Migracion! Ahh!

Had to go to Immigration (see above illegally taken picture) today to start the process of getting our Missionary Visa. Waited in line for 3 and 1/2 hours! Quite the packed place. A couple of those hours were spent in one location. And, at one point, the one lady at the computer decided it was her lunch break. Not a good day. Didn't get anything done, so I'm attempting to try to get something done tonight...that is, after I'm finished venting here.

A bit of a praise...Rebecca and I decided to go for a swim when we finally got back. We were hesitant at first because we knew we had a lot to do, but decided it'd be a good stress reliever. When we were in the pool we heard some fellow English speakers! So, we asked where they were from. Turns out they are also teachers who have come to start at the new school being built near here. One is from Texas and the other is from Ireland (she is a newbie), but the one from Texas has been here for 2 years, just in another location. Somehow we got around to talking about churches and she, the Texan, goes to an International church that isn't too far from where we are and she invited us. We now just have to figure out how to get there. We can walk, but it's an hour's walk at a fast pace. What's miraculous about the situation is that 1) she's not teaching at a Christian school 2) Rebecca and I were just talking about how we wanted to meet other people. We love all the people we've met so far, but we were just wanting another group to experience different things. So, praise the Lord...there they were in the pool! Hahah. We swapped numbers and the service she goes to is an evening service so potentially we could go to both. She also said that she was thinking of getting out of town soon to go to the valley and maybe we could go too. Hooray.

In other news, I hate ingrown toenails.
This evening I made tacos...they turned out great and they were good enough that I'm empowered to try other things.

I do have a prayer request: I've been so bogged down with everything, that I don't think I've been able to grasp the full impact of my being here. I have mentioned numerous times how overwhelmed I am, but all in all it seems I've been able to handle everything. I've only teared up once...and Mom made me do it. Many of the teachers ask how I am doing and I am so glad they are asking. I say I'm fine, but honestly, I'm not feeling like myself so much. I'm here, but I guess because I'm soooo far out of my comfort zone I don't know what being here is? I don't know, but some people weren't likin' it. And, it's me. I just want to be ok. Be ok. Be ok.

I am continuing my quest through the Old Testament so please enjoy this snippet:
2 Samuel 12: 4-5: "...So Hanun seized David's men, shaved off half of each man's beard, cut off their garments in the middle of the buttocks, and sent them away...they were greatly humiliated..."
I really do appreciate how God is guiding me through the Bible. As I go through the Scripture I'm getting the encouragement I need as well as a little giggle every once in a while :D

What I've learned about Panama:
*They are VERY superstitious-Apparently one is never to walk in the rain, because you most assuredly will catch pneumonia and die. Also, around New Years you are to wear yellow underwear because it'll bring you good fortune. I am planning to do this.
*Best phrase ever: "Puede hablar mas despacio, por favor."
*Laundromats are only .50 for a wash and .75 for a dry! Take that L.A.
*I've not learned this, but I saw it...there was a HUGE cargo boat that went through the Miraflores locks today...it was huge!
*I hate mold.

That's all today folks.
Love you all!