tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85017202869791181612024-03-13T08:33:54.433-07:00The Meaning of LifeKevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-14310674314543494762011-11-21T14:13:00.000-08:002011-11-28T14:11:18.582-08:00As the Holidays Approach<span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:12;color:black;" lang="EN-US" > <br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">So here in Panama, we have been in holiday season for about a month now. The celebrations started at the first part of November, and they will continue until we roll in the New Year. In fact, I came to the city today hoping to get some work done, but my computer has quit working, very few internet cafes are open, and the bank is not open because I forgot it was a national holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As for me, I've been busy, but it has really been a great time. (and I know, I need to update my blog more frequently.)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">I have had some very interesting experiences...</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">From seeing more snakes killed during this recent period than the whole first year (corral snakes, a snake called "the X"), to watching it rain for days on end, to giving up on using an umbrella (I just carry extra trash bags to water proof everything I am carrying and I walk in the rain, including putting a trash bag over my hat and putting my hat back on my head), to wearing out shoes at the quickest rate in my life (I brought one pair of Docker dress shoes with me that lasted for a year in the rain, mud, and trails, but I have since worn out three additional pairs of dress shoes in a three month period. I use my mud boots whenever I can, but they are not considered appropriate for me all the time because of the title I hold of a University graduate and professor. They hold me to the same dress standards as the mayor, representative, priest, teachers, agency workers, and other professionals who enter the community, so I end up walking in mud in dress shoes more than I would like), to having a con artist try to smooth talk me out of money (he never asks for money, he just tells a really good story of being robbed, and no, he did not get my money), to watching my house grow (the tree limbs that were buried for bracing are now growing like they were planted, which doesn't help when you house is made of dirt), to being kissed by pet deer, and going on an amazing hike.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">About the hike....<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">From my community, backdropping every vantage point, overlooking the entire Ñürüm district, and tempting me to conquer it every day, stands a mountain of enormous beauty and statute, which frequently hidden from the world by approaching rain clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On occasion, the clouds clear, the sun shines, and the beauty of Tolíca Mountain rains over my community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since the first day I came to reside in my community, I have been tempted and by this beast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Climb me if you dare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You think you can, but I know better” is whispered in the wind and echoed by the trees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">Well, out of nowhere, I received an invitation to travel with a community member to the community that was near the top of the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I, without considering, thinking, or even looking at my calender, eagerly stated that I would love to go.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">What turned out was one of my most memorable experiences so far!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I conquered the mountain, hiked for 5 hours, heard the rosary prayed in Spanish for the first time, slept in the community, saw children playing the balseria (which is a traditional celebration of the comarca), stayed the night at a community member´s house (who treated us with such hospitality that it felt like home), witnessed the first celebration held by a community counterpart, hiked through rain, climbed trees to drink oranges when the water ran out, drank from the mountain springs and creeks when I could, stood in the clouds as they passed, and hiked back to my community the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In addition, I have amazing photos to remember the journey with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I also saw my first Chirola, which is basically a prison in the Comarca.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If there is a fight, theft, violence, adultery, or statutory rape (when consent is given but the other person is under age, male or female), the person is put inside this prison for 24 hours, or more, without any water or food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It doesn´t seem that harsh, but the prison is so small that you can not sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In addition, if you fall asleep, you fall into barbwire.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">Outside of these amazing experiences, I continue teaching accounting, marketing, and English, have started teaching computers, and stay busy working in all sorts of random projects, ranging from helping write the statute for a cooperative that´s forming, constructing cash flow statements, training individuals personally on accounting, tutoring adults who are studying at the university in math and English, reading Dracula (which does keep me up at nights), and learning how to play the Star Spangled Banner on the guitar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">But right now, all I can think about is Christmas...........</span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US">Also, I have updated Picasa with some photos of the above described...</span></p><br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Georgia', 'serif'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'" lang="EN-US"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104217444999898257672/MoreRandomness#">https://picasaweb.google.com/104217444999898257672/MoreRandomness#</a></span></span></p>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-12226882574334485802011-09-13T15:20:00.000-07:002011-09-13T18:41:47.192-07:00One Year CompleteOne Year Complete...<div>I have been in Panama for over a year, and I have been in my community for over 10 months now. What a whirlwind it has been! And for that, let me try to give it some perspective....<div><br /><div>First 10 weeks - Culture shock, long days of training (technical and language), living in a environment where learning, hours, freedom, food, safety, and families are controlled and monitored by Peace Corps, constant feedback and evaluations, new diets introduced, pit latrines avoided and despised, English speakers living next door, fellow volunteers seen on a daily basis, dinamicas are introduced and seemed outrageously childish</div><div><br /></div><div>Next 3 months - Period of Community Analysis, Family, Religion, Education, Economy, Health, Organizations, and Politics being the topic of focus of every conversation, new names are introduced on a daily basis, many conversations pass and you don´t know what was said, reunions occur and you sit in a corner and listen, then you get invited to the front to talk and you give your short memorized speak about Peace Corps, yourself, and your program (which is very challenging when it is called Community Economic Development), you learn that your program is being cancelled....Wait.....No more CED after I leave? