Rock Hill UMVIM team helps this summer in Guabol, Panama

By Ken Hudson

Theoretically. This was a word I heard often when I joined the Rock Hill District United Methodist Volunteers in Mission team.

I knew what the word meant, but I wondered why it was so frequently used with the group of experienced travelers. Upon questioning some folks, I learned the word referred to expectations that were not always met or plans that may go astray.

Flexibility was encouraged.

Over the past 25 years of mission experiences, I have learned the value of being adaptive. Some examples:

“We will deliver the rebar this afternoon. “ It came after lunch the next day.

“The foundation will be ready when you arrive.” An empty field awaited us.

These are just a couple of examples of the situations we encountered, and most other teams have similar experiences.

The Rock Hill District UMVIM Team traveled to Guabol, Panama, June 15-23 with the expectation of doing some concrete work on a new church build.

Guabol is in the mountains near the continental divide. The community has no electricity or running water in homes. The area where the church is located was very steep and muddy since it was the rainy season. The homes we visited had no steps but ladders to move to different levels.

The local pastor was very thankful there would be a place to worship for the local residents. We were served refreshments, and the people we encountered were friendly and helpful. The hospitality was great. Fifty bags of groceries were distributed around the community.

This was a “theoretically” project. The work did not always go as planned, especially having to contend with muddy conditions. We had to adapt to the circumstances. Progress was made, and it was ready for the next team.

After lunch the kids showed up for Bible school. Day one we had 19, day two, 24, and day three, 51. What a blessing and a wonderful way to end each day. Elizabeth Smith had prepared activities to go along with the stories of Noah, Daniel and Joseph. Michaela Sanford, a middle school Spanish teacher, translated for the kids. Paint, glue, crayons and other craft supplies flowed around the tables as each child worked on the project and was excited to show their handiwork to one of us. One day everyone wore stick-on mustaches during crafts and, of course, the Hokey Pokey was introduced.

Reflecting on this particular mission opportunity, I was reminded the entire experience was a good one. Perhaps we could have done more construction if everything had fallen into place as we hoped, but the building of relationships with the local citizens and the time spent excitedly watching the children learn was the perfect blend of our mission.

Our plans were one thing and God’s plans were another. Praise be to God.

Mission Panama-Adventure with a Purpose missionaries David and Cindy Ceballos hosted the team.

Teams members were Ken Hudson (leader), Allyson Reid, Richard Bickel, Michaela Sanford, Rose Marie Starkey, Elizabeth Smith, Paul McDaniel, Lisa McDaniel and Gregg Morris.

Footnote: While there, we learned of a new project to build a bridge over the River Bulaba. Some children have to cross the river to get to school, and there is no bridge. Before we arrived, eight people had drowned while crossing, and after we returned home, two children and one adult drowned.

To learn more about this project, go to “Mission Panama-Adventure with a Purpose” on Facebook.