Hey Everyone!
We’ve had so many people ask us lately, “What does a normal day look like now that you’re in Panama?”
And to be totally honest… we’re not sure yet! Because no two days have looked alike so far. 😅
Right now, we’re in that full-speed, sun-up-to-sun-down mode—checking off essentials, setting up life here, and trying to squeeze it all in while we still have our rental car (today is our last day).
It may not sound like a lot on paper, but let us tell you—every single task takes time. What would be a quick errand in the States can turn into an hours-long process here. But even in the delays, we’ve seen God’s hand again and again. Some of these things include…
- Met with our attorney and signed paperwork to finalize our temporary visa status
- Bought SIM cards and set up Panamanian phone numbers (you need these to buy things here!)
- Set up our internet at home
- Opened our Panamanian bank account (it took HOURS and a lot of google translate, no signing up online here!)
- Attended church and connected with some incredible people
- Started building relationships through intentional one-on-one meetups
- Received valuable insight on local needs, including potential medical outreach opportunities
Groceries & Household Supplies
We’ve gathered:
- Groceries like flour, sugar, salt, dog food, baking soda, baking powder—every little thing you never think about until you don’t have it
- Very small quantities because storage here is limited (think minimal counter and cabinet space)
- Household items:
- Beds, mattresses, sheets, quilts, etc
- Trashcans, vacuum cleaners, mops, brooms, and fans (SO necessary in the humidity!)
- Drying racks, clotheslines, and clothespins (yes, we line-dry everything!)
- Dish racks, soap, sponges, etc (Handwashing dishes isnt that bag, actually!)
- Kitchen supplies: mixing bowls, spatulas, utensils, silverware, plates, bowls, and pots and pans.
- Desks and chairs for school and work
- Shampoo, Conditioner, bar soap, hangers—you name it!
And then there’s the part no one tells you about: starting from scratch with ALL the basics.
We also unpacked all the boxes we brought from the States. I wasn’t sure whether to bring things like water filters or kitchen tools, but wow—we are so glad we did. Those items have already been a huge help!
Why It All Takes Time
This list might seem short—but trust us, from sunrise to sunset, we’ve been going non-stop. Here in Panama, everything is relational and intentional. There’s no one-click Amazon order or quick drive-through pickup.
Need to get something done? That might mean hours of traffic, multiple store stops, or face-to-face conversations to build trust. And honestly? That’s part of what we love about this culture—it’s not about rushing; it’s about connecting.
But it’s also a big adjustment. And we’re learning patience daily.
The picture here? That’s our clothes hang-drying—something we’re learning takes quite a bit of time with all the humidity.
Oh, and did we mention… they fog for bugs every night?
Yep—so those almost dry clothes? They got a fresh coat of bug spray mist and had to be washed and dried all over again. 😂
But now we know to pull the clothes (and dog toys!) inside beforehand!
Lesson learned—and no worries—it’s totally worth it.
The Big Picture
All these “little” things—buying a fan, setting up a bank account, going to lunch with someone new—they’re not distractions from the mission. They are the mission.
We are here to build relationships, serve families, and share the hope of Jesus.
And every step we take to settle in brings us closer to that goal.
Even now, as we connect with new friends, learn the pace of life here, and gain insight into the needs around us—we can already feel God planting seeds. It’s slow, it’s intentional, and it’s beautiful.
Thank you for praying us through this season of transition. Your love and support are fueling our journey—and we are so grateful.
God is moving. And we’re just getting started.
With love from Panama,
The Lewis Family
