“There used to be more of us,” Milda said. “Many Wounaan have left to go and buy their own lands elsewhere.” She paused. “I’m glad that I stayed,” she added, looking at Lavern. “We both needed a friend.”
Lavern Pratt has been serving with Multiply in Panama for four years, working among the Wounaan indigenous people at Casa del Sembrador, a training center in Panama City. She went in obedience, and with a heart that resonated with the words of Jesus: “Love one another, as I have loved you.” Lavern wanted to show the love of God to this people group in real, tangible ways.
Despite previous years of ministry in Panama, Lavern knew that she would face challenges to building friendships among the Wounaan; differences in culture were significant, and the Wounaan are a private people. Lavern anticipated feeling lonely. “I had no real team to speak of,” she explained, “and the pandemic really messed up all our plans. I wasn’t even sure where I would live.”
But then, there was Milda.
The two had met many years ago, when Lavern and her family had lived in Panama. Now, both women had adult children, and no husbands. When they reconnected in 2020, Milda invited Lavern to take up residence at Casa del Sembrador, as the multi-room facility also offers lodging for mission teams. Milda had been living on site for over forty years, and acting as hostess for this ministry since 2018. It was her home; a home she now offered to share with Lavern, receiving her with gracious, albeit reserved, hospitality.
“I had not seen Lavern since 1988,” Milda said, “so I did not really know her anymore. But I wanted to be obedient to the Lord. As a widow, I have time and flexibility to serve in whatever way is needed.” Her obedience led to unexpected depths of affection for both women.
“Milda immediately took me under her wing,” Lavern shared, “and was very protective. We lived together for nine months—eating, laughing, crying, praying. We swapped recipes, life stories, heartaches and dreams. We became family to each other.”
Keruby, Milda’s daughter, described what she witnessed. “Their friendship came as a surprise,” she said. “Myself, I was uncomfortable. I did not know Lavern, or her culture. How could I read her body language? Why did she hug so much?”
Keruby was soon captivated by Lavern’s unique personality. “She seemed so serious,” Keruby recalled, “but then I found out that she was crazy funny! She has no fear—except of snakes. She drives too fast, stays up too late and talks to too many strangers. On very hot nights, we have sleepovers in her air-conditioned room. And she never says ‘no’ to me.” Keruby laughed. “I call her my extreme gramma!”
Lavern accepts the title modestly. “Really, we help each other. Keruby has been my translator, guide, navigator and adopted daughter. Sometimes she comes to me for advice; as the youngest board member of the MB conference of Panama, she faces a lot of challenges.”
Lavern acknowledges that most missionaries experience loneliness, and the friendship she is experiencing is to be treasured. “The bond between us is strong. I actually have withdrawal symptoms if I go more than a day without spending time with them!”
“Lavern makes us brave,” Milda said of her friend. “She has helped me process the grief of losing my husband. She inspires me! In our culture, you never go far from family. But here she is, far away from her own children, serving the Lord! Lavern shows me that the only way is forward; we do this together. We are family, and more than family. We will give each other whatever is needed, come what may.”
“I have no idea what the future holds for us, “Lavern admitted. “I just know that we both want to follow Jesus.”
“For now, here we are,” Milda nodded. “Side by side.”
