Well, without even knowing it, Christmas season is already here. Tommorow, for those of you in the states, all the Christmas decorations will be out after the obligatory Halloween sales, but such barier does not exist in Panama. Since the Christmas items have been up for grabs since September, I guess I become desensitized to the approaching holidays. It wasnt until Saturday when I went to the mall and they were putting up their Christmas Tree. And was after I had gone ice skating at the new ice rink. Yes. There is ice in Panama.
And all this conincides with the National Holidays that seem to take over the month of November. This weekend we have a five day weekend for Independence Day. We are going to Chriquí to get away from the city and just relax. Pictures on that to come. Then its back to work, then another long weekend, then one full week of work (the only in November) and then another long weekend. It is going to be great, getting a break from work since it is what I have been doing since July! YEAH! More updates on the Panamanian holiday season to come.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Sunday, Vote; Monday, Civil War
At least thats what they are saying on the radio. Although, the was has been going for sometime now. It´s only intensified the last two weeks. As Panamanaians approach one of the biggest decionsions of their lifetimes, the campaign is getting stronger on both sides.
Panama has many resources, but the most famous is the Canal. El Canal es Tuyo (the canal is yours) is a famous saying here in Panama ever since the canal was returned to Panamanain power in 2000. And since it is tuyo (yours), obviously the whole country takes pride in THEIR Canal.
The goverment also takes pride in the canal, and there are many laws protecting it, pormoting it and making sure that the canal remains neutral, that the profits are used for the benefit of Panama, and that the canal is the pride of all Panamanians.
So, what happens when the world grows up, and the bridge between the worlds needs to grow up with it? Thats whats happening right now.
Tommorow, Panamanians will head out to the polls to vote whether or not the canal should be expanded. Both sides of the campagian have been plowing the streets, promising everything from ecological destruction and economic bankrupcy to international investments and better lives. And all this action is playing out in the capital, the place I call home. And since the canal belongs to the people, beleive me, the people are going to speak, and have been speaking about this issue.
Some say we need to punish the government or not being transparent enough and to vote no. Other rebuke with "How many jobs does a no produce?" Still the battle rages, "Why should we give a blank check to the government?" To Finally, "Every good Panamanian should vote yes for the good of the country.
Everyone knows that the "Sí" is going to win. Most people express that confidently, but there still remains some doubts. If the no wins, what happens? Civil War? I doubt it. But just to keep it safe the government makes laws that no one can drink, buy or sell alcohol withing the sensative hours of the vote...to try to keep it as calm as possible. So, last night was the election party, as the whole city went to bars to get their weekneds fill of alcohol, trying to numb thier minds to ever present battle between the sí and the no.
To grow or not to grow, sí or no, that is the question many Panamanians will answer tommorow. And I get to watch it all play out in front of me.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6070066.stm
Panama has many resources, but the most famous is the Canal. El Canal es Tuyo (the canal is yours) is a famous saying here in Panama ever since the canal was returned to Panamanain power in 2000. And since it is tuyo (yours), obviously the whole country takes pride in THEIR Canal.
The goverment also takes pride in the canal, and there are many laws protecting it, pormoting it and making sure that the canal remains neutral, that the profits are used for the benefit of Panama, and that the canal is the pride of all Panamanians.
So, what happens when the world grows up, and the bridge between the worlds needs to grow up with it? Thats whats happening right now.
Tommorow, Panamanians will head out to the polls to vote whether or not the canal should be expanded. Both sides of the campagian have been plowing the streets, promising everything from ecological destruction and economic bankrupcy to international investments and better lives. And all this action is playing out in the capital, the place I call home. And since the canal belongs to the people, beleive me, the people are going to speak, and have been speaking about this issue.
Some say we need to punish the government or not being transparent enough and to vote no. Other rebuke with "How many jobs does a no produce?" Still the battle rages, "Why should we give a blank check to the government?" To Finally, "Every good Panamanian should vote yes for the good of the country.
Everyone knows that the "Sí" is going to win. Most people express that confidently, but there still remains some doubts. If the no wins, what happens? Civil War? I doubt it. But just to keep it safe the government makes laws that no one can drink, buy or sell alcohol withing the sensative hours of the vote...to try to keep it as calm as possible. So, last night was the election party, as the whole city went to bars to get their weekneds fill of alcohol, trying to numb thier minds to ever present battle between the sí and the no.
To grow or not to grow, sí or no, that is the question many Panamanians will answer tommorow. And I get to watch it all play out in front of me.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6070066.stm
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Silence
So something happened last night that happens every once in a while. In fact, it happens so unfrequently that I feel compelled to write about it.
Last night, I was tired. This week, I had worked for 56 hours. That may not seem to be a lot, but in the laid back culture of Panama, and after the laxidelic environement at the mission where I probably only worked ten hours a week, 56 hours is a big wake up call for me. Anyways, I was tired.
Laid Down in bed and listened to my cieling fan. Trying to sleep, listening to the white noise of my fan and my neighbors airconditioning usually helps me fall asleep over the wall of sound that is the night club that just happens to be in the building right behind mine. Not to mention the never ending traffic and its inseccent honking on Avenida Cinqentenario (probably the fifth most important street in the city) and its unheeding intersection with Calle 50 (probably the third most important street in the city). I am actually proud of the noises I have trained my self to sleep through.
Well last night...the music in the night club slowly dies down. Thinking I had a black out moment and it was no four in the morning when the club closes, I check my clock. No...its only 12 midnight. And there is no traffic. No horns. No brakes skidding, no underage children hanging out the bus door yelling where the passing bus in going. Nothing.
In that instant, I was wide awake. This was only the second time in my whole time in the city where there was absolute silence. The walls in my room grew big, like it was the first time I noticed them, and the room seemed alot larger than I remembered. Its as if all that fleeting noise has actually taken up space in my room, and no longer there to disturb me, I simply strecthed out my legs and yawned. I counted the minutes that this pheonomeon would last. One Minute. Three minutes. What was going on in the world that for this three minutes, everyone in my little barriada was quite. And what was everyone else thinking in the moment. Did they continue with their lives, or did the notice the silence too?
Sometimes, I am cuaght off gaurd by these little happenings. The simple silence reminded me of, first of the things that were missing. I couldnt help to feel relaxed, but yet, wide awake, like the silence was the brink of something new that would break upon the face of the earth, and life would be normal again. What is is about silence that leads us to this dicatomy of wanting forever to live in its serenity but not trusting or wanting ourselves to be swept up into it forever, counting every minute we spend while the unspoken suddenly become the first things we find our selves trying to say.
Well, enough rambling. Maybe I am just tired and need some more sleep!
Slowly the cars began to pass, the music came back on,
Last night, I was tired. This week, I had worked for 56 hours. That may not seem to be a lot, but in the laid back culture of Panama, and after the laxidelic environement at the mission where I probably only worked ten hours a week, 56 hours is a big wake up call for me. Anyways, I was tired.
Laid Down in bed and listened to my cieling fan. Trying to sleep, listening to the white noise of my fan and my neighbors airconditioning usually helps me fall asleep over the wall of sound that is the night club that just happens to be in the building right behind mine. Not to mention the never ending traffic and its inseccent honking on Avenida Cinqentenario (probably the fifth most important street in the city) and its unheeding intersection with Calle 50 (probably the third most important street in the city). I am actually proud of the noises I have trained my self to sleep through.
Well last night...the music in the night club slowly dies down. Thinking I had a black out moment and it was no four in the morning when the club closes, I check my clock. No...its only 12 midnight. And there is no traffic. No horns. No brakes skidding, no underage children hanging out the bus door yelling where the passing bus in going. Nothing.
In that instant, I was wide awake. This was only the second time in my whole time in the city where there was absolute silence. The walls in my room grew big, like it was the first time I noticed them, and the room seemed alot larger than I remembered. Its as if all that fleeting noise has actually taken up space in my room, and no longer there to disturb me, I simply strecthed out my legs and yawned. I counted the minutes that this pheonomeon would last. One Minute. Three minutes. What was going on in the world that for this three minutes, everyone in my little barriada was quite. And what was everyone else thinking in the moment. Did they continue with their lives, or did the notice the silence too?
