Taking risks is something that generally always has to be done on a missions trip. There are always times on trips like this where we need to take risks. I think that when being flexible with a schedule is where the most risks are taken. And on this trip we are going to have to be very, very flexible. So we just need to see what God does.

June 21

Jesus loves it when we take risks for Him. As humans we naturally really do not like taking risks that might hurt us somehow, or deprive us of our resources, but God honors when we do take these risks. For example: You are in a tight financial spot, but your family has always given money to support finacially those missionaries around the world. You just keep giving and trust that God will provide. These are the kinds of risks people take. But honestly, there are more "dangerous" ones, ones that require maybe even giving up your life, but God honors every risk taken for His glory and the advacement of His kingdom. No one ever said that things would be easy, and that negative things would never happen, but that is part of living the Kingdom, and living for God and serving God.

June 14

Honestly, I think that risks are good. Obviously if your smart about them. Taking risks for Christ is something amazing, and can be so powerful. I think that on this trip we will be taking some risks, but since we are in a place where you can worship freely, the risks wont be s dramatic. If we feel like we need to take risks for Christ, then we do them. Risk taking is something that requires guts and faith, and I think our team really has that.

June 14

I think that the point is that on a short term missions trip, you cannot expect to "change the world," but you can expect to plant a seed. Change is something that takes time, and especially when you are talking about a whole community. Mancora is a community of people that really need the Gospel. We can go for ten days, and be Christ to the people of Mancora, but that does not mean that they will completely change in a week. The reason we go back to Mancora every year is because people need nurturing. To help this chruch body and community grow, we need to be consistant. We can plant seeds, but with every time we go back, those seeds are closer and closer to becoming flowers, which is our purpose on these shrot-term missions trips.

June 14

Well, you never know what could happen to you. I guess that is the "scary" part for me. Last time we went to Mancora it seemed very peaceful and nice, which im sure it is, but you never know when something could happen to you. I think the thing that will most "affect" us is the facat that we are extrangeros. Immediately people assume things, and that is just unavoidable. We look different, and stand out, and might be the "center of attention," which we do not want, but in a community like that is unavoiable. So I think the whole safety thing is the biggest concern for out team, even though I believe we will be perfectly safe, it is something we need to keep our eyes open to. I do not feel uncofrtable or worried about this issue, we just need to be smart and alert.

June 7

You know, I think that what the article said about us as Americans/Panamanians going ito a poor culture and staying places we can afford is true. You see many times mission groups going to a place and just staying the whole time in a place that is comfortable for them. On this trip we are going to be staying in a place for a couple of nights that we are not used to. It is not like home. But it is not about your comfort, but instead the work your doing their. I think it is good that we get to experience what the people in Mancora experience every day.

June 7

I guess I was just reminded of God's diversity. How God loves all nations and tongues. Well honestly i think that many African cultures are similar. They have similar music, and song, and also they are both from the African continent. I think that the Galvez family is in fot the ride of their lives. They are faced with many challenges. One of the big things that they will face toward the beginning of their time with the Jahango is just the language barrier. They will have to learn both French and Jagango. Another thing that thay will face is just the change in culture. Andres has already experienced and had a taste of the real Jahango culture. But I think that the kids and Diana are really going to have to adjust to this factor.