Parades and Rain here in Panama

We are in the middle of rainy season here in Panama. That is winter to the states, but it stays around 75-90 degrees, depending on the altitude. When Don comes home from some church duties, the gate has to be opened, and usually it is pouring down rain at about that time. So, dedicated to the work, Hermana Presley goes out in her rain gear to open the gate. But with an inch an hour rainfall, which is normal, not sure the raincoat does much good...but she sure is pretty!

I love the machetes on these little guys representing the farmers of the area.

While there is no military organizations in Panama, only a national police force, they still have their ROTC and march with precision.

And drums, oh yes, the drums. It is like a huge competition to see who can beat their drums the loudest. I think there is some sort of order to the beat, but not really sure.

Here is a small sampling of the drummers from one school. The little guy in the middle was really into it. He had the most enthusiasm I had scene. Lots of fun.

Hermana Presley, Isidoro and Mariella Montezuma came with us to enjoy the parade. They are like our second family. We really love them.

Besides the parades and fiestas, there is visiting and home teaching to do. Here is Hermana Presley with Angelina Carrera on their way to the Marcusi home. These trips are not quite like visits in the U.S. It takes a bit more fortitude to cross streams and climb mountains slick with rain to visit, but it is done with a smile.

At one of our visits to a family who live about as far away from church as possible, up in a farm, there are also these "apartments" where many of the ngobi indians live with their families. We get a chance to visit some of the children when they come out to see us. Notice that each have a stove chimney, but no windows. Clothes are washed by hand, and sanitation is lacking. But interestingly, these people always seem to have a smile for us.

Sometimes after visiting a farm, the members like to give us something to take back to our house. One of most interesting were these green eggs. Fresh from the chickens! Look out Dr. Seuss!

We went to the Costa Rica Border and found in this little town, sort of like Tijuana. It had a very modern Burger King, which of course, we had to stop and enjoy a very american fast food lunch!

There is a lottery here in Boquete, and all over Panama. The sales person sits facing the tickets, and people buy them for a small amount of money. The 15th and 30th are paydays and especially busy days. Some things never change, always looking for the easy way, and spending (wasting) hard earned money.

One night we had steak, and invited our "kids" over to help us eat it. Moises, in the picture closest, covered his steak in butter. Made us remember Diane Ward. She did the same.

Here we are enjoying a picnic with some of the members near the a river in Gualaca, a small town about 30 minutes in from us. These are the Bram and the Sanchez families

We love Boquete. It is beautiful here. This is the volcano Baru, highest point in Panama, and we look out at it every morning. Wow.