A little background...Panga is a beach off the coast of Gabon where some of the missionaries go to retreat for a few days. When I was planning my trip, I had no idea the Thelanders would be bringing me along when they went to Panga. Joanna was quite persuasive and insisted that I go, so I did...
Thursday through Monday was packed with rough road adventures, days at the beach, rustic cabin cooking, catching bats, jungle animals (water buffalo), sandcastles, ants, rainwater showers, intense puzzling, sunburns & so much more!...In that list of activities, you probably noticed catching bats...YES, we did encounter bats. Most managed to stay outside of our cabin, but one ventured indoors. Keir & Luke valiantly and bravely dedicated themselves to getting rid of the bat (which they eventually did). The Thelanders are into puzzles, so I learned to puzzle and although it initially brought much frustration, it was lots of fun!
The Panga area is absolutely breathtaking, from the wild fields, to the red dirt cliffs, to the sandy beach and expansive ocean, it looks like something out of a movie. If you are into the TV show LOST, it definitely looks like LOST could have been filmed there.
All in all, I am so glad I went. Joanna and I are discovering more and more that we have very similar personalities and are basically twins separated by 18 years. Haha. It really is quite hilarious!...We had some great walks on the beach. Joanna and I talked about the importance of getting away and how it is not so important what you do as who you are. Although there is certainly value in what one does (whether it is being a mom, going to school, operating or teaching), it is important to just be...to listen to God's voice, to take advantage of the opportunities He presents to you and to just learn to be still, rest and drink in the beauty of God's creation and His presence. So often in life we are so concerned with our next activity or item on our checklist...we just work, work, work and are always on the go. We leave no room for margin and just breathing in the presence of God. Even if it means shutting all forms of technology off and getting completely away from your normal routine, it is vital to just pause, rest and let God speak...I had a great time with Keir, Joanna, the kids & Rachael. I got to see another part of Gabon and I learned alot in those few days. I think my favorite part was my road-trip and late night conversations with Keir and Joanna about missions, their experiences and Gabonese culture. I loved hearing about things they have learned in their missionary experience and I know I definitely gleaned bits of wisdom from all that they have been through and observed. I'm trying to stash up everything they said so I don't forget it!!! I am so grateful for the Thelanders and their ministry in Gabon. God is using them in an amazing way in the lives of so many people and I am truly privileged to know them.
At the beach:
Sandcastle extravaganza:
Panga beach:
Candlelight dinners (trying to conserve our solar power):
Late night puzzling:
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