My blog has moved here: https://cindyjenkins.wordpress.com/ I will be working on new posts through the weekend. ☺

I would like to post about our friends' visit but I am out of space to put photos here. I have written the help line weeks ago and also the past two days. There is no where on the site to renew my subscription early. Very frustrated at Xanga.com right now!

The news from Nepal is still so heartbreaking - almost 2,500 have died, others seriously injured, so many homeless and displaced! We ate lunch with our friends whose son is there for Hands On this semester. They feel peace that he is doing ok but because of such little possibility of communicating, they are only hearing a fraction of the story. Growing up as an MK certainly prepared him for some of it. Nothing could prepare a person for all of the horror of it!

Here in the house we have been getting ready for some great friends to visit us next week. A lot of time has been devoted to computer work making sure everything is caught up. I will do the final house preparation tomorrow. Just can't wait to show Panama to them!!

I probably won't be posting on the blog during the next 9 days or so. You can expect some fun photos after that! ☺

Today we woke up to the very sad news about the terrible earthquake in Nepal.

Right now they are saying almost 1,500 have died and I am sure that number will rise. We have dear friends whose son is there serving in Hands On this semester and we also know this precious couple there:

They have all reported that they are fine but we are not completely sure what condition "fine" is. Most people slept outside overnight because of the strong aftershocks and the temperatures are cold at this time.

These verses were in today's devotion: Ps. 138:3,7 "On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me. If I walk in the thick of danger You will preserve my life...You will extend Your hand; Your right hand will save me.. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me." I am sure those precious ones that we know were in that earthquake did indeed cal out to God and He did indeed answer!!! Even in the thick of danger, He preserved their lives. Why? Their purpose on earth was not fulfilled yet and He will see that it comes about!

We have been praying all day for the rescue efforts - that help will arrive in time for those who need it.

You can read about how Baptists are helping here:

http://www.imb.org/updates/storyview-3062.aspx#.VTwVtSFVikp

During these times of disaster many, many people always come to know the Lord as their Savior because they have seen the worse the world has to give and realize He is their only hope. We are surely praying for that also.

One sad thing was the loss of the Dharahara tower

That is a split shot of what is was and what was left after the earthquake today. It was built in 1832 on the orders of the queen as a watchtower. The tower had recently reopened to the public, which could ascend a narrow spiral staircase to a viewing platform around 200 feet above the city. At least 60 people lost their lives in the quake. It is so sad to lose such a piece of history. I was thinking if I had been visiting the city, I k now I would have wanted to climb it and see the view. I'm sure that is all those people wanted to do also, never knowing it would be the last thing they would do!

Pray for all the folks in Nepal!!!

These two guys arrived Sunday night from Naples to check out some mission opportunities for college students:

John David on the right has been a friend of ours for many years and led his church to do some great ministry in Mexico. Troy has only been on staff as college minister for 3 weeks. It's been great to get to know him!

Right after breakfast yesterday morning the guys headed over to the UMIP campus and actually led some ESL activities - surprise! Then they checked out some hostels and went by the FSU campus. Then it was time for them to head up to El Valle to go back to the high school there. Can't wait to hear that report.

Meanwhile at the house yesterday I looked out our balcony and saw a little yellow streak:

Yes, more guanacanes had bloomed!

I had to zoom pretty far and thus the photos are not very clear.Here's a look at the ridge:

I am really enjoying how our view changes every day! ☺

God gives such good gifts. Just this week a little spot of yellow showed up in the view from our balcony:

It's our own Guayacane tree to enjoy!

And I am definitely enjoying it every time I walk through that part of the house. Here's a close-up:

In my last post I mentioned the humidity has shot up. Here's a couple more things that have fallen victims to it and the heat. This frame just fell apart:

I saw this as I finished my walk Friday morning:

Looks like some new shoes will be in my future soon! ☺

This week has been a bit stressful - no emergencies, just little things that want to take away your joy inch by inch. Some of the stress was brought on by electronic difficulties. Like the day when Rick was trying to get the tax money sent in and this morning when I was trying to get an expense report turned in. Several times as we have tried to use our internet phone it has acted up and cut out. Some of the stress was people induced - but that is life.