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Next 3 months - Volunteer Reporting Forms (VRFs) start to count, you worry what in the world will you really put on that thing, your work schedule piles up, you agree to do anything and everything that you are invited to do, teach English, Accounting, and Marketing, help in the school garden, go to every junta you can, you help with many short term projects, can you help me know how much money I made last month, you teach how to analyze financial statements, you teach how to use condoms, you talk about HIV/AIDS in the school, the scenery constantly takes your breath away, the women don´t, time flies by, where did it go?</div><div><br /></div><div>Next 3 months - Isolation starts settling in, In-Service Training comes, your entire group is reunited in one complex, casinos, swimming, ocean, boats, stories.....a home visit occurs, friends, family, food, flavor, grease in your food, good times, stomach problems........leadership training to community members is given, you discuss the big problems openly because you know what they are (or you think so at that point), you work to write a mission and vision statement, you start working on accounting, you give homework to community groups, you see the problems and failures from non-sustainable development, projects that you agreed to work on during the past three-month period nobody now has interest in, you feel like your language is okay, you set up a condom distribution network in you community because they are not sold to anyone under the age of 18, you realize why so many young women have babies, you keep teaching...........</div><div><br /></div><div>Past month and a half - you start thinking, ´Am I making a difference?´.... you start doubting your language skills, your community groups still haven´t done their homework, you see the benefit to pit latrines, you would really rather use one than an indoor commode, when the fill level is low and the smell is properly maintained with gasoline, the benefits out-way an indoor toilet and the maintenance is definitely a lot lower, you make an appearance on a reality TV show, you help a local community member write a recycling project proposal, you start a bureaucratic nightmare of getting computers from the states sent to your community, you get health checks, you poop in a cup for three days, you find out you don´t need de-wormer, you solicit books for the school library, you travel to fellow volunteer sites helping teach leadership skills, you realize that dinamicas make seminars successful and memorable, you go on long hikes along unknown trails seeking isolation, you live in a ´Fish Bowl,´the beautiful scenery becomes normal, you start thinking that what used to be amazing is now just average, the women in the community are looking more beautiful every day, you find petroglyphs only a 45 minute hike away, you walk for 3 more hours one way looking for more rumored petroglyphs only to end up breaking a sweat and wasting time, you start thinking about the end........</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope/Goals for the Future - to start studying for the LSAT, to get a higher LSAT score, to get elected to a PCV in-country committee, to take another vacation to the states, to stop teaching English, to have more free time, to not have to repair your dirt house before the end of two years, to stop having to buy new umbrellas, to see projects start falling through and stop falling apart, to see success, to stop and smell the roses.......to see the cup as half full again.....</div><div><br /></div><div>The first day in Panama, our Country Director Brian Riley gave a very memorable speech, and it went something like this...</div><div><br /></div><div>"I want all of you to think about the moment you first stepped of the plane, the moment you first experienced Panama, the moment you first saw it ... the green, lush vegetation.....the tropical birds in the trees.....the palm trees.....the beautiful tropical weather.....the excitement built up in you......the motivation to do whatever Peace Corps asks....the attitude.....the energy....the enthusiasm! Don´t ever forget that! Whatever you do, remember that day!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, his version was longer, and it contained different words. (So I really didn´t need those parenthesis, but you get the idea)</div><div><br /></div><div>One-Year to Go</div></div>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-7378894401580131322011-07-05T12:26:00.000-07:002011-07-05T12:56:03.050-07:004th of July in PanamaWow how the time has flown! It has been way to long since my last post, and with so many stories to tell and so many memories that have been created, I will limit it to two, which most of you are probably unfamiliar.<div>First, I want to say that my trip to the states went really well. I loved visiting family, golfing, fishing, and hanging out with friends. After I returned to Panama, I spent the next four days in Panama City working with at an artesan fair with some women from my community. Anyways, to get to the story I find hilarious and embarrassing at the same time.....</div><div>Stomach problems. Being a Peace Corps Volunteer and having stomach problems is common place. I am sure that thousands of volunteers have story similar to mine, and we usually only talk about them among ourselves, or at least from I can tell. However, I feel as if it is time that future Peace Corps volunteers are made aware of common place situations, at least here in Panama and especially for those living in the more rural communities. In Panama, the public transportation system is fairly reliable, and overall I am impressed. However, there is one bus line that travels from Panama City to David, the two largest cities in the country, that is more luxurious. Air conditioning, large seats, curtains, television, and even a bathroom are included. However, the bathroom is actually a deception. While most people would think that a bathroom on a bus is available for all personal needs, these bathrooms are not. They are meant only for urination purposes, and not any more, and this has never been a problem before. However, when I left Panama City after my time at the artisan fair, I felt fine......for about 10 minutes. Then, it struck. The gut pain, clinched cheeks, cold sweat, no comfortable position problem hit. I thought, oh, it will pass, but it didn´t. After about 10 more minutes, I realized I had to take action. I could not go until the 3 hour mid-way stop in Santiago. I walked to the front of the bus and explained to the driver and helper my dilema. They seemed not at all phased by my situation as it is something I am sure they frequently deal with. Anyways, they stated that they could stop the bus in about 15 minutes at a closeby town, but if I needed them to stop sooner, just let them know. In the upcoming town, there would be a public restroom, equipped with toilet paper, with a comfortable seat and four walls. How nice that would be! However, I could not wait for 15 minutes. I gave it a shot, but after about 5 (which seemed like an hour in my time) the bus driver pulled over. Now, before leaving the bus, I did get toilet paper from the bus driver, and he did stop where tall cane was present. But really, none of this mattered. I hurried from the bus, slid down the embankment, pushed my way through head high cane, and found the ideal spot. I looked back to see if I could see passengers on the bus, and I couldn´t seem them. Therefore, I assume they couldn´t see me. Anyways, after finishing, (the bus waiting for me the whole time) I go to make my way back out of the ditch, and I find it much difficult to leave than it was arriving. I fall about twice, and finally manage to make my way back to the door. Covered in mud, sweating, and a little uncomforable after the whole experience, I go back to my seat and continue to my destination.