1 year

I am really bad at doing blogs.

In my defense the ‘a’ key on my keyboard doesn’t work.

With that said, let me catch you up to speed on my service so far.

We just hit the 1 year mark for Peace Corps, and as I write this there is a naked toddler screaming next to me. I think he’s just congratulating us on a wonderful first year. Thank YOU baby.

For those of you who don’t know, I no longer live in the community of Teobroma. I truly did love the lifestyle of bucket showering in the dark, pushing kids out of the way to be the first one in line for duros at recess, pooping into half dug holes and just overall Viviring mi Vida. But as it turns out, just because you can live that far removed from the amenities does not mean that you aren’t still just a…um…stone’s throw away from your neighbors. In all seriousness I am incredibly grateful for the 8 months I lived and learned in the gorgeous province of Bocas Del Toro. Most of all I miss my friends and family that are still there.

Me, Red Velvet, Kimbo, and SZN

Teachin some E

The White Giant

Choli

Other things I have done during these summer months:

-          I was a camp counselor/Youth facilitator for the annual gad camp. It was a week-long blast with kids from all over the western half of Panama learning about life-planning, health, and sexual development.

Our team "the red stars"

-          I helped Keara with her English camp. I made a total fool of myself but don’t worry because the kids are now fluent in English.

-          My family came to visit. This was probably the best time I had all summer, being able to share this adventure with them.

-          Right before school ended I had a recycle day event at the primary school in my new site. Students from the high school went to the elementary school and educated the kiddos about the benefits of recycling. My friends Ben and Maria came to help me facilitate and it was a great day.

a recycle fan

and right before december I went hiking with Ben and his buddy in the comarca, and then we had Thanksgiving (all 250 volunteers) up in the mountains. It was a blast.

the bocas crew

the Veraguas group

 That's it for now.