Sometimes, I am cuaght off gaurd by these little happenings. The simple silence reminded me of, first of the things that were missing. I couldnt help to feel relaxed, but yet, wide awake, like the silence was the brink of something new that would break upon the face of the earth, and life would be normal again. What is is about silence that leads us to this dicatomy of wanting forever to live in its serenity but not trusting or wanting ourselves to be swept up into it forever, counting every minute we spend while the unspoken suddenly become the first things we find our selves trying to say.
Well, enough rambling. Maybe I am just tired and need some more sleep!
Slowly the cars began to pass, the music came back on,
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
New life, new look
So my apartment is starting to feel more like a home. Since I am not woring 23 hours a day this week, I have been able to spend more time there. It also helps that I now have some essentials, like pots and pans and oh yeah gas for cooking. Beleive me, you can only get so creative with a crockpot, and after a while, you just want to eat instead of planning for the next meal of your life. And a word to the wise...hard-boiling an egg in a crock is just not very entertaining. Unless you are a fan of salmonilla.
I just need to add some of the touches...like piant in some thing other than monotonus white, and give some areas a really good scrubbing. Pictures to come soon...I just havn´t bought batteries for my camara.
Oh yeah, also still missing a bed. There was something cool, remisnicent of my childhoos camping trips about sleeping on an air matress, but now it is just getting old! I have a bed ready for deleivery in a couple days. I am so excited to no longer sleep on the same floor I am realizing needs alot of scrubbing...
Classes are good and I am keeping really busy. I am getting into the swing of working everyday...something that rarely happens at the mission. I am also having alot of time to do some reading, and I just finished My Antonía by Willa Cather...a book so beautiful that I actually, get this, missed Nebraska when I read it. Yeah thats scary.
One of the things in the book is that the Best days are the ones that die first..optima dies prima fuget (from Virgel)..the latin equivalent of "time flys when you are having fun", a phrase I have had to teach many times in my Berlitz Experience (we teach it in level 2, 3, and 6!), and one that I am learning about every day. While the latin phrase is more melancholy, and Cather's characters says about those best days that "I wish I could be a little boy again, and that my way could end there", I dont see it as so melancholy. This week marks a year that I have been in Panama. And I cant help to think that these days have each passed away quickly, leaving not much more than photos on my computers and hazy memories of places, peoples, and things that have changed my life. And I cant help but to think of all the other hazy memories I have from other best days. I am fortunate to have had a very blessed life, full of experiences, and full of blessings from God, who has been the provider of my best days. ANd I am not melancholy, wishing for some distant memorie of the past to be my reality, but look forward to more of the best days that are in store. Carpe Diem.
I have a new theme for my blog...
until later
I just need to add some of the touches...like piant in some thing other than monotonus white, and give some areas a really good scrubbing. Pictures to come soon...I just havn´t bought batteries for my camara.
Oh yeah, also still missing a bed. There was something cool, remisnicent of my childhoos camping trips about sleeping on an air matress, but now it is just getting old! I have a bed ready for deleivery in a couple days. I am so excited to no longer sleep on the same floor I am realizing needs alot of scrubbing...
Classes are good and I am keeping really busy. I am getting into the swing of working everyday...something that rarely happens at the mission. I am also having alot of time to do some reading, and I just finished My Antonía by Willa Cather...a book so beautiful that I actually, get this, missed Nebraska when I read it. Yeah thats scary.
One of the things in the book is that the Best days are the ones that die first..optima dies prima fuget (from Virgel)..the latin equivalent of "time flys when you are having fun", a phrase I have had to teach many times in my Berlitz Experience (we teach it in level 2, 3, and 6!), and one that I am learning about every day. While the latin phrase is more melancholy, and Cather's characters says about those best days that "I wish I could be a little boy again, and that my way could end there", I dont see it as so melancholy. This week marks a year that I have been in Panama. And I cant help to think that these days have each passed away quickly, leaving not much more than photos on my computers and hazy memories of places, peoples, and things that have changed my life. And I cant help but to think of all the other hazy memories I have from other best days. I am fortunate to have had a very blessed life, full of experiences, and full of blessings from God, who has been the provider of my best days. ANd I am not melancholy, wishing for some distant memorie of the past to be my reality, but look forward to more of the best days that are in store. Carpe Diem.
I have a new theme for my blog...
until later
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
A new dose of culture shock
So, I am an emotional wreck right now. I am up and down and up and down more than Paris Hilton's skirt. (By the way, what kind of crap is here new song! I heard that she has great musical gifts...of cousre she does, she can take singing lessons from whoever the hell she wants, she can finance her own freaking record label, not to mention her own crappy CD, so who the hell is going to stop that crap like that is recorded, reproduced and forced unwillingly into the ears of unpected listeners? Wheres the accountability here? Oh thats right, skanks like that only answer to money! What the hell is the musical world coming too when she makes it into the top Ten that isnt the top ten shitiest songs in the world. PS, this is no longer Chris the missionary talking, obviously).
Anyways, leaving the mission has been good, but I am realizing what Panamanian life is like. Dont take this wrong, I love it. Its just different. It's taking a little of adjustment. I am learning alot, and at the end of each day I am mentally worn out! I just get depressed and homesick for the American life that I had in Balboa, and then the next minute I am off the wall excited about my little Panamanian adventures. Its has been a great last weeks, I just feel like I am a women starting on the pill...dont mess with these emotions!
Anyways, life goes on! keep adjusting! Pictures to come soon!
Anyways, leaving the mission has been good, but I am realizing what Panamanian life is like. Dont take this wrong, I love it. Its just different. It's taking a little of adjustment. I am learning alot, and at the end of each day I am mentally worn out! I just get depressed and homesick for the American life that I had in Balboa, and then the next minute I am off the wall excited about my little Panamanian adventures. Its has been a great last weeks, I just feel like I am a women starting on the pill...dont mess with these emotions!
Anyways, life goes on! keep adjusting! Pictures to come soon!
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Other end of the spectrum
So, I have made it through my first week in Panama as a non-missionary! I am realyl excited. My job is great. But I am realizing all the things I took for granted, and am learning a new side of Panama. In some ways, I am understanding more about the lives of the people I worked side by side with in the church. In other ways, I am learning about a whole new part of the population I have never even had contact with in Panama.
Berlitz teaches mostly classes to businesses who need to learn English. And beleive you me, these course are not cheap. Its comes to something like $1.35 a minute to take a class. We have a center that serves as a adminstrative base as well as a teaching center, but most of the classes that I teach are outside of the center, in the conference rooms of said business. Put two and two together and it doesn't take long to figure out that these are multi-million dollar companies, and they usually only often pay for their top executives to take English classes. So, imagine the kind of people I have as my students. Imagine more, the type of people we have as students who are paying the classes out of their own pockets. We are talking rich. It is the complete opposite end of the spectrum, since my students in the church were taking adtvantage of the course we offered for $5.
For example, I teach in the National Brewrey, and my students there are the directors of logisitics and human resources. I teach a class to the middle-management for Sanofi Aventis, the pharmeceticaul company that makes Allegra. And one of my students in the international director for Sales for Nission in Latin America.
It has been interesting. While I have been entering penthouses and apartments in the most exclusive part of town, and learning my way around the corporate and banking districts of downtown, I feel in some way I am learning more about the lives of my former students-people who depended on buses, cram into said busses like sardines, and then walk twenty or thrity minutes to get where you actually need to go. I have learned so much about the city, and was surprised today when I was walking around to my busstop. I looked a house, that was rather dilapitated, and thought, if I were in the states, this would be a horrible part of town, and I would be gripping my wallet whiteknuckledly, staring down at the ground and just praying to get through. But this is Panama, and this is normal. This is actually a better area of the city. And I walk around this area feeling safe.
The simple life is something that I thought I lead. But as I left the mission, I realized how much simplier my life was going to get. I like that. For now, I am enjoying it, I am working really hard, and looking forward to living simply and saving some money for when I have to go back to the overpriced, materialistic attitude of the States.
keep learning...
