D-Group Leader Training in Panama

It seems of course that we've been back here in the USA on furlough for a loooonnnngg time...when in fact it's only been a few months. September 15th is around the corner, and you know what that means! Independence Day for the five Central American countries, who received their independence from Spain on the same day back in 1821. Which are the five? Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. "What about Panama?" you will earnestly inquire. Panama also won their independence in 1821, but not until November 28, and they immediately decided to join Colombia. It wasn't until 1903 on November 3, however, that they broke away from Colombia, and became the Republica de Panamá which we know today. Soooo... Panama celebrates TWO Independence Days, and they kind of are, and kind of aren't part of Central America.

Speaking of Panama, that is where the next International School of Youth Ministry will be held in January, 2009. This conference/camp is in its fourth year, having rotated back and forth between Costa Rica and Panama. As I write, Roger Twitchell, with a delegation from the churches in Costa Rica, is on the road (the red Panamerican Highway in the map at right) to attend a training session near the border. It's about 7 hours from San Jose, and they'll be there through Friday and Saturday, probably coming home late Saturday night. Roger told me that they'll be staying with Eliecer Carrera, who is one of our graduates of the Institute. It sounds like they'll be sleeping on the floor, and eating at Eliecer's Aunt's restaurant! The food should be great! Another note of interest is that Eliecer will be getting married on September 20th, so if you were thinking about being at the wedding, you better look into some tickets before it's too late!