If there’s one word that sums up life here right now, it’s mañana.
Now listen — if you’ve taken even one week of high school Spanish, you’re probably thinking, “Oh yeah, that means tomorrow.” And technically… you’re right. But here in Panama, mañana has taken on a new, slightly more poetic meaning:
“Not today.”
Not necessarily tomorrow. Not the next day either. Just… not today. 😄
So, when someone smiles warmly and says, “We’ll do that mañana,” what they really mean is, “We like the idea, it sounds lovely, but we’ll cross that bridge…eventually.” It’s a cultural masterpiece of gentle procrastination.
Turtle Talk and Tangents
Last week, we were invited to join a group meeting that we thought was focused on helping families with real needs — things like education, medical care, and resources. We were excited! Ready! Energized!
And it was about helping others.
But also… turtles.
Yes, mid-meeting, someone passionately pivoted the conversation toward a turtle conservation festival — complete with turtle education, turtle crafts, turtle costumes (okay, I might be imagining that last one, but only barely).
Now, don’t get me wrong — I love a good turtle as much as the next guy. If a turtle’s crossing the road, I’m pulling over. But when faced with a choice between helping families get vital medical care or having a turtle-themed party, I naively assumed the group would lean toward the former.
Spoiler alert: they did not.
At least not at first.
BUT — the best part of the meeting was watching people who care deeply (about all the things) find common ground. Passionate people listened, refocused, and slowly re-centered the conversation on the most important thing: the families.
And now, we’re moving forward with a HUGE event in September — with opportunities for real, HUGE impact. We’re grateful to be part of the continued bi-weekly planning as this thing grows!
Other Adventures This Week, just to name a few…
In other news, we’ve officially started language school!
We’re diving into hours of classes each day, learning not only the Spanish language but also the culture behind it. Because if we want to truly relate, serve, and connect here — we need to understand. And language is the doorway.
Also, in the “weird but required” category: we had to get blood drawn to apply for our Panamanian driver’s licenses. Why? Well they require it to be on your Drivers License! We have no idea. But Panama loves a good blood test. If there’s a reason to draw blood, they’ll find it.
Between lab appointments, meetings, meeting up with families, helping with developments of IEP’s here, picking up paperwork, and trying to remember if “mañana” actually means anything, it’s been a full and wild week — and one filled with joy.
We see the Lord moving here in unexpected conversations, funny delays, turtle debates, and quiet, sacred moments of connection.
And we’re here for it. All of it.
Even…mañana. 😉
