Community: a unified body of individuals, an interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location
We love our hometown in Georgia. We truly felt like we were a part of a rare and wonderful community. In fact, it is one of the things we have missed most being overseas; a sense of knowing and belonging to a group of people that we “did life with.”
We have been in Panama for just over 6 months now and are starting to feel that welcome feeling of community. God has been so gracious to provide for our family in so many ways. We have an amazing team of people that we work with. We each have our own strengths, and God has fit us together so well to serve and bring Him glory!
I cannot say enough about the school that our children are able to attend. They have welcomed our family and we feel so at home there. Also, many things are offered for the kids to enjoy. Noah is on a soccer team, Trinity is taking guitar lessons and singing in the praise team. Gracie Lynn is learning Panamanian typical dance. It is complete with the beautiful dresses that they wear, which is of great importance to her fashion sense. The kindergarten teacher has made sweet shy Eden her little helper, and really made her feel comfortable in her class. We are just overwhelmed with the goodness of our new life! God has provided all we need and more!
We are starting to build relationships with the Nationals. While relationship building takes time, we can already feel our hearts bonding with several Panamanian families that we have come into contact with.
We still miss our old community, a lot! However, it sure is nice to have that welcome feeling of being a part of a community of people that we can “do life” with again. Even if that community is a long way from where our hearts call home.
Praying that your family feels the comfort of community, wherever His path has taken you.
By Tina, Lyrics of Life
Leave a Comment
ClassiclyAmber says
That’s awesome. I believe in the importance of community, too…We weren’t meant to walk this life alone. We will be moving – and if it’s very far from here – it makes me kinda antsy about finding community in the new place where we’d be. But it is definitely that important…even if you have to lead the way in starting it yourself. =-)
Amy Ratzlaff says
So happy to read your blog!! 🙂 It amazes me how God takes care of all the little things in such a great way. It shouldn’t I know, but I guess the amazement comes from the wonder that He should care at all.
Holley Gerth says
Yes, community makes all the difference. It’s not good for man to be alone–or woman either! 🙂
Living the Balanced Life says
Community is so important. Awesome that God is looking out for you!
I am from GA too!
Bernice
Would starting a business help your work/life balance?
Leigh Brwick says
So proud of you!! You have jumped head first right into this new community and you are doing great. Panama is a great place and I can’t wait to see how God continues to use the Louderbacks there.
Love you friend,
Leigh
Deidra says
So glad you’ve found community – right where you are!
Abby says
I needed to be reminded of this as we prepare to move overseas and leave a community we love and are so incredibly blessed by…thanks for your timely words. He really does take care of our every need:-)
Katie @ Imperfect People says
http://www.sortacrunchy.net has been talking alot about this latley. I sometimes envy my friends with grandparents in town but we are very blessed with church family who are such a community.