.png){kind=logo}
Immersion Experience: Panama
HELPING VS. SERVING: UNDERSTANDING GOD’S CALL TO LOVE OTHERS
Have you ever wondered whether you’re simply helping others or truly serving them? While both may seem similar, there’s a deeper spiritual difference that reflects God’s call in our lives. Helping can sometimes come from a place of power, but serving comes from a heart of humility and love—just as Jesus demonstrated.
Yesterday was my first day with the kids, and it was a little awkward to meet them for the first time. It was difficult to understand them with the language barrier, and even harder to try and talk to them in Spanish and encourage them to engage in the activities. Today was completely different though. The camp activities all went smoothly, and all the kids were excited to join in. They all spit into groups and each one drew a character. They then incorporated all these characters into a story that they wrote before presenting it to the larger group. During one point throughout the day, I was able to play a card game with some of the kids. Once the rules were explained, not much talking was involved, and it was incredible to see the connections forming even without using words.
After we ate lunch with the kids, all the Regis students traveled to a place called Finca Dracula where we saw a variety of orchid flowers. All of them were unique shapes or colors, and we saw koi fish and hummingbirds as well. After our tour we all visited the small café within Finca Dracula where they served tea, brownies, and even pie. After all of this we got to explore the town a little more. There is a small barber in town that some of the Regis students have either visited or still plan to visit. Some of us also sang some karaoke in a small restaurant that served empanadas.
We begin our drive to Panama City soon. It has been a lot of fun getting to know the kids at camp and learning more about the culture here. All the foods have been very popular within our group, especially strawberries with cream. I am excited to continue our journey in Panama City but I’m definitely going to miss the kids at camp.
Main-Visitor Entrance
Regis Jesuit High School
Mail-Delivery Address
Regis Jesuit High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.