</div><div>Okay, so I want to write more, but I have to go meet a community member who just called me. I am going to teach her about emails. Anyways, the fourth of July was great and memorable. I danced with the queen of the private high school, and we danced, coriographed, to the following song: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zp1TbLFPp8&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zp1TbLFPp8&feature=related</a></div><div>More to come in the future.</div><div><div><br /></div></div>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-71909715373346009632011-02-02T16:32:00.000-08:002011-02-02T16:35:21.059-08:00A Few Photos!A day never turns out the way it is planned in Panama. Anyways, I had time and speed to upload a few photos (10) to my Picasa page, but no more.<br />Sorry! I'll search for more time another day.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/Panama#">http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/Panama#</a>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-31785858783448238252011-01-20T14:23:00.000-08:002011-01-20T14:48:42.365-08:00Post Site Visit and First Night Out of SiteSo, at this point, I am probably considered a ´site rat´ because I don´t leave site very often. In fact, tonight will be my first night that I don´t sleep on the same table, in the same dirt walled & floored room, listening to the same roosters crowing and music blasting, and smelling the same scents that come with living in a remote village in the hills of the Comarca since I moved there two and a half months ago. And right now, I am wanting to run back home to my community. It is familiar, and where I am right now isn´t. In addition, it is a lot hotter here. It is probably 10 degrees warmer than my site with temperatures around 90 degrees farenheit here. So why am I out of site....not by choice, but because I have my first regional meeting to attend. I am really excited about it, as it will be my first opportunity to see many volunteers that I haven´t talked to in the same amount of time. Since moving to my site, I have had two volunteers visit my site, not including a relatively close volunteer (which I call vecino) that Í run into occassionally in my community.<br />So how has it been? AMAZING!!! My last post concentrated on my ever looming Site Visit, which I have come to realize was all needless concern. My site visit went great, and I feel so much better now that it is over. In addition, having the boss visit was really a great day and not a day of stress like I thought it would be. She helped me with a seminar I had, and she arrived with chocolates and apples. Plus, she bought my lunch (all $1.50 that it was)! Also, it was really refreshing to receive a ´pat on the back´ and appreciation for what I have been doing. Overall, I wish she would come more often, but it won´t be for another year that she makes a trip to my site.<br />Now, I have six month goals. I will continue the business analysis I started with the women´s (and two men) artisan group, I will train two people to teach basic computer skills, Word, and Excel which will in turn teach at least one class during this time period, and I will teach English classes tailored toward selling good to a person who can speak no Spanish. In addition, I will continue my primary job duty, which I call helping whoever wants help. Plus, today I introduced a really simple project to one of my community counterparts, and he was really excited and wanting to start on it immediately.<br />So where am I heading? Besides the goals set during my site visit, I also have a hiking trip planned for next week. I am going to hike 20 kilometers with a group of boys and girls (Boy Scouts) to the top of a mountain that I look at each day with amasement and desire to concure!<br />Oh, and I forgot my major accomplishment yesterday! My ´junta´ went amazing well, and we finished putting up the dirt/straw on my walls within one day! Now, I have 1 month to build two doors, two windows, run water, constuct a bed and table, get approval, and move into my new house! (The walls need 1 month to dry thoroughly, or otherwise, it is really cold and causes illnesses.)<br />I wish I could upload pictures, but my camera and the internet connection does not allow. However, imagine a group of six guys (Panamanian), one gringo, and one gringa in a circle with arms locked stomping mud in a giant mud pit! This was yesterday and the building of my house!<br />Right now, the only problem I have is my language. I find myself not thinking about what I am saying as much, and I end up accidently speaking English in the middle of a conversation! ¿Por que?Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-21224801562421103422010-12-17T10:17:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:02:35.039-08:00The Search Continues<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TQuzfJWnXOI/AAAAAAAAAqs/6AtXSaJO9_Y/s1600/112_4865.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551728313332358370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TQuzfJWnXOI/AAAAAAAAAqs/6AtXSaJO9_Y/s200/112_4865.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Life started feeling routine in Panama, and then I came to the city again......</div><br /><div>Many mornings, I wake up here in Panama frigid cold. No, it really is not that cold, but it is verano here, which is the dry season. In essence, for those accustomed to Panamanian weather, it is cold at night and dry, windy, sunny, and hot during the day. Then, I jump in an even more frigid shower because the water from the aqueduct system still has the air of the night in it. Next, I eat breakfast, which can be fried hot dogs, hojaldras, rice, boiled yucca, or chicken feet (which I went for seconds for the last time it was fixed). Then, I seem to have something going most days, whether attending business meetings, work days in the farm, or celebrating a holiday with the community. Some days, it starts off slow because I have nothing scheduled, but it usually picks up with me wondering around talking with people (pasear), which is a great past time no longer done in the U.S. Then, in the evening, some days I walk the road in the dark with other members of the community or go to a late night meeting, which has a set time of after mass, or spend time talking with my host family or I just go lie in bed and read until I get tired. During the night, I listen to the radio of my host brothers, as it is loud enough for the neighbors to listen as well, and try to listen to the newest or oldest U.S. top hit songs hidden behind the Spanish dubbed over them.</div><br /><div>I have a few meetings lined up at the start of the new year, and I have been purchasing supplies and crafting letters for my first in January, where I plan to faciliate a BOCA (PC acronym for Business and Organizational Capacity Assessment). Also, I have made commitments to attend the holidays with the community. I have also made the decision on where to build my house, and I feel like it is a good decision. It has a little bit of a view, is further from the center of town than I would have liked, but will benefit more people after I leave than other options. Everything was calm until I came to town.....</div><br /><div>An email from my boss that is for the APCD visit. Crap! I forgot! I still have a boss. I am supposed to organize a community meeting during the visit of my APCD. Everything felt normal, and now I have this meeting. I am not doing anything wrong, and I even think I am doing most things well. But, a community meeting with my boss present! Yes, even as a volunteer, I still have a boss. I have to decide who I am going to have as my community guide for my boss to meet (because in my community, there are many people who will be similar to a community guide for me), organize an event.....</div><br /><div>Another challenge ahead, and another solution I will find.