The countdown

T- minus 10 months.

I have reached the hump and am on the down hill slide. The first year flew by and I have no doubts that the final ten months will feel like a week. As of right now my official Close of Service date is June, 30 2011. Although that is the official date I will be able to get out as early as the 7th of June. This is good news for me. I am not dying to go home or get out of Panama but the earlier I get home the longer I can work at the beach. Weird I know, I am trying to be able to work longer. But lifeguarding is such a great job and I miss the beach so mush that I am looking forward to a summer on the sand. Surf, sun and waves. Nothing better right.

WORK WORK WORK

The Peace Corps is not all fun and games. I am continuously finding more and more projects to perform during my two years of service here in Panama. My projects range from building rainwater catch systems to bringing groups of dentists from the United States to my site in order to do free dental work.

The final project that I posted pictures of is a stove that is made from natural products; clay, cow poop, sand, and water all mixed together and then let dry in order to form a clay mold. We then cut holes in the mold to make a more efficient stove than the camp fires they are currently using to cook. Other benefits of the stove include less fire wood being harvested, less smoke entering the house and lungs of the families, and finally minimizing the heat that is emitted and effecting the mothers that are cooking all day.

I am continuing to find more projects that include education to building the aqueduct to bring clean water to the larger portion of the community. Stay tuned for future projects and fun from Panama.