Wow. On one hand, we can’t believe it’s already been two months. On the other… it kind of feels like we’ve lived an entire lifetime in the past eight weeks.
Honestly? The last couple of weeks have been hard.
The newness has worn off a bit. Homesickness has crept in like that one gecko that somehow gets into every room. And learning to live in a new culture, speak a new language, and do everyday things that used to be second nature — all while running at half-speed in 100-degree heat — is exhausting.
The Slow Lane (a.k.a. Life in Panama)
Here in Panama, there is no such thing as “rush.” Nothing is quick. Everything takes time. And people aren’t in a hurry — for anything. It’s been both a blessing and a refining fire.
We’re currently in intensive language school — hours of Spanish classes each day, followed by homework (yes, actual homework), and somehow balancing it between what feels like a million meetings with people from everywhere.
No, really — everywhere.
A Global Ministry in One Neighborhood
One thing we expected, but didn’t fully grasp until arriving, is how truly international Panama is. It’s not just a melting pot — it’s like someone took every continent and gave it an Airbnb in our neighborhood.
Just last week, we had dinner with a beautiful family from Tehran, Iran who’ve been in Panama for a year with their two young daughters. We got to talk about their home, their journey here, and the why behind our move. And let me tell you — when someone asks why you’re here, it’s a wide-open door for the Gospel.
That’s the ministry.
Right there — around dinner tables, in parks, at playgrounds, over cups of tea and awkward language blunders. That’s where relationships are forming. And that’s where hearts are soft, ready to hear hope.
Upcoming Events + Official Driving Status (Soon-ish)
We’re also part of an upcoming community event in September, and we’re continuing to meet with local leaders and dream together about how to serve families well. Every meeting feels like another puzzle piece falling into place.
And — exciting milestone — we’re in the process of getting our Panamanian driver’s licenses! No more U.S. license uncertainty. Just good ol’ official, legally-sweating-in-line Panamanian status. (After the required bloodwork, of course. Because yes… driving here apparently requires a peek at your red blood cells.)
But before we hit the road, there’s one tiny detail we’re still mastering: figuring out which direction the lanes go.
See, here in Panama, it often feels like people are driving on the wrong side of the road. That’s because some lanes change direction depending on the time of day. (Yes, for real.) You could be driving down a street that was two lanes going… until suddenly it’s two lanes coming. Learning when the road flips — and how not to be the only one going the “original” direction — is definitely something we didn’t cover in driver’s ed back home.
So, uh… keep us in your prayers. And maybe pray for everyone else on the road too.
Cheese, Bugs, and Feeding Kids
Speaking of stressors — food.
Food here is expensive. A pineapple? $2. Not bad.
A block of cheese? $9.
NINE. DOLLARS.
We’re learning how to live and eat like locals — but when you’ve got kids on the autism spectrum who thrive on familiar foods, that transition gets tricky. And even though food can grow easily here, bugs like it way more than we do. 🐛
So we’re adapting. Learning. Laughing. Crying a little over cheese. And slowly, joyfully figuring it out.
Will You Pray With Us?
We need your prayers. Truly.
- Pray that God would continue to give us opportunities for daily Gospel conversations — that seeds would be planted in every encounter.
- Pray for our finances to settle. We knew starting over would take resources, but we didn’t quite budget for the cost of… well, everything. (Visas. Legal fees. Driver’s licenses. And, okay — cheese.)
- Pray for continued endurance, connection, and joy as we keep pressing in — even on the days that feel long and lonely.
Thank You for Sending Us
To those of you who’ve prayed, given, and encouraged us: we couldn’t do this without you. Truly.
Sometimes we wish we could teleport each of you here — just for one day — to sit in on these conversations. They’re so different than the ones back home. People are open. They’re curious. And they’re deeply in need of Jesus — just like we all are.
Our world is broken. Hurting. Searching.
And the Good News is still the best thing we’ve got.
So today — whether you’re in Panama or Peoria or Paris — don’t miss the opportunity to tell someone what God has done in your life.
Maybe, just maybe, today’s the day God opens their eyes.
And they see His kindness.
And that kindness leads them home!!!
