A few hours in Miami

As I write this, I am sitting in a corner of the Miami airport catching up on my world and sipping Starbucks.  Ahhh, life is good.  Meanwhile, my hubby is out and about exploring Miami.  Further proof that indeed, opposites attract. :)

Tim and I are headed to Georgia to share in a mission conference with our home church.  We are super excited to share with these sweet people all that God has been doing in Panama.  They have had a large part in our ministry and we are excited to be with them for a few days.  We are not excited that our kids are back in Panama though.  It was not an option for them to be away from school right now so our friends have moved in to stay with them for a few days.  I hope that we are all still friends at the end.  Just kidding, surely my kids will be on their best behavior.  Right???

Miami is an interesting mix of English and Spanish.  I am pretty sure it is a 50/50 split.  Which is rather tiring to the brain I might add.

Off to get lost in a good book while I have time......

Back in the swing of things

After a month off of school, the kids returned this past week and we are back in the swing of normal life. We had an amazing holiday season.  We were able to travel, rest and just enjoy each other.  Although, I have to say that I am pretty happy to be back in some kind of routine. 

In January our job here took a shift.  Our primary job is to connect US churches to church planters and Panamanian churches in a partnership so that they can plant more churches and tell more people about the saving grace of Jesus.  There is lots more to it than that, but you get the idea. :)  

Until now, all of our work has been done in the city.  So, we have lots of rural Panama to explore and get to know.  To that end, Tim headed out for a few days to meet and explore with a couple of other guys. 

 

I have been holding down the fort and running the taxi service at home.  My kids and their social lives sure do keep me busy. 

Farewell 2011

We are wrapping up a wonderfully relaxing, lazy and much needed week at the beach.  It was just what the doctor ordered after the busy holiday season.  We have loved every minute of it.  Much of our time has been spent in our PJ's playing games and watching old movies.  When we have managed to get dressed, we have thrown on our swimsuits and hit the beautiful beach.  We even managed to take in a few day trips to some of the most beautiful places we have seen thus far in Panama.  All in all, it has been just about perfect family time.  I am so grateful for this sweet family of mine and have enjoyed the get away from everyday life.  

Today we have spent time reflecting on 2011 and all that God has allowed us to experience.  We talked about our favorite memories of the year and all of the wonderful blessings of 2011.  Then, we talked about the challenges and hard times 2011 brought. We remembered that in their own ways, they were blessings too.  We were even able to see "good things" that have already come out of some of those challenges. We talked about faith and trust and how to be thankful for the good and bad.  

So, we have kind of closed out 2011 and are now looking forward to what God has in store for 2012.  More on that soon.......

a thought from Trinity

It’s November 17^th. It’s been about 2 months since our last blog post. Louderbacks = Lazy, huh? Anyways, let me get you people up to date on our lives.

Gracie Lynn and I had great birthdays last month. She had a CANDY PARTY for her 11^th birthday. All you can eat CANDY! It’s like Halloween twice in one month!
I spent my 15^th with some friends, hanging out, making music, and watching Nacho Libre. Then came Pumpkin Day. We went to many parties, many Fall Festivals, and ate LOTS of candy. J I love holidays where people have to give me candy.

Hmmmmm what else is new? We’ve got our Christmas decorations up! Don’t judge… I think it’d be weird to have turkeys and stuff all over my house for Thanksgiving. The pilgrims will understand. We put up our Christmas tree today while we listened to the wonderful Christmas songs on Glee’s album. Good times.

The girls are busy rehearsing for the Cantata coming up in December. The Cantata is a Christmas Program that happens every year to share with people the true meaning of Christmas. (Jesus!)

I don’t know what else to tell you about. Life’s good.

Okay, I’m going to sleep now. Later people! – Love, Trin.

Current Life of the Louderback's

Tim has been BUSY keeping up with lots of exciting things God is doing here in Panama! The team has just wrapped up two weekly church planting classes and are preparing to start another one in a new area of the city in a few weeks. We are constantly amazed at how God is opening doors to train Panamanian church planters and start house churches. Tim also enjoys discipling several of the guys who have graduated from the class and are now working in their own areas. In his free time he is taking a seminary class and of course still is in the running for Dad of the century!

