Here we are in 2010…the second decade of the second millennium. What a crazy trip 2009 has been for me. I both began and ended it in the same place…a small town in the mountains of Panama but have been many places in between.
I finished my two years (actually 26 months) of Peace Corps service in July of 2009, went home to visit my family in Virginia for two weeks, and got accepted into the Peace Corps Fellows program at Western Illinois University. The whole rhythm of my life changed that quickly. I was converted from a calm, pace-of-the-people Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama to a graduate student studying Political Science, with an emphasis in Public Administration and Public Policy. I am a fine student. I walked away from the fall semester with five As. However, I missed Panama. I went back for three weeks this winter, as my semester break was a generous four weeks.
Everyone was so happy to see me, and I to see them. I spent nine days of my vacation in my old village. They now have light, and the wealthier families have washing machines, televisions, and refrigerators. All remember that it was my persistence, which finally brought the electricity project to fruition. They now have installed five rice tanks, a technology that allows them to easier control weeds and obtain three rice harvests per year.
They did not implement the technology until May 2009, just two months before I left. However, the goal of sustainable projects is not what is accomplished in my time, but the seeds I sowed and what happens after I have gone. So far, I am impressed that so much has happened in just six months.
2009 Highlights:
January--Trip with my Dad across Panama--21 more days than I've ever spent alone with my Dad
February--Co-coordinated youth conference for 45 Panamanian youth
March--Health fair in Isla Leones, Veraguas, Workshop on how to make organic fertilizers
April--Organized two sex-ed workshops. One in my own community with approximately 150 attendees and one for 30 women from five volunteer communities. Co-produced "The Vagina Monologues" at the Universidad de Panama in Santiago, Veraguas, with my friend, Cassie. We also filled the theater!
May--My townspeople dug their first rice tank! Taught elementary school students at five schools to protect the environment. My character specifically taught them to protect wild animals. Eat chicken, not endangered animals!
June--Formed a group of Environmental Volunteers in my community.
July--Organized the painting of a world map mural in my town's primary school. Visited Virginia.
World Map, Escuela Primaria
Family
August--Moved to Illinois. Started graduate studies.
Panama House
Illinois Apartment
September--Attended a friend's wedding in North Carolina.
October--Visited Virginia again.
November--Visited my family and old friends in Seattle for Thanksgiving.
Grandma Garnet, 96 years-oldEarthCorps Housemates 5-Year Reunion
December--Went back to Panama to celebrate the holidays.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2010!
Love,
Teri
aka Theresa
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