STRI Panama - June 21

Clockwise from top left: The nun in charge of the farm welcomes our group; Some of the flowers on the farm, Jack Scanlon '14 entertains the group at night with his poi skills; a horse on the farm.

Tuesday night after the orphanage visit, our group made the trek to the countryside to stay at the Malambo Farm. This simple but beautiful location serves as a retreat center for the children of the orphanage, to give them a chance to be out of the city and experience some of the natural beauty of their country.

Cape Henry students help out on the farm.  Clockwise from top left: Raúl from Brader School and Tyler Chub '14; Greer Lowenstein '15; Meredith Jennings '15; John Napolitano '14

As part of our group's goal to serve the Malambo organization, we worked on Wednesday doing landscaping and gardening work on the farm. During the rest of the day and evening, students were able to relax and enjoy nature while reflecting on the many unforgettable experiences they have had so far on the trip.

More yardwork on the farm.  Clockwise from top left: Collin Smith '14; Hayley Greason '14; Kevin Cunningham '14; Jessie Wallace '14

Thursday, we traveled from the farm back into Panama City, arriving mid-morning at Colegio Brader, our partner school. Cape Henry students had been matched up with Brader School host families, and each one finally had the chance to meet the Panamanian student with whom they would be staying.

Cape Henry students arrive at at our partner school, Colegio Brader. Clockwise from top left: Jordan Davis '14 and Ethan Crawley '14 talk to their student hosts; Jack Scanlon '14 gets a hug from his surrogate mother Mrs. Johnson before heading off to his homestay; Raúl Arenas (Brader '13) shakes hands with John Napolitano '14; Collin "The Legend of Conky" Smith '14 enjoys conversing with Panamanian students.

The Cape Henry and Brader students seemed to bond instantly and had a great first day together.  CHC students visited Brader classes and spent the afternoon and evening engaged in various activities with their host students and families.

CHC students meet their Brader hosts.  Clockwise from top left: Hlif Olafsdottir '14; Madi Praver '15 and Brooke Castleberry '15; Madison Land '15; Alex Ghenea '14 and John Napolitano '14; Isabel González (Brader '13) and Teacher Ileana work together to make sure all the details are perfect for the homestays.

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Look for a final update tomorrow (Saturday) before we fly out Sunday morning and arrive home to Norfolk late Sunday afternoon.  ¡Hasta pronto!