9 more days!!! I think it is the fact that my countdown is now down to single digits that is forcing everything to sink in...
-Yes, I am really going to Panamá for 27 months with the Peace Corps
-Yes, my new 'job title' is actually going to be Sustainable Agricultural Systems Extension Agent
-Yes, I will be working with small farmers, experimenting with sustainable agricultural methods and helping these farmers find markets for their products
-Yes, Spanish is spoken in Panamá
...YIKES! I think about it all and my heart starts racing to a beat fueled by astounding excitement and a touch of apprehension.
We have had a few electricians at the house to install fans in some of the rooms. Nice men, really--polite, hardworking...hispanic. So, they're working away, conversing with themselves, and the only thought crossing my mind was 'holy toledo, they are talking so fast!' In fact, the only thing I ever understood with 100% confidence was when one of the men shouted "¡AHHHH, mi mano!" No worries, I did check on him (muttered an uncertain "¿está todo bien?" yeahh! Progress! Party!)- just a minor, drill induced cut.
Moral of the story: ¡Necesito practicar mi español! I need to practice my Spanish! Oh, and handle drills with much caution.
With nearly a week left, I suppose I also need to get this 'packing' thing started. 2 bags not to exceed 80 lbs. Oh boy. We are told to keep a "when in doubt, leave it out" mantra going as we pack. This may prove to be quite an ordeal, as I have favored this mantra's not-so-evil twin, "when in doubt, buy it/keep it/bring it along!", for as long as I can remember.
Oh well. I'M GOING TO PANAMÁ!!!!
fiesta! buena suerte
ReplyDeletejustin
haha! I totally feel you on the packing (and Spanish for that matter)....its gonna be tough lol! Can't wait to meet you in DC :)
ReplyDeleteomg you're going to have soo much fun! and bilingual in a few months, we can talk in spanish over the telephone!!! lol :)
ReplyDeleteso i'm guessing you got everything packed then! haha that must have been a struggle!!!
i hope you meet exciting people in your 3 months of training ;)
~Leena
Well, the day has come and gone! Only 810 days-give or take a day- until you come home! I have cried many tears, but it is every mother's wish for their child to be strong, independent and passionate about what they do. Jenny, you are every bit of that and more! I am very proud of you and what you are abut to do- make a difference. Learn many new skills on this adventure and then take those skills and continue to change the world! It was hard to watch you walk away at the airport because I still see that "little girl" but you are a beautiful young woman now. I look forward to hearing about your adventures as I will be living them through you.
ReplyDeleteIf I knew that this is what it would take to get you to clean your room, I would have encourage you to do this a long time ago!!!
Vaya con Dios, mija! (I am practicing my Spanish, too. I need to be ready for when we come to visit!)
mom xoxoxox :)