Of birthdays
November 3 was Panama’s 104th birthday and to celebrate, we all got a 4-day weekend. Nov. 3 is their Independence Day (from Colombia, in 1903) and Nov. 4 is Flag Day. In honor of that, Chaz and Helga climbed up Ancon Hill (”Cerro Ancon”), a mountain near the city and canal which houses the Canal Administration building. At the top of the hill, after a gentle climb of about 25 minutes, one is rewarded with a gorgeous view of the canal and surrounding area. Above it all flies the proud Panamanian flag.
A view down the canal toward the Atlantic side. You can see 2 locks and one of the bridges spanning the Canal.
Go to our photo gallery (see link at right) to 2007 “Trip up Cerro Ancon” to see more pictures of this beautiful country.
November 6 was Danny’s 17th birthday. Here is one of his first pictures:
With big sister Kirsten and Uncle George and Aunt Mary Huttar
And here he is now:
He is very busy these days, with school and youth group activities, along with college applications. He (and we) would appreciate your prayers as he seeks God’s will for where to go after graduating in June. He will soon be starting training for participation in the annual Ocen-to-Ocean Cayuco Race through the Panama Canal. He and 3 other young men will be paddling a 3-day race through the canal. This is a great physical challenge, as you can imagine, and brings a great deal of excitement and satisfaction. Their boat is called “Ultimate Most”. See the link at right for more information on this race, under “Other interesting links”.