A lot of friends have been emailing asking how is Panama. In our discussions we have mentioned lots of adjustments to get use to...I thought I would put a list together and keep it updated of some of things we are making adjustments in our way of life.(in random order)
1. All children sharing one room. Abby and Sophie sharing a bed. (Until June 11th we move into another house were they will have their own bed for at least 3 months). Has been slightly challenging.
2. Driving down roads that seem undriveable (both in Service and to get around town)
3. No HEB's or Walmarts...have had to learn to shop @ different stores for different items...Use vegetable stands for our fruits and vegetables. We did find some nice stores in David...Pricemart like a Sam's...and a Rey's almost but not quite like an HEB.
4. Speaking lots of Spanish to get around and communicate.
5. No TV.....(we have made arrangements to have Family night on computer watching movies.) Children are actually enjoying playing outside.
6. Taking Military style showers to preserve hot water.
7. Loss of electricity for hours @ a time.
8. To get a oil change...have to go to seperate places to purchase Oil, oil filter, fuel filter etc.
9. No street names in Volcan. Can make service quit the challenge. (go to the house with the blue roof on it...take a left then go to the rock pile where a cow is tied up and take a right...quite funny actually)
10. Here is one that I am really enjoying (in Volcan only)...going to sleep ~ 65 degrees outside....wake up and throughout rest of day nothing above 80 degrees.
11. Dryer and Stove uses propane tank....when empty drive to town and replace. (cost $5.75)
12. Drinking water comes from 5 gallon water tanks that have to get switched out and replaced weekly. ( costs $3.75 each)
13. Waking up to roosters crowing @ crack of dawn. Usually comes around 6am here.
14. Waking up to beautiful mountain scenery. Seeing tons of butterflies and hummingbirds. Fresh air. Don't have to worry about heater or A/C because temperature is perfect.
15. Not being able to find decent clothes to wear. Most Panamians are small. So rare to find shirts or pants in my size (Ralph). I guess if I keep walking in service will be able to fit into their clothes here.
16. Cooking a lot of our own meals @ home. Going out to eat is a rare occassion.
17. Getting into habit of going to bathroom before we leave the house. It is quite obvious there are no health inspectors in Panama. If you are able to find a somewhat clean bathroom it is very suprising. Also finding one with toilet paper is a rare find. You often have to carry your own toilet paper.
18. Seeing people riding horses down the streets is a everyday sight.
19. Lots of people walking down highways and streets with small children.
20. Actually finding the majority of the people we meet to have a tremendous respect for the Bible and the preaching work that we do.
21. Driving down the highways can be quite nerve wrecking. Panama could be considered the second autobaun.
22. Small congregation...lots of opportunities for comments and fellowship. Preparation for meetings is necessary.
23. Very laid back attitude about time (example: most stores have extended lunch hours. Even though it states open again @ 1pm could be 2:30 or 3pm before they are back, or sometimes not come back at all.)
24. Lots of poverty around us. Sad to see the conditions that people live in.
25. Lots of stray animals...cats, dogs, chickens. Got to be cautious in service with dogs.
