The Group A.Y.U.D.A. with its 60 dentists has come and gone. All in all I would call the trip a success. We did have a couple of speed bumps to get around but that is to be expected in a third world country. In the end we helped 421 people with free dental care. All of these people are from the poorest part of the country and therefore have never received any type of dental care in the past.
The dentists were interesting to watch. At first they came off really abrasive and hyper active but then it hit me “Americans like to get work done and do things fast”. I guess I am adjusting to the Panamanian culture finally and learning a bit of patience. I found myself several times talking with dentists who were saying “ we need to go”, “ we need to get there”, “where are the cabs” and telling them “this is how Panama works” and that if they wanted to stay sane and get more work done that they would have to realize that and adjust to the culture. Again this realization came forward when we arrived on the first day and there were not many patients waiting to be seen. Of course! This is Panama they are all going to wait until the last minute to show up. This turned out to be half true and the number of patients grew steadily throughout the four days. The second part of the culture that the dentists and I had to realize was that because the people had never been to the dentist before they had some trepidation to show up in those first days. Especially when some of the smaller children were seen with blood flowing from their mouth after having a couple of dead teeth pulled. With the education and continued explanation of what we were doing the people slowly came to realize that we were helping and would continue to do so.
With the group was my Dad. My older brother was the only one who had seen my town and I was excited to get to show someone else the way I was living. Especially because now I have my own house and it is all built to my liking. I had a great time with my Dad and he was obviously amazed at the way I was living. I could tell that he was proud of the work I was doing and it gave me great satisfaction to hear him compliment me on the trip and how well it had run. I know that he enjoyed himself and he got to relax from his busy life a little while when we explored the beautiful Carribbean.
The dental project was also a success for me because I was able to get some publicity for the Peace Corps. I worked with ANAM (Panamanian EPA) to get some of the tables and chairs that the dentists used throughout the four days. Little did I know that they were going to bring the local news out on the second day. I was lucky enough to be interviewed for a TV spot that spread the word of the dental group and the good that the Peace Corps was doing in the country. The second day ANAM had also arranged for me to have a spot on a radio station. Once again I was able to inform more people of the work we were doing and how they could receive help as well if they would only show up. The experience was really fun. My fellow volunteers told me I did a good job and that the office would be really happy with what I was doing.
At the end of the trip many of the dentists said that this was the most rural of locations and that they really enjoyed the experience. I was really happy to receive compliments from several of the students that had been on trips to other countries with the group. Part of the job of the Peace Corps is to spread culture, I am sure that many of these dentists have learned and experienced something that never would have been possible without this trip. I am very satisfied to have been able to host all of them and enjoyed showing them my life.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Religion?
I was raised with great parents. They guided me through life but never forced me to do anything that I truly didn’t want to. Among the things that they thankfully didn’t try and force on me was religion. I was able to believe what I wanted and let my mind wander and absorb all the information possible.
I have never been to a church service in the United States, I have attended funerals and weddings but never sat and listened to a preacher praise the word of God. One of my best Panamanian friends down here is Simon. Simon is a devout Evangelical, he goes to church 4 days a week and is always asking me to come and join him. I have now attended church 3 times and still feel a little skeptical of the whole thing. The Evangelical church is one that is very strict and has many rules regarding clothing and behavior.
My parents were smart enough to raise me with the common sense, do the right thing and to treat others well. In fact I am sure that my brothers and sister will agree that it had a great role into shaping us into people that always want to help others. This was accomplished without any strict rule system and a basic freedom to do what we wanted. The one thing we did have were good role models to lead the way.
I don’t want to offend anyone with my comments about church but I was raised in a country with free speech and believe I have the right to state the way I feel. Having to begin with a warning is one of the reasons that I am wary of the church. I am not able to state my problems with a church without making people angry. They take what is told to them and just believe it as true without ever questioning whether they believe it or not. Then when someone says something contradictory it is a sin and they are shunned.
During one of my three visits to the church with Simon I was told by the preacher that I was not a son of God because I hadn’t been born (religiously) and did not praise the Holy Spirit. Well, if I am a good person and try my best to help everyone in need is that not enough? I do drink alcohol and they consider that a sin, but if I am not hurting others while doing it how can it be so horrible. In excess it could be harmful to the body but studies even show that a glass a day can actually be better for you. If I have a girlfriend I am faithful to her. Being raised in a complete home has raised me with the idea that one man one woman is the way to live. Having respect for others is yet another thing I learned from my parents.
So what I am trying to say is that if I live a good life, I respect others, I try to help those in need, and I treat my body well isn’t that a good life. I believe so. Therefore why does every religious fanatic believe it is his or her job to tell me or anybody else that they are not living a correct life? I don’t go running around telling them that they shouldn’t believe in God, or that they shouldn’t be going to church. Everyone has a choice. Freedom of religion is another right that I was raised with and I believe that includes the right to choose no religion.
I have never been to a church service in the United States, I have attended funerals and weddings but never sat and listened to a preacher praise the word of God. One of my best Panamanian friends down here is Simon. Simon is a devout Evangelical, he goes to church 4 days a week and is always asking me to come and join him. I have now attended church 3 times and still feel a little skeptical of the whole thing. The Evangelical church is one that is very strict and has many rules regarding clothing and behavior.
