Glass Expeditions

It's always an unsteady assimilation upon return from my international voyages to promote the gospel of education to our ever stretching relationship with Central America.You would think after 5 returns that you'd grow accustomed to the journey, but it's always cut brand new each time.Costa Rica: You are touristy, mixed indigenous. Shops, cafes, good ride surfs, traveler magnet, up all night. Caribbean cuisine, the beloved patty(empanada), casado, and seafood delight. Jungle bike paths, belching monkeys in the leaves, I'll remember you Puerto Viejo. Colones currency, don't forget 500 colones equals 1 US dollar. Kids rushing in barefoot to recite the phrase "Yo Soy," from our poetry lesson as their eyes glisten and glow when they get their backpack soon thereafter. Heat induced sweat beads blanket my body, freckles begin to surface. Pura Vida indeed.Panama: Rich, dark brown faces, water taxis, rice and beans, patacones(tostones), soursop smoothies, palm tree dances, tin houses, dirt roads, togetherness, soccer games in grass, hospitable, gracious, recycle conscious, ripe for change and support.What was in bold: heavy suitcases, strenuous travel, water boats, vans, freezing buses with roaches as passangers, mini planes, on foot patrol, taxis. Border cross from Haiti. Hostels, cabins, double rooms, one room, hotel room, never in one place too long.The highlights: Our Panama/Costa coordinator and my good friend gave her life to Jesus. All school supplies and books were distributed in 4 locations to include an orphanage, 2 cultural centers, and an elementary school. Hugs from our students, smiles and whispered "gracias." Sisterhood deepened, experiences photographed by camera and by etched memory. Political and educational figures acknowledged our work, in solidarity salute. God was glorified.The aftermath: Jetlag, exhaustion, culture shock, some disorientation, some sadness, some "what just happened?" sensations radiating through your soul. Some questions: did this really make an impact? All worth it? What next?Glass is clear. Expedition: a journey or voyage taken by a group of people. The journey made clear. We were in a Kyros moment. The universe and the Owner led us there, for that time, for those sacred moments.Margret Mead coined the phrase: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."We will just go with that...