Trinity has settled into life as a high school student. She is enjoying singing in weekly chapel at her school as well as her youth praise team. She is a great student and spends lots of time hitting the books. We are navigating our way through the scary teenage years and all in all, I think we are fairing pretty well. :) She is an amazing Godly young woman and we could not be more proud of her.

Noah is enjoying being top dog in the middle school this year. 8th grade has it's privileges you know. Currently, he is a basketball fanatic and spends every waking moment possible with a basketball in his hands. He is enjoying playing on his school team and God has given him the opportunity to have some really great coaches who teach him life lessons as well as basketball techniques. Noah seems to be following in his Dad's footsteps and does not meet a stranger! He is the life of the party and only slows down to sleep.

Sweet Gracie Lynn is just as happy and carefree as ever. To her delight she is on the cheerleading squad at school this semester. She loves school and does great. She is so creative in so many ways and really loves art class this year. She is also leaning lots about Latin American history so she always has stories to teach the rest of us. She is such an amazing big sister to Eden. They have the sweetest sister bond.

Speaking of Eden, she is enjoying being a first grader. She is learning so much and loves to read to us each night. She is still quiet at school but has a sweet group of friends that she enjoys being with each day. Eden asked if she could take violin lessons this year so we found a teacher and she LOVES it. She practices each day and the teacher tells us every week how amazed she is at her progress. She looks so sweet and dainty holding her little violin.

Finally, as you can tell Mom stays pretty busy keeping up with this crazy crew! I really do love being a wife and Mom to my family. I enjoy working alongside Tim with our church planters and also enjoy doing some research for the IMB on different church planting movements in Urban cities in Latin America. I have also been able to attend a Women's Bible study in recent weeks that has been such a blessing to me. It is an eclectic group of women from so many different walks of life. In fact, last week I looked around in the area I was sitting and there was a young lady with a Chinese Bible and on the other side of me was a friend with a Spanish Bible. What a beautiful picture of God working in all the Nations!

As you can tell, the Louderback's are doing great and are living large as my husband likes to say down here in Panama. We cannot thank you enough for your prayers! Keep them coming!

A note from Jacob and Ally

Hey friends and family! We have had an amazing time in Panama these past two weeks and it will definitely be bittersweet to return home. As recent graduates from high school, we both really wanted to experience life as a missionaries and spend some dynamic time with the Louderbacks before we go off to college. Although this trip was filled with lots of fun things, God opened up some cool doors for us to do ministry in diverse ways. First we were able to work with the people of the Gamboa Indian Village. We partnered with a mission team from Ohio and helped them in their game plan to minister to that people group. This trip was accompanied by a pretty sketchy boat ride to the village, some rain, lots of soccer and butterflies. Weird combo, huh? Anyways, working with the Gamboa Indians was cool in that we got to play games with the kids, fellowship with the adults, pass out dental hygiene supplies, soap and medication, make salvation bracelets, sing songs, etc. It was a very cool experience because that people group is so independent, hardworking, and interesting. Their way of life is just so different that it opened up our eyes to a new culture. The second thing we were able to do was visit an orphanage here in Panama. We actually did this for two days and it definitely broke both of our hearts. We worked with about 19 2-4 year olds and to say the least, they were adorable. All they really wanted was someone to show them affection whether that was by a hug or by pushing them around in a little broken car. The kids stole our hearts and made a lasting impact on our lives. Whether they are special needs or not, they are precious children of God that simply need the love of a parent. Trust us, at 17 we would've adopted every single one of them if we could. Another thing we got to experience was a Panamanian kids camp. Yes, kids camp. We were both counselors for about three days for 3rd-5th graders at a place here in Panama. It was very cool for us to be able to invest in the lives of these kids that never really get to go to fun stuff like the camp. Pastor Andrew from Crossroads did an excellent job of coordinating the camp and the weekend paid off for sure. The kids learned more of what it means to be a light for Jesus Christ and how to shine that light to the world. It was encouraging to see the kids learn so much and get excited about sharing Jesus with their friends and families. These are just some of the things we did on this trip and we could both go on forever about all that God did. He is so faithful and it's such an honor to be able to serve Him in other countries. It'll be sad to leave Panama and the Louderbacks but maybe God will lead us back! Thanks for your prayers and please continue to pray for the UP team and all that they are doing for Gods kingdom.
In Christ,
Jacob Spencer and Ally Smith

Noah's Bum Knee

Well, the boy of the house decided that he wanted to liven things up a bit so this is a current look at how he is spending most of his time. 