Berlitz teaches mostly classes to businesses who need to learn English. And beleive you me, these course are not cheap. Its comes to something like $1.35 a minute to take a class. We have a center that serves as a adminstrative base as well as a teaching center, but most of the classes that I teach are outside of the center, in the conference rooms of said business. Put two and two together and it doesn't take long to figure out that these are multi-million dollar companies, and they usually only often pay for their top executives to take English classes. So, imagine the kind of people I have as my students. Imagine more, the type of people we have as students who are paying the classes out of their own pockets. We are talking rich. It is the complete opposite end of the spectrum, since my students in the church were taking adtvantage of the course we offered for $5.
For example, I teach in the National Brewrey, and my students there are the directors of logisitics and human resources. I teach a class to the middle-management for Sanofi Aventis, the pharmeceticaul company that makes Allegra. And one of my students in the international director for Sales for Nission in Latin America.
It has been interesting. While I have been entering penthouses and apartments in the most exclusive part of town, and learning my way around the corporate and banking districts of downtown, I feel in some way I am learning more about the lives of my former students-people who depended on buses, cram into said busses like sardines, and then walk twenty or thrity minutes to get where you actually need to go. I have learned so much about the city, and was surprised today when I was walking around to my busstop. I looked a house, that was rather dilapitated, and thought, if I were in the states, this would be a horrible part of town, and I would be gripping my wallet whiteknuckledly, staring down at the ground and just praying to get through. But this is Panama, and this is normal. This is actually a better area of the city. And I walk around this area feeling safe.
The simple life is something that I thought I lead. But as I left the mission, I realized how much simplier my life was going to get. I like that. For now, I am enjoying it, I am working really hard, and looking forward to living simply and saving some money for when I have to go back to the overpriced, materialistic attitude of the States.
keep learning...
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Once again...one month later
I am getting good at this whole staying out of touch thing! Things have been insanely busy here and I have been going and going. Heres a quick update!
July- Groups! We have four groups come through to help with English among other things. It was great to spend time with Americans and get to see how much they impacted the people they worked with and how much the Panamanians impacted them! The first group came and taught a drama set to musich to the youth in Balboa and in Loma Cova. The youth have already used the drama in some of the local schools as a way to evangalize. The rest of the groups came and taught English in six of the seven churches in Panama! The volunteers brought in alot of new students who continue coming to classes! What a great way to see how God moves through the work of the people in his Kingdom.
August - Coolest news first! I was so sick! And I mean, go to the hospital sick. I felt alright, it was just stress more than anything when I look at my arms in the middle of class and I look like read and orange colby-jack chesse. After some tests, the doctor said I was suffering from a "light" case of rubella. Thats right. R-U-B-E-L-L-A. The same rubella as "hey I thought I had a vaccine agisnt rubella" rubella. Anyways, he prescribed me a strong drug, and after two days of deep drug induced sleep, I was a fit as a fittle. But I survived! Yea! Point for my immune system. August also brought BIG changes for the mission. Two new couples arrived to start their missionary service here in Panama. Thomas and Jamie came to fill the Volunteer Coordinator position, and to work with youth! Arthur and Eva come to us as Vicar and Diaconess to work in their respective areas. And, I am finishing my time with mission. Thats right. It has not even seemed like a whole year has passed, but I am writing one of the last blog entries as a missionary (dont worry, o avid fans, the bloggage will continue) amsidt boxes of things I will take with me into a new part of life! My official last day is Friday, but I am finished with teaching, so its all just administrative junk like fill out evaluation, turn in my keys and move on!
A new part of life? Well, yes! I am excited to start the next phase of life! I have a job here in Panama City, where I will work in the Berlitz Language Center of Panama City. I will teach English there. I also was lucky enough to hit the jackpot on an apartment, fully furnished and with all appliances included. It is in a very "ritzy" part of the city called San Fransisco, and my land lady speaks perfect English! All this for very cheap! I am very excited to be able to continue here in Panama, in a new capacity. Everyone in the church is excited that I am staying, and trying to hook me up with a Panamanian, so that I will never have to leave Panama. I even got a number from a seceretary at one of the new business our compay teaches at. She is interested in meeting an American "friend"! Needless to say, she is like 50. We will see if Cupid shoots any area in this direction, but hopefully not at said secretary.
So, for know, that the update! I will write more about my last few experiences, but for now, thats all. Be on the look out for a new style to this page as it moves to be more about my personal life here in Panama. Pictures of my new life here in Panama will be sure to be there!
Oh, yeah...be on the look out for new Ablaze brochures. No other than yours truely graces the cover. I am truly the cover boy for Ablaze! Ha, whatever! I am going to eternally famous within the LCMS circles I hopefully wont be a part of much longer!
Well, more to come. Until then, keep plugging!
July- Groups! We have four groups come through to help with English among other things. It was great to spend time with Americans and get to see how much they impacted the people they worked with and how much the Panamanians impacted them! The first group came and taught a drama set to musich to the youth in Balboa and in Loma Cova. The youth have already used the drama in some of the local schools as a way to evangalize. The rest of the groups came and taught English in six of the seven churches in Panama! The volunteers brought in alot of new students who continue coming to classes! What a great way to see how God moves through the work of the people in his Kingdom.
August - Coolest news first! I was so sick! And I mean, go to the hospital sick. I felt alright, it was just stress more than anything when I look at my arms in the middle of class and I look like read and orange colby-jack chesse. After some tests, the doctor said I was suffering from a "light" case of rubella. Thats right. R-U-B-E-L-L-A. The same rubella as "hey I thought I had a vaccine agisnt rubella" rubella. Anyways, he prescribed me a strong drug, and after two days of deep drug induced sleep, I was a fit as a fittle. But I survived! Yea! Point for my immune system. August also brought BIG changes for the mission. Two new couples arrived to start their missionary service here in Panama. Thomas and Jamie came to fill the Volunteer Coordinator position, and to work with youth! Arthur and Eva come to us as Vicar and Diaconess to work in their respective areas. And, I am finishing my time with mission. Thats right. It has not even seemed like a whole year has passed, but I am writing one of the last blog entries as a missionary (dont worry, o avid fans, the bloggage will continue) amsidt boxes of things I will take with me into a new part of life! My official last day is Friday, but I am finished with teaching, so its all just administrative junk like fill out evaluation, turn in my keys and move on!
A new part of life? Well, yes! I am excited to start the next phase of life! I have a job here in Panama City, where I will work in the Berlitz Language Center of Panama City. I will teach English there. I also was lucky enough to hit the jackpot on an apartment, fully furnished and with all appliances included. It is in a very "ritzy" part of the city called San Fransisco, and my land lady speaks perfect English! All this for very cheap! I am very excited to be able to continue here in Panama, in a new capacity. Everyone in the church is excited that I am staying, and trying to hook me up with a Panamanian, so that I will never have to leave Panama. I even got a number from a seceretary at one of the new business our compay teaches at. She is interested in meeting an American "friend"! Needless to say, she is like 50. We will see if Cupid shoots any area in this direction, but hopefully not at said secretary.
So, for know, that the update! I will write more about my last few experiences, but for now, thats all. Be on the look out for a new style to this page as it moves to be more about my personal life here in Panama. Pictures of my new life here in Panama will be sure to be there!
Oh, yeah...be on the look out for new Ablaze brochures. No other than yours truely graces the cover. I am truly the cover boy for Ablaze! Ha, whatever! I am going to eternally famous within the LCMS circles I hopefully wont be a part of much longer!
Well, more to come. Until then, keep plugging!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
One Month later
Yes, I am still alive and I am still in Panama. I am so busy right now, that I dont even have the energy to think about what to write in this blog entry. Maybe I will get a creative streak here sometime soon.
Until then....peace out.
Until then....peace out.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
The tree shimmy-er
Okay...this was competly new for me. Palm trees themselves proved to be quite the novelty for quite some time. I mean, we dont have them in Colorado, and I can remember taking about seven million pictures of the first one I ever saw. Well, needless to say, living in the tropics and all, palm trees have become a daily part of my life. And they are quite multifunctional. The provide shade, they have pipas (like coconuts) whose juice is more refreshing than water, and of course, when their huge pencas (palms) fall off, they can be converted into great sleds for sledding down the big Hills that the Administration building stands on.
However, I never knew exactly how they got all those wonderful pips down from the natural home. I always just delighted in watching them cut it open, stick and straw in and serve it up!
Well, my curiosity was ended.
This is one of our nice palm trees that graces the Church in Balboa with plenty of shade.
