Rubbing Elbows with the Locals

Okay, like promised here is our first encounter of a Panamanian culture! Cool, right? I have to admit that no matter where you go in the world kids and games are pretty universal.

First Arrival

Hey Guys, its been only a short week but I have a few videos. My first one will just show a little of my flight, landing and first views of Panama. And the post after this will have our first site visit to a rural latino community that could only be reached by canoe. Unfortunately I dont' have the time or internet connection I'd like to have to explain more, but do take a peek. One day I'll be more explicit!

Adios

My Life Before Peace Corps

Check out my latest video documenting my life right before leaving for Peace Corps. I hope to put up as much video like this as I can. Enjoy!

(If you can't see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P599Hu3zV6o&feature=player_embedded)

Sleepless nights. Much to do. Less than two weeks.

I examined my cross off calendar a couple days ago, and instead of willy-nilly crossing off past days or weeks, I beheld two single weeks left before I take off for Peace Corps.

The phrase, "What the?!" probably best captures my current sentiments.

In any way, shape or form, I do not regret this choice nor hesitate going into this commitment I've made however it doesn't exclude the fact that I really will miss my family. It isn't so much the "unknown" that scares me. The "unknown" is life, the sooner you figure that out, the more life will make sense. It isn't so much the packing, if anything, packing keeps my mind on something "to do", something that is being productive.
What concerns me most and what causes me a little emotional grief is my leaving behind a wonderful life. Through these past months, living at home with family, carrying out everyday in my little life, I realized that I am probably one of the luckiest people in the world. It seems that a major goal for most of my peers is to not just to find a successful full time job, but rather, to get out of the home, "I can't live with my parents, I would go mad". It may be a rightful claim for some to make, but I am not like them. I truly enjoy my immediate family, my parents, eight siblings, my grandma and at last our puppy, Bruce :)
Its when you start to fret, do you have to take a step back to look at that "bigger picture". We all have our distinctive calling in life, one as unique and imperative as the next. I take solace in the fact that I'm not leaving behind a wonderful life, but bringing all those things that have caused me happiness with me to Panama. I think of all the people who haven't experienced a happy life and it resets my focus. Perhaps, while I am learning much about life from the Panamanians I will come into contact with, I can share this kindness and support that has been undeservedly showered on me to those who need it most.

Calm before the storm

Like many others, I'm not sure how many people read this, or if anyone reads blogs in general. Its fair to say that blogs serve their authors more than anyone else. A nice way to journal, express, document and communicate all keeping in mind that perhaps a family member, friends, aquaintence or even a wandering reader might stumble upon one's work.

Well, I turned 23 today. Got to love the twenties, its like living in a maturity limbo, too old to be a kid and not old looking enough to be taken seriously. I wouldn't have it any other way. I realized with my parents today that my next birthday to be celebrated at home won't be until my 26th birthday!

April 20th is creeping up on me and I haven't heard from the Peace Corps considering anything, I'm sort of getting anxious to call them and see whats up, as I am waiting to recieve my plane tickets to staging. I'm starting to gather my packing material, but nothing too serious yet. Hopefully by the end of today I will have a new camera fit for travel and lack of electricity.

The video I'm including in this post is a test to see how video will work, apparently my shutterfly account only can hold 10 videos max, and well, i'm not payin for the premium, sorry. So we will see how helpful shutterfly and/or blogspot will be.

What you don't anticipate and what you come to realize

I have to admit that I do appreciate the time I have between receiving my assignment to the actual departure, its given me time to let things sink in, read. work and put other things into perspective.

I'm not sure how other Peace Corps volunteers have felt in the past, but at times I feel a little out of place sharing with people that, "I'll be off to the Peace Corps in April". I suppose I've always had my own stigmas of the Peace Corps in the past but its ironic to now confront the reactions and comments other people have. Some of which you don't anticipate. Good, bad and random.

Also once you realize how many other Peace Corps blogs that are out there, you start to get a little dizzy!

You Can't Control the Wind but you can Adjust the Sails

As my sister and the financial aid counselor discussed payment plan options, I took a mental vacation staring at a photograph on a nearby wall...

Colorful sail boats under a brilliant sun and of course an accompanying inspirational quote:

"You can't control the wind but you can adjust the sails".

Inspirational quotes always seem to do a better job at making the simple sound sensuous.

Despite being one to poke fun at anything remotely "corny", this particular quote struck me as very appropriate.

"I can see you being placed in Africa somewhere, possibly along the west coast" said a peace corp recruiter at a student fair on Marquette's campus.

"Eastern Europe seems to be a great fit for you" said my peace corp interviewer.

"I'm open to whatever you think best... however to be honest..." And thanks to this honesty my sail was able to catch a wind heading straight south!