May: One Day Assembly in Boquete

So Boquete in May reminds me a lot of Washington state in the spring.  The days are sunny and warm and the nights are cool.  This was the beautiful spot we were able to hold our assembly.  It is a very nice community center with amazing gardens on their grounds.  Behind the center is a rushing river and view of the mountains/volcano.

The assembly was wonderful as spiritual food, but also as a way to associate with others across the country.  We were able to reconnect with some friends from New York who also know my sister.  It was nice to catch up with them.  As well, it is always encouraging to talk with other need greaters who have kids and have lived here longer...we get some good ideas for longevity!  Here is a shot of some of the kids we were able to meet and befriend.

As the assembly began, we stood for the first song and in true Panamania style we had no sound.  This amazing woman behind me started the first song.  Everyone else chimed in and we nailed it.

Here's a shot of the inside of the community center as we all listen intently during the day.

After an amazing day, we had some fun.  Cleaning, taking pictures with some friends and just plain enjoying ourselves.

These two sisters are smiling, but had a rough weekend.  In David, prior to making it to Boquete, they had their passports and some of their stuff (like credit cards and electronics chargers) stolen out of their car when they ran into a store super fast.  They were supposed to be heading to Canada the next day and without passports, that was going to be a trial. Then later after we had left their hostel, someone broke into the their room while they were sleeping and stole the rest of their credit cards and IDs.  Thankfully they were able to cancel all cards and Jehovah provided for them as they were coming into David to head to Panama City, they got a call from the Police that their passports had been found!  They were able to leave the country on time to see their family.  "Put first the Kingdom and all other things will be provided!" We can't wait to see them in the next couple of weeks as they return to Bocas!!

As it began to get dark, we headed to dinner at this fish place in downtown Boquete and had a wonderful meal.  Then we headed with many in our congregation back to their hostel.  We had brought down to town our swim suits, some casual clothes, etc so that we could hit their hottub and hand out to play some music later.  We had  a really nice time, although we left SUPER late like at 12:30am.  Thankfully we got to sleep in on Monday before hitting breakfast, a coffee shop (our first since Panama), and the bus back home!

The community center where the assembly took place was about 5 miles downhill from our hotel.  We had to take a taxi to get there or just to get to town for eating or groceries.  It was a beautiful hotel although we were the only witnesses staying there.  We felt very safe as it was pretty much the only hotel in a totally residential area.  The Hotel Regio had amazingly gorgeous grounds and decor.  I've included some pictures of these.

The lobby

Amazing breezeway to the backyard

Places to sit outside to eat breakfast.

Breakfast nook! It's made out of a stump...beautiful!

So after we had a nice stay in Boquete, we headed back to Bocas...man those mountain roads are windy!!  As most know I get super motion sick in those sorts of situations.  This time was no different and I was most thankful for a bus stop and bathroom about half way home:)  We somehow caught the last boat home and we very thankful for the chance to visit Boquete and meet so many wonderful brothers and sisters!