Look a little closer. Its like a little kids activity book. Can you see the foot and the man diligently working away?
And then when that diligent worker realizes he is actually a crook stealing pipas, and catches a glimpse of me documenting his pillage on film, well he shimmies right on down and runs!
And that, Ladies and gents, is how it is done!
Keep enjoying...
p.s. check out the April-May-June Newsletter at the link to the right!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
I feel loved
My classes started this last week, and after being "on vacation" for about six weeks, I am so ready to get back into it. This session, I will be only teaching 10 classes a week, but also 5 private classes to students. Not to metion, I will be helping out with groups that come down to help in Panama...which will roughly put me at about 120 hours a week. Oh the joys of being a volunteer.
Anyways, yesterday, I made the announcement that I will not be continuing with the mission in Panama. The staff has known for a while, and it was time to tell my students (as well as my dedicated fan blog reading base!) The students in my classes were shocked, but they began asking what they needed to do to get me to stay. Who they needed to write a letter to, how much my salary needed to be raised, and what things needed to take place for me to stay. It was touching.
It also makes it hard to stick to my decision that I will in fact leave the mission. With all my wonderful students, and how much they have made a difference in my life, its hard to know that even after they say that I have made a difference in thier lives, we will all go our own seperate ways.
And after being a part of such a fulfilling work in seeing them improve and grow to feel comfortable at the church, its hard to think what will be when I am not around. This is the part where I have to trust that new people will be brought to their life, to provide for the needs they will have. And while they will always be my friends, we will not always be together to support and enourage, and just trust that God will bring new people into our lives who show his love for each and everyone of us!
Anyways, yesterday, I made the announcement that I will not be continuing with the mission in Panama. The staff has known for a while, and it was time to tell my students (as well as my dedicated fan blog reading base!) The students in my classes were shocked, but they began asking what they needed to do to get me to stay. Who they needed to write a letter to, how much my salary needed to be raised, and what things needed to take place for me to stay. It was touching.
It also makes it hard to stick to my decision that I will in fact leave the mission. With all my wonderful students, and how much they have made a difference in my life, its hard to know that even after they say that I have made a difference in thier lives, we will all go our own seperate ways.
And after being a part of such a fulfilling work in seeing them improve and grow to feel comfortable at the church, its hard to think what will be when I am not around. This is the part where I have to trust that new people will be brought to their life, to provide for the needs they will have. And while they will always be my friends, we will not always be together to support and enourage, and just trust that God will bring new people into our lives who show his love for each and everyone of us!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
When animals attack
Well, I am told that Panama has seasons. How they classify these seasons is beyond me, apart from the obvious that one is the soak season while the other is the hang your laundry on the line to dry season. Well, either way, they are both really hot and humid, but we will leave that distinction to meteorologists more capable than I.
Anyways, the point of this season babble is to say that rainy season also means bug season. And when I say bug season, I mean puddles of standing water that would scare any West nile fearing person ( although here its not WN but Dengue...thats right...I am thinking tszti flies and everything).
Exhibit A. Friday, my free day, day to relax and do whatever my fancy darn well pleases to do, I go to the cabinet where all my precious china is stored. I see a little group of ants, devouring what seems to be some shriveled dried crumb no bigger than a dash of dust. They may have actually been eating dust, I am not sure. But for some reason, whether dust or a little piece of last night dinner, there was an ant farm dangerously close to my plates, of which I was about to use to eat lunch. Dos Tigres Ant and Other "Crawling Insect" killer to the rescue. Unfortunatly, as a few fleed from their posinous death, I notice that they follow a path. Up, up and up they go, to the third shelf, fortuantly out of my view. On a massacaring rampage, I decide to get a chair to pursue the eightlegged foes. I calmy step up onto the chair, and almost as quickly fall off in shock. I hit the motherload. There, setting up a little metropolis, is a colony of at least 10 bazillion ants.
Going crazy with my poisin, I spray, catching hopefully 80% of the population, and covering at least half my dishes in sticky goop. After the desamation and the aftermath that was washing and sanatizing every single dish I own, I felt that maybe a roadmark was reached and a battle was won.
However, the ants have just returned, choosing another beautiful location in my kitchen. Will it never end? I am praying for the rain to continue, but for also an endless supply of Dos Tigres Ant Killer, which is quickly quickly being used up. However, I will keep strong, and have faith. Thats it...fight the good fight. Down with the Ants. Happy Bug...I mean rainy season!
Lets just hope the dishes got washed well...
Anyways, the point of this season babble is to say that rainy season also means bug season. And when I say bug season, I mean puddles of standing water that would scare any West nile fearing person ( although here its not WN but Dengue...thats right...I am thinking tszti flies and everything).
Exhibit A. Friday, my free day, day to relax and do whatever my fancy darn well pleases to do, I go to the cabinet where all my precious china is stored. I see a little group of ants, devouring what seems to be some shriveled dried crumb no bigger than a dash of dust. They may have actually been eating dust, I am not sure. But for some reason, whether dust or a little piece of last night dinner, there was an ant farm dangerously close to my plates, of which I was about to use to eat lunch. Dos Tigres Ant and Other "Crawling Insect" killer to the rescue. Unfortunatly, as a few fleed from their posinous death, I notice that they follow a path. Up, up and up they go, to the third shelf, fortuantly out of my view. On a massacaring rampage, I decide to get a chair to pursue the eightlegged foes. I calmy step up onto the chair, and almost as quickly fall off in shock. I hit the motherload. There, setting up a little metropolis, is a colony of at least 10 bazillion ants.
Going crazy with my poisin, I spray, catching hopefully 80% of the population, and covering at least half my dishes in sticky goop. After the desamation and the aftermath that was washing and sanatizing every single dish I own, I felt that maybe a roadmark was reached and a battle was won.
However, the ants have just returned, choosing another beautiful location in my kitchen. Will it never end? I am praying for the rain to continue, but for also an endless supply of Dos Tigres Ant Killer, which is quickly quickly being used up. However, I will keep strong, and have faith. Thats it...fight the good fight. Down with the Ants. Happy Bug...I mean rainy season!
Lets just hope the dishes got washed well...
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
And the madness approaches
So, you think you have this living in a foreign country thing down. You got some friends, looking forward to your next session of jamming English classes, even figured out how to pay a Panamanian traffic violation (don't ask). You have even had new experiences like handing out a Spanish resume, dealing with flighty Panamanain apartment brokers. You're, as they say here...high to the sky! You feel great. You can overcome anything.
And then you see things that have never happened before. The city empties out, restuarants and bars fill up in the middle of the day, whole TV networks, cable channels and regularly sheduleing programming are interrupted. The whole city seems to be running on Standerd German Time. But this is Panama, right?
Well, now that you mention it, we might as well be in Germany. Thats right. All googling and drooling over the manifestation of years of anticipation. I already mentioned the whole time thing, and now a days we are seeing more German flags than Panamanian. What could possibly be happening.
Two words: WORLD CUP
And being in a country where "I am not a big soccer fan" seems to be as socially accepted as "I am a Republican," my typical response to the "Who are you routing for?" question just seems inapprorpiate.
Actually, being free of all this madness can be liberating. First of all, I have no invested hope in one particular team, so today I can route for France, but when they get the crap beat out of them by Brazil, I can easily become a Converted French man reborn Brazilian. Second, I literally have the city to myself, seeing as how I am the only one of this entire country who doesnt live, breath and digest soccer. Third, my courses are about to get a lot more personal, as I am sure that many students will accientdentally get cuaght up in the furor of the passion that is soccer...
sounds a little fatalistic or bitter. No, not at all. After all, I will have my day when the world moopishly walks away from some painful defeat, and when most will feel the sting of what it is to have hopes and dreams crushed, I my friend will walk through the empty Panamanian streets, enjoying every minute of the peace that is not being tied or affilliated with any one team.
keep cheering...
And then you see things that have never happened before. The city empties out, restuarants and bars fill up in the middle of the day, whole TV networks, cable channels and regularly sheduleing programming are interrupted. The whole city seems to be running on Standerd German Time. But this is Panama, right?
Well, now that you mention it, we might as well be in Germany. Thats right. All googling and drooling over the manifestation of years of anticipation. I already mentioned the whole time thing, and now a days we are seeing more German flags than Panamanian. What could possibly be happening.
