Saturday, October 23, 2010

First Impression of my Site!

Wow!!! Amazing! Inspirational! Opportunities! Difficult!
A continuous list of contradictory words could continue, but I think that most people can get the point.
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."
I actually had difficulty typing this because I said it so much in Spanish, and I feel like I am already talking Spanglish.
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.
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.
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.
I have however uploaded some additional photos, so be sure to check them out. http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3/
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!!!

1 comment:

  1. I've been wondering if English felt weird to speak/type/hear since you are around so much spanish. I assume the only english you are around is with the other Peace Corps members? I'm sure you are picking up the language right on schedule as you should. I had no idea the president of Panama was a UofA grad. Thats interesting. Well, stay safe & healthy & happy. We are all here supporting you and praying for you and your cause. Hope you get a chance to get on Facebook occasionally to see pictures of everyone. :) I'm loving the pics that you post. Keep em coming when you get a chance.

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