</div><br /><div>Every day, I learn something new about my community. I learn of a different NGO that has been working in the community (today, World Brigade is in my community, and the community members are super excited to have them. Plus, I think that all the work they do only supports the work that I will do for the next 2 years), and I learn of past projects that are no longer functioning (a small hydro-electric plant used to be in my community?). Every day is an experience. Every day is a challenge. Every day is full of rewarding moments. Every day I want something that I do not have (usually in terms of food, family, or friends).</div><br /><div>A few days, I get to come to town and update my blog. Very few days. I have been out of site only 3 days since the start of November, and I only spent the day out of site. Since I had so many other activities lined up, I was unable to update my blog, so I apologize for a delayed post. However, I have friends and family in the states that are helping keep friends and other family informed. Thank You!</div><br /><div>As for next week, Merry Christmas to all!</div>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-48342911779754322732010-11-19T18:17:00.000-08:002010-12-01T08:28:02.724-08:00Update from Panama!Hi all, Mrs. Judy and I are writing an update for Kevin. By no means will we do as good of a job describing the adventures and experiences that Kevin has already had in Panama, but hopefully we can let everyone know how he's doing and what he's up to! - Judy & Nancy<br /><br />As some of you may have seen on Facebook, Kevin had the opportunity to run (technically - hop on a chiva and then a bus) to Santiago, Panama last week to pick up a few necessities. He has been in his location, Buenos Aires, for a month now and has certainly had to make a few adjustments to his routine, but is finding his new home welcoming. Right now Kevin is learning more about the culture and people in the city as well as the way the community operates. After learning about his new home, he will decide how he is best suited to assist the people of Buenos Aires.<br /><br />Kevin talks fondly about his community and his excitement in helping them. One of the most inspirational things for him is the unity of his community. Despite their differences, the people of Buenos Aires are all dedicated to their community.<br /><br />He has already become active in the community using his knowledge gained from Future Farmers of America (FFA) in high school and his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. He has been asked to work with a Boy Scout troop in the area. Using the skills he honed in FFA, he has helped evaluate the growth seedlings in a nearby greenhouse to determine if they were strong enough to be transplanted to another community for planting. Kevin has also found that he will be able to use his accounting and finance skills to help his community and has even bought a new accounting book!<br /><br />Kevin has learned some new trades while in Buenos Aires, one of which is washing his clothes by hand! He said that on his first try it took him about four hours to wash his clothes in the river near his location. No worries though, his second round of laundry went a bit faster...there's only room for improvement!<br /><br /><b>New Address</b><br />There is a new address for Kevin posted on the Contact page of his blog. If you send any packages his way, let him know via email so that he can be prepared for a pick up!<b> </b>He's certainly looking forward to getting more pictures and letters.Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-20497695898486096332010-10-28T20:22:00.000-07:002010-10-28T20:52:10.933-07:00Swear-InSo, I currently sit in an air conditioned room, on an ex-military base now filled with ex-pats, and I type on my laptop while using wireless internet. All of this after eating a wonderful Italian dinner with other great Peace Corps Volunteers. My first few hours of being a volunteer.....<br />Swear-In ceremony was a great experience, and it was again inspirational. The ceremony was held at the Ambassador of the United States' house, and the President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli was present. I come to realize the President Martinelli is a very personable guy, probably because he got a college degree from Arkansas. Overall, it was a wonderful ceremony.<br />In addition to swearing-in, I also received the official results of my language proficiency exam Wednesday, and I am proficient enough to swear in unconditionally. Also, I have spoke with family and friends the past few days, and I want to again thank everyone for the support from home. These words of encouragement help to push me through the challenges I face each day.<br />My first few hours of being a volunteer are not what I am expecting for the next two years. In fact, after a two day stint at the beach to celebrate, I will be in my site for the next three/four weeks without leaving for anything. All the way until Thanksgiving! One month without internet, TV, electricity, or English .... it's going to be an experience of a lifetime!<br />Anyways, I just wanted to update everyone and let them know I am alive. In addition, I am now a Peace Corps Volunteer officially! YAY!!!!!Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-27610935702027103822010-10-23T10:03:00.000-07:002010-10-23T11:01:55.954-07:00First Impression of my Site!Wow!!! Amazing! Inspirational! Opportunities! Difficult!<br />A continuous list of contradictory words could continue, but I think that most people can get the point.<br />My first visit to my site was amazing. I experienced so much in a short period of time. In additions, it gives me a whole mix of contradictory feelings all at the same time, but overall, it inspires me. I have so much to learn, and as most of you know, I enjoy learning. For two years, I will live in this amazing community, and my primary purpose is to help. It is odd how many times I said the following information in Spanish, "Hello. My name is Kevin White. I am a volunteer with the Peace Corps. I work in community economic development. Currently, Peace Corps has approximately four programs in Panama, health, agriculture, english, and business. I work in business. I am going to work with the businesses in this community, for example the cooperatives, associations, convenient stores (tiendas), organizations, and small businesses. I can help with accounting, marketing, finances, and business plans. I am a graduate of accounting, and I have a lot of experience working with businesses in the United States. I am going to live here for two years, but first I need to learn about the community, the culture, the people, and the businesses for three months. In addition, I need to learn a lot more Spanish. However, I want to help all the people of your community. Thank you for your time."<br />I actually had difficulty typing this because I said it so much in Spanish, and I feel like I am already talking Spanglish.<br />As far as my community, there are opportunities for me to work in so many different areas. However, I first have so much more I need to learn, including Spanish. Also, I was regularly asked about what projects I had. This question was always responded with me saying that I don´t have any projects. I am going to help with your projects. I want whatever I do to be sustainable, and you know better what you need then I do. So I need to learn about what you want and need, not what I think you need.<br />So exactly what I am going to be doing for the next two years, I do not know. How I am going to find out what I am going to do, I do not know. Where will I be living after my three months in with my host families, I do not know. The placement of a house in a community is very important decision. Many different things can be interpreted from where my house is placed. Why is he living next to that cooperative? Why is he living next to that family? Why is he close to the church? Why is he far away from the church? etc.<br />One major accomplishment of mine this past week was helping in the weekend adult education program. I instructed two short classes. One was about motivation for starting a business, and the other was about having an elevator pitch. Both occurred in Spanish, which is a term used lightly at this point.