Two words: WORLD CUP
And being in a country where "I am not a big soccer fan" seems to be as socially accepted as "I am a Republican," my typical response to the "Who are you routing for?" question just seems inapprorpiate.
Actually, being free of all this madness can be liberating. First of all, I have no invested hope in one particular team, so today I can route for France, but when they get the crap beat out of them by Brazil, I can easily become a Converted French man reborn Brazilian. Second, I literally have the city to myself, seeing as how I am the only one of this entire country who doesnt live, breath and digest soccer. Third, my courses are about to get a lot more personal, as I am sure that many students will accientdentally get cuaght up in the furor of the passion that is soccer...
sounds a little fatalistic or bitter. No, not at all. After all, I will have my day when the world moopishly walks away from some painful defeat, and when most will feel the sting of what it is to have hopes and dreams crushed, I my friend will walk through the empty Panamanian streets, enjoying every minute of the peace that is not being tied or affilliated with any one team.
keep cheering...
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Panamanian Lazy Days
I had almost forgotten what it was like to wake up on one of those typically gray days and just want to curl up in bed and not do anything. With Panama being such a tropical country, there are very few days when the mornings are not humid and sunny.
Today, was one of those days. I woke up to the sound of pitter pattering rain on my window, and gave into the urge and just slept it off. The rain continued, from about 7:00 (when I first woke up), to a nice drizzle right now as I write (12 noon). At times the rain was so strong, I woke up thinking I was on white water raft. I guess, just as I had forgetten about May snow in Colorado, I had forgotten what real rainy season rain is like here in Panama.
P.S. My friend, Ann, just arrived in Macau for a couple months of missionary service. Check out her blog (theres a link to Ann Basinski to the right) to see whats going on there! Good Luck Ann!
keep lounging..
Today, was one of those days. I woke up to the sound of pitter pattering rain on my window, and gave into the urge and just slept it off. The rain continued, from about 7:00 (when I first woke up), to a nice drizzle right now as I write (12 noon). At times the rain was so strong, I woke up thinking I was on white water raft. I guess, just as I had forgetten about May snow in Colorado, I had forgotten what real rainy season rain is like here in Panama.
P.S. My friend, Ann, just arrived in Macau for a couple months of missionary service. Check out her blog (theres a link to Ann Basinski to the right) to see whats going on there! Good Luck Ann!
keep lounging..
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Back in Panama
I am back! It is so great to see some people that I missed, and getting used to somethings again. I am once again, going to struggle with the humidity for a couple of days.
Just a quick note to say that I am here and that I made it alright. Yeah for Panama!
keep plugging,
Chris
Just a quick note to say that I am here and that I made it alright. Yeah for Panama!
keep plugging,
Chris
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Three Week Wrap Up
So, I sit once again, on the verge of adventure! On the brink of my return trip to Panama, I cant help but feel... well, okay, enough for the dramatics. I am ready and I excited to be back in Panama, but had a great time in the States. While everyone is enjoying their nice Memorial Day Holiday, I will be flying back to Panama! I enjoyed seeing and talking to friends, , filling people in on my wonderful time in Panama, and spending time with family! Heres a picture update of my time in the States!
What trip to Colorado would be complete without the family trip to the mountains. (Actually, due to the lack of car-age, this is really the biggest highlight of my time!)
My struggle with the cooler. Thats right. I was the cooler tote-er. And that shit was heavy. Its complete for any Carter Camping trip. And by camping I mean, well staying in a YMCA cabin.
Oh uh. The secret is out! I knew sleeping in the same room as my sisters would result in some kind of deep dark secret coming out!
Kandice and I hiking to Bierstatd Lake.
And heres snow for all the Panamanians! I had actually almost forgot about this, but was right well reminded of it after nearly falling in up to my head into a snowdrift!
My sisters Kandice and Cassi, just chilling in their shorts in the snow. This is another part of Colorado I had forgetten about...the numskull habit of hiking in shorts. I am a little to tropical at this point to be trapsing through some snow in shorts.
My sister Cassie and I get in a fight about which way the trail actually goes!
Cassie, Courtney and I at the top of Alberta Falls, trying not to fall off.
Ohh, JBock...this one is for you. Isnt it so cute. Yeah, until it bites you, takes off a finger and gives you rabies...
A picture perfect sunset to remember my trip by!
Write to you all from Panama! Blessings!
keep enjoying life!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Viene el Señor Presidente
Another quick story to help me not become homesick...
Like many important events in your life, we approach certain moments, unware of the signifigance they hold. My friend Rosie and I had one such moment. Let me share.
My friend Rosie was in Panama during the first week of May. We had met at orientation last year and have been doing our own seperate things the last year in our ouwn countries - Rosie in Venezuela, and me in Panama. Rosie came to Panama for a little visit. We had a great time. Needless to say, we were both unaware of the happenings that would luanch us into the reach of fame that fateful day.
We were just taking a little tour of Casco Viejo, the old part of the city. This also serves as the seat of the government in Panama, as all the official buildings, like the State Department, Foreign Relations office and even the Presidental Palace (the Panamanian equivalent of the White House) are located in Casco Viejo.
We were walking past the Presidental Palace. Follow the picture story to see the events of that life changing day.
Like many important events in your life, we approach certain moments, unware of the signifigance they hold. My friend Rosie and I had one such moment. Let me share.
My friend Rosie was in Panama during the first week of May. We had met at orientation last year and have been doing our own seperate things the last year in our ouwn countries - Rosie in Venezuela, and me in Panama. Rosie came to Panama for a little visit. We had a great time. Needless to say, we were both unaware of the happenings that would luanch us into the reach of fame that fateful day.
We were just taking a little tour of Casco Viejo, the old part of the city. This also serves as the seat of the government in Panama, as all the official buildings, like the State Department, Foreign Relations office and even the Presidental Palace (the Panamanian equivalent of the White House) are located in Casco Viejo.
We were walking past the Presidental Palace. Follow the picture story to see the events of that life changing day.
Ahh, the Presidental Palace. Unlike any kind of Governmental building in America, you can walk right up to the door and peer in. In this picture Rosie and I are admiring the bueaty of the Palace, simply taking our time strolling around in front of the building.
As we make our way past the palace, these guards, in full attire I might add, come out of the woodwork. Seroiusly, there was like 15 of them that came out of nowhere. They all started strapping their bayonets to the guns. We were both a little concerned at this time. A guard walk over to us, and being the only tourists around, we were both a little scared. He told us we needed to move to a corner about ten yards away. When we asked him what was going on, he said those fateful words , "Viene el Señor Presidente" (The President is coming). While our insides were bursting with emotion, we calmly acknowledged the presidents coming-ness and walked quietly to our onlooker corner.
And here comes the motorcade. This was the first SUV after the three motorcylce police escort. At this point in time, Rosie, our photographer, realized that she didnt know what to take a picture of. Our little on-lookers corner became a mess of "What do i do? "Which one is he?" questions.
This is the presidents car, as it almost runs us over. Its not that hard to figure out which car the important person is in in Panamanain Motorcades. As all the other cars had the windows down and guys carrying large semiautomatic weapons were hanging out the windows, its not hard to figure out which one the president was in. At this point, I am screaming (in a calm, whispering kind of voice) Take a picture of the tinted one! THE TINTED ONE!!! to an inquisitive Rosie.
The crowd of gaurds salutes as the body gaurds open the doors. The moment we have been waiting for for the last two minutes is finally here. And out comes...a little white kid with red hair? I didnt know the President had adopted from Ireland. Then another little kid, who looked a little more Panamanian and finally the president. You can see half of the presidents face behing the right white column.
And here is where the conspiracy theory comes in. This happened on the same day that we had visited the canal and saw a group of Chinese digantaries getting a behind the scenes tour at the canal. Wanting to take their tour, we tried to follow them. Needless to say, after the president went in, up walk the Chinese Dignataires to the Presidental Palace. We might have just been a witness to Panama selling the canal to China. JUST KIDDING! Although, there were official Chinese dignataries. Humm....
keep being amazed at our luck...
Monday, May 22, 2006
Panamanian Funnies
Hey everyone! I am still in the States. I will have some pictures of my recent family trip to Estes Park. Lets just say, I had forgetten that snow existed.
