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

Nice breakfast in Boquete, Panama

We had breakfast at a really nice hotel. This is the Panamonte Inn & Spa which has been here since 1914

We visited this tourist town in the mountains outside David, Panama. We decided to see a few more places on our way down to the Panama Branch for the District Convention (which is this weekend)

Juan Carlos

we would like everyone to meet our newest roommate at the apartment. And no he isn't paying rent, yet.

our first visitors from the states

We took James (Elder) and Reyna (Pioneer) Davis (for those that don't them, they are friends of ours from Tacoma, Washington) to Playa Bluff. They needed a beach day, they are on a whirlwind 10 day trip around Panama.

Good samaritan

so we tried to imitate Jesus example and help a young kid fix his bike. Shout out to Ben, his gift has been coming in handy left and right.

Only 9 people in this photo are publishers in the Bocas English Congregation - the other 20 are long term or short term visitors

These sisters are visiting from Pennsylvania - from left to right: Sarah Leonard, Lindsey Cornell and Annie Rosenbarker

Pool Party

We wanted to send Jamie and Jodi off proper, they headed back to Pennsylvania 9/6/10

and they are missed. See Jamie told you you were on the blog -- Haha

Pretty birdie

pretty baby

much needed break

they brought the umbrella so they wouldn't get wet

Jamie and Jodi Paul are from Pennsylvania. They are both pioneers and he is an elder. They have been here for 7 weeks. They leave on Monday. We are sad, we will miss them :(

a day in Zapatilla

A day at one of the most beautiful beaches in Bocas. We got a group of 8 and took a chill day. It was gorgeous!