Isla Tigre (Tiger Island) sits just off the coast of Panama on the Atlantic side. Our trip to get to the island included a jet to Panama City, a taxi to the regional airport, a small plane with two propellers and finally, a dugout boat with a 15-horsepower engine. We arrived at around 8am to a small gathering of people, mostly children interested in seeing these foreigners. The island is about the size of two Wal-mart Supercenter parking lots.
The Kuna Yala Indians came to the islands hundreds of years ago from the mountains of Colombia. The people still speak their own language brought with them during their migration. They farm on nearby islands and the mainland and fish in the local waters surrounding the islands. A big chief oversees each inhabited island with several other leaders providing assistance. In order to go to Isla Tigre, our friend had to swing in a hammock near the big chief and sing the request to him.
We had a great time living the island-life during our time on this picturesque island. The people became friendlier as the days went by. At first, we were the foreigners but then, we became the friends. Each day, we were up with the sun and off to bed shortly after sunset. The main reason for these hours was the lack of electricity.
Shortly after our arrival, we were up and ready to go with our medical clinic. First up, the nurse examined 10 pregnant ladies and encouraged them that they were all doing well. Next, we saw the more critical cases. Thankfully, a list of people was created by Jeri before our arrival to make sure we saw all of the people who needed help. We saw over 160 families in the clinic and over 450 people.
In the afternoons, we provided a fun Kid's Club for over 200 children. We had games, songs, puppets, object lessons, crafts and time in prayer each day with the kids. On our second day (and each day after), we held hands with children as we walked from place to place on the island and greeted everyone with a "Bey Nuadei."
On our last night, we had the opportunity to share some time with the church. We sang together, shared testimonies and a short message from Psalms 23. The church was full from front to back with friendly people who sang and worshipped with all of their hearts.
The people's faces lit up when we presented them with some items brought for their use. We brought material and sewing kits to make molas, 2 laptop computers, 2 suitcases of children's ministry supplies, medications, vitamins and more. We are thankful for all of the thousands of dollars worth of donations provided by Americares, Hospitals of Hope, Evangel A/G in Wichita, KS, Central Presbyterian in Waxahachie, TX and many individuals.
The big question we got was "When can you come back?" We were told of other nearby islands could use a one day medical clinic and we could base out of Isla Tigre. We are praying about the right time to return to Isla Tigre.
