7/1/2011

The wind comes, the wind goes.

Dear friends and family,

Been a while since I've had the opportunity to catch everyone up....sorry for the lack of responses for those who have written. Been hard to find time to get online lately-- things have been a real whirlwind. Seems like just yesterday they told us we were halfway through training, and here I am today, 4 weeks later, sworn in and getting ready to begin my life as a volunteer.

Tuesday's the big day. The first day in site. I guess I should tell yall that my site has been changed. Reasons are complicated, especially when they come from the Peace Corps (or any other governmental agency), so I won't waste time trying to explain. But do know that I DO NOT LIVE IN CHIRIQUI, so don't send me anything at the address I gave you that is for David, Chiriqui. I won't get it. When I know my address I will send you yet another update....for now hold off on the sending. (And if you have already sent something, I regret to inform you that the postal service is pretty disappointing. Haven't gotten a damn thing, but someday, maybe, hopefully, it will arrive, and if and when it does, I will be SO happy).

I do, however, live somewhere. And that somewhere is in the Azuero peninsula, in the heart of the country, the cradle of culture. I will be serving in a very small, rural farming community in the province of Herrera near a town called Las Minas, up in the mountains (yayyy cool climate!). I don't know much about my community just yet, as the site change was abrupt. In fact, my supervisor is there today arranging for my arrival. (P.S. I just have to say that I am EXTREMELY lucky to have such an awesome Peace Corps team here in Panama. They are so wonderful and I am very well taken care of. Love them.) I wasn't thrilled about the change at first--it's hard to go somewhere, meet people, imagine yourself there, and then turn around and be told that in fact you're going somewhere entirely new and about which you know nothing. (Better now than in a year, though)...

So I have moved on. I'm opening my mind and heart again, preparing for the unknown again. I feel like this is good, though...I'm going where the wind blows me. I know that wherever I land I will be happy.

There have been 2 volunteers in my site previously. One was working in the environmental health sector building aqua ducts and compost latrines, and the other was an agricultural volunteer who left not very long ago. Not sure what exactly my role will be just yet, though I know there is an environmental group there that is working on cookstove construction and reforestation, and there is an elementary school. I'm excited to learn about cookstoves....down here they mostly use Lorena (clay) or eco justa (brick), so we will see what is going on in my community. It's all very exciting and mysterious at this point.... vamos a ver! I have a very good feeling about all of this. Eyes wide open.

Today and tomorrow we are on our first few days of vacation. Much needed, too, as we have been going nonstop. I think it's a strategy on the part of the Peace Corps to keep you from thinking too much. Stay busy! Go go go! (Though I anticipate this pace will dramatically change once we arrive in site....) Today I will be in the city checking out the old town and maybe a museum, maybe strolling along the boardwalk, hammock time, watching some birds----RELAXING mas que todo. ((The birds here are amazing, by the way! And while I'm at it....here are some other animals I've seen: coral snake, black squirrels, grey and cream squirrels, poison frogs, toads, wild/domestic cats, sloth, parrots, squirrel monkey, toucan, ducks, horses, cows, goats, chickens, doves, pericos, dogs, pigs, and more! I should be keeping a list of all this...)

What else can I say? things will be pretty different from here on out. I will try to stay in touch as much as possible, though it may not be as easy as it has been. I've been pretty spoiled so far as a trainee. I do want you all to know that I have a cell phone now, and despite no electricity, there is cell service in my community (i'll do my best to keep my phone charged via solar charger) It's quite expensive to call the united states, but it is FREE for me to receive calls, so please do call or send texts! My number is 00-507-6824-3481. If I don't answer, don't leave a voicemail....(I can't figure out how to check them). Just try again another time. (Also a word about texts--sometimes they arrive, and sometimes they don't. if you don't hear back from me it could be that I never got it.) But still call! I will be so happy to hear from you, even if for just a few minutes.

When I know a better address for ya'll I'll send out another email. For now, I'll say so long and see where this wind blows me next...

Much love to all of you. A million thanks for your emails, which I always read and enjoy. I miss you and keep you all in my heart.

Big hugs!