A Chance at Life: Panama, Fall 2009
Posted Jan 07 in Trip Recaps by 0 Comments
This article is a Trip Recap. Each time a World Next Door journalist returns from an “assignment,” we attempt to take a snapshot of our experience for you to read. Each of the links below will take you to the articles we wrote while “embedded” with our host organization.
To read our previous trip recaps, click here.
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From November 10 to December 10, 2009, I had the opportunity to embed with Dead Wheat International Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering the impoverished and malnourished Ngöbe tribe in central Panama.
A Ngöbe girl we met in the mountains...
My trip started with the surprising realization of just how much disparity there is in Panama. While many in Panama City live extravagant lives, many others in the rural regions are starving. It was among the latter that I spent most of my time.
My host Bernardo and his wife Nidia.
One of the coolest things I got to do was to live in the village of Llano Ñopo with a family of farmers. They graciously allowed me to sleep in one of their huts, to eat meals with them and even to go with them to harvest rice! I learned a ton from that experience.
But my learning didn’t stop there. I learned about the effects of deforestation on their community, I learned about the patience the Ngöbe are known for and even learned a few helpful tips and tricks about how to survive the jungle (although I wouldn’t trust that article if I were you)!
By far the most intense experience during my month in Panama was the two day hike we went on deep into the mountains. I have never been so exhausted in my life! It’s a good thing my perspective on comfort has begun to change…
A view from one of the many hills we climbed in the countryside. (click the image to see the full size Panorama)
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In the end, I was extremely grateful for my time with Dead Wheat. I got to see firsthand the work they are doing to help impoverished farmers develop sustainable agriculture. I learned about the terrible effects of indoor air pollution but saw hope in an ingenious solution. Finally, I witnessed the powerful effects of a few committed individuals willing to work tirelessly to bring clean water to a remote village.
The trip may have been exhausting. I may have come back with a billion bug bites. But I know now that I saw the Kingdom of God at work in some powerful new ways, and I wouldn’t trade that knowledge for anything.
Thank you, Dead Wheat! And may you continue to see fruit in your ministry…
Barry Rodriguez
About the Author: Barry Rodriguez is the director of World Next Door. He is a writer, photographer, actor and teacher with a heart for social justice and a passion for travel. Well then. It’s a good thing he’s got this job!
