Greetings from Panama

Dear Family,

We have had a fun morning for our P day. We walked around old Panama city and looked around some ruins. I will have to send you some pictures. There are a lot of historical sites in downtown panama city. We visited some art galleries, and I talked with some German tourists that spoke English. It is amazing to see so much history on one street and then walk down two blocks and see modern skyscrapers.

We have been receiving a ton of rain. Ironically, we have been without running water in the house for the last three days. We finally got it back last night so we were able to shower again. I have been doing everything else out of a water bottle I have, such as brushing teeth. It was not really a big deal looking back on it, but it was a little uncomfortable to go to bed sticky and I am sure I smelled really bad.

We have been having a lot of success here. The people we contact during the day are very friendly rarely reject us completely. We are teaching la familia martinez among others right now. We are worried about her because she found a hard lump in one of her breasts. We are hoping it is not cancerous. They have a really cute baby and are progressing nicely. The biggest problem in Panama and probably in Central America in general, is getting people married. The process is complicated and it is relatively expensive for humble families. Right now we are teaching about five families and find more every day. Unfortunately, none of our investigators came to church because of the water problems. No one could bathe.

Church was really interesting. We sang in the choir because my companion said they need people that can sing on tune! We will permanently be in it every Sunday now. Mom, I have been dreading the day I would have to say this, but it appears my talents with the piano will soon be called upon. We have a keyboard in our house, so I have been practicing to play. Not many people here know how to play the piano. In Elders Quorum we talked about staying away from some of the false practices we have in the church. He told a story about a ward somewhere that would only ordain boys facing the temple. President Monson visited and turned the chair the other way to make a point. I really like the bishop in our ward. He has been giving me a lot of encouragement. He told me a story about a general authority that was given difficult Hawaiian names in the temple to pronounce. He said he tried his best and everything was fine because the Lord knew he was trying too.

There are two schools in our area. All of the children wear uniforms. Sometimes when we are teaching, we will have the children read if the parents cannot. The schools are simply concrete shells with no doors or windows. The schools teach the children a little English as well. They like to practice a few simple phrases on us as we are walking by like how are you and what is your name.

There are about 200 missionaries in Panama.

Christmas is huge down here. There are nativities everywhere and many families decorate their houses with lights. I have seen many creative Christmas trees made out of Sprite bottles or one made out of green plastic wrap. I saw one of the biggest nativities I have ever seen in Panama City.

Internet is a dollar an hour here, so it is a pretty good deal. Most of the people in here are either playing World of Warcraft or are on facebook. Interestingly, there are signs posted everywhere that warn people not to look at pornography. I can imagine how bad that could be.

Thank you for your letters. Morgan sent some cute pictures printed onto a page. Mom and Dad, I have plenty of time to read your emails. If the dear elder pouch service is costing anything just know I can access your letters either way. We have to wait until P day to get your mail anyway.

I love you,

Elder Whiting