Sometimes it seems we are too dependent on electronics but that is how most of our work is done. So Rick made lots of calls and wrote lots of emails. I did our regular expense report and also his from Spain which had to be converted from euros. This afternoon I have gotten one bed ready for the two guests will arrive Sunday evening to check out some mission opportunities.

Rainy season has started and I can't even describe the difference in the humidity since the weekend. By Monday, you could definitely feel the air all around you. Anything damp in the house will not dry on it's own. There are those few blessed minutes of cool - when the rain is actually coming down. However, as soon as it stops - humidity is right back up!! Funny how we forget about it during dry season. Everything is already getting greener just with the few showers we have had!

There were some victories. We had a few moments with Rossana, our next door neighbor in the elevator one day last week. I was able to tell her I would love for us to get together. Yesterday I saw her in the park running, recognized her and she waved to me. ☺

We have had a couple of students respond to our newsletter about working here next fall.! ☺

I met a friend for coffee yesterday, got lost and found my way to the mall!!! I was trying a new route that Rick had showed me because it is shorter. However, directions just don't register in my brain until I actually drive that way. Fortunately I finally recognized the part of town I was in and found my way. Victory!!! ☺

Some flamboyant trees are blooming!!! Love them!

I got to walk 4 mornings this week. One morning I saw this little guy:

Just as I was going to zoom in, a running came by flapping his feet loudly and he flew away. I cropped the photo so you could see a bit better:

Another morning I passed these two ladies picking up trash:

They do it on a regular basis. One day one of them was alone so I told her I thought it was a really great thing she was doing. she told me, "This is my home; I want it to look nice!" I loved that.

Very soon after getting home from my morning walk, I looked out and saw this:

A cruise ship - they are so huge!!

As the day progressed, I looked out a back window to see this:

The painters were on the building across from ours. SO high:

They made good progress:

A helper jumped in so they could finish that side by the end of the day:

There are always interesting things to see from our view of the world! ☺

Yesterday was another catch up day. I went on my morning walk and Rick went to the gym. We both worked on emails and I did a BIG laundry! Sometimes I wonder where the "real" mission activities are in my life as it takes lots of time to just do the daily activities of living. Lots of this week is being used to prepare for two guys coming from Naples next week and also for the debriefing time of the Hands On students in Lima at the end of May.

We were coming off of a very emotional high of being with the boys and Lara. Seems like most of the time now we see them at most twice a year: once when we go home at Christmas and once if they can make it here. Of course we missed Callie a lot last week and were sad to find out yesterday that she had been sick some of the week from her allergies to the pollen that is always so bad in the spring.

Last night there was a happy event. We were invited to share birthday cake with Didi, who turned 18 yesterday:

It has been so fun getting to know that special MK. She is sweet, smart, athletic, and musically talented! Plus she loves the Lord with all her heart. This fall she will join her sister at Liberty University in VA. The aunts and uncles were proud to celebrate her!

And speaking of a proud aunt, last weekend I got this photo of my niece back home. It is so hard to believe Layne could possibly be this grown up!

Today we have the joy of celebrating Rick's mom:

No one could call her anything but sweet!!! Mom is the best listener. She is always interested in every thing we are doing and wants to hear all about it. She continually puts others before herself. She is a great role model as a loving wife. She loves her family members unconditionally. She never complains about all the years we have been on the mission field, constantly missing birthdays and Mother's day.That is because she loves the Lord and His work and supports us doing it. When I was a young bride, Mom could have constantly told me how to do things so Rick would like them, but she never once did. She let me learn and make my own mistakes and continued to encourage and brag on me. For that reason it has been a joy to have her in our home any time that we were able. So it's not the same as being there, but we sent our love through cards and phone calls. Praying God's riches blessings on her today!

