Au Revoir Wichita y Hola Panama!


Friday, June 9th 2017
After being patted down, running around, and traveling through three different towns...our final destination has been found. Panama has made the journey worth the dream. It would take your breath away. 

 Carol departed from us the moment we arrived in David to go to Boquete. Ever since Carol left us, Barbara and I have decided we are the "Dynamic Duo in David". Our host mother, Gloria, warmly greeted us upon our arrival. Her sweet embrace reminded me of the cultural warmth I feel when surrounded by Latin American culture. The Latin American culture for me is similar to hearing a familiar and long forgotten melody, or the sensation of recalling fondly made memories. 

  Immediately after arriving from the airport we went to eat at a restaurant where the owner cooked the food himself and knew our host family personally. The humidity in Panama is intensified at this time of the year. Currently it is the rainy season, also known as the green season. During the rainy season it rains almost every day in Panama. The rain brings life to the plants, trees, and the land itself. For breakfast our host mother prepared freshly made mango juice from their mango tree in the backyard. Queso fresco (fresh cheese), eggs, pineapple, and coffee were all served on the table. All of the breakfast items were served and easily accessible on a rotating table. Based solely on brief observations I would say that so much of life here is intertwined with human beings and their relationship with the land. The land is loved and respected. The growth of the land is marveled and revered. I am in awe with the natural beauty that I've seen and I've yet to discover. 



 Afterwards we were driven throughout downtown David. The city of David is small(roughly 30,000 people). Our host father, Manolo, took us to see different houses in the neighborhoods nearby. Each house has a unique story, and the architectural structure has a free energy flowing concept in mind. Many houses are passed down through families, and there are even entire neighborhoods sectioned off for specific families that live next to one another.  The expansive windows allow for the visual of breathtaking views and an entrance for the cool breeze. I would like to say that the architectural design of the houses reflects upon the ideology of the culture, "Live and let live." The closeness of family and community is also reflected upon their cultural values by placing family members next to one another generation after generation. 
Starting Monday, Barbara and I will begin observing Panamanian schools before we give a two week seminar using materials that will assist the English mandated program here in Panama. Although we may have a set of skills that will assist in teaching English, I have the understanding that we also have the opportunity to learn. Throughout this journey, I am looking forward to a humbling experience in an extraordinary place. 


Location: David, Panama

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