From Panama City

Just to update some of you,
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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?

And so it begins......

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....

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.

At that point, I felt a like an underachiever......

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.

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. (http://picasaweb.google.com/kwwhite3) In addition, I have scheduled a trip to NYC and DC, but still no professional or volunteer experience.

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.

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?

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.

What to do,.....

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.

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.