Bocas had a going away party for us

We played hide and seek in the rain

and we ate good food

more Red Frog

Wes caught some waves

I actually got to see a red frog on red frog beach. It was a tiny little thing

Red Frog Beach

We had several from the hall join us when we took Crystal to Red Frog Beach before she left Bocas

Stickers!

Leah has been giving all the young ones on the island stickers if they can tell her God's name, which you can tell is a big hit

Wacko Coco

On Bastimentos, Crystal (a friend we made at DC who is from Long Island, NY) and Naomi got one of Naomi's bible students to hack a coconut for them. Very cool!

Miraflores Restaurant

We had dinner at the Panama Canal the day before Mom and Ronda left Panama

more of the Causeway

Causeway

Took Mom and Ronda to the Causeway in Panama City which is like a couple man-made islands near the Canal connected by roads/bridges. Little tourist spot. We saw some great views and enjoyed delicious ice cream!

piggy back ride

Leah and another sister (Crystal) who was staying with us for a few days called on a lady in door to door. This lady had found this monkey on death's door and nursed it back to health. Now it's part of the family. I only saw the pictures I didn't get to see it with my own eyes. bummer :(

not leaving yet, just leaving for Panama City

had a nice dinner before they left the island

they went in service with us on Bastimentos

this is a young man I study with, Josh. His mom studies with Angie Cotrell. He started studying because he wanted to know if hell was a place of fiery torment. He hasn't missed a week since. Sometimes he works at his mom's restaurant and if it is slow he will sit and study with me right at one of the tables. Good study!

it's not all work and no play

We very much enjoyed our day at the beach

found a bigger conch shell, my mission is to bring one back for my fish tank :)

took Mom and Ronda to Zapatilla

Got to do some snorkeling and show them a beautiful view

Rip Tide Restaurant

We got to have lunch/breakfast on a restaurant on a boat. It was a lot of fun :)

mom and Ronda's first time in service

We went in service in Almirante. Mom and Ronda had a really good time. Now they know why we don't want to leave here. The ministry is great, Mom even said she didn't know what she was going to say when someone lets her get past "we are here to share an encouraging scripture"

my mom and her friend Ronda came to visit us

Chris' mom was in town the same week and it turns out her and Ronda knew each other from way back when. They were laughing about bumping into each other in Panama. We all got together Saturday night

met some Gilead Grads

Shane and Misty Fleming graduated from the 115th class and now serve as CO in the English circuit here in Panama

Drew and Amber Skidmore graduated from the 125th class and have been here for two years. He was 28 when they went through Gilead. He also gives a good talk

Jeremy and Caris Backes are from the 120th class of Gilead. We actually got to spend some time with them. They are really nice, helpful and down to earth. We really enjoyed hanging out with them. Some thought Jeremy and I looked alike. In fact a few people said I did a good job on the talk Saturday morning, so I told Jeremy I don't mind getting credit for everything he does :)

Making friends at the DC

These two were super sweet and very faithful older sisters. They summoned Leah and Lesley over to them the first day of convention and from then on they were our buddies. They serve in the Rio Abajo congregation in Panama City.

this is the Porter Family originally from England they have two sons and two daugthers. They served in the english field in France for 15 years and have been here in Panama for 4. He is an awesome speaker! Gave two parts on the DC. They setting such an example for their children. One is married back in France and he and his wife are also serving where the need is great.

this is Curtis and Amber Mills. He is 28 and she is 23 and they have been here 5 years. They served where the need is great for their honeymoon 5 years ago and then came back permanently for a year. Went home made some money and then came back again and were appointed special pioneers. They have endured so much and been through so much and they serve way out in the middle of nowhere (literally). They are a really friendly, humble, hard working couple, set a great example for other young couples. He also gave a talk at the DC, been an elder since he was 26.

Jeep ride in the rain

We enjoyed some panama coffee, went to the second highest point in Panama (called Volcan Baru), saw a mud river and more all on a jeep ride in the rain

Boquete, Panama

Tourist town up in the mountains, very beautiful. First place in Panama to remind me of home, cool temperatures and lots of rain

Chocolate waterfall