First Letter From Panama

This computer doesn't have an automatic timer so I´m not sure how much time I have to write. First I want to say I am SO relieved to see that Grandpa Babcock is doing better! What a miracle. It was terrifying to read that he was in a deep coma. What a blessing that he´s healing so well! I didn't want to take the time to read all of the letter since it´s coming to me in a Dear Elder but from what I read it looks like there´s been some opportunities to teach because of this experience.

My first day in my first area I was sick. I had a fever, two degrees higher than my normal, I was dizzy, and I was having stomach issues. We don´t have a telephone in our little house yet so we needed to find a phone so we could cancel our plans and contact the nurse. The nurse didn't answer but because we needed to use someone´s phone we got to talk to them and maybe something will come of that. We don´t always understand what the Lord has planned for us! Good things can come from what seems to be a tough situation. 

Another experience I had with this is when we were stuck in the Guatemala airport for 12 hours. Our flight was majorly delayed because the plane had a mechanical problem. I woke up at 1 in the morning because we had to leave the CCM at 3. We got to the airport about 4:00 AM. When we finally left the airport in the plane to Panama it was 4:30 PM. This was a tough situation but because of it we were able to talk to many people about the gospel! One of the members of our ward in Utah gave me some cards that have the Articles of Faith on one side and a number and FREE book! on the other. One of the people I talked to couldn't speak Spanish so we couldn't give her a Libro de Mormon so instead I gave her one of those cards! I was so grateful to have those! And I´m wondering how I can get more but I don´t remember who gave them to me and I have no idea who´s on the other end of the number on the card??

So we arrived in Panama pretty late, had dinner with the President and everyone, and then had a little devotional. I didn't really understand what was said in the devotional...there was a fan that was loud, I was tired, and the President was speaking in Spanish...didn't really work out too well for my mind.

It was dark when we arrived but one of the first things I noticed was the palm trees! I was so happy to see those! For some reason I had come to believe that the only trees in Panama were like trees in a jungle. How I love palm trees! It was so cool to see Panama City at night. It´s such a big city and there were lots of beautiful lights. I was surprised to see that there was water right by the city. I didn't get a chance to see the canal but what I saw was really amazing and beautiful. 

I found out who my trainer is in a church building right by the Panama Temple. There was a meeting only for the new people about finances, health, and other important things which I didn't understand because it was all in Spanish and people spoke fast or too quiet. Then the newbies were sent out of the room. When we went back about twenty minutes later the chapel was full of missionaries all standing up and singing "Called to Serve" in Spanish. It was really really cool to see that and to walk down the isle with missionaries standing and singing that song on either side of us newbies. A long meeting proceeded, followed by the announcements of who our trainers would be. When they called my name and the name of my "mom'" (trainer) nobody stood up to meet me. Later I found out that my trainer had no idea that she would be training! When she finally went up to hug me the president of this mission said "Merry Christmas" in Spanish. 

So later in a video that showed everyone's changes I found out that my trainer and I would be opening a new area. Why they sent a new norte that can speak Spanish but not really that well and can hardly understand anything into a new area I have no idea! 

So on the way to this area we talked to a man on the bus and because we talked to him he was more positive about the church and when his friend invited him to church he was extremely excited about it. That´s a short short way to tell that story but I´m starting to worry about time cause I have no idea how much I have left. 

So my trainer´s name is Hermana Molina and she´s from Ecuador. She speaks and understands English almost perfectly. This has been a blessing and a curse. It´s a blessing because she can help me understand exactly what´s going on, and it´s a curse because we have been having a hard time remembering to speak Spanish. We've set a new goal to only speak Spanish until we get back to the house at night. I have to say, Spanish was much easier in the CCM when people spoke slowly and loudly. Here people speak quietly and fast, they hardly even move their lips when they talk. 

The area that I´m in is Chitre. Apparently it´s one of the hottest parts of Panama. I haven´t gotten sunburned at all, which is really amazing because they confiscated my sunscreen at the Guatemala airport. Why I thought it would be a good idea to have a huge thing of sunscreen in my carry on I have no idea. 

Today was my first PDay. We (my zone) went to this river. It was beautiful. We took photos, talked, ate food, and just had a good time. 

I´m really excited to be here. 

This is really an interesting way to start my mission, opening a new area. The people here are absolutely amazing. So friendly and just wanting to help us in any way they can. 

Kind of a funny but embarrassing story..well I already have plenty of those, but the one that tops all so far...so a member was driving us home from the church on Sunday because we had just been given our area book, Books of Mormon, and a whole bunch of pamphlets...so he was talking really fast and I've learned to say "si" when I am asked a yes or no question or just a question in general. So he asked us a question really fast and I had no idea what he said but turns out "si" was the wrong answer. He stopped the car and got out and my companion started laughing really hard. I asked her what was going on and she said that he had asked if we wanted some hot dogs. So because I said yes he stopped to get us some hot dogs. My first week and I made someone break the Sabbath...when we go over to their house for dinner we have to explain what happened and talk about keeping the Sabbath day holy...not really sure how that´s going to go...

Alright so one thing that I need to mention is that I will only get letters once every two weeks and they won´t come this week so they´re coming next week. Also, since today was so busy and crazy I did not get a chance to write any letters so you won't be getting anything from me for a while so don´t be too anxious to hear from me. 

It´s really frustrating to not know what´s going on with everyone. 

Mom maybe you could forward me letters from others? I have an hour now that I´m in the field so I´ll have a little more time to read and respond to emails. As long as people keep them short I should be okay. 

I have five minutes left. 

Oh one other thing, you can email me photos!! Please do!!

I love all of you!! I hope I get your letters soon!! 

Love always, 

Hermana Hannah

[From Mom: Here is a map of Panama that shows the location of Chitre, pretty much in the middle of the map toward the bottom. From http://saints.sqpn.com/ncd06264.htm.]