2 Retire In Panama? NEWSLETTER 
April 26, 2021 Volume 31
Last week...
...I shared a beautiful picture taken by my friend Norma. She and her husband are moving back to the states, and that spurred questions as to why they were leaving Panama. I asked Norma to share their reasons for the return and this is her response.
Frank and I have absolutely loved our time in Panama and have called the black sand beaches of Gorgona home for our entire tenure here. The beauty of the sun shining on the black sand is something to behold! We have awakened to the sound of the surf every morning and looked out on that indescribably majestic ocean daily, even while being able to enjoy the mountain view to the back of us. We have met people from literally all over the world and formed fast friendships. We have helped to build a wonderful church here. We have travelled all over this amazing isthmus and seen the diversity of the country. We have savored the fruits, the fish, and the flowers.
Why would we want to leave? Blame it on the Pandemic! Seriously. The Pandemic brought home to us just how far away we could be from our children if airports and airlines were shut down again. Of course, during that time, even driving was totally unfeasible. It made us take serious stock and decide what was most important to us: When it comes right down to it, being able to get to our kids and family is the most important thing for us and so we go.
I believe that most of the people who have lived in Panama for a time and return to the US are doing it for reasons of family. This is our turn to become part of that number.
It goes without saying that we will miss Panama sorely and all of the wonderful friends we have made here, but it is time for us to go.
I hope that clears up the questions from last week.
I am excited...
...to be having an interview with Gerry D on the Breakfast Show at Cool FM 89.3 May the 5th. The station is at www.pbcpanama.com. For those of you with Cable Onda, the station broadcasts in real time at channel 866. Gerry's show is in English Monday to Friday from 6am-10am. I am scheduled for 9:30 central time. I hope you will put it on your calendar. Gerry's listeners tune in from all over the world by the LISTEN LIVE button on the website. The following day (May 6th), I have been invited to do a book signing at Gold Coast Brewery here in Coronado, Panama. The pub will be offering drink and appetizer specials during the signing, which will be 1pm to 5pm. I will have books available for $12 which includes shipping to Panama. Please plan to stop by and visit with Jen and I, get a book signed, and enjoy some great specials in one of our favorite Coronado restaurants.
Coronado Bible Church...
...will continue to have in person Sunday services at 8:30am and 10:30am as we move forward in the new normal. The health protocols will be in place at the church, and everyone is asked to register in advance for the worship services. The registration link will give times and describe the health protocols and what must be done by attendees who intend to be with us in person. Join us in person, by YouTube, or on Facebook.
As things open up...
...more and more we are finding our social calender getting tighter and tighter. We continue to have our weekly lunch and dominoes which we all agree helped us through the worse of the lockdowns. We bucked the system and never failed to get together with these marvelous friends in spite of restrictions. These people are part of our bubble.
Our club has been offering some great opportunities for fun. Friday night we gathered in the Sports Bar for karaoke. The crowd was small for the first time but all in attendance had a great time.
On Saturday night we had a group of 16 people join us poolside for a great B-B-Q. The food was awesome, and a great time was had by all. Due to MINSA requirements we were seated at 3 separate tables to meet social distancing requirements.
On Sunday afternoon...
...The Word of Life Camp invited the Coronado Bible Church family and friends for a picnic at the camp. Jen and I have volunteered at the camp in years past and looked forward to the event. Many from the church had never been out there so it was a great opportunity to see the camp, meet the staff, and enjoy a great Panamanian meal. The experience was capped off with a campfire in the early evening. The camp has been doing mission work and training missionaries (some virtually) during the COVID shutdown. It is winter season in Panama now and the government is trying to get schools reopened. The camp is hopeful that by the end of the school year they will once again be able to host children to learn about the love of Jesus and spend some time in a summer camp experience. The camp is a mission that Jen and I feel strongly about supporting. If you are so inclined, click on the link to make a donation and support the camp. Many Panamanian children would never get this opportunity if not for the loving support of donations from around the world.
This week's fan photo...
...comes from the book signing that I did with Diane Maxwell last Tuesday at Picasso. Another friend and fellow author dropped by to get her copies of our books signed. Jo Anne Cushman Burrill writes the popular children's books Granny Mouse Ears and Granny's Trilogy.
I am running out of original fan photos, so if you are willing, and can share a fan photo with me it would be greatly appreciated. It will appear in an upcoming newsletter.
It would also mean a lot to me if those of you who haven't, would go to Amazon or Goodreads and leave a review. This makes my book easier for people to find.
You can get a copy of my book by clicking the link here, or the link on the blog. It is exclusively available on Amazon or Kindle. Kindle Unlimited subscribers read it free.
Blessings from paradise,
Greg
