the morning crew.

(From left to right: Laura, Andrea, (me) Gabriela and Prissy)

Most people who know me well, would be in agreement that I'm not exactly a "morning person." I have a surprisingly limited vocabulary and it takes me a while to snap out of it. I've been told I scratch my head and kind of drag myself around for a while, generally pleasant but out of it. But some great memories are created in early rises, and most of mine are spent watching the sun rise . Which always takes my breath away cause I start reflecting on how big the universe, the sun and the earth is and how really...small I am. Humbling and comforting. (Gabriela and I...very sleepy!)

One miracle of a morning I "slept" over at Laura's house and left at around 4:30 to meet some other students and friends to watch the sunrise. I will admit that there is a beautiful combination created watching the sun come up and seeking God at such an early time. A bible, guitar, some friends and a spiritual hunger to hear from God created a morning I'll never forget. I know that this morning God spoke to each of us girls in different ways. That's what is so cool about following Christ but having others to support you. I realize that God gives of us each the holy spirit to live in us, to guide and instruct us but in different ways. All of us girls are in different journeys and seasons of life. But we're all being guided by the same loving God, a Father that sits in the throne-room of heaven who sent His son to take away the penalty for our sin and continually abides in us through the amazing presence of the Holy Spirit. This is a God I would get up at the crack of dawn any day to seek and find. This is the God that directs me as I work down here in Panama, and the one I can trust every detail of my life and future to. I encourage you to watch a sunrise, think about why God gives you breath and life and light each day to walk in and ask Him for what purpose He has created you. His many answers to that will probably blow you away...

Psalm 143:8
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

Psalm 5:3

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly

agents of change.

Last weekend was an amazing time of teaching, learning, growing and a LOT of fun. The staff and students headed out to a camp to spend a couple days in training. How does someone actually share their faith in God? How do you then disciple someone after they've come to know God? How do you explain to someone the basics on living a "Holy Spirit" filled life? How does God want to use students to impact the world for Christ? Those are some of the topics we covered during the retreat, and as a result many students are equipped and excited about making a difference on their universities. In most cases, it's the simple things in life that make all the difference. Who knew, all it takes to share how God has changed your life is...talking with someone? Sitting down, using a tool called "The four spiritual laws" also simplifies the process. A brief version of these "laws" are that 1)God has a wonderful plan for your life but..cause we're all sinners were 2)separated from God and thats why 3)Jesus came as God to take away the penalty of sin, but we need to 4)receive him and live for him to experience freedom and purpose in our lives in relationship with God...really concise but profound. Students eyes were opened to the simplicity of living in freedom with Christ and sharing that with others.
I am thrilled to think of the changes these students with bring during their time as students, and the impact they will make as the next generations of leaders here in Panama. And my prayer is that Panama would be a country that doesn't settle for the pattern and corruption that Latin America is so used to seeing. May God be glorified through these students and this Nation. Please remember these students as you pray!

we've had joy, we'll have fun, and new seasons in the sun.

(Steve, Jessica, Lindsey and I at a "white wedding")

March will be the last, “normal" month I head into the craziness that will finish off this stint year. I know, you guys are all thinking, Trish has 4 more months to go… And this is true. But in light of how quickly these past 6 have gone, and what is in store for me until I leave, time flies. I feel like I'm heading into a new season here. Family is visiting in April, a Canadian team is coming for their own "project" May until mid June and then It'll be time to say goodbyes. I rest my case. The month of February, for those who haven’t been receiving my monthly updates, went really strange but good. I contracted an amoeba after my experience in El Cope; most likely from some water had just been heated really well instead of boiled. Recovery was less than fun, but I’m always learning. And the process continues, I change and new seasons turn and turn...

(the whole team pulled together to help Sarah, Steve and I get things started at Interamericana..music, info cd's)

These past couple weeks on campus have been really encouraging as Steve and I have been sharing our faith more regularly on the private campus. The bible study we had on Tuesday was encouraging and uplifting as students came excited to be there. Panama is my home; I don’t have any sense of being foreign within me and in fact look at other “gringos” as if they’re intruding on my country. Funny, cause I don’t blend in at all but why does that matter anyways? Hehe. I love knowing where I'm going, speaking the language, hanging out with friends and their families. I love walking around on campus when I can say "Hi" to people I know, people that have been impacted by the message of Christ. I love worshiping God in Spanish and just the other Saturday I played in a Concert type thing, I was asked to sing a song and play guitar and it went really well. It was a blessing actually.

(Andrea in a traditional Panamanian dress and I, clearly not)

I've been continuing to learn alot...many things about myself...theres nothing like living in different circumstances to reveal natural tendencies. Not to mention the fact that this STINT team, could only have been selected by God himself to find such an eclectic mix. But I think we're all learning how to love each other, regardless of how painful it might be sometimes. I am excited for what God will continue to do through me and know that He who began a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it. (Philipians 1:6) Right now, I've been sitting in a unique little bagel cafe listening to tunes and sipping green tea. Tonight, we're doing a prayer walk around the campuses and later, I'll watch some friends play soccer. One day at a time I take it, each day a gift and each day a chance to be shaped and drawn closer to God. And what will this new chapter or "season" hold? This adventure of faith in following Christ is exhilarating. Until next time!