Anyways, in an attempt to not feel homesick, I decided to pass along a Panamanian funny. I cant take credit for this one, as it comes from Rosie, about something that happened when she was visiting in Panama May 3 to 8. For more info on Rosie and her work in Venezuela, and just some funny stories from her time in VZ, visit her blog at www.regreg.blogspot.com.
Rosie says:
It is not uncommon for Latin Americans to play music quite loudly. Today we were at a lutheran church in a town called La Chorrera. The service was held outdoors.
Right as the national pastor began speaking the words of institution, guess what song came on down the road?
(>>loudly<<)Red, Red Wine.
It was soooo funny! Perhaps it was a calvinist attempting to sabotage the real presence? Well, probably not. But quite entertaining, regardless!
Thanks Rosie!
keep laughing...
Anyways, in an attempt to not feel homesick, I decided to pass along a Panamanian funny. I cant take credit for this one, as it comes from Rosie, about something that happened when she was visiting in Panama May 3 to 8. For more info on Rosie and her work in Venezuela, and just some funny stories from her time in VZ, visit her blog at www.regreg.blogspot.com.
Rosie says:
It is not uncommon for Latin Americans to play music quite loudly. Today we were at a lutheran church in a town called La Chorrera. The service was held outdoors.
Right as the national pastor began speaking the words of institution, guess what song came on down the road?
(>>loudly<<)Red, Red Wine.
It was soooo funny! Perhaps it was a calvinist attempting to sabotage the real presence? Well, probably not. But quite entertaining, regardless!
Thanks Rosie!
keep laughing...
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Back in the states
Well, I am officially home. Please excuse any spelling mistakes as I am shivering so bad, I can hardly type. Thats right. Its friggin cold! Although all my friends have been like, cool man, I am boust to put some shorts on, I have been searching for the long underwear.
I think my grandma said it the best. I am torn. I am back with my people and my country yet hardly feel like I know it at all. And I am torn and hurt by the fact the the people I talk to here will never really understand what my life has been like for the past seven months. I am happy to be home and see all my friends and family, but feel lost and confused. I am preparing myself for the emotional roller coaster that will be being home for the next three weeks.
The mountians are still here in Colorado, and it reminds me that something never change, even though they maybe covered with snow, (something that I had almost forgotten about), and that somethings, like the love of family and the presence of friends, although they may seem a little different or there might not be complete understanding, are always there and never change either.
I am but a stranger here myself...
I think my grandma said it the best. I am torn. I am back with my people and my country yet hardly feel like I know it at all. And I am torn and hurt by the fact the the people I talk to here will never really understand what my life has been like for the past seven months. I am happy to be home and see all my friends and family, but feel lost and confused. I am preparing myself for the emotional roller coaster that will be being home for the next three weeks.
The mountians are still here in Colorado, and it reminds me that something never change, even though they maybe covered with snow, (something that I had almost forgotten about), and that somethings, like the love of family and the presence of friends, although they may seem a little different or there might not be complete understanding, are always there and never change either.
I am but a stranger here myself...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
A Photo Update
After some technical difficulties, we finally have take off. I was able to download pictures form the last month it seems like, ok well, two weeks. With concerts, graduations visiting missionaries, and church dedications, we have been keeping busy! Heres an update of some of the things we have been doing here in Panama, Kodak Style.
April 29th was the Easter Concert. All the churches were present to sing songs and show of their talents that God has given them. The church was packed and the students loved every minute of it. Congratualtions to all the people on the Music Committee who pullled off a great show by themselves...with out the leadership of Joy! I know that she was proud of all of you!
Las Chicas Bond. April 30th was Joy's last sunday here in Panama, so the church threw her a farewell party. Hazel and Joy take in their last minutes to goof around together at Joy's Farewell Party in Balboa. It was a testament to Joy's work here to see all her students show up and tearfully say goodbye!
Joy gets all the Ensalada Rosada that she can before she leaves. Anselma, who has adopted all the volunteer missionaries as her grandchildren, did a wonderful job, as always, cooking for Joy's farewell Party.
Joy and her students have one more jam session during the farewell party! Rock on!
Eat it up. This is one of the few times I was brave enough to wear a tie in the Panamanian heat and humidity. This was for graduation ceremonies for my English Classes in Balboa. We had the beggining and advanced levels together at the graduation and part of the graduation was that the students had to present something in English to show off what we had learned. I was so proud of my students!
Ixora and Darlys sang "I Lift My Eyes Up" with Hazel and Haily accompanying on the piano and Guitar.
Cecilia did a speech on busy people. She talked about everything she does during the week that keeps her busy! Good Job, Cecilia
Florentino gave a speech about the English Classes at the church and how they have been a gift from God for him!
We had a dialouge between Lesvia and Sheila. They used all the questions we talked about in class to make a play. They even worked in a plug for the classes at the Lutheran Church! Way to go!
Katherine and Bolivar are my newest students. They have just started to come during this last session. Nonetheless, they imporved and learned a ton. Here they are also doing a dialouge, where they are asking each other about themselves. I was so proud of these two for all the work they did!
Liz brought her friend, Eleazer, to accompany her while she sang "From this Moment". She did a wonderful job and I think Shaina has got some competition coming!
Leo also gave a speech on the English classes. He siad that the hardest thing about learning English is pronuciation! I would agree! After trying to explain that the word "thought" is not pronounced th-o-u-ggg-hut, I would agree!
Elias sang "Above All" and we are talking recording studio quality. Elias Studied in the UNited States and speaks very well! He loves the chance to keep practicing English!
Marcos, another talented musician, played and sang "Lord, Be Glorified" in English. He even brought his own keyboard! Way to go Marcos!
Nuris gave a speech in the process of learning a new language. She had researched and used from her own experience as an English teacher. She had a very well put together speech. In fact, if I had known her while I was in school, I just might have used this speech in onr of my ESL Classes!
Isabel gave a speech about the English classes and why it is important to come and practice, even if you sometimes feel like you can't do it. Isabel is from Peru and adds so much to our class!
My students and I, with the parting gift they gave me! I told them, that when I take it home, I wont use it so much as a towel but a jacket, since I am not expectin anything over the frigid low 70s when I am in Colorado. Burrr! Congratulations to all graduates! I am so proud of all of you!
On May 3, Rosie, one of the missionaries that I meet at Missionary Oreintation came to visit. She will be in Panama until the 8th, and we have been having a great time! We spent some time in El Valle and all over Panama. This is Rosie with Becky in El Valle, where we spent the day relaxing at the hot springs, and shopping at the local market. We also had something really really freaking cool happen to us, so stay tuned for a joint blog entry on that...
Saturday brought the dedication of the new church "house" in La Chorerra. Pastor Clifford lead a service and dedicated the new building as the official start of many new programs that the church is starting there. Afterwards, ther was of course the traditional meal of somekind of meat with rice.
Of course there was also cake, and me being diabetic and all...Yamileth andI just cant get enough!
Oye Flaco! This is one of my students Lenin, but I call him flaco (skinny) becuase he lovingly calls me gordo (fat)! No service would be complete with out dedicated musicians like Lenin! They actually make service fun, instead of trying to sing along with some hokey CPH produced CD of an Organ recording of the hymns...
and what church service wouldnt be complete without the luney antics of raudy teenagers? Here the girls attack flaco while he is trying to drink his punch. I guess thats what we call flirting...
keep loving life...
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Happy Cinco de Mayo...right?
So, I hope everyone enjoyed Cinco de Mayo. Quick Quiz! What is the meaning of Cinco de Mayo? Mexican Independence Day? A reason to get drunk? Day of the grape Harvest?
Nope, wrong. BZZZZ! Times up. Minus one for the gringos. Thats right. Its none of the above.
Cinco de Mayo is actually in rememberance of a battle in the Mexican city of Puebla. The Mexican army defeated Napeoleon and all his French troops, who were like ten times bigger than the mexican rebels. The theorey goes that if the Mexicans would have lost this battle to the French, the United States would not exist. Seeing as that this happened during the American Civil War and France would have support the Confederate Amries if it were to be a new ruling power in the area, it is not only an important day for Mexicans but for Americans as well.
