Appendectomy and Panama!

This news is a bit on the dated side by now, but I'll relate the details, anyhow. On the 17th of February, Charlie woke-up sick. He first thought it was a virus, and with determination went to school. (Missing a day of school here is like missing a semester's worth of classes in college. Okay, I'm exaggerating a wee bit.)

Anyway, by the end of classes, Charlie was much worse, and wondered out loud whether or not he should go the the hospital. Charlie never wants to go to the doctor, so I began to worry. We went, the doctor ran a few tests, and Charlie was admitted to have an appendectomy that evening. WOW! The medical staff took good care of Charlie, and he came home two days later, minus a little piece of himself, but feeling much better.

Exactly one week later, we had to leave the country for three days, because we are here on tourist visas that last only 90 days. (We had tried to apply for student visas, but all our paperwork was lost or stolen between Miami and here.) There's a good chance there are people in the US walking around with our identities. If you happen to run in to anyone using our names, please be suspicious!

We decided to travel to Panama. The trip included a bus ride of seven hours, a washed out road that we had to traverse on foot. Since we don't have "walking on water" down pat, we all got wet, I obtained some new scrapes and bruises. Charlie, who was still recovering, carried both Scarlett and Mary-Esther across the water at the same time. I have a picture of that. After that unexpected adventure, we went through customs (out-of-doors), and crossed a treacherous bridge on foot with lots of missing planks and railings. We had made it to Panama! Then, after buying return tickets, we took a taxi to the Caribbean and then a 30 minute water taxi to our destination of Bocas del Toro.

Once there we had a good time snorkeling, scuba diving (for Charlie and Devon) (Yes, Devon has his scuba license now. Like father, like son), and playing on the beach. We got to eat on a boat, and actually have shrimp! (All the girls and I ordered shrimp) (Can you say, "like mother, like daughters?)

The way home was basically a reverse of the above without the treading through water bit. The biggest highlight of the way home was sitting right between the smelly bathroom that wasn't functioning and a mother and daughter, where the mother was picking lice out of her daughter's hair and flick them away indiscriminately! Doesn't that just make you itch all over? I was paranoid for a week.

Please believe me when I say I'm not complaining. Just stating the facts. We accomplished our goal, had some fun, and learned to appreciate the simple pleasures of home. What was that Paul said about learning to be content in every circumstance?

Love to you all, and enjoy all the simple moments of life,

Audrey