 PANAMA JOURNALS
Photography by Steve Wallstrom
Journals by James Mallory
Not Really Central America
Though officially included with the 6 other countries that comprise Central America, few Panamanians will admit this technicality. For this cosmopolitan country, most prefer either South America or no designation at all. The feelings are understandable considering the drastic differences with its neighbors. Even Costa Rica appears rough by the standards upheld by the thin strip of land to the south.
With 6 countries under our belt Panama receives the highest ratings for a return trip to Central America. Though Costa Rica's natural beauty is well renowned, the archaic and downright sketchy roads demote the ranking to a respectable second. Panama on the other hand comes with perfect highways and an unspoiled beauty that has gone largely unnoticed under the trendy shadow of Costa Rica.
Nearly every modern aspect of this country can be attributed to a single, but highly valuable feature, the Panama Canal. From the towering skyscrapers of the capital to one of the cleanest water supplies in the hemisphere, this marvel of achievement catapulted Panama into the world economy. Freeways with actual on-ramps and exits, crazy. And the thrill of drinking straight from the faucet did not go unappreciated. It is from this shock of modern culture that we packaged up our bikes and warily shipped them to Ecuador. It will feel great to finally reach the southern continent, both psychologically and for the cooler temperatures that are sure to greet us.
-JM
Future Opportunities
As some of you may know, BWOB potentially will be partnering with CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association) in the future. This could include organizing and leading trips for them throughout Latin America. Currently CMA is involved with a program that donates motorcycles to local pastors and missionaries. With 90,000 members the union with CMA could provide longevity and opportunities far beyond the humble beginnings of BWOB.
More news. Over the last two months Steve and I have corresponded with a fellow motorcyclist with a desire to become involved with BWOB. Already the efforts of Phillip and his wife Cathy have provided much needed assistance, especially in pioneering new relationships with stateside organizations. As BWOB's North American Coordinator, Phillip will organize events, seek out new partnerships, seek new recruits, and many other avenues. With 20+ years as an Operations Master Sergeant with the US Army this role should fit him quite well.
In two years Phillip and Cathy will ride dual-sport motorcycles around the world following a similar goal as ours. Thus they will 'carry the torch' of BWOB beyond our 7 month trip, bringing the organization to a much broader level. The Christian faith exemplified through Phillip and Cathy has inspired and challenged us to explore new paths well beyond our initial goals.
-JM
YWAM
Searching the internet for service opportunities in Panama we stumbled across Youth With A Mission's (YWAM) website. A huge international organization with 800 locations in 135 countries, they serve both as a training center for aspiring missionaries and an outreach to the local community. Over the phone I had the joy of once again trying to explain our trip in a 30 seconds or less. "You're riding motorcycles a long ways and doing what?" Which is usually followed by either restrained laughter or an awkward silence.
Either way people are usually quite accommodating to our rather unique phone calls. So with some rudimentary directions we once again struck out into the random unknown. Fortunately, open arms greeted us once again as we rolled our tired motorcycles up the steep driveway. Located 30 minutes north of Panama City the base is used for a wide variety of volunteer and outreach projects, from inner-city orphanages to deep jungle treks. Construction projects both on the base and within the community are also possible.
Teams are usually encouraged to split their trip, usually 10-14 days, among two contrasting options. Some may connect quite well with inner-city youth but shiver at the thought of a 5 day jungle trek. One of the primary goals of these trips is simply to expose people to longer term opportunities. Few people will just up and move to another country without first getting a taste through short term missions. Also someone is much more likely to support, for example a medical clinic, if they've interacted with the beneficiaries of the project.
YWAM in Panama is also one of the most affordable international mission trips we've run across. With high costs figuring as a significant barrier for most people, it is encouraging to find such economical opportunities. Even the most ragtag group of college kids could put together enough for a 10 day trip.
-JM
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