Most of the time, we post about life and ministry here in Panama—about the communities we’re building with, the kids we’re trying to help, and the gospel we’re praying is taking root. And all of that is still happening, every single day.
But today we wanted to take a moment and give a little family update, because ministry doesn’t happen in a vacuum—real life is still happening, and it’s shaping us too.
Bill: The Legend
Let’s just start by bragging a little. In the middle of, you know, MOVING OUR FAMILY TO A DIFFERENT COUNTRY, Bill decided, “Hey, this seems like a great time to take a full load of seminary classes!”
And then—because why stop there?—he took three full one-week intensive classes this summer. That’s right. THREE. INTENSIVE. CLASSES.
Between meetings, buying a car, fixing said car, and repeating that last part three more times, he’s been sneaking in theology papers and lectures like a ninja. And guess what? He’s going to graduate this December!
Oh, and did I mention in the middle of all of this, he has been taking Spanish class? I don’t know how he does it but he does! He was afraid he would be slower at picking it up because his go to is to speak Mandarin when not English but I guess its true…learning new languages is easier with each language! He’s killing it!
We are so proud of him, and maybe just a little in awe. Seriously, if he ever stops moving, he might actually turn to stone!
The Boys: Unexpected Champions
If you know our boys, you know that transitions are not their favorite thing (understatement of the year). And yet… they’ve done amazing. We’re not saying it’s all been sunshine and rainbows—we’ve had our fair share of meltdowns, lost gaming accounts (RIP), and “I just want Chick-fil-A” moments—but overall, they’ve handled it like champs.
They’ve adapted to new foods (some), new routines, and a whole lot of executive function (which, let’s be honest, is overrated anyway). After looking at all the credits for Anthony, we discovered that if he could finish a class this last spring and early summer he could technically graduate and start college! So he has applied and will be starting some college online classes here in August! Then Jeremiah even turned 16 this month—and yes, we celebrated with donuts instead of cake, because… Panama. How these boys are growing up so fast, we don’t know but we all love doing life together!! They really love exploring on their electric scooters so thats been a fun way of connecting here that is different and exciting!
Our Little (not so little) Girl:
Our youngest daughter Hadleigh (who’s not so little anymore!) is celebrated her birthday this last weekend! Like her brothers, she’s been such a trooper—though she does let us know she misses her friends, her old room, and American snacks loudly and proudly.
But the tides are turning: she’s meeting some local kids, attended a camp this week at a local school and recently we checked out a gymnastics class. Spoiler alert: while she loved gymnastics in the States, she saw a volleyball game happening across the gym… and BOOM, it was love at first spike.
So, guess who’s now playing volleyball in Panama? We got her kneepads, a volleyball, and she started yesterday and LOVES it!!
The Big Girls: Stateside but Close in Heart
Our two adult girls are doing so well back in the States! We miss them like crazy but are counting the days until they come visit. They are both working full time but Mercy will be coming down here to visit in August and Adria in September and we couldn’t be more excited!! We are so proud of them!!! Thank goodness for video calls so we can at least see and hear them every once in a while, we miss them so much!
One of our dear friends even drove a long way just to visit Adria recently. That may not sound like a big deal—but when someone loves your kids like their own, from miles away, it means everything.
Jenna: Cooking, Connecting, and (Finally!) Driving
As for me, I’ve been in full-on “people mode.” I’ve met with principals, connected with special needs families, launched a new parent gathering, and started forming relationships with local leaders and ministries.
In between all that, I’ve been learning to cook basically everything from scratch. Packaged snacks don’t really exist here, and meals don’t come ready to heat. If you know our boys, snacks are a must have and the metabolism of our 6 foot 4 boys are through the roof. It’s a shift—but it’s been good (even if I still miss peanut butter crackers). I have also been in intense Spanish class each day with hours in class and hours of homework but I love it and love connecting with people here even more!
Also… drumroll… I learned to drive in Panama. On these roads. With these rules. (Or… lack thereof?) It’s a miracle. Clap for me. Please.
Life + Ministry = Both Together
We share all of this because these aren’t just side stories—they’re part of the bigger picture of what it means to follow Jesus in a new place.
Ministry is always the main thing. That hasn’t changed. We’re building relationships, seeking out needs, praying for open doors, and sharing the gospel as we go.
But all of that happens as we do life as a family. That means birthday donuts, missed snacks, new volleyball teams, and late-night homework for seminary.
And through it all, God has been so faithful.
Thank you for praying for us, supporting us, and caring about the big stuff and the small stuff.
It’s all part of the story He’s writing here—and we’re just grateful to be part of it.
Until next time,
The Lewis Family
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