Ponderings from Panama

Monday, August 22, 2011

One of the highlights of every trip I take to Panama is taking the children from Casa Hogan Canaan House to McDonalds.  This is a huge treat for them.  The only time they get to go to McDonalds (or any restaurant) is when we take them.

For all you PEPpers, I assure them that their meal is provided by the good people of the Fort Mill Church of God.  I can assure you that FMCOG is high on their list!

I wish you could see the wonder in their eyes and hear the squeals of joy and excitement as they play on the playground.  Someday you will…when you stand before Jesus and he gives out awards to good and faithful servants.  God bless all of you for your faithfulness to our mission budget.

Here is the lesson of the day: Don’t force people into your mold.

Who would have thought that children would want fried chicken over a Happy meal; but these children did.   It is so easy to define our “normal” as everyone’s normal.  But that is not how life really is.  I wonder how many opportunities we miss to build friendships and be a blessing because we write people off that are not like us.

Now that’s something to think about today.  And by the way, just for the record, I ordered a Big Mac, French fries and a diet coke, but the kids loved me anyway.