One of the most significant things I have learned through moving to Panama has been the deep need we have for other people.  The desire and necessity to have people who are a part of our lives. Who know us, who love us, who do life with us.

I knew moving would bring a lot of transitions.  Life in Panama is different than life in Pennsylvania.  And to be honest, before moving I thought I would miss places and things.  As many of you know we got rid of A LOT and I thought I would miss that stuff, but I don’t. I thought I would miss some of my favorite places and restaurants and although there are times I miss a few of my favorite restaurants (like my all-time favorite Mexican place-shutout to Cancan in Langhorne, PA) I realize it’s not the places or things that I miss, but the people I shared those things and places with.

On the flip-side, living in Panama offers us the opportunity to visit incredible beaches, hike on amazing trails and explore new places, but those places wouldn’t be as great if I didn’t get to share the experiences with others.

Moving has provided me the opportunity to see just how crucial relationships are and how they give meaning to life.  Though I have had lonely times it’s been a person who has helped me find my way out of that place. In some ways it’s like I am discovering this incredible gift of community and relationships in a whole new way. I am sure if you think back to some of life’s most memorable times, they are memorable for who you were with not where you were or what you had.

A question I keep coming back to is: am I living like the people around me matter? It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day ( I know, because I have been there), but ultimately I truly believe where we go and what we do means nothing without the people we have.  How are you building into those who are important to you?