Cinco de Mayo. Is it celebrated in Panama? Mexico is along ways from here. Well, We have a whole plaza in the middle of Downtown called, check this, Plaza Cinco de Mayo. It must be an important day here in Panama as well.
Becky and I walk into the office on Friday and she says to everyone, HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO! She gets a few wierd smiles and one of the pastors says, Becky, its not really a happy day. Puzzled and slightly embrassed, Becky asks well, why?
Cinco de May o is actually a sad day in Panamanian History. When the republic was first starting, and the firemen were not all that well trained, there was a huge fire. Hundreds of firemen died, and so Cinco de Mayo has become quite a day of reverence for Firemen in general.
So, knowing this, we had our tyipcial tequila drinks but made a toast to the Panamanian Firefighters.
keep learning...
Nope, wrong. BZZZZ! Times up. Minus one for the gringos. Thats right. Its none of the above.
Cinco de Mayo is actually in rememberance of a battle in the Mexican city of Puebla. The Mexican army defeated Napeoleon and all his French troops, who were like ten times bigger than the mexican rebels. The theorey goes that if the Mexicans would have lost this battle to the French, the United States would not exist. Seeing as that this happened during the American Civil War and France would have support the Confederate Amries if it were to be a new ruling power in the area, it is not only an important day for Mexicans but for Americans as well.
Cinco de Mayo. Is it celebrated in Panama? Mexico is along ways from here. Well, We have a whole plaza in the middle of Downtown called, check this, Plaza Cinco de Mayo. It must be an important day here in Panama as well.
Becky and I walk into the office on Friday and she says to everyone, HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO! She gets a few wierd smiles and one of the pastors says, Becky, its not really a happy day. Puzzled and slightly embrassed, Becky asks well, why?
Cinco de May o is actually a sad day in Panamanian History. When the republic was first starting, and the firemen were not all that well trained, there was a huge fire. Hundreds of firemen died, and so Cinco de Mayo has become quite a day of reverence for Firemen in general.
So, knowing this, we had our tyipcial tequila drinks but made a toast to the Panamanian Firefighters.
keep learning...
Thursday, May 04, 2006
A bunch of thoughts...attempted to be connected
So on May 2, one of the missionaries, Joy, who worked with music in the congregations, left Panama for good. She headed back to the states and will continue on with many exciting adventures that include the ocean, Macchu Picchu and a good ole dose of Texan Pride. When she left, all I could help was to ask , "Where's the Joy in Panama anymore?" We miss you Joy!
At the airport, while Joy was walking to her gate and we quitly watched through the windows, Joy just kind of mixed in with the people at the airport at some point, and we lost sight of her. I thought about her and all the other people at the airport. What is their story? Where are they going? What are they doing? Everyone is right at the beggining of something, and the end of something else. Some are ready to be home after a vacation, some are sad to be leaving but excited to start the thing they have been awaiting for for some time.
And then in the grocery store, it was the same feeling. Who is the lady infront of me? Why is she buying what she is buying? What is she going to do when she leaves the store? It hit me that the world is so huge and everyone has a story of their own. I realized that I want to know more peoples stories, and to understand that even though we all have this different story, there is something that unifies us. For everyone on the street in Panama, its the news of the day. That the president wants to expand the canal is the little piece of knowledge that unifies us. For Christians worldwide, it is to know that through our different lives and histories, God has worked in us a knowledge of him. For those in the United States, it my be the effect of the immigrant demonstrations that unify everyone on one common ground.
And I feel privledged to be able to know the stories of some of the other people who I really wouldnt have anything in common with. During my graduation fiesta at Los Andes for my Adult English Class, the class told me about some of their rememberances of the Invasion of Panama (1989, if you need a history lesson, email me!) Alot of my students lived in the areas that were bombed, and this feeling of fear, amazement and confusion, was something that all united them. Through their stories, I learned so much about my students, and felt more connected with them becuase I too had some of the same feelings of fear and amazem,ent and conufsiuon as they counted their stories to me.
There is a qoute from Che Gueverra that says about his journey through South America and his journal of said trip: "This isnt a tale of derring-do; nor is it merely some kind of cynical account, it is meant to be at least. Its a chunk of two lives running parrlell for a while, with common aspirations and similar dreams". Joy, I am so thankful for the chunk of our lives that got to spend together. To my students, thank you for the time we have spent together sharing a part of our lives. And my God continue to bring wonderful people into our lives, even knowing that we will travel together on this road, one day our paths will part, and we will have to say goodbye. And knowing it will be hard to see our paths part, we know that God brought us together for that time and he has his perfect timing to bring us together again.
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
keep walking...
At the airport, while Joy was walking to her gate and we quitly watched through the windows, Joy just kind of mixed in with the people at the airport at some point, and we lost sight of her. I thought about her and all the other people at the airport. What is their story? Where are they going? What are they doing? Everyone is right at the beggining of something, and the end of something else. Some are ready to be home after a vacation, some are sad to be leaving but excited to start the thing they have been awaiting for for some time.
And then in the grocery store, it was the same feeling. Who is the lady infront of me? Why is she buying what she is buying? What is she going to do when she leaves the store? It hit me that the world is so huge and everyone has a story of their own. I realized that I want to know more peoples stories, and to understand that even though we all have this different story, there is something that unifies us. For everyone on the street in Panama, its the news of the day. That the president wants to expand the canal is the little piece of knowledge that unifies us. For Christians worldwide, it is to know that through our different lives and histories, God has worked in us a knowledge of him. For those in the United States, it my be the effect of the immigrant demonstrations that unify everyone on one common ground.
And I feel privledged to be able to know the stories of some of the other people who I really wouldnt have anything in common with. During my graduation fiesta at Los Andes for my Adult English Class, the class told me about some of their rememberances of the Invasion of Panama (1989, if you need a history lesson, email me!) Alot of my students lived in the areas that were bombed, and this feeling of fear, amazement and confusion, was something that all united them. Through their stories, I learned so much about my students, and felt more connected with them becuase I too had some of the same feelings of fear and amazem,ent and conufsiuon as they counted their stories to me.
There is a qoute from Che Gueverra that says about his journey through South America and his journal of said trip: "This isnt a tale of derring-do; nor is it merely some kind of cynical account, it is meant to be at least. Its a chunk of two lives running parrlell for a while, with common aspirations and similar dreams". Joy, I am so thankful for the chunk of our lives that got to spend together. To my students, thank you for the time we have spent together sharing a part of our lives. And my God continue to bring wonderful people into our lives, even knowing that we will travel together on this road, one day our paths will part, and we will have to say goodbye. And knowing it will be hard to see our paths part, we know that God brought us together for that time and he has his perfect timing to bring us together again.
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
keep walking...
Friday, April 28, 2006
Still adjusting
Well, the test and frustration of the last weeks come to fruition today. Let me explain. (Please keep reading...this is funny, although it sounds kind of depressing!)
For the last two weeks, I have been tested like nothing else. Everynight before I go to bed, it always happens. There is always this little scurrying sound. The last couple of days, I have heard it when I wash dishes, when I take a shower and when I am getting ready to get into bed.
Now, it can be kind of unsettling going to bed knowing there is a creature big enough to make scurrying noises in your house, lurking in the darkness. And while I have learned to handle all types of bugs flying in my house (alright, I lie, I still struggle with tolerating cockroaches), images of big rats and mice have filled my head the last couple nights as I venture to bed, hoping to God in heaven that they havent nested in my bed.
And as any good American, where scurrying noises mean only one thing-rats and mice-I have covered my apartment with rat poisin, and submerge from my deep slumber every monring, awoken by the excitment that I might have got the best of our furry friend, only to be be disspointed by the lack of keeled over rodents.
Today, I learned why. Take a look at the picture. (Well, Mom...dont look at this picture!)
I pulled myself together, grabbed a bucket and safely removed him from the premises. He was sad to leave, until I stomped the ground really hard...then he took off!
For the last two weeks, I have been tested like nothing else. Everynight before I go to bed, it always happens. There is always this little scurrying sound. The last couple of days, I have heard it when I wash dishes, when I take a shower and when I am getting ready to get into bed.
