First, I would like to apologize for the lack of the entries
the past few months. There have been quite a few changes for me here in Panama.
I have received a site change, a rare but possible occurrence in Peace Corps
policy. In Peace Corps terms a site change is the replacement of a volunteer
from one post to another due to medical, security or work related issues. But a
site change for me means new friends, new culture, new work, new house and a
new life. Thankfully, I have had very few medical and security issues during my
service in Bocas del Toro, but Peace Corps agreed to move me for the lack of
cooperation in my community.
In previous posts I have described some of the challenges I have faced and while I can describe for pages everything terrible that has happened or why they happened (working with an indigenous community, being a woman, community dynamics, education level, poverty level, ect) I would like to use this post to focus on the positives. While leaving the relationships that I have built in Santa Marta was one of the hardest things I have ever done, I know I have made the right to decision and will continue to do what I came to do and share my life with the people of Panama.
I now live in the community of La Mina, located in the province of Coclé. I am much closer to Panama City (unfortunately this means no more trips to Costa Rica) and live in a Latino community. The previous volunteer was in my training group but had to leave her service early. However, the community worked and collaborated with her. In the first year they built 30 ecological stoves and started a recycling program in the school. When she had to leave, Peace Corps saw that La Mina really deserved a volunteer so confidently placed me here. I have been in the community for 3 weeks and absolutely love it. Residents have been heartfelt, welcoming, generous ..everything I could have ever asked for. The teachers in the elementary school have opened their doors and I am helping with conservation education. I also have already formed connections with ANAM (the Panamanian environmental agency) and we have made solid plans to continue working in eco-stoves (I plan to explain eco stoves in another post, stay tuned).
I am blessed and honored to be serving the next year of my life in La Mina. Thank you to all who have supported me through this decision and this hell of a road we call life.
Fun basic info of La Mina (warning: graphic details):
In previous posts I have described some of the challenges I have faced and while I can describe for pages everything terrible that has happened or why they happened (working with an indigenous community, being a woman, community dynamics, education level, poverty level, ect) I would like to use this post to focus on the positives. While leaving the relationships that I have built in Santa Marta was one of the hardest things I have ever done, I know I have made the right to decision and will continue to do what I came to do and share my life with the people of Panama.
I now live in the community of La Mina, located in the province of Coclé. I am much closer to Panama City (unfortunately this means no more trips to Costa Rica) and live in a Latino community. The previous volunteer was in my training group but had to leave her service early. However, the community worked and collaborated with her. In the first year they built 30 ecological stoves and started a recycling program in the school. When she had to leave, Peace Corps saw that La Mina really deserved a volunteer so confidently placed me here. I have been in the community for 3 weeks and absolutely love it. Residents have been heartfelt, welcoming, generous ..everything I could have ever asked for. The teachers in the elementary school have opened their doors and I am helping with conservation education. I also have already formed connections with ANAM (the Panamanian environmental agency) and we have made solid plans to continue working in eco-stoves (I plan to explain eco stoves in another post, stay tuned).
I am blessed and honored to be serving the next year of my life in La Mina. Thank you to all who have supported me through this decision and this hell of a road we call life.
Fun basic info of La Mina (warning: graphic details):
Potable water! No more tapeworms in my tummy
Latrines! No more pooping in a bucket and making compost
Still do not have electricity but there is current governmental work to install it
No cell service L But don’t worry I will climb my hill for 20 minutes to talk to y´all!
New mailing address! Please refer to the Contact information tab
Population: 150, Students in elementary school: 18
Religion: Catholic
Common salary: Sale of oranges, avocados, mangos, coffee and other agricultural goods (yes I do eat all of these fruits almost daily)
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| The road that leads to La Mina |
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| My new house |
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| Trips to the river |
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| My new friends love to fish |