Noah's knee has been bothering him off and on for a few months.  However, we kind of chalked it up to growing pains and the fact that he goes NON STOP on any ball field around.  Last week it seemed to get worse than normal and he was in a good amount of pain and unable to get around well so, off to the doc we went.  After a full day of docs and tests, Noah was diagnosed with osteochondritis.. The doc put him in a full leg cast for 2 weeks to let the swelling go down and get a better look at what we are dealing with.  The best option is that the bone is fractured but still attached and he will have to have physical therapy. The other option is that the bone is already detached and he will need to have surgery.  Obviously, my prayer is that is not the case.  Ugh.  He is doing ok but pretty miserable in the cast.  It is hard for him to be still. 

On a much happier note, my brother and his wife have gifted my mom with a plane ticket to Panama for Mother's day!  How sweet is that!  She arrives on Saturday and the whole house is so excited!  What a special Mother's Day treat her and for me!

Quick Catch Up

Whew!  It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks!  The time with the Tville youth team was AMAZING! God truly blessed through the work they did here in Panama.  It was so good to visit and work alongside sweet friends.  It was a great time of encouragement for our entire family.

This week we have been playing catch up.  Soccer games started for Noah and Gracie Lynn.  The kids had achievement tests at school and just for fun, we threw in several meetings, dentist visits and hair appointments. Just the typical crazy week!

We are looking forward to a break next week.  It is Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Latin America so the kids have the week off.  Ya Ya (Tresa) is coming for a visit so we have planned several day trips and are looking forward to sharing our world with her.

More soon.......

From Blog to Book

I may be the last one in Blog world to know this but did ya'll know that there are services that will take posts from your blog and make them into a book as a keepsake???  What a wonderful idea!  It is like digital scrap booking. This is the one I was checking out today; Blurb.com.  Since I stink at the regular kind of scrap booking, I thought I would try the digital kind.  Anyway, all that to say that I am going to be posting more family fun online. Hope it does not bore you to much but I am thinking this is going to be a great way to capture memories. Who knew!  I love new things! Happy Thursday. :)

Glimpses of Gratitude: School

One of the things on my "concern list" about living in Panama was the education of our children.  I have never felt called to home school although I have many friends who do. Knowing just what we needed, God placed the most wonderful school blessing in our world!  We have been so pleased with Crossroads Christian Academy where the kids attend classes.  It offers a strong academic program as well as a positive and loving learning atmosphere.  The teachers have been such a blessing to our children and to us.  They also have lots of fun activities mixed in with the learning.  A few weeks ago they enjoyed SPIRIT week.  This is a picture of ZOO day. 

I am so thankful for a school full of lots of learning and love that I can send my children to each day.

Glimpses of Gratitude: Selah

To tell the truth, I am not a big "animal" fan.  Never have been.  I am however, a huge fan of giggling children!  So, as crazy as it seems coming from me, I am so grateful for the newest member of our family.  Sweet puppy Selah brings lots of laughter into our home every day. 

Happy Heart Day!

Sad and Happy News

The sad news is.........while we were in the USA in December, our family dog got sick and died.  The kids, especially little Eden, were so sad. :(

The happy news is......we have a new furry friend at our house!  

Selah is her name and she is bringing lots of giggles and love into our days!