My parents were smart enough to raise me with the common sense, do the right thing and to treat others well. In fact I am sure that my brothers and sister will agree that it had a great role into shaping us into people that always want to help others. This was accomplished without any strict rule system and a basic freedom to do what we wanted. The one thing we did have were good role models to lead the way.
I don’t want to offend anyone with my comments about church but I was raised in a country with free speech and believe I have the right to state the way I feel. Having to begin with a warning is one of the reasons that I am wary of the church. I am not able to state my problems with a church without making people angry. They take what is told to them and just believe it as true without ever questioning whether they believe it or not. Then when someone says something contradictory it is a sin and they are shunned.
During one of my three visits to the church with Simon I was told by the preacher that I was not a son of God because I hadn’t been born (religiously) and did not praise the Holy Spirit. Well, if I am a good person and try my best to help everyone in need is that not enough? I do drink alcohol and they consider that a sin, but if I am not hurting others while doing it how can it be so horrible. In excess it could be harmful to the body but studies even show that a glass a day can actually be better for you. If I have a girlfriend I am faithful to her. Being raised in a complete home has raised me with the idea that one man one woman is the way to live. Having respect for others is yet another thing I learned from my parents.
So what I am trying to say is that if I live a good life, I respect others, I try to help those in need, and I treat my body well isn’t that a good life. I believe so. Therefore why does every religious fanatic believe it is his or her job to tell me or anybody else that they are not living a correct life? I don’t go running around telling them that they shouldn’t believe in God, or that they shouldn’t be going to church. Everyone has a choice. Freedom of religion is another right that I was raised with and I believe that includes the right to choose no religion.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Vacation Home
Two weeks home and it felt like only hours.
After spending two weeks at home I am sufficiently tired and full of food. I don't know if I reached my goal of gaining 5 pounds in two weeks but I was really close. I ate enough sushi in one night to last me a year and finished my last day with INN-N-OUT for lunch and Pizza for dinner. Quite a way to go.
I was busy every day that I was in California, I got to see my beautiful sister get married. Welcome to the family Ryan. I got to see my friends from Ventura, the beach, and USC. I didn't have quite enough time to see everyone but don't worry I will be back in another year. For all of you that I did not get to spend some time with it just gives you more of a reason to come down to Panama and spend some time in the tropics.
The main reason for the trip was my sister getting married. The wedding was everything I am sure my sister imagined. The ceremony, which was done by my brother Zach was beautiful, the reception was full of dancing and drinks. It was great that a lot of the extended family from Wisconsin was able to come out and enjoy the beautiful California weather and some time with the long lost shulergang of California. As for other activities I was lucky enough to score some of that epic El nino surf I had been hearing about. The last four days of my trip included head high surf with low wind conditions. Neptune truly painted a wonderful picture for me to enjoy.
I was happy to see everyone and learn that you all seem to be doing well. I hope that I got the message across that I am really enjoying my Peace Corps experience. I spoke to everyone that asked and answered the question " What are you doing down there?" a million times. It was nice to know that everyone was so interested in my life and very supportive and excited for the work I am doing.
Back in Panama now and sweating like crazy. Of course it is also rainy but I am here with friends and ready to start working again after my two weeks vacation home.
After spending two weeks at home I am sufficiently tired and full of food. I don't know if I reached my goal of gaining 5 pounds in two weeks but I was really close. I ate enough sushi in one night to last me a year and finished my last day with INN-N-OUT for lunch and Pizza for dinner. Quite a way to go.
I was busy every day that I was in California, I got to see my beautiful sister get married. Welcome to the family Ryan. I got to see my friends from Ventura, the beach, and USC. I didn't have quite enough time to see everyone but don't worry I will be back in another year. For all of you that I did not get to spend some time with it just gives you more of a reason to come down to Panama and spend some time in the tropics.
The main reason for the trip was my sister getting married. The wedding was everything I am sure my sister imagined. The ceremony, which was done by my brother Zach was beautiful, the reception was full of dancing and drinks. It was great that a lot of the extended family from Wisconsin was able to come out and enjoy the beautiful California weather and some time with the long lost shulergang of California. As for other activities I was lucky enough to score some of that epic El nino surf I had been hearing about. The last four days of my trip included head high surf with low wind conditions. Neptune truly painted a wonderful picture for me to enjoy.
I was happy to see everyone and learn that you all seem to be doing well. I hope that I got the message across that I am really enjoying my Peace Corps experience. I spoke to everyone that asked and answered the question " What are you doing down there?" a million times. It was nice to know that everyone was so interested in my life and very supportive and excited for the work I am doing.
Back in Panama now and sweating like crazy. Of course it is also rainy but I am here with friends and ready to start working again after my two weeks vacation home.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Paradise Found
John Milton may have written that Paradise has been lost, well I am sure that I have just found it.
The Carribbean coast of Panama is lined with several island chains that are full of postcard worthy beaches. Many of these have been discovered, settled, and sold to gringos who in turn develop them into luxury hotels that try and seperate you from the environment. The island I visited is still untouched.