<br />I have however uploaded some additional photos, so be sure to check them out. http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/<br />As for me, I have a going away party for our house families tomorrow, an official language interview this coming Monday, leaving the training community Tuesday, having an interview with the Country Director this next week, Swearing-In on Thursday (and we have heard that the President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli will be in attendance as well, who is a University of Arkansas graduate by the way!), going on vacation to the beach with Group 66 Friday and Saturday, and moving to my community Sunday. Wow!!!Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-18300958472304345542010-10-08T15:59:00.000-07:002010-10-08T16:30:00.995-07:00Community Entry Conference!This coming Tuesday, I leave for a Community Entry Conference where I will meet a counterpart from my community. For a little over one day, there will be information covered ranging from community expectations of the volunteer, volunteer expectations of the community, planning the first three months of service, and planning for the week long adventure. This will be my first opportunity to meet someone from my community!!! Then, on Thursday morning, I will leave for my community with my counterpart, and I will spend about four days in the community learning about it and getting a feel for my next two years. In addition, I have the opportunity to take luggage/supplies (such as a water filter) and leave it there in the community until I return at the end of the month, which will help <span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="topstuff">immensely </span></span>since I packed way too much and have already acquired an amazing more amount of stuff like books.<br /><br />What are my expectations from my community<span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">? That is a good question. At this point, I just hope for patience as I advance my language proficiency, but this question i</span></span><span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search"></span></span><span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">s also something I need to seriously consider this coming weekend and translate into Spanish. Otherwise, for the one week, I hope to meet as many of the different organizations as possible. Also, I will investigate where I will live for the next three months, whether with one host family or three, and where I will live afterwards. Finally, I will also be able to determine whether there is anything else I need to buy, for example more warm clothes since it is at a significantly higher elevation, but really, I am just hoping to have some questions answered. The closer I get to the end of training, the clearer my next two years begin to look. Soon enough, I will be in my community and can begin the integration and trust building process necessary for my next two years of service!</span></span><br /><br />In addition, tomorrow the CED trainees of Group 66 will present a community analysis done together in the training community that we have been living in since our arrival in Panama. It will entail a seasonal calendar, gender roles analysis, priority needs assessment, and SWOT analysis. It is truly amazing how the Peace Corps can recruit such talented people, and it is even more amazing how these same people are willing to give two years of their life to simply helping other people, especially since the process feels like jumping off a bridge without knowing whether you have a bungee cord attached!<br /><br />It has been an insanely busy past<span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search"> 7? weeks, and it has also flown by. In the process, I have already experienced so much. I can´t wait for this upcoming week! So many questions will finally be answered!!!!! ( and a few more!!!!!!)<br /></span></span>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-75499924777804353732010-10-01T15:34:00.000-07:002010-10-01T15:46:36.555-07:00Site Announcement!!!So it happened today. I received my site announcement, and I couldn´t be happier. While I am not going to be in a Ngóbe indigineous tribe, I will be in a Bugle indigineous community of approximately 1,000 people. In addition, the community I am going to has a lot of interest in help from a volunteer in a lot of cooperatives, and there are about 5 agencies that are working in the area to stimulate the economy. While it does have a paved road that leads up to the community, the last 1 hour of travel is done in the back of a chiva!<br />In addition, there is no house identified for me to move into after my first three months, so I may have the opportunity to build one! Tambien (mix in a little Spanish, lol!), from the paperwork, it appears as if the community will be supporting me when I build the house. However, even if I don´t end up building my own house, it is still going to be an amazing experience.<br />I don´t have electricity, but I do have running water!<br />I´ll post more information as time progresses, but as for now, I am out to celebrate with fellow trainees! In addition, my weekend will be filled with learning Spanish!Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-12903627518330779422010-09-26T09:46:00.000-07:002010-09-26T11:10:52.852-07:00PhotosSo, today I am back in Panama City at an internet cafe, and I was able to upload a few photos. I finally have a fast internet connection (lol!). Be sure to check out the following link: <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/Panama">http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/Panama</a><br />Anyways, I returned safe and sound from my journey to Hato Chami on tech week, which was a wonderful place. I had to ride in the back of a chiva (the real thing, which is a small pickup truck with a roll cage and tarp covering it) for an hour and a half with 15 other trainees, and many of us kept saying that they should sell tickets because it was an amazing ride, while others got soaked, banged around, and prayed for safety. (I wanted to be in the drivers seat because it was like an hour and a half mudding experience, included the driver stopping at one point to manually lock the hubs.) The end of the ride takes you to the top of a mountain that is above cloud level. While standing outside in the afternoons and early mornings, you can watch as a cloud approaches and then engulfs you and everything around you. You end up being in what feels like a heavy fog with a sprinkle, but you are really standing in a cloud. I now know what a cloud feels like!<br />At Hato Chami, which is another Ngobe indigineous community of approximately 2,000 people, there is no electricity, and my host family only had running water in the early morning hours, unless you count the stream that ran behind the house and was used for bathing by myself and others when we woke up too late. My host family was again amazing, and I am beginning to think that it may just be all Panamanians (or at least those that Peace Corp places volunteers with). While there and working with a very amazing group, my group helped a honey cooperative. We walked the president through a SWOT analysis and a significant part of Strategic and Operational Planning. In addition, we had done a mini-BOCA (which is business and organizational capacity assessment). I also worked with another volunteer, Jack, on teaching a group of fifth graders for two hours. I never thought I would enjoy teaching kids so much. With Jack, we used a poster competition to teach/reinforce budgeting, decision-making, and marketing/advertising concepts. We had them create a sign for their tienda (convenient store).