UUMC Panamá Mission 2009

Thursday night we were all fortune enough to have the chanceto gather all of those who we have befriended here to join us for a nicedinner. We picked everyone up on the team bus on our way to a delicious restaurantin David, one of the largest cities in Panama. We thanked every one who hadgraced us with their friendship and stories by presenting them with gifts thatJan and Anne Sassaman had put together. Joining us was the Clinic crew, the constructioncrew, the cooking crew, the driver, the Pastor and his family, and Nati. I hadthe wonderful opportunity of eating with Nati, a strong woman who told me ofher journey:

            Natigrew up in Puerto Armuelles, Panama but now lives in David. Her story ofstrength is best relayed through her struggles. After her husband left her withtheir three children for another woman, she was determined to single-handedlyraise them herself. She cooked near a school to support her children as best asshe could, however the living conditions in Panama make it difficult to do so.After meeting her children, I believe that she has successfully taught herchildren the values they need to be strong themselves. Victor is the eldest andlives with her now. Fernando is the middle child who lives in David with hiswife – a judge – and their two girls. Fernando is a mechanic who speaks good English.We had the opportunity to get to know him better when he came to help work onconstruction at the Volcon site. He is full of energy and compassion. Her thirdchild is Yaslin, who lives near Nati with her husband and two children. She hasa beautiful daughter and a vibrant son. Nati was the first person that JanSassaman had the pleasure to meet when he first came to Panama years ago. Sincethen, they have grown a lasting relationship; Nati even came to visit ChapelHill a few years back! Today, Nati continues to grace us with a big heart and abig smile always. Nati’s story of strength serves as an example for all of us.