On Monday morning, it was time to say goodbye to both our host families and Nutre Hogar. This was hardly an easy task, as both had become very much a part of our daily routine, sources of comfort in this home away from home.
While we awaited the bus, suitcases all lined up in the parking lot at Nutre Hogar, we spent our last moments with the babies, making sure to catch a few more hugs and pictures before setting our little ones down gently and boarding the bus. Seeing the staff members lined up in front of the building and waving us on left us feeling very appreciated for the work that we'd done over the past two weeks.
Our bus drove us on a three-hour journey from Santiago to Panama City, with a quick pit stop in Penonomé. With plenty of time to spare before our evening flight, we stopped for lunch and some shopping at Casco Viejo, the colonial vestiges of Panama City. We were surely in for a treat! We dined in the central plaza, ordering off of two different menus and taking time to share pictures from the trip. We then split up into a few smaller groups to tour the city and poke into some shops in hopes of last minute souvenirs. I would say that we were pretty successful! Along the way, it was hard to overlook the contrast of old and new, along with the sheer beauty of the colonial architecture. Although we probably could have spent another hour or so exploring the cobblestone streets, ice cream and coffee shops, and boutiques, we had a date with the airport that we were all anxious to keep!
By shortly after 4pm, we had boarded the bus and were on our way to Tocumen International Airport. Within a few hours, we were on our way to Chicago, arriving earlier than expected, just after midnight. By 1am, we had boarded our shuttle for the quiet and sleepy ride back to Milwaukee, where we were reunited with our just-as-sleepy loved ones.
Panama Service Project 2017, mission accomplished! We are happy for each moment that we had with the children at Nutre Hogar, with each other, and with our host families. While hardly an easy trip, we are better people for having made this journey together and for making a difference in the lives of the children that we served. Thank you for supporting us on this year's journey!
Final moments with the babies on "la terraza"
Group picture with some of the babies, which is never an easy task!
Waving goodbye to the beloved staff of Nutre Hogar
¡Hola, Casco Viejo!
Cobblestones and colonial architecture, with plenty of renovations left to do!
There was also an open-air market along the Boveda, or edge of the fort along the waterfront.
Megan was anxious to have her picture taken in front of this bilingual mural.
Taking advantage of a natural picture frame with Mira, Jordyn, Gerry, and Megan.