<br />The biggest news I have right now is that I find out where I will be spending my next 2 years on Friday, and I am extremely excited. The diversity of cities here in Panama is incredibily broad, so my site could be from one extreme to another. However, I feel like either extreme will make for an amazing two year experience.<br />I will try to update this coming Friday with information on my site placement, but I can´t make any promises. As for now, everything is wonderful, and I have a lot of Spanish left to learn.Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-5486072152657947032010-09-17T15:35:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:02:44.101-07:00First Month!So yesterday will be the anniversary of my first month in country, and it is truly amazing how quick one can adapt. While I still cannot communicate on a sophisticated level with Panamanians, I can communicate to a point (like I can tell Panamanians that I can´t communicate), and I seem to understand more of what is being said each day. But besides language, using a pit latrine with no toilet seat no longer bothers me. I take bucket baths when the water is out, and it doesn´t ruin my day. While Panama will never replace my home in the states, I still look forward to the end of the day and going home to sleep in my bed in Santa Clara (and not the one on the beach). In addition, I look forward to seeing my Panamanian mom, complimenting her on her cooking, enjoying her cooking, and playing bingo or watching TV with her and my host brother (I won a´peso´ last night, which is a half dollar, and I quit playing when I was down to just that). I also enjoy sharing the American culture, while learning about the Panamanian culture at the same time. For instance, where I live, no one really cares or keeps up with the weather, neither the temperature, 7 day forecast, nor even if there will be a rain shower later in the day (except if they see a cloud). I remember being constantly in tune with the weather on my cell phone while living in Arkansas. Granted, I may not always know the 7 day forecast, but I could ask someone close by and they would. Now the weather is always a surprise. In fact, at night, I no longer keep the fan on all night because it feels cold. After only a month, I enjoy the food of Panama. I even have a standard routine each day. I don´t sweat as much as I used to, and I consider it a luxury to have a dry towel after a shower (because I never do). Again, it is not that I am or ever will truly be a Panamanian, but I feel like I may someday not stand out. (Well actually, my pale skin and blue eyes will always make me stand out, but I won´t feel like an outsider.) One month, a lot learned, a lot missed, a lot more I now have a stronger appreciation for, and a lot I know I will miss when I leave in 26 months.<br />As for my plans, tomorrow I will work with a small group of fellow Peace Corps Trainees, and we will talk to a group of kids about gender roles in Panama. In addition, on Sunday, I will leave for another one week adventure in a Ngobe community. What I am supposed to pack, a sleeping bag because it is high in the mountains and gets cold at night. I still don´t believe it, but I will take my sleeping bag. How could it get cold in Panama?<br />(By the way, thank you to everyone who is commenting on my posts! It is good to hear from you even if it is through a brief post!)Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-42327360317624395602010-09-10T14:47:00.000-07:002010-09-10T15:40:48.060-07:00Volunteer Site Visit!So this prior weekend, I had a wonderful time visiting another volunteer´s site. It gave me perspective into a typical site of a volunteer in an Ngöbe community, and I enjoyed it. I have tried to upload two pictures to give perspective, but it is impossible to do so with the internet speed I am working with, plus to capture the culture, sound, smell, or overall feeling you have when you are staying in such a community is impossible. It is something truly amazing! I was even lucky enough to see a dolphin while riding in a dugout canoe! (I will upload photos when I am in a internet cafe or hotspot with a good speed. Otherwise, my blog posts will most likely remain imageless).<br /><br />Also, I have been continuing to learn Spanish, but I still have a long way to go. I do feel as if I am making progress though because I can communicate on many different topics with my host family, including my American family, when I am not feeling well, how wonderful the cooking is, and ask questions about past events (yes, I have started dabbing with the past tense, which feels like an accomplishment.) I am staying healthy, but Panama still doesn´t feel quite like home.<br /><br />As far as training, I had one of my most enjoyable sessions/days this week. We, Panama Group 66 - CED, had an introduction into Panamanian culture, including work culture and dealing with agencies. It was very interesting. To provide a few examples: Panamanians point with their lips and not their fingers (it is kind of like blowing a kiss in the direction you are intending), letters are still very customary (including a letter that introduces yourself to agencies/groups and thank you letters), it is okay to be late and walk around the group saying hello to every single person while the presentation continues, and they are still very particular about dressing professionally (which includes clean shoes and a collared shirt) when going to town (even if you have to hike for hours to get there). As far as Ngöbe specific, the word for "good" is "queen" (which is pheonetic spelling because I have no idea how to write it).<br /><br />As far as what I have upcoming over the next week, I have a language assessment interview on Monday (which I am hoping goes well), and I will be leaving at the end of next week for a one week, in-site, technical training. However, I will not know where I am going to spend the next two years helping people until early October.<br /><br />To all my blog readers (you don´t have to be a follower), what have you experienced in another culture that would seem weird/different in the United States? (Honestly, the telling everyone hello individually even when you are late for a meeting would be very rude in the U.S. But as they say, "when in Rome....")Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-78779790203191444872010-08-29T13:31:00.000-07:002010-08-29T13:55:21.803-07:00From Panama CityJust to update some of you,<br />I currently sit in an internet cafe located in the largest mall I have ever seen, and it is located in Panama City (Albrook). How did I get here? Diablos Rojos!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/THrEIz1oszI/AAAAAAAAAmU/DWKQJFJI_N0/s1600/109_1322.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/THrEIz1oszI/AAAAAAAAAmU/DWKQJFJI_N0/s320/109_1322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510932749674394418" border="0" /></a>I know the picture is a little blurred, so I would Google Diablo Rojos to get a more accurate picture. It is really interesting where American culture is present and where Panamanian culture is. It is definitely a different culture overall here, but it isn´t what I was expecting.<br />So far, I have experienced some pretty amazing things. I consider myself lucky to be doing what I am. I wish you could all enjoy the same experiences. As everyone had warned, there are up days and down days, but the overarching direction is purely up. I am starting to learn Spanish, and I hope that I only continue to do so more quickly.<br />As far as pictures go, it is lacking. I have been so busy with training that there is little time to do much else. In addition, I have been devoting a significant amount of time to studying Spanish. However, I promise to add more photos later in my journey.