Now, it can be kind of unsettling going to bed knowing there is a creature big enough to make scurrying noises in your house, lurking in the darkness. And while I have learned to handle all types of bugs flying in my house (alright, I lie, I still struggle with tolerating cockroaches), images of big rats and mice have filled my head the last couple nights as I venture to bed, hoping to God in heaven that they havent nested in my bed.
And as any good American, where scurrying noises mean only one thing-rats and mice-I have covered my apartment with rat poisin, and submerge from my deep slumber every monring, awoken by the excitment that I might have got the best of our furry friend, only to be be disspointed by the lack of keeled over rodents.
Today, I learned why. Take a look at the picture. (Well, Mom...dont look at this picture!)
Anything wrong here with this picture?
Thats right. While I was talking on the phone, out struts our friend, the lizard. He walked right over like he was looking for a best friend. He was very docile, even allowed a nice little photo shot.
That is definatly NO rat...
I pulled myself together, grabbed a bucket and safely removed him from the premises. He was sad to leave, until I stomped the ground really hard...then he took off!
And know I qaulify to be an exterminator. I will have all you Animal Rights people out there now that no animals were injured during this process...
So lesson learned...maybe I need to invest in some lizard traps. Hey, I still learning little by little about the new world I live in!
keep exterminating...
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Happy Birthday Cassie
Happy Birthday, Cassie! I wanted to say Happy Birthday to my little sister, Cassie. I hope that everything goes well for you! You have grown up so much and I am so proud of you! I cant wait to get to hang out with all of you again in a couple weeks!
Hopefully you have learned this much in Spanish class...feliz cumpleanos...que cumplas muchos anos mas y que sean de alegria y salud....te amo...tu hermano..
sigue estudiando (keep studying)...
ps. jamming to some coldplay just for you!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The Wedding...through Chris' eyes
April 8 was Becky and Noriel's wedding. It was so beautiful. The wedding itself was held at the church in Balboa. And after all the planning and the stress that had me convinced that eloping is the best option, after seeing all the guests and family and Becky and Noriel enjoying themselves and being as happy as they were, I guess a wedding will be worth it someday.
So a little background. Becky was a missionary here in Panama. A testimony to the work that she has done here in Panama was the support she had from the women of the church. Anselma (who has dubbed herself my Panamanian grandmother), Yazmina (who has dubbed me her hermanito) and many others, spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday preparing the whole church and the event. They not only stripped and rewaxed the entire floor of the church, but prepared and served a buffet dinner of salads, meat, traditional panamanian food and other appetizers (long live HUN PAU!) Noriel, who comes from the provience of Chiriqui, is a wonderful guy, whose humor I get! I am actually not supposed to encourage him with his so called "dry and chessy jokes" by laughing, but cant help it. He is studying architeture in the National University and is a person who has taught me so much about Panama and its culture...in as much as he has told me as well as just by the way he acts.
Becky, has spent the last four months of her life, slowly pulling this wedding together. And since most of my teaching duties are at night, I had the priveldge of doing alot of wedding planning and shopping together during the days. I also had the priveledge of being a groomsman in the wedding, so I got to get all cleaned up and dressed in a tux.
With all the out of town guests, fruit baskets needing to be carved from watermelons, cupcakes to be made, and food to pick up from different restaurants throughout the city (among many other things), none of us really slept for more than 3 hours a day the days before the weddings. Some slap happy memories including laughing at the dairy queen tip dipped cup-cakes, try to lug around a huge vat of watermelon (oh yes, it was about 8 pounds), and eating all the rejected cupcakes. Even when we were slap happy, or dead tired, standing at the altar and seeing Noriel and Becky say their vows (bilingually I may add) was enough to keep us all going.
Please pray for Becky and Noriel as they start this new part of their life together. Pray that they would continue to walk in God's ways all the days of their lives, and continue to be an excellent model of a Christian couple to the people of the church in Panama.
And now for some pictures. Thats right ladies, eat your hearts out. This is one of the few times you can feast your eyes on me in a tux...
So a little background. Becky was a missionary here in Panama. A testimony to the work that she has done here in Panama was the support she had from the women of the church. Anselma (who has dubbed herself my Panamanian grandmother), Yazmina (who has dubbed me her hermanito) and many others, spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday preparing the whole church and the event. They not only stripped and rewaxed the entire floor of the church, but prepared and served a buffet dinner of salads, meat, traditional panamanian food and other appetizers (long live HUN PAU!) Noriel, who comes from the provience of Chiriqui, is a wonderful guy, whose humor I get! I am actually not supposed to encourage him with his so called "dry and chessy jokes" by laughing, but cant help it. He is studying architeture in the National University and is a person who has taught me so much about Panama and its culture...in as much as he has told me as well as just by the way he acts.
Becky, has spent the last four months of her life, slowly pulling this wedding together. And since most of my teaching duties are at night, I had the priveldge of doing alot of wedding planning and shopping together during the days. I also had the priveledge of being a groomsman in the wedding, so I got to get all cleaned up and dressed in a tux.
With all the out of town guests, fruit baskets needing to be carved from watermelons, cupcakes to be made, and food to pick up from different restaurants throughout the city (among many other things), none of us really slept for more than 3 hours a day the days before the weddings. Some slap happy memories including laughing at the dairy queen tip dipped cup-cakes, try to lug around a huge vat of watermelon (oh yes, it was about 8 pounds), and eating all the rejected cupcakes. Even when we were slap happy, or dead tired, standing at the altar and seeing Noriel and Becky say their vows (bilingually I may add) was enough to keep us all going.
Please pray for Becky and Noriel as they start this new part of their life together. Pray that they would continue to walk in God's ways all the days of their lives, and continue to be an excellent model of a Christian couple to the people of the church in Panama.
And now for some pictures. Thats right ladies, eat your hearts out. This is one of the few times you can feast your eyes on me in a tux...
Noriel and I put the cake on the cake stand. I was in charge of picking the cake up...that was the most nerve racking twenty minutes of my life. Big thanks to Dave for carrying the cake and saving me from having a cake meltdown in Panamanian traffic. You can tell by the looks on our faces that we are just a little aprehensive about setting it down. That cake weighed a ton! To qoute Noriel's grandma, "Esa vaina pesa." (translates roughly 'that shit is heavy!')
Noriel and the cabelleros (groomsmen), and the pastors. The pastors informed us that is was our job to make sure that the wedding went off...that we were to make sure Noriel didnt run off at any point in the ceremony. While the damas (bridesmaids) where there for elegence, we were spiffed up body guards. Just kidding!
Becky and the cabelleros. Our job was to make sure that Noriel didnt go running out of the church. Here Becky is congradulating us on sucessfully holding him back. Just kidding...But we are smilimg becuase we are about to leave the church and have the opportunity to take off our sweaty jackets. Yeah, tuxes and non-airconditioned buildings, not so fun.
Ana and I leaving the church. Ana had hurt her foot the day of the wedding, so here we are practicing the slow march out of the church.
More pictures of Becky and Noriel to come! Stay tuned!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Of Haircuts, March Newsletters and Pictures
I know. I could hardly beleive it. I have been on blogger almost three days in a row. Wow, you think, that Chris is really cool. He keeps us updated so well on what is going on in Panama. I wish I had his blogging abilities...well, I try, what can I say.
There are more pictures added in my Photo Album, so be sure to check those out. Also check out the March Newsletter under the "My Newsletters" Links.
Oh yeah got a haircut. That was an adventure. You all have to let me know what you think. I will know next time to take my dictionary with me when I go, since the only "hair" term I know is cocobolo, which rougly translates as coconut head...
There are more pictures added in my Photo Album, so be sure to check those out. Also check out the March Newsletter under the "My Newsletters" Links.
Oh yeah got a haircut. That was an adventure. You all have to let me know what you think. I will know next time to take my dictionary with me when I go, since the only "hair" term I know is cocobolo, which rougly translates as coconut head...
This is the before picture. Altough I like the curlying out in the back look (my Panamanian friends loving called me Jesus Christ), and the way my hair whisped around in the wind, it was time for a little trim.
Although I have a kind of smug face, I actually like it. It doesnt look that bad. The truth of the matter is that I liked the hippy look, but I am in a wedding this weekend, so would prefer not to lose my life to the bride's wrath than keep my stylish locks (just kidding Becky, I know you would have only hired a hitman, not actually gone through with it!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
