Coming Soon: Marvia’s Panama Adventures In Bocas del Toro, Panama

October 23rd, 2008 |By Marvia Lawes in: Ministry |

I’ve wanted to visit Bocas del Toro, Panama for the last 2 years. I just made it over the weekend. You guys know me, and you know that I attract trouble, I mean ‘adventure’ like a magnet. Why I thought this was going to be a harmless trip I have no idea.

I’m preaching at 9 services (yes, 9!!) over the course of a week at the Revival campaign of the First Almirante Baptist Church. The church is in the town of Almirante, Bocas del Toro. This is where a large number of ‘West Indian’ migrant workers settled when they first came to Panama. Most of these workers were Jamaicans. Thus, English is even more widely spoken here than in Colon. It has been a real pleasure preaching here without a translator. I’ve already concluded 5 services, and used a translator only twice.

Interstingly too, this church First Almirante was founded by the late Rev. T.H. Duncanson who later migrated to Jamaica, and developed the work at Linstead Baptist church - my home church. It gives a special sense of connection for me to be in Bocas. I have to admit they are giving Colon a run for their money in my affections already!!

But nothing as tame as just coming and preaching has happened so far. I chose to travel by road instead of flying because I wanted to see more of the interior of Panama that I might not see unless I return to Bocas again. The only challenge to that is that this is a 9 hour road trip and we’d be travelling at night. It’s like flying to London from Jamaica. So how hard can that be.

We set out from the Terminal at about 8pm, the scheduled time. The bus was very comfy with lots of leg room. Well, it was like a freezer for me though. Good thing I had my blanket. We travelled for about 3 ours until we were stopped by Customs to check if there were any drugs on baord the bus. For once I didn’t feel it was becuase they heard there was a Jamaican on board. You know like in the early days of Air Jamaica going into Miami!

So that was about 11:30pm. By 3:30 am we stopped again. This time we were in the middle of nowhere and after a while the conductor on the bus told us nicely that the bus had broken down and we will have to wait on another bus to come and get us. It came at 8:30am. 5 hours walking in and out the bus out..’backa Chukwu’. It was no fun. So my 9hr trip took 15hours. We arrived at 11:30am on Satruday.

And then I began preaching Sunday morning. It took me 2 days for my back and feet to feel human again. And for me to straighten out and walk like a woman in her…(ahem)…well like I wasn’t 100 years old.

So this is just a quick note to let you all know that I am on adventure and the pictures including those of some huge iguanas I saw, will be up as soon as possible. I am lurking in a Net Cafe like a desperate tourist right now. And it’s raining to boot. Thanksfully, I’m not too far from the manse of Pastor Vernon.

So there is lots more to tell. Of course I must find some time to see Bocas Island by boat. Much mroe excitement to come. Stay tuned…

Catch you guys soon,
Marvia

Popularity: 52% [?]

Sphere: Related Content

Never miss another great post. Stay updated when you subscribe to my RSS feed.. Thanks for visiting!

Marvia

Related Posts

6 Responses to “Coming Soon: Marvia’s Panama Adventures In Bocas del Toro, Panama”

  1. rawdWG Says:
    October 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Nice spot u have here, hope u don’t mind the drive by, do chk me out one day

    rawdawgbuffalo and if u like what u read, maybe u will come back, even Blog Roll Me

  2. Marvia Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 3:37 am

    Hey Lydia,
    I'll be making that Costa Rica trip at some point. Just not right now:-) I've had enough of buses and boats for a good couple weeks. Have a bit of catching up to do and then some tale-weaving and picture posting! Stay tuned.

  3. Lydia Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 6:31 am

    Marvia,

    Your post reminds me of a similar trip we made years ago. We also did it by road and travelled to Panama City through the interior from Costa Rica. Our greatest lesson in that marvellous adventure was that at every border crossing you could just about judge the "national character" of a people by the folks at the border. Can't wait to read more of your impressions and see your photos.

  4. Marvia Says:
    October 30th, 2008 at 6:19 am

    Twin Bro:-)
    The spirit of adventure helps me get through the rough patches. And trust me they are many! Thanks for your encouragement.
    Peace!

  5. Stephen Bess Says:
    October 30th, 2008 at 7:50 am

    Enter text righYes, this is quite the adventure. It sounds romantic because it's the Lord's work, but I know it's not easy. God be with twin sister. Peace~t here!

  6. Joyce Parker Hyde Says:
    November 4th, 2008 at 6:25 am

    This sounds like exactly where you are drawn to my awesome sister!

Reply To This Post