As a team building exercise, we were split into three teams, and sent to the shops to buy bathroom cleaning tools. Then we were told to walk around the neighbourhood, knocking on people’s doors and asking to clean their bathroom. What an interesting challenge we had been given!
So off we went – AJ, Maura and I. I was surprised at how polite these Panamanians were compared to Australians! Most Aussies would close the door on you, say some not-to-be-repeated words, or not open the door in the first place! But these people, although rejecting our cleaning offer, were polite and even interested in what we were doing.
And so it was around 6 houses in, that we knocked on a door and an elderly Catholic woman answered. She ushered us in, sat us down and asked us what our story was. Her husband was also there, eyeing us off suspiciously. We told her that we were here to serve, in whatever way she needed. Although asking "Why" numerous times, she eventually agreed.
The lady showed us into a room which was a complete mess. She told us that she made floral arrangements for church, and that she hadn't cleaned everything up yet. So off we went! After almost cleaning the whole room, the lady came back - and her attitude towards us had changed. She brought us drinks and snacks, and then sat us down and told us we could stay as long as we wanted.
So here's the bit that I know God was apart of. The lady brought a picture of a man climbing Everest, and told us that it was her son, and today was the 7th anniversary of his death. What a hard day for her, but I totally believe we were there to bless her. "Someone sent you here today", she said, as we asked to pray for her. She asked us to continue to pray for her that she would feel peace. But the one thing she said to us before we left, was "Jesus came to my house today."
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
