Hey from Panama!

Well, that's about all the spanish I'll use for now, since it's pretty close to all I know.

I arrived yesterday at around 2:25 local time, which is actually central time, so no adjustment there. Let me tell you all about it.

I set out at approximately 2:15 am from my house in New Franklin and got to the airport about 4:30ish, in time to get my luggage checked and get ready for security. Went through security with no problems or hassles, arrived at around 7:30 in Chicago. Waited around in O'hare for about 3 hours, took off a little bit late, not too bad though, at around 11 on our way to Miami. I fell asleep on the way, and woke up to our captain saying "miami airport has opened back up, we will land probably in the next 20 minutes"--which meant at some point it was closed....due to thunderstorms. After being in the holding pattern another few minutes, we diverted to fort myers and landed, waited another hour or so, and took off again for miami. I got off the plane there at 5:04, 4 minutes after my plane left for Panama.

I then walked miles around the airport to find a service center where I was printed a boarding pass for the 11:30 flight the next day, as well as given a discounted rate for a one night stay in the ramada inn. So, thus, I got all that lined out, and went the wrong way several times, finally getting on the shuttle van, and making it to the hotel. From there I checked in, went upstairs and came back down to eat..Then went back up and passed out at 8:30 central time. I slept pretty well, until 2:15 local time when the neighbors were "wrestling", then went back to bed. Got up at 7:00, showered with my one extra shirt and pair of undees and got back on the shuttle, arriving quite early for my flight. Chilled in Miami International for around 4 hours, took off, and alas, I made it.

Now for other stuff.....

I have spoken to some churches and family, and believe I'll get some support for being down here, although I know God will provide enough for me, no matter what. Apparently Randy told some of the kids I played baseball really well, and so the whole school knows and awaits the arrival of the tall gringo. So, we'll see if I live up to my legend.

I live in a room that is around 12 feet by 10, with a window AC Unit, which i'm stoked about, I can sleep in comfort at least.

Today at around 3:00 i'm leaving for a bible camp that is out by the beach, where me, whitney (a girl from wyoming also teaching at the school), Glendon (a friend of the weets who is 21) and Jonathan (the oldest boy of the missionaries) are going to go fellowship with the youth, and take in some good preaching, none of which I will probably understand :). I'm trying on the spanish, it's just going to take time. We will stay the night, go to church there, and come back tomorrow afternoon.

After that, i'm out to school on monday, wearing a shirt and tie, and ready to rock. It should be a pretty exciting day.

So, other than that, just be praying that i stay focused and that I keep my mind and heart focused on the reason i'm here, not the things and diversions that God has created.

Love you guys, that's about it for now!

As for you who went on the trip with me in december...david is still living here, and is in the house with me, after being here nearly 12 hours, he hasn't so much as looked at me, and hasn't said a word...I just think it's funny/awkward. He's great though. You all take care....

-Zach