Author: bluebirduncaged

Thursday we got to visit a young women's jail. It was sweet to share dancing stories, encouragement, and journaling with each other over pizza. Then we taught in the evening again. 

Friday we were tourists and visited the new set of locks on the canal after class with the National Ballet. 

Saturday we took a boat (and fed monkeys on the way :-D) to an island and did a little cultural exchange with an indigenous tribe. We showed them some of our dances and they showed us their village and shared a little bit about what life was like for them. It was really cool to see how we were all brothers and sisters in Christ yet serving Him in different ways and with different giftings. That afternoon, we visited the Quinteros then headed to the Gordon's house for dinner (Rebekah made the patacones :-D) before flying home at 2am. 

It was an amazing trip. We are constantly amazed at how dance can communicate things past a language barrier to touch the soul. Panama, you shine brightly and your people are beautiful. May you continue to be small but steadfast, eager and humble, courageous and loving. *more photos here

 A few thank yous need to be made to our Panamanian friends who really made this trip possible. 

Our host studios and their directors: Ballet Adorad, Escuelas de Danzas Teresa Mann, and Studio 9–Paola, Genesis, Myriam, and Ana Carolina, it is an honor to train the next generation of dance artists with you. Thanks for inviting into your school

Our drivers and translators (and all around awesome friends): Lucyann, Icela, Kevin, Benji, Aileen, Jose, Carlos– y'all are amazing and a beautiful example of community. Thanks for loving us and others so well. 

Ana Gabriela and Heart's Cry Children's Ministry — for setting up the orphanage visits and persevering in the fight to bring families to those who have none. Friends, check them out and give them your support.

John and Aimee Gordon with Sports and Cultural Exchange International— for setting up the visits to the tribe and jail. You are such and encouragement, may Jesus continue to use you to share His love. 

Until next time Panama, hasta luego!

Sunday we went to Vida Nueva for worship then returned back to the hostel to get ready for our performance at Cinta Costera. This was the third year we've performed in the "skate park" and I think it was our biggest crowd yet. You never know how these performances are received but trusting hope was spoken over Ciudad de Panama through our dance offering. 

Photo: Kevin Saavedra

Monday, Maggie and Rebekah took class with the National Ballet. Then we had a photo shoot with Kevin and hung out with Benji, Aileen, and Icela in Casco Viejo (Panama friends, shameless plug for Snapshoots Photography — you should use them for your portraits :-D) After the photo shoot, Icela took us to Salsipuedes (which means "get out, if you can") for a little shopping. 

Tuesday was a little bit of a rest day in that all we had to do was teach in the evening. It was nice to slow down a little bit and soak everything in. Wednesday we visited Metro Amigo orphanage (no pics allowed again). It was cool but also sad to see some of the same kids from last year. We talked about telling stories with our bodies and then danced our stories of hope while they looked for answers to specific questions. It was really fun. That evening, we saw Swan Lake with the National Ballet of Russia which was on tour. 

Part three coming soon! Don't forget to check out ALL of our photos here.