Drinking the PC Kool-Aid.

For clarity's sake, I just need to explain a few things that may not be ubiquitously understood.

1. Panamá has the most PCVs serving in one country than any other. Around 200 or more. 
2.  There are 4 sectors here in Panamá. All 4 sectors are focused on sustainability. Meaning, when we leave - things keep moving without us. 
1. TE (what I'm in) English Teacher Trainers/Education Realm. We were asked by MEDUCA (Ministry of Education) to come in and help strengthen English education here in Panamá.
2. CEC  "Community Environmental Conservation (CEC) - Works with youth and communities on the management of watersheds, protected areas, solid waste and ecotourism development." -Wikipedia CEC 76 was in my training group, but they lived in a different city.
3. SAS "Sustainable Agriculture Systems (SAS) - Provides technical assistance to small farmers in high production, low-impact organic farming techniques." -Wikipedia
4. EH "Environmental Health (EH) - Volunteers train local groups to operate, maintain and manage community water, sanitation and health systems." -Wikipedia
3. Panama while seemingly developed is actually not. Sure, there is the beautiful capital and some excellent tourism in a small portion of this gorgeous country, but the reality is - many places are without water. Even more are without clean water. There are many health concerns, there is malaria, the pregnancy rate is atrocious for teen girls, and while in this American English teacher's opinion, the American educational system definitely needs a tune up, the Panamanian system needs an overhaul. Frustratingly enough, Peace Corps will not fix the educational system. For instance, we cannot fix the fact that students do not turn in assignments and face no repercussions. While I think grades matter too much at home, they matter too little here. Instead, we must take the "starfish story" approach, and focus on helping one starfish at a time. For instance, yes, sexual education could benefit young couples, but so could conversations regarding their goals for the future. PCVs can help with both.
4.  We have 10 weeks of training in a Panamanian community as we live with a host family. We have Spanish classes for 4 hours a day and technical classes for the other half. We are absolutely babied for 10 weeks and then after Swear In, we are birthed into the world to breathe on our own.   
5. From past stories I've heard, PC has definitely changed over the years and through technological advances, we're really not that far out of touch with the rest of the world, which has its advantages and disadvantages. I think some of the major changes have happened as a result of security issues, which I can understand as a teacher. All rules are put in place because something or someone caused it to become a rule.
6.  Now I'm here in my site. I have to send in reports to prove I'm doing service to the powers on high (in this case, Washington and the taxpayers), and I have to attend meetings and trainings, but the reality is - my service is in my hands. It's liberating and frightening to have so much freedom, but this is what I signed up for. So, what am I doing? Well, I'll be able to explain better after some time. Teachers know that rarely do we see the fruits of our labor within a short period of time. So, if you're like me, and you're curious to find out what - if any - impact I will have on my community, you will need to learn one of the most necessary of tools for life here in Panamá, not to mention the most important tool as an educator: Patience.

 Take a breath. And wait. The bus will come. The meeting will start. The rain will stop. The electricity will come back on. This meeting will end. There will be results. In time. 

Oh and for anyone concerned - don't worry. I don't actually believe Peace Corps is the greatest organization in the world. (In reference to my title about drinking the Kool-Aid.) It is one of many great organizations that does excellent work in developing nations, but I am quite proud to be working for Peace Corps as a PCV, and I am honored that I get to live and work in Panamá. But I do seriously believe that every one should own a hammock. I'll save that for another day.