Adventure awaits! The world in its entirety has not been reached yet, by those bringing the Good News of the Gospel, nor by Me! There is very little "been there, done that" from me, as there is so much more to "be there, do it", yet! The opportunities are endless, and I am trying to cram as much as I can into that bucket of mine before I run out of years.
The opportunity to visit Panama came about a few months ago. I mulled it over for a short while and then registered! The trip fit my criteria: a trip with a purpose. Anchored with an International Cancer Care Nursing conference, the trip would allow me to learn, to grow, to experience a new Latin American country, and to explore health care and Christianity there. My faith and my profession are so intertwined, and so vital to my daily life. It gives me such joy to talk turkey, about my beliefs and my nursing, especially in my sophomoric Spanish to colleagues or residents.
So here I am in Panama City, Panama!
I am content at an inexpensive, aging, rather tacky local hotel called TerraNova. 
It is certainly a step up from some of the places I have called home on the mission field but certainly a long way from the sumptuous Hilton, where the conference will be held. But it is in walking distance to not only the Hilton. But to the sea, as well! 
The pool on the top floor is lovely and the view all around fron that vantage point is spectacular. 
The shower is hot, there is a large window that opens, the AC works, and the toilet flushes. There is a bedet, which I sprayed all over trying to flush..... You can drink the water here, but I don't, and you can put paper in the toilet, which I do... What more could a girl want?
The conference will be exciting. Even at my tender age, I find it exhilarating and necessary to continue to learn. The presentations are numerous, 16 per day to choose from, given by distinguished and prolific nurses who are educators, authors, and every day, work-in-the trenches nurses. Posters will be displayed with detailed and varied information and research on hundreds of topics. 
But I am truly enjoying meeting nurses from all over the world best. I already have met Kioko from Japan, Lucy from Australia. Donna and Liz from MD Anderson in Houston, and I forgot her name from Norway! 
What a world view. How can I expand my personal store of knowledge, while enhancing my work at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America? AND, learn techniques and resources for bringing not only basic health care, but cancer care to the mission field, especially in Chiapas. Mexico, certainly an unreached area in many ways.
Watch for more Panamian news tomorrow! Buenas Noches!
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