A Lot Tougher Than It Looks

In Panama, the month of November is always filled with desfiles (parades) and ferias (fairs). It seems that schools, public offices, and many businesses are closed more days than they are open. If people are not participatingin or attending an event, they are cleaning up after the last one or preparing for the next one.

There are two Independence Days (one from Columbia and one from Spain), a couple of semi-religious events, Colon Day, and a fouder's day for each province and most villages. It is not quite mid-month and I have already attended more parades in twelve days than I have in twelve years. The Mes de La Patria (Month of the Homeland) is an interesting and challenging time to begin my service.

Between celebrations, I am becoming well acquainted with the difficulties of life in the developing world – language challenges, cultural hurdles, broken systems, and bruised communities. While I am blessed to be assigned to a community that has both running water and electricity, only ocassionally do we have both at the same time! The 1970s public service announcement that haunted me for 30+ years did not lie when it refered to the Peace Corps as the toughest job you'll ever love. Life in the Peace Corps is tough – a new kind of tough everyday – and on most days I love it.

Enjoy the pics.
Anita