You might just want to skip this if you do not want to see LOTS of photos of our kids!!! I took 596 so there were a lot to sort through! Derrick, Patrick and Lara, Patrick's wonderful girlfriend, arrived Saturday evening!

We got them settled in, had a pancake breakfast on Easter morning, and set out for our church:

Unknown to us, the early service had been cancelled. So we changed our plan and went to another church nearby. It was really fun to worship together that special morning. We had time to go back home before lunch so we took a few photos at our apartment:

They spotted something:

Loved the color of this bougainvillea!

Then we gave out Easter surprises because you are NEVER too old to get a chocolate rabbit from your mother!

Rick had also brought some special things to everyone from Spain:

Then it was time to head out to our favorite place to eat, Mi Ranchito, out on the Causeway:

The shrimp was great!

Derrick and Patrick both chose octopus!

A little friend wanted Derrick to share:

He had a injured leg:

We walked around a bit:

Derrick spotted this giant crab:

I liked the name of this boat:

I am fascinated with pelicans:

Since there is so little traffic on Sunday, we drove across the Bridge to the Americas:

Patrick relaxing on our balcony:

That evening we had black bean soup for dinner and played games. ☺

Monday morning we headed to the Canal:

You can see the very top tip of a ship behind the building:

The tugboats are always fun to watch:

On this day there appeared to be some special guests and we figured it was in preparation for some of the dignitaries coming to the Summit in Panama:

Here comes the tip of the ship:

We checked out the museum:

Next stop Ancon Hill to see the view:

Got a view of the three different levels of water of the Canal locks:

Photo bomber in this one:

Next was Casco Viejo (Spanish for Old Quarter, completed and settled in 1693). We had these views from the parking garage:

We always enjoy walking around here and seeing the improvements they are making:

Some things are still a work in progress!

Great lunch here:

More great views:

I always find the bougainvillea!

Love the buildings:

Especially the balconies:

A little shopping at the market:

Relaxing:

I found more pelicans:

You can see over to the Causeway:

And to the Bridge of the Americas:

This was a church and a convent:

It has always been locked up before but we got to go in:

More buildings we walked by:

Loved this sign in one of the churches:"God wants to speak to you today. But He will not call you on your cell. Turn it off."

When we got home, Lara pointed out we can see Ancon Hill from our apartment. We had never noticed. I zoomed in on it:

Tuesday we headed out to Panama Viejo, the first settlement of Panama City in 1519. Loved all the mangoes on this tree:

Amazing how green some of the trees stay in dry season:

Of course we climbed the tower but we did not use these steps!

The views are so great:

Once again they were getting ready to bring some of the Summit dignitaries here:

This road had been prepared:

(Later I found this photo from the event at Panama Viejo):

Next we went to the market to introduce everyone to our wonderful artist friend, Tomás:

My friend, Carla, also has a booth there:

We drove by Atlapa, the Convention Center where the Summit would be held and found that a helicopter pad had been added!

Then we went to one of the malls for lunch at Tacontento:

A delicious platter we all shared:

After looking around for a bit, we went back to the apartment and watched some of the helicopters buzzing around:

That evening we went here for dinner and a show:

It was our first time to be at the restaurant, Las Tinajas.

Lara ordered pineapple shrimp:

And I ordered the sampler plate with some typical foods:

Both the guys ordered red snapper for dinner:

All the food was delicious. Derrick can clean a fish!

