Unfinished business

To my committed readers and sporadic visitors,

It came to my attention today that I had not closed my blog after returning to the States. And as a person who appreciates closure I thought I'd leave my audience with a few closing thoughts about my time in Panama, what I learned while I was there, how even in my return to the States I was tested, and how it feels to be home now.
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Lets stay organized though, so I'll tell you guys about the headache that I like to call my return to the U.S. As if the fact that I was leaving couldnt have been more bittersweet, my host family threw me a good bye party and my impending departure really hit me. I was excited and sad, I had finally adjusted to life there but I had to many obligations back home to take care of.

Now imagine all these mixed emotions and add the stress of lugging around a billion things along three flights and through customs. I had no idea how I'd make it home in one piece! Luckily getting to the U.S. was a breeze. But once I landed, customs was a mess! Im pretty sure non-citizens missed all their flights because I nearly missed mine and I was in a much much shorter line. With a short layover in Miami I thought I'd be home in no time. Simply had to get myself through customs and make my way to my gate. But nope, gotta get through customs, pick up bags, re-check bags, get through security. Not only did I not have enough appendages to help me drag all my bags but I couldnt get through security on the count that I had too many carry-ons. Now Im arguing with two people in security who dont speak English. Not sure how that happened since we're in a U.S. airport but they're telling me I cant get through security unless I check another bag. Being the stubborn person that I am I purposefully refuse and instead start moving things around, I really put on a show over in Miami, jumping on my carry on trying to shut it. In the end they tell me to just hold my laptop instead of one of my bags. Which made no difference except in convenience so that I can move through security.

With two bags and laptop in hand, I made my way through security. Ran to my gate which by this time had finished boarding! Almost missed my flight but finally got on the plane! Insanely distressed and in dire need to use the restroom I ran on the plane. Only to realize I had left my only jacket on the last plane. Which as we all know would mean I'd be enjoying an incredibly cold flight to Houston and on to Seattle. The moral to the story is, I got to Seattle safe and sound, insanely hungry, cold, and exhausted.
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More importantly however, is what I took away from this experience. Being in Panama taught me a lot about myself and really made me realize how important having a spiritual understanding of life is. No matter what your religious beliefs or practices, it makes such a difference when we believe that our purpose here on earth is larger than life. I think thats what makes the community in Panama so receptive. In the U.S. we live in society that really stigmatizes talking about spirituality, but in Panama everyone, whether they were Catholic or Evangelical Christians or non-religious at all, people were much more open to discussing their understanding of a spiritual reality.
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Serving in Panama for the last few months made me realize how important it is to deepen our understanding of this reality. And how easily it effects every little aspect of our lives. From the relationships we have with others to our day to day actions. To the way we process thought and make decisions. I kept hearing that I'd inevitably face moments of culture shock when I got back to the U.S. but I didn't expect for it to take this shape and form. It was as simple as being reunited with my friends. The first thing I was confronted about was why I still had my "ghetto" phone. Its funny how technologically advanced our society has come when a non-smart phone is now dubbed "ghetto". In a way it was a smack back into reality. Sure it might not be healthy but I realized what type of society I live in. It's shallow and materialistic. Its the bitter truth.
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But being aware of these circumstances makes me work even harder to try to bring myself back down to a healthy reality. One that isnt so focused on who is wearing what or has the latest gadgets. Instead, on how we can better ourselves, advance society, and grow closer to God.
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Although service had its own tests and difficulties, I think I grew from every single one of them. I know that no one will ever truly understand my experience, its a journey we all take and its true to us, who we are and who we would like to become. Whether I shared them in my posts with you or stowed them away in my journal. Its safe to say that in writing this blog, I in no way ever meant to offend or hurt anyone. Although some posts may have harbored stronger emotions than others, know that my sole purpose in writing was to find a way to express myself. If I was happy or sad, angry and mad, excited, tired, frustrated, you name it. Im sure most of