Blog 1

 Blog Numero Uno

Getting ready to come to Panama was an interesting process. I wasn't really sure what to expect. During our meetings with Dr. Cadena, we saw a coupe of pictures but weren’t given all that much information as to what to expect on trip two. Being that it was a different country with a different culture, there were lots of things to consider and questions about what we would find once we actually got here. I looked up a bit of information regarding Panama and the surrounding areas, but didn't find the answers I was looking for. I guess I didn't really know what questions I wanted answers too. My goal was to try and make a difference when coming here, so I put forth an effort to collect donations and supplies that I was told were specific for the areas we would be visiting. Being able to be a part of something that has the ability to make a difference is an exciting prospect. I imagined the people in the rural areas as not having many resources and wanted to be able to make their lives a little bit easier in whatever small way that I could. When thinking of a third world country, I envisioned dirt roads, small huts, water from wells, enormous insects, and a bare minimum of possessions. Perhaps I've seen to much National Geographic. 

When we were actually landing in Panama, I had a window seat. At first, all I saw was grass and there was a spilt second moment of panic where I thought that we may actually be landing on a grass runway. Much to my delight, the planes wheels touched down on pavement. It was a little damp and rainy when we landed, which fit my perception of what Panama might be like. Perhaps I’m a conceited American, but I did expect more people to speak both Spanish and English. I quickly found out that wasn’t the case. There probably isn’t really a need for the people of Panama to learn to speak English. I do think that more American’s should learn to speak both English and Spanish, especially now, because there is a growing need for that in America.