Ofi! *

I lifted my right hand and repeated word for word after the Ambassador. As a group we sounded like a chorus, maybe even slightly like a cult swearing to dedicate and commit the next two years of our life to protect the USA. Our promise was written out for us.  No room was left for us to individualize our vows to the Peace Corps. However, as I repeated those words, my eyes slowly turned glossy. I knew that our service would be a very unique experience and an adventure that will not be repeated by any volunteer. Yet simultaneously an experience shared with many community members and many volunteers to come.

The last few words were repeated and next thing I knew we were all hugging. It was a moment that we had all waited for very long - nearly 2 years for many of us, considering when we first applied. At times it felt like it would never get here, simultaneously it felt almost like a surprise. The two months of training that had originally appeared excessive, flew by as strangers soon became friends and this foreign place began to feel like home. Now, with each hug I tried to express all my gratitude. With each hug I was reminded that in just a few days, this new support system that I had formed here, these individuals with whom I can share all my silly and petty stories about Panamanian life and how nothing ever goes according to plan, would be all over the country and no longer a 5 minute walk away from me.

It was finally time for us to take the reins into our hands. Every single day would no longer be planned out for me. Seems unreal after 2 months of following a tight schedule like a child in grammar school again. In just a few days I would hop on a bus and arrive to my town with my hiking backpack on my back and my unnecessarily heavy bag in my hand. I would hike up the hill to my host family house. I would place my stuff down, take a deep breath, wipe away the sweat off of my forehead, pray to the god of the Panamanian breeze that I never in my life have to sweat this much again, and I would begin my two year adventure. And that is exactly how my adventure had begun.

As soon as I was able to catch my breath, I took a look around, and I felt at home again. I had forgotten how beautiful this place was. Spectacular really. For the past week I had been afraid that while boasting to all my friends about this little paradise of mine, I may have made it out to be more magnificent that it really was and thus convinced myself of the same. However, now that I was here again, I realized that that I was preoccupied unnecessarily. This place was still very much so my little paradise. My dad, an extremely kind and genuine man, was here to greet me. As was my youngest host brother, 21 years old and the biggest goofball I have met to this day. Soon after, Yadira, my host sister and “community guide” arrived home. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt around these people after only meeting them for a few days two weeks ago. The rest of the afternoon was very relaxing. I helped Yadira make a salad for dinner as people slowly trickled back into the house. I then pulled out my DSLR to take some photos of the parakeets around my house. That quickly turned into a spontaneous hike during which my host sister and brother pointed out all the wonderful things found in nature that I should take photos of. For those that know me well, know that it was a perfectly spent afternoon for me. To finish the day off we watched Titanic, which happened to be playing on TV that night. Well.... I made an effort to watch Titanic with them. About an hour into the movie, my eyes decided that it was time for some rest. After an attempted battle, I finally gave up and got a good nights sleep instead.

*Ofi - Panamanian slang for "Official"

Below you can find a photo dump.

The back yard of my host families house.  This is the home I left behind. It was one of my last evenings there.   It just rained and everything appeared to be such a gorgeous shade of green.

Our host families in our part of town threw us a surprise goodbye party! It was extremely cute and impressive considering that in general they were pretty poor at planning. It was definitely a success. The sign however was my favorite part. Please note that the two "John"s are actually supposed to be "Joan"s. My name is spelled incorrectly too. But that is a very common mistake here in Panama. It's the effort that counts, right?

Below are photos from Swear In Day and our free weekend. They are a bit out of order. I apologize.

The Panama Peace Corps Director.  I have only had a few chances to speak with him this far but I can say that he is truly a wonderful individual and a perfect fit for his position. Unfortunately he will be leaving his position in just a few months.

Director of the Community Environmental Conservation Sector. There are no words that can express how amazing this man is. He is like that uncle figure that always wants the best for you. The person you never want to disappoint because you know how much he believes in you. He is also like a wizard and matched us all perfectly to our sites. I do not know how he does it.

Dinner at TGI Friday's after our ceremony

A day to relax after training. One last time for us all to be together.

You tell me what this is. I call it Peace Corps fun.

There just happened to be fireworks right next to us the night we were at the beach. I think they were just congratulating us :)

Speech by Francisco

Speech by Aja from the Teaching English sector.

Speech by Max from the Community Envirionmental Sector. 

Both were heartfelt and inspirational in their own way.

These guys really rocked it! and in Spanish!