Mike and Amanda Smith, two of my friends and fellow Peace Corps volunteers met Rogelio, a man in their town that has 25 acres of coastal property on an island called Escudo de Veraguas. Rogelio runs a small fishing business from Escudo and has a couple small houses he uses for his employees while they are working. After talking to Rogelio for a while he mentioned that he could take Mike and Amanda out to spend a couple of nights on the island. Nobody lives there permanently! A couple of houses for people that fish or hunt lobster but they are only there a couple of months out of the year. Mike and Amanda asked if they could bring some friends and Gretchen and I were lucky enough to be included along with Brandon and Jacey two of Mike and Amanda´s friends from the states that were visiting.
Three hours on a dug out wood boat with a 40hp motor and we arrived to our own little paradise. Aside from three of his workers, there wives and children we were the only people on an island that is over 225 acres. We arrived and were instantly in aww, green everywhere, torquoise blue water with coral and fish. We swam all day the first day and found little hidden beaches to relax on. Some of which I am sure very few peaopl have ever enjoyed. One Beach you actually had to swim through a little cave to get to. AMAZING. We finished the day with some wine and a freshly caught and prepared fish dinner. He literaly caught the fish in the front yard and cooked it for dinner.
Day two he gave us a complete island tour. We saw sloths, birds, and plenty of fish. We would occasionaly stop`at one of the countless beautiful beaches to enjoy a little time in the water but after a while we could choose because there were literaly too many. After a walk on a long beach and a good sun burn we were all ready for a little nap and chose our repective locations under a nice tree to dose off for an hour or two. While the others were a bit sunned out I took Rogelio up on an offer to go fishing. I went with two of his workers, Auriel and Chicho to go trawling for some fish. I caught three Benito before we filleted one and went after something bigger. It wasn´t too long before we had a 30 pound wahoo on the line and it took all three of us to get him in the boat. While a 30 pound wahoo doesn´t sound like it would be too much of a fight try to imagine that we were doing all of this with line in hand. We didn´t use any fishing poles the whole time and all three of us sustained some type of injury before I successfully knocked it over the head with a peace of wood and we could get him in the boat. We called it a successful trip after that and returned back to the house for another fresh cooked fish dinner and wine by the fire.
Amazing. Gorgeous. Pristine. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I HAVE EVER BEEN TO
Don´t worry I took a lot of pictures and will be sure to share the beauty with all of you.
The Carribbean coast of Panama is lined with several island chains that are full of postcard worthy beaches. Many of these have been discovered, settled, and sold to gringos who in turn develop them into luxury hotels that try and seperate you from the environment. The island I visited is still untouched.
Mike and Amanda Smith, two of my friends and fellow Peace Corps volunteers met Rogelio, a man in their town that has 25 acres of coastal property on an island called Escudo de Veraguas. Rogelio runs a small fishing business from Escudo and has a couple small houses he uses for his employees while they are working. After talking to Rogelio for a while he mentioned that he could take Mike and Amanda out to spend a couple of nights on the island. Nobody lives there permanently! A couple of houses for people that fish or hunt lobster but they are only there a couple of months out of the year. Mike and Amanda asked if they could bring some friends and Gretchen and I were lucky enough to be included along with Brandon and Jacey two of Mike and Amanda´s friends from the states that were visiting.
Three hours on a dug out wood boat with a 40hp motor and we arrived to our own little paradise. Aside from three of his workers, there wives and children we were the only people on an island that is over 225 acres. We arrived and were instantly in aww, green everywhere, torquoise blue water with coral and fish. We swam all day the first day and found little hidden beaches to relax on. Some of which I am sure very few peaopl have ever enjoyed. One Beach you actually had to swim through a little cave to get to. AMAZING. We finished the day with some wine and a freshly caught and prepared fish dinner. He literaly caught the fish in the front yard and cooked it for dinner.
Day two he gave us a complete island tour. We saw sloths, birds, and plenty of fish. We would occasionaly stop`at one of the countless beautiful beaches to enjoy a little time in the water but after a while we could choose because there were literaly too many. After a walk on a long beach and a good sun burn we were all ready for a little nap and chose our repective locations under a nice tree to dose off for an hour or two. While the others were a bit sunned out I took Rogelio up on an offer to go fishing. I went with two of his workers, Auriel and Chicho to go trawling for some fish. I caught three Benito before we filleted one and went after something bigger. It wasn´t too long before we had a 30 pound wahoo on the line and it took all three of us to get him in the boat. While a 30 pound wahoo doesn´t sound like it would be too much of a fight try to imagine that we were doing all of this with line in hand. We didn´t use any fishing poles the whole time and all three of us sustained some type of injury before I successfully knocked it over the head with a peace of wood and we could get him in the boat. We called it a successful trip after that and returned back to the house for another fresh cooked fish dinner and wine by the fire.
Amazing. Gorgeous. Pristine. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I HAVE EVER BEEN TO
Don´t worry I took a lot of pictures and will be sure to share the beauty with all of you.
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