<br />As for my host family that I am staying with these first 10 weeks, I don´t feel as if I could have been luckier. Mi Madre Felicia is a wonderful cook and does everything she can to make me feel at home. She cooks everything from carne to rice to yucca to cornmeal mush (which reminds me of home). In addition, I have now bought a cell phone because it seems as if every Panamanian has at least two. Who would have guessed? (Feel free to call me if you like. Just send me an email, and I will respond with my phone number next time I am near a cafe. Remember though, if you call me, then it is on your dime) I am actually starting to hope for more isolation from technology, though, so be forewarned that I may not have cell phone signal. I can´t wait for this upcoming week!<br />On Wednesday, I am making a trip out to the Bocos del Toros region of Panama, which is located in the north western part of the country. The purpose is to get a better experience of a volunteer´s life and community, so I will be spending about four days there. As part of the trip, I have a 20 minute boat ride to my destination. Yes, the only access is via a 20 minute boat ride! Amazing, right?Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-64031465388312551992010-08-17T20:54:00.001-07:002010-08-17T21:59:39.802-07:00Adiós Estados Unidos<div>First, I would like to apologize for the long delay from my prior post. However, it has been a whirlwind over the past month and a half. Currently, I sit in a hotel room in Arlington, VA awaiting morning's arrival and my departure to Panama. The bus leaves at 10:30.</div><br /><div>Second, I would like to recap the past few days. I arrived yesterday evening in Arlington with 70 lbs of checked luggage, a carry-on backpack loaded with all my heavy items, and a man purse (or sometimes referred to as a murse or satchel). (FYI - I typically don't carry a murse, but the necessity for additional storage space outweighed my own personal taste.) In addition, yesterday evening, I was lucky enough to find my way to Arlington Cemetery where I observed JFK's grave-site, who also started the 'nontraditional federal agency' that I now volunteer my next 27 months to, and I honored our fallen soldiers in arms. Their service to our country is one that should always be remembered, for without them, our country would not be in a position to have the amazing opportunities we take for granted on a daily basis, including my ability to serve in the Peace Corps.</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TGti7S7Gs0I/AAAAAAAAAl8/NP_UGxrRiU8/s320/Tomb+of+the+Unknown+Soldiers.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506603740222108482" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TGtiQLKw2DI/AAAAAAAAAls/cmM3Zz36i54/s320/Arlington+Cemetary.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506602999405926450" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I had my first opportunity to meet my fellow trainees (48 in this training class). Just to briefly describe the group, the volunteers range from just graduated to retired, are from all races, were born from California to Rhode Island (although, I do feel as if the southern states are under represented - unofficial count has two from Texas, two from Georgia, one from Florida, possibly one from South Carolina or North Carolina, a few from Virginia and West Virginia, and none from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, or Alabama), and have a Spanish language proficiency ranging from fluent to non-existent (which is where I stand). In all, while we were required to do group activities, i.e. skits, drawings, etc., which I do not typically enjoy, the staging was beneficial, informative, and well organized. Congratulations to Leonard, Kevin, and Abby - the RPCVs who are now Peace Corp employees and worked the staging event!</div><div><br />Some very important information acquired during the staging includes the fact that I will be given anti-malaria medication and our departure to the airport has been bumped back three hours. Hooray for more time in a comfortable bed! I have been forewarned that I may not have as soft of a bed as I am accustomed to, but I am sure it will be softer than the Cosby campsites of the Smokey Mountains.</div><br /><div>To those who may not have noticed, I have also added a contact page, and I will let you know of any additional methods of contact as I identify them. As of Thursday morning, my cell phone will no longer be active, and this will be the only reliable method of contact until I establish another source.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I want to say 'Thank You' to all of those who have been here and will be in the U.S. to support me. This includes, but not limited to, those who came to my farewell dinner at Nancy's, at my parent's, and those who came to the airport to see me off. These memories really mean a lot to keep me going! Thank You!</div>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-10877893553591900302010-07-01T17:10:00.001-07:002010-07-01T17:34:19.794-07:005 Years Without a Job!Yesterday, I said 'Goodbye' to my home of the past 6 years. Well, it at least felt like home. It was my last day of employment with the ASBTDC, which provides <a href="http://asbtdc.ualr.edu/">small business assistance </a>to Arkansans. 6 years I roamed the campus of UALR. 6 years I knew what I would do when I woke up in the morning, or at least where I would drink coffee. 6 years!<br /><br />Now, I can only look forward. 5 years without a job! 5 years without the ability to accumulate personal wealth and instead deplete it! 27 months in the Peace Corps, and 3 years in law school. 5 years.........<br /><br />However, I know that the ramifications of the next 5 years will continue for the rest of my life, and the next 27 months may be the most significant.<br /><br />Today, I said 'Goodbye' to people who's face I have come to welcome and enjoy.<br /><br />The day after tomorrow, I say 'Goodbye' to Arkansas for one week, and I travel to the cultural and political capitals of the United States, New York City and Washington D.C.<br /><br />Somehow, I feel as if 'Goodbye' is something I will saying more and more often over the next 47 days. In fact, I know it will become more frequent. The only question is, 'Which will be hardest?' So I pose this question to all readers. If you were going away to serve in the Peace Corps for 27 months, what would be the hardest thing for you to say 'Goodbye' to? Pizza? Hamburgers? Electricity? Cell Phone? Google? Job? Best friend? Family? Mother? Father? Air Conditioning? Your church? Your vehicle? Ability to communicate in your native language? TV? Internet? Steady supply of Toilet Paper? What would you miss most?Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-76067964836882846502010-06-16T17:18:00.000-07:002010-06-16T17:50:45.532-07:00Continued PreparationSo it's been a while since I have posted, but I haven't done a lot. However, I had some requests for an update, and I want to form a habit of posting regularly. So here goes....<br />Over the past few weeks, I have messaged a RPCV on Facebook that I found who went to Panama and was a CED consultant. I am hoping to gain some insight before I leave.<br />I have ordered a backpack for my travels, and I think it will serve me well. It is a Kelty Red Cloud 6650. I bought it from REI, and I am thinking that this may be a great source for additional supplies.<br />Yesterday, I attended a Peace Corp Volunteer potluck, and it was definitely worth it. All of the PCVs that showed up, and there were close to 50 it seems, were very friendly and supportive. Also, the food was good. While talking to the RPCVs, I realized that every Peace Corp volunteer's experience is completely different. It was very interesting listening to their stories though.<br />Also, I am attempting to get a listserv/Facebook group started. I heard from the RPCVs that they were able to gain insight and tips/tricks from other people departing, and they used it as a bouncing board for ideas. If you know of anyone that is going to Panama in August, please tell them to contact me.<br />Finally, I have began my countdown at work and countdown for departure. I have a calendar posted in my office, and I am marking each day. I have also began with cleaning my office, although this is quite a hurdle. I might just possibly leave the mess to the next occupant! Haha!