Merry Christmas From Panama....

This is our second Christmas away from home.  In many ways We are thrilled, but there is a part of Shelley and I that will always miss the joy that was being with all our family and friends at this time of the year.

Our decorated Christmas tree on board Blowin' Bubbles....

That said, since our last entry we have been busy giving away many school supplies to many children.  Unfortunately, it has all been pretty hit and miss because the children have all been out of school here in the San Blas Islands for almost a month.  There were independence days (4 of them) in November, Mothers Day (which was actually 3 days), and now Christmas.  We have learned that the officials just give the children almost 2 months off at this time of the year.

On one island we visited called Carti Subdup we met a man who took us to the island school where they were technically closed, but the director and a number of students were there when we arrived.  We took this opportunity to deliver a whole suitcase full of supplies for this school who serves 300-400 children.

The number of children varies because many children live on outlying islands and can't (don't) often attend.  Today we are anchored off an inhabited island where we noticed quite a number of children.  Later we will go with supplies to those children, who I am sure don't very often get to an official school.

While were in Carti Supdup we also delivered about 40lbs of medical supplies to the local clinic.  As many of you know, Shelley's mom died at the end of October and was given palliative care in her home before her passing.  It turns out that the medical supplies delivered for her care could not be returned for use in another home in Canada, so we packed up everything and brought it back with us.

The people in the clinic were thrilled to receive what we had.  This is not really our focus, but Shelley and I could not bear to see all that perfectly good medical stuff go to waste!  One of her moms nurses even donated an extra blood pressure device that she had in her car...

We are so blessed that the season of giving lasts all year!  For without your kindness, generosity and support, we could not do what we do for so many people who live so differently from the way we do...

We leave you all with Christmas blessings and love....

Kyle & Shelley