Busy times, a Seventy, and Panama City

 It has been busy these past 10 days. Last week, with just a day's notice, we were asked by the mission president, President Carmack, if we could provide breakfast for a special conference meeting with Elder Ochoa, a member of the 2nd Quorum of Seventy, and 55 missionaries. Since we are on call 24 hours a day, we jumped into action, along with the help of our sister missionaries and our Ward Mission Leader and prepared some good food. Below is Elder Ochoa with Ramil, our ward mission leader, who is also preparing to go on a mission soon. Elder Ochoa will be speaking in the Sunday afternoon session of this coming October General Conference. He and his wife are wonderful people and we had the opportunity to speak at length with them.

Outside our front door is this beautiful Orchid plant. When it blooms, the orchids only last about a day, and they are spectacular. We had to get a picture and share this with you.

On the other hand, this is the "main" water line in front of our house. It is a 3/4 inch pvc pipe that runs on top of the ground for miles and is supposed to bring water to the homes from the city. Well, it is a challenge to say the least to have consistent water. These lines are brittle, and break everywhere, with water squirting out into the grass and jungle. Even visiting the city water services doesn't get them out to fix it. So, with some trusting electrical tape, I wrapped up the holes and cracked pipe and did my best to fix the leaks....for now. I wonder how many of these are happening. No wonder it is hard to get water into the house. 

This week we had to drive to Panama City, about a 7 hour drive. We had to go to the US Embassy and the Minister of Relations to get some paperwork done so we could get Panamanian driver's licenses. It is quite an ordeal here to do this. Not only do they have to certify our current CA license, but then you have to pay 50 dollars for each of the notary signatures at the Embassy, then drive across town to the Ministry and pay $10 dollars and wait 3 hours for their certification of the Embassy seal! The drive, the gas, and the hotel stay is also part of our expense to do this. But if we don't within 90 days of being in the country, we could be put in jail if we drive without the Panamanian license. So,it is worth it! Hmmmm, maybe the US should take note about some of our "visitors"....

Join us as we travel to Panama City. We drive along the Panamerican Highway, which is not the "highway" you would imagine. The first 200 miles is a two lane road through beautiful jungle, small towns, and countryside, and not well maintained. But as well get to the second half, it opens to a modern type freeway.

When we get to Panama City, my blood pressure goes up as we hit traffic and driving habits that are frightening, to say the least. Road signs and directions are confusing, and you have to watch 4 directions at the same time, as cabs, buses, and cars all fight for the same space, with little courtesy, other than horns honking to let you know they are coming at a fast speed. by the way, if you look closely in the background, you will see some familiar Golden Arches! This is a view from our Hotel Window

We stayed in a brand new, 1 month old, very modern TRYP Hotel, by Wyndham. It actually had carpet on the floor, the first time in 3 months we have felt carpet under our feet! Lynda got a chance to catch up on some reading and relax for a few moments in between going to and fro in the city. The great thing about this hotel is that it is only 5 minutes from the Panama Temple, and backs into one of the largest malls in the world, the Allbrook Mall.

On top of the hotel is a large swimming pool. The lounge chairs are sitting in about two inches of water, so you can relax and stay cool.The other part of the pool is deep for swimming. You can see downtown Panama behind me. I do my best to stay out of that crazy place. It makes New York and LA seem easy in comparison.

Well, we hope you are enjoying sharing our mission with us through the blog. We are enjoying serving here, learning the culture, and loving the people. It is an experience, or rather, an adventure, like no other. We miss family and friends every day, but know that we are doing good works, and are grateful to be able to do this together. Don't forget to write us once and a while!! dpresley90712@yahoo.com is our email.
Chao for now!