Then the music began:

And the dancing:

I loved the ladies in their polleras:

You can watch a video here:

And here:

And one more:

We had planned our sight seeing in the city for the first part of the week because we knew some roads would be closed during the Summit and we wanted to make sure we could get around. We found out some of the dignitaries would be staying at a place we wanted to get a day pass for so we went ahead and did that on Wednesday. On the way, I enjoyed getting great glimpses of the beautiful yellow trees called guayacanes:

To get to the resort we crossed this one lane bridge that is also shared with the Panama Canal Railroad:

A ship was in the Canal:

This is the Charges River that feeds into Gatun Lake for the Canal:

We stopped to check on some fishing possibilities:

Tried a couple of panoramic shots:

This little guy was swimming around:

More guayacanes!

These houses are on the way. SO pretty:

Gamboa Resort:

More guayacanes:

This is a gorgeous place!!

Our day pass included using the pool, lunch and all the drinks we wanted. The lunch buffet was pretty and delicious:

And had a great view:

Rick took his computer and worked for quite a while but then he got to relax with me in the lounge chairs while the other three WORE themselves out playing in the pool!

As we were getting to leave, Lara spotted a bunch of parrots flying around a particular tree. I zoomed in:

Our day pass was up at 5:00 so we headed out:

Everyone got to see a car carrier, one of Patrick's favorites, at the other lock on our way home:

On Thursday we planned to go to El Valle and figured we could get out of the city fine as the dignitaries were coming to town later that day. It was a great plan. Once there we stopped at this overview:

Then we got some delicious lunch:

One of my favorite photo spots:

Rick and Derrick checked out a few things while Patrick, Lara and I walked to the falls:

This tree is HUGE:

Then we all went to the market:

And we followed that by a stop at Theo's shop, our friend who makes beautiful things out of wood:

Loved introducing him to our kids:

This will be the base of a LARGE table:

Mangoes are in season and Theo had a tree!

A look at the shop:

Another pretty spot in town:

We got some coffee and ice cream:

A favorite mode of transportation in El Valle:

Pretty views are all around:

Friday was quite a fun day for everyone. The other four got up around 4:00 to go fishing. There were many stumps to be dodged in the boat:

Patrick got a big one!

Patrick caught another nice one:

So did Derrick:

Lara's catch:

All in all about 22:

One more look:

And yes we did have fish for dinner - delicious! HOWEVER meanwhile back at the apartment...As soon as they left for fishing, I threw some towels in to wash and went for my morning walk. We knew some roads in Clayton were going to be closed and soon I saw police everywhere. One guard stopped me to see what I was doing and I told him I was exercising and was on my way back to my apartment. He was very nice. I noticed part of the park was cordoned off and firetrucks were parked on it. That seemed unusual for the President's visit to the Canal because I thought they would drive him in. Back at the apartment I started cooking and soon heard lots of helicopters overhead. So I grabbed my camera as quickly as I could!

I still wasn't sure who was in them but I realized it had to be connected with a visit to the Canal so I made some video:

At that point I realized it was President Obama's helicopter that was landing!! I was so excited. Later this photo came out of him at the Canal:

I am sure he felt very proud to see the great accomplishment of the U.S. I feel it every time I go! So we all had lots to share that evening as we ate dinner and straightened up the place just a bit for two missionaries families to join us that night for brownies and ice cream!

On our last morning we headed downtown to Trump Towers for the breakfast buffet:

Our three guests actually treated us to this delicious meal! So nice of them!!

And look who showed up:

Mr. and Mrs. Newt Gringrich!!! Rick had a nice conversation with them! After eating we looked around a bit:

The tiny white dots at the bottom of that view were birds:

See who is in the background! ☺

A face formed of pennies:

A doorman made these two for us:

A huge bucket of Nutella for sale in one of the hotel shops!!

And that completes my photo tour of the week. If you made it this far, you are either the grandparents or VERY close friends of ours!! I can honestly say we made the most of every moment and made so many GREAT memories. We are very honored that Patrick, Lara and Derrick wanted to spent their hard earned money on a ticket here and spend a week of their vacation time with us!! We loved being able to show them part of this great country and interesting culture, and we have plenty left to do for their next visit. ☺