<br /><br />Oh.....I almost forgot the best part. I also went on a 'Photo Extravaganza' with my BFF! We traveled around taking photos, and it was a blast! I also completed my checklist from last time (officially accepted, mailed passport information, provided an updated resume and aspiration statement, etc.) Here are some photos from the trip (I'm using this to get used to uploading photos as well because I definitely will be uploading photos):<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TBlwt3GqklI/AAAAAAAAAis/b7NyL3Ovu1s/s1600/Capitol.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TBlwt3GqklI/AAAAAAAAAis/b7NyL3Ovu1s/s320/Capitol.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483537954488619602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TBlxM72aivI/AAAAAAAAAi0/bejt3-Bwkik/s1600/My+Best+Friend.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TBlxM72aivI/AAAAAAAAAi0/bejt3-Bwkik/s320/My+Best+Friend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483538488338582258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TBlwtbfvMGI/AAAAAAAAAik/8hHffRktbKM/s1600/Official+Acceptance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GIhK4J-NpNg/TBlwtbfvMGI/AAAAAAAAAik/8hHffRktbKM/s320/Official+Acceptance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483537947077587042" border="0" /></a>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-69775114745049031632010-06-07T19:37:00.000-07:002010-06-07T19:47:17.148-07:00PanamaSo the invitation came this past Saturday (Panama), and I don't know where to begin......not just with this post, but also with my preparations.<br /><br />So much to do.....So little time. However, I will say that I have a lot of support from co-workers, friends, and family, even if all three will be sad to see me go.<br /><br />Today, it is finally starting to settle in. For 27 months, I will take myself away from everyone and everything I know. However, it will all be worth it, and it will hopefully bring me closer to understanding what it's all about.<br /><br />As for now, mail off my passport, provide another copy of my resume, write an aspiration statement, and take advantage of every moment I have with those I love and care so much about. Oh yeah, and learn Spanish! (Why did I ever take German in high school?!?!?!)Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-12624411637388390712010-06-03T17:23:00.000-07:002010-06-03T17:37:58.327-07:00It's in the Mail!!!!So...I have had contact with the Peace Corps over the past few days, and it has been extremely exciting. On Tuesday, I received a phone call from my Placement Officer. She asked me a series of questions, including how I would handle being a minority in the room, what I would do if I showed up for a event and was not feeling welcome, and why I had had interest to go to Central and South America in the beginning. She also asked whether I had followed my plans of taking Spanish this past semester. I explained to her that I hadn't since I was nominated for Africa. However, I asked whether it appeared as if my region would be changing, and she stated that there were no indication that it would. We ended the conversation with her placing me in the Qualified for Service for the Placement Process, whatever that means. She stated that she would be looking at programs leaving in August and September. Again, my excitement rose.<br />Then, the very next day (Wednesday this week), I receive an email stating that there was an invitation being put in the mail for me to leave August 17, 2010, and I would be departing for Central America to do Community Economic Development........<br />Wait.....Central America..........Is that a typo? If it said sub-Sahara America or Central Africa, then I would think so. But it said Central America! Hooray!!!!!<br />Community Economic Development? What does that entail? With answers only comes more questions!<br />I also called my Placement Officer and tried to get the exact country, but I was unsuccessful. I have to wait for the packet. Excitement still overruns me! I also had the opportunity to speak with my recruiter, who I cannot thank enough, and update him on my status. Even he sounded excited for me!<br />Finally, I went last night and got a headphone to start Rosetta Stone. Tonight, I begin learning Spanish, and I wait for my invitation in the mail. Hopefully, it will come Saturday, but I give it Monday at the latest. I can't wait!!!Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501720286979118161.post-26162325027754433262010-05-26T18:38:00.000-07:002010-05-26T20:12:00.930-07:00And so it begins......<p>Welcome to a blog about my pursuit for the meaning of life. This blog begins with my almost invitation status to Peace Corps, where I am right now. I hope you enjoy the story....</p><p><br />Today, I received an email from a Placement and Assessment Assistant. She requested an updated resume, specifically looking for any volunteer or professional experiences I have had since the start of the process. <br /></p><p>At that point, I felt a like an underachiever......</p><p>Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I worked on passing all four sections of the CPA exam, but I have not applied to be a CPA. Therefore, I cannot say I am a CPA, but all I need to do is contact the state board, ask for a packet, complete the information, and pay money. I haven't done so to avoid getting behind on required continuous professional education that is required each year. I have three years from passing all four sections to apply without the board requiring me to start the process all over again, which I do not want to do, so I can't say that I am a CPA.</p><p>Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I have been working to see parts of the U.S. I have never experienced. I took a road trip out west, and I encourage you to view my pictures. (<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3">http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3</a>) In addition, I have scheduled a trip to NYC and DC, but still no professional or volunteer experience.<br /></p><p>Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I have been busy making backup plans as to what I will do if the invitation does not come soon enough. I have been accepted to law school, so I will begin three busy years of scholarly activities if all else fails. Still no professional or volunteer experience.<br /></p><p>Since starting the Peace Corps Application process, I have continued working at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center assisting small businesses with marketing, expansion, financing, etc. I have continued increasing my experience and knowledge that I hope to utilize while working to helping small businesses in Africa, but how can you articulate this on a resume?</p><p>I have not done like I had intended, and that is to volunteer. Why? No good reason. Volunteer experience is one reason why I want to get my invitation. So I can spend 27 months helping others instead of myself.</p><p>What to do,.....</p> <p>Send an email with an updated resume, and add an explanation in the email stating how close I am to being referred to as Kevin White, CPA.<br /></p><p>While feeling like an underachiever, I still found excitement in the receipt of this email. While some may think "you still haven't made it to the Placement Officer," I think "I now have the name of my Placement Officer. Also, she stated that she needs my resume for it to move along to the final review." FINAL REVIEW? Yes. This is it. Almost there. I've adjusted my mental timeline to next week Wednesday, which is when I will call to check the status and provide the next post. Unless I hear something sooner, but that's highly unlikely.<br /></p>Kevin Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713722017078917738noreply@blogger.com0