Hey everyone!
We’ve officially hit the point in this transition where nothing surprises us anymore. The past week has been a whirlwind—equal parts “Are you serious?” and “Wow, thank you, Jesus!”
Let’s start with the headline event: the refrigerator saga. Not once, but twice, our fridge decided it was done being useful and retired early. Both times, it waited until we had fully stocked it with groceries before dramatically dying and taking all our food with it. TWICE. So yes, we’ve now officially replaced the fridge and hopefully this one will decide to stick around for more than a long weekend.
Oh—and here’s a fun cultural lesson: you can’t move appliances out of your house without notifying the police first. That’s right. No hauling your washer to the curb or dropping your fridge off at the dump without proper clearance. Let’s just say we learned that after making the plan. Oops. So today (fingers crossed, they were supposed to be here a while ago…but its Panama time!), we are officially saying goodbye to our rebellious fridge and tired old washer and dryer.
But it’s not all bad—I promise!
Cue the praise hands: this weekend, we got a brand new washer and dryer, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of glorious. Just in time too, because rainy season is here, and the whole “hang your clothes outside and hope they dry before nightfall” thing is no longer an option. We did our first full load this weekend and… THE CLOTHES CAME OUT WARM AND DRY. I almost cried folding soft towels. Like, actual softness. It’s the little things, people.
But beyond the appliances and power outages and impromptu police learning moments, let me tell you how good God is.
Before we moved here, I connected online with a fellow special needs mom who just so happens to live nearby. She brought us dinner our first night here (which was amazing because… see above re: fridge), and since then we’ve met up several times. I just learned she adopted her son while she was single—just like my story—and she has some amazing local contacts with doctors, etc. This might not sound huge on paper, but let me tell you: sitting with her, hearing her story, being seen and understood in this brand-new place—it was so good for my soul.
And just when we thought that was enough grace for one week—another God moment! Before we left the States, I connected with a woman who teaches English here and hosts events for kids to help them learn the language. Well, not only are we planning to use her as our language teacher, but… she goes to our church! I got to meet her in person this Sunday, and it was such a gift. Oh, and did I mention she has a background in neuropsychology?! If you know me, you know that’s totally my thing. 😍 Just another reminder that God is surrounding us with believers to encourage us—and it’s been so sweet.
And beyond that, He’s also opening doors with people who don’t yet know Him. From neighbors to Uber drivers, repairmen to local shopkeepers—we’re having meaningful conversations daily. The Lord is working and orchestrating connections everywhere we turn, and it’s humbling and exciting all at once.
We are truly starting to experience the beauty of this community. Our neighbors have been kind and generous—like the ones who loaned us tools at 9pm last night when the fridge delivery team showed up with… nothing. No screwdriver, no wrench—just a fridge and good intentions.
So yes, life here comes with its share of curveballs, but we’re laughing, learning, and loving it more each day. God is orchestrating connections, opening doors, and reminding us daily that He’s in every detail—even the broken fridge ones.
Thanks for walking with us through it all. We’re so glad you’re here.
With love from Panama,
The Lewis Family