Home

The past few months have been a whirlwind of adventure. Our family took part in a huge community Christmas musical production here in Panama and the day after the show, we hopped on a jet plane and headed home to Thomasville, Georgia. We spent 3 weeks reconnecting with our home church and precious friends there. We were able to spend time with our extended families and make memories with them. I was apprehensive (okay, a nervous wreck) about spending time back in the USA. I had a long list of worries but at the top was this;

I was afraid that we would not want to leave and come back to Panama.

I was afraid that goodbye to our friends would hurt too much. I was worried that having to leave the "comfort" of life in the USA would be too difficult. In the end, there was some validity to my worries and fears. There were tears shed with goodbyes and I fondly remember quick trips to Walmart, Chick- fil- A and Sonic. However, what I had not really trusted was the peace in my heart as we left and headed back to Panama. It felt, well...... right.

I know that God has called us to serve in Panama City for this time in the life of our family. There is nothing sweeter than being in the center of God's will and knowing that you are being obedient to what He has called you to do. Not even Krispy Kreme donuts (which I ate A LOT) are as sweet as laying your head down and waking up knowing that God is working through your family for His good.

I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend in Georgia. We needed it and it recharged our batteries. I am also grateful that coming back to Panama felt like going home. I am grateful that there is room for two homes in my heart.

The Joy of Giving

Recently, I was insipred by what The Oaks church is doing this year to bring CHRISTmas to their community. You can read more about it here.

I decided that the Louderback family should join in on the fun! So, I made a version of the idea that fit well with our family and what we have going on. I thought you might enjoy seeing it and maybe even get inspired, like I did, to help your family celebrate in a giving way this year.

Praying your Christmas is filled with the joy of giving~

The Louderback Family

12 days of being a CHRISTmas blessing.

1. Saturday 11^th: Buy Christmas gifts for Marielle and her daughter

2. Sunday 12^th: Give water to the street vendors as we pass by

3. Monday 13^th : Go out of your way to open doors for friends, family and strangers

4. Tuesday 14^th : Give a teacher a Thank you/Merry Christmas note

5. Wednesday 15^th: Write a letter of encouragement to a soldier who will not be home this Christmas (get address from mom)

6. Thursday 16^th: Invite people to the Christmas program at church

7. Friday 17^th: Hand some spare change to a street vendor

8. Saturday 18^th: Send an online Christmas card to another MK in another part of the world

9. Sunday 19^th: Compliment people you see all day today

10. Monday 20^th: Hand out candy canes in the airport along the way

11. Tuesday 21^st: Put some change in the bell ringers bucket

12. Wednesday 22^nd: Think of a random act of kindness you can do for someone today just to bless them

Bocas Del Toro Family Get-Away

Trinity wrote her thoughts about our recent family get away. Enjoy!

9 hours and 2 boat rides from the bustling city of Panama sits a small island where the fastest means of transportation is a bike. The 9 hour drive is dotted with villages of the native Embera people. They live simply with no running water or electricity but an obvious love for colors and fresh fruits. Our small wooden boat arrives at the island of Bastimentos and we are welcomed by a group of local islanders. There are no roads on this island just winding walking paths to enjoy. One of our greeters makes some of the best fresh fish ever tasted. We are so humbled becuase while it seems that these people have so little, they share with the newcomers as if it is just a way of life for them. Our home for a few days is a cabin overlooking the ocean and we drift to sleep hearing Caribbean music being played throughout the town. We awake to the sound of the rooster. Our first morning has sprung on this beautiful island. We begin the day with fresh pineapple and strong coffee. Yet another boat is taken to a neighboring island and we explore the new grounds on bicycles. The streets are flooded with people who stand watching as the Children's parade sweeps through. This is the time of year they celebrate their Independence. Freedom is a beautiful gift. As we ride, we see new sights, smell new smells and are reminded that most people in the world do not live like we do. They live simpler. I would argue maybe even better. That night, we're back on our host island and fall fast asleep after a busy and full day. Early the next day, the soft rain is hitting the roof and we stumble out into the brisk, wet morning. A small covered boat arrives to take us on what proves to be an amazing adventure. The rain lightens even further as the small boat enters the realms of Dolphin Bay and the gentle creatures come up towards the surface of the calm water. We stare in amazement at the beautiful creatures God has created jumping within reach of our small boat. In time we bid our new friends farewell and travel farther towards a small restaurant out in the middle of the ocean. There, we dive and see all the beautiful sea life God has made with such creativity. The playful fish circle around our legs as we reach out, trying to touch them. All different shapes and sizes, every color of the rainbow. Later, the boat travels to a small opening in the forest trees. The old, careless dock stretches 5 minutes into the land and brings us to a beach covered in tiny red frogs. We spend a few hours there in the roaring waves. We dig in the soft sand searching for treasures. The tiny red frogs dance around the island as we play. God is so creative in his creating. That night the whole family lays in hammocks as we talk about the way that God has led us to this place. The bumpy roads, the turbulent boats all seem worth it. Life is a gift meant to be enjoyed. We are grateful for it.

