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!