We built this city on rock and roll.

I love this city.

I love this.

Ephraim and I just got back from spending a night away in the city.

We were blessed with willing friends to give us a night to get out and relax, just the two of us, while Sequoia stayed home and played with our neighbor girls upstairs.

God has been teaching me the importance in taking time to rest. Rejuvenate. Refill.     

Especially before a new season, new changes, new happenings.

Our destination of choice for our overnighter in the city, was this sweet, sweet town called Casco Viejo.  It's an old part of Panama city, very beautiful, very historical.  But also very run down.

On the very same street, you can walk into one of the fanciest hotels in Panama, eat delicious food at a resturant with a bill easily over $100 (for two), buy food or hand made gifts from a street vender, see some of the most run down, broken and dirtiest apartments imaginable and have a beautiful view of the ocean.  

I love this picture.  Because, it's so imperfect.  But, it's also so real.

Ephraim and I walked this magical place, late last night, in our best dress and slacks.  We walked down a broken cobble stone road, and watched little children play at the bottom of a broken, probably-in-disrepair staircase.  We passed by some of the most beautiful churches, and some of the dirtiest night clubs.  Why am I sharing this?  Because this is how I see God's kingdom.  We are this beautiful city.  

We are broken, but we are beautiful.  

Ephraim and I have been asked to lead the DTS that is starting this month.  

It's a Surf and Skate focused DTS, and honestly, who better to hang out and lead a group of skaters around central america than Ephraim...  We have been praying about it for a month.  

This was an incredibly hard decision.  Coming down here, we were completely devoted to the school.  Ephraim loved teaching and I just began to volunteer in the Kindergarten classroom.

When David (the base director) approached us about the DTS, we were ready to say no.  But after a lot of prayer, David, Ephraim and I strongly feel God is asking us to trust Him, again and believe He knows best for the Doulos school, for the DTS school, and for us as a family.

Today, Friday, the 5th, the Surf and Skate DTS started.  It's a 5 month long school, with 3 months lecture phase here in Panama, and 2 months outreach to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and El Salvador.  We will be partnering with the christian skate park here in our area, Christian Skaters and Christian Surfers as well as various other organizations to reach out to skaters in the area and hang out with some of the best surfers on some of the best beaches in central America.  And honestly, we couldn't be more thrilled.  Ephraim and I will be leading the only all male DTS ever held on this base.

and to quote Ephraim tonight at the huge inauguration dinner we had
"We honestly couldn't imagine God putting us in a better fit"

So here's to you God.  

To you being bigger.
To your plan.

Thank you for your support.  And please, continue to pray as we step into this new position of leadership.  As we seek God's heart for these students and as we seek God's heart for Panama.  

If you have any questions for us regarding the DTS please feel free to email us at ephraim.richardson@gmail.com

ALSO... there are still a few spots left for the Surf and Skate DTS.  If you are at all interested in being radically touched by God, and want to spend the next 5 months skating and surfing on some of the best beaches in the America's, let us know!