Tuesday in Santa Fe

We had a full day in the hot Panama sun! A few weeks ago God opened the doors for us to work in an area here called Santa Fe. It is a family community with a large community center and several parks in the area. This morning, we prayer walked the area and were able to have some great conversations with some of the local families. The people were so friendly and we can see so much potential for house churches in this area. This afternoon we handed out fliers for an upcoming movie night we will host in the community in a few weeks. It was a very productive day.
The Thomasville team has 3 young men who have joined their parents to minister to the people of Panama this week. Caleb, Ben and Brady have been such assets to the team. The have been such troopers and worked so hard!

We asked each of them to share their favorite part about the day. Here are their thoughts. :)

"I really liked how people were so friendly when we talked to them. No one was ever rude to us. They always wanted to hear what we had to say. I also liked getting pulled over by the police." (that is a whole other story!) Brady-8th grade

"We got to talk to 4 girls who were my age in the park. They had lots of fun having their pictures taken and trying to say English words." Ben-7th grade

"I liked prayer walking the town and the school. We prayed that when the school is finished being built, the missionaries here would be able to go there and talk about Jesus with the kids." Caleb-5th grade

A new addition

We promised the kids that once we were settled, we would fulfill their heartfelt cries for a new furry friend. So, meet the newest member of our family:
Jericho

We think he is super cute and hope that he behaves well so that we can keep him around. :)

I Have The Wrong Couch

I mentioned in my previous post but in case you missed it, it is HOT in Panama? No really. I mean HOT! Tim says it is not that bad, but I disagree. I think it is HOT! In truth, we have adjusted pretty well to the heat and lack of AC. Our house sits up on a hill and so we get a rather nice breeze most days which is very helpful.
I could not possibly remember of all the fun things that have taken place over the past few weeks as we have set up our home. So, I will share a story which pretty much sums it up. We bought a couch and they were going to deliver it for us. A week passed, and then another. Finally, they arrived with a couch. The only problem is, it is not the one we bought. Nice. So, we have a couch although it is not the one that we want. They will be bringing that one back next week. Or the next or maybe even the next. Only time will tell. Really, we have had fun and lots of laughs (maybe just a few tears) setting up the house. It is feeling like a home and we love it. The kids have settled in amazingly well which is such an answer to prayer. They are ready for school to start so that they can make some friends but all in all, they are happy as can be.
Tim and I had 3 days of training last week and our first team meeting this week. We are ready to get busy! We really love the folks we work with here. We have already met some folks in the community that we hope to be able to work with in the future as well. God is already opening doors and we are so grateful. Would you pray that God will continue to bring Panamanians into our path that we can walk alongside and disciple?
Our visit with the Barwick family was just what the doctor ordered. Lots of laughing and catching up. Noah and Ben were stuck together like glue and it did all of our hearts good to just be together. They brought lots of fun goodies from our Thomasville friends. The kids felt like it was Christmas in July! Thank you for loving on our family through your generosity. You blessed us!

Noah, our 6th grade graduate

Congratulations to our 6th grade graduate! This past school year has been full of challenges for Noah. We are so proud of the way he has handled them, and of how hard he has worked this year. We have been beyond blessed to have teachers who have loved and encouraged our son!

Congratulations Noah!!! We love you!