“I shared my story last year but the group of kids is always different so I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was not nervous. I was excited to see the kids because speaking in the classrooms was my favorite part of the trip.

Last year, one of the little girls at the second school really touched my heart because I gave her a bottle of water and she was extremely grateful for what didn’t seem like much to me.

The school we went to this morning was really great. When we walked into the classroom, the kids were vivacious and lively, shouting across the room and laughing. This one young boy’s laugh filled up the room. Once we started talking they were attentive and interested in what we had to say. Another young boy, Maurice, was fluent in English, and he along with a few other students understood us without the translator. It was a blast to interact with him and connect with the students. When we transitioned into testimonies and I began mine, I saw a student’s face light up; he intently listened the entire time and made a point of hushing other students. It was amazing to help water the seed that God had already planted. After the testimonies, all the kids wanted hugs and to take pictures. Even though we don’t speak the same language, our smiles reached each other. What a blessing it was to connect with these students on this level. I also really liked blessing the kids with the shoes that we brought. “

– Katelyn Dickson

Check out yesterday’s story here: Safely Arrived in Panama