to be the perfect day.

We headed to the rather historical Hotel Campestre (built in 1939), in a gracious setting tucked far back from the road and fronted by spacious lawns, a huge fountain with Lilly pads, and backed up against the jungle.

 Pretty Lilly Pads

 The former entrance from years ago - the newer part off to the right.

Looking back across the lawns towards town.  Cariguana Mountain in the distance.

We drove up the long circular drive and parked - ready to begin our hike.  It was necessary to walk across some of those spacious lawns, until we reached a little gate that led to a path through the woods. Let's just stop right here.  I just never know whether to call it jungle or forest or woods.  It looks like a forest to me...except with tropical trees and flowers....but we live in the jungle, so....  I also don't know whether to call it a hike or a walk....not like we were really climbing anything, but it WAS in the woods/jungle, so that seems like a hike to me...... bear with me while I struggle with this.

The Gate

Too often, I think we miss our journey because our eyes are on the destination.  THIS journey was lovely.  Winding pathways with tall trees on either side, the sound of a stream rumbling over the rocks, brightly colored flowers tucked here and there, birds singing and squawking in the trees, a giant iridescent butterfly, moss covered boulders, huge stalks of bamboo perhaps 5-6" across, an occasional bench to sit on.  Every turn held some new site to take in....some wonder of creation.

A meandering path through the forest.

Some of the path had mossy rocks...

 Bob's hands are huge...this is some giant bamboo!

 In some places the stream was narrower and quieter, but always quite pretty.

 Seed pods growing on a tree.  I have no clue!

 Mossy rocks in the stream.

 Splashes of color

 Flowers tucked into the jungle growth

The hike was only about 30 minutes, and not difficult at all (I know, you thought I'd surely be rock climbing!) and we arrived at the Square Trees.  I'd read that it wasn't all that great thing to see, but I like to determine those things for myself.  Could have gone to the bank with that one, though. There were a few trees there with oddly squarish trunks, looking a lot like young banyan trees.

They had some benches to sit on - except they were covered with moss (they probably cleaned them yesterday) and...that was about it.  We took a few pics, then headed down anther pathway to get closer to the stream.  There was a swinging bridge that crossed over it - now that was a great site...well worth the hike to get there

.....so peaceful....

As we headed back from our very much enjoyed journey, we noticed several times where there were 1/2 leaf sections moving across the pathway.  Each piece of green was being carried by an ant that was 1/20th the size of the leaf it was carrying.  Hundreds of them .....gave the effect of the ground moving under us.  Where were they going?  Why were they carrying leaves from one side of the jungle to another, where clearly, there were lots of leaves already?  Was there purpose in this?  

I don't know the answers to those questions, but it doesn't matter, really.  Our walk was peaceful, refreshing and one we will definitely do again....maybe with friends or family...maybe with a picnic lunch.....

It was a five star kind of day.

Blown Away

After some extremely frustrating days recently working on our Pensionado status, dealing with bureaucracy and paperwork, and knowing our language skills aren't what they need to be, tonight was a clear reminder of why we love this place so much.

I want to tell you a story, but need to give a little history first. The missionaries who lead this church (really, as servant leaders, in every sense of the word) in El Valle de Anton had been working on one of the islands of Panama, but came to El Valle to visit.  In doing so, they met a young man who wanted to learn about the Bible.  David and Lisa - said missionaries - agreed that they would come once a week and teach a Bible study. I'm not sure how quickly that grew, but soon there were 3 families involved - hungry for the Gospel.  David and Lisa felt God's calling on their hearts to move to El Valle, not knowing really, what God had in store for them.  That Bible Study grew and is what forms our little church today.

It is small and primitive, but to me, seems to be the best example of a New Testament church that I've ever been in.  The people are coming and bringing friends, because they want to know more about the Bible, what God has to say, what He wants them to know through His Word.  These are not wealthy people....not even middle class (although they have far more class than some wealthy people I know!).  No, they are hard working families who live in tiny, tiny houses, work daily selling their wares - many of them Guna, displaced from their people, trying to make a living.  Many days, they sell nothing.  Their rent for their booths is minimal - and many times, they don't make enough to pay for that.  This time of year, there are fewer tourists, so there is less money for food....and we see them losing weight.  No high priced diets needed here.

So...tonight was David's birthday (the missionary).  Last week, they decided that they'd like to throw a surprise birthday party for him. It was determined that a few of the ladies would cook, and everyone would bring whatever they could give.  A list of items was given.  Bring a bit of rice, or chicken, potatoes, carrots, etc..etc...  These aren't people who have extra.  This is a BIG deal. But together, they would make it work. While I have no problem with it,  this was not a group of deacons deciding to throw a party and take the money out of the church budget.  It wasn't even people cooking up some great dishes to share for a pastor's birthday.  It was a different picture altogether! This was sacrificial giving.  This was the widow's mite.  I didn't really know what to expect when we got there, but they had gone all out.  Balloons everywhere, streamers hung from the ceiling, and enough food to feed plenty!!

This pot is heavy aluminum and is literally 2 feet across, maybe more - HUGE!  Filled with Arroz con Pollo - Rice, chicken, raisins, olives and who knows what else.  Those are real banana leaves on the top of it.  Not sure how they are used, because these pans come with lids.  Delicious!

One woman offered to make 100 tamales (Not like Mexican tamales, but similar).  She and her daughters cooked the corn, ground it and then made it into the tamale mix (No Maseca for them!).  The bundles have the corn mixture, chicken and some veggies in them, and were wrapped in these darling little packets (Never could understand what type of leaf it was), and individually tied with string.  One by one.  

They bought a piñata , filled it with candy for David to swing at while blindfolded.  Decorated tables  were set, meals were served to us, drinks and dessert served as well.  We sang a few songs - you know, the ones we know by heart :) - and people shared how much David and Lisa meant to them....how grateful to God they were for someone who brought them the gospel.

Afterwards, we all gathered around and prayed over him.  Children, Youth and Adults - American, Panamanian, Guna - praying for him as a missionary, praying for our little pueblo and praying that God would be glorified in all that is happening in this church.

Then everyone helped clean up, wash dishes, put away tables and chairs, mop the floors.  One family took showers because they had no water at home.  Extra food was sent home with those in need.  "Taxis"(those of us with vehicles) made several trips delivering people to their homes, and the night was over...

We have been here in Panama only 9 weeks - never before have I felt like such a part of a family, so quickly - nor been so proud to be a part of it.  People giving beyond what they are able, giving from the heart.

Living out their Christianity in word and deed.  

In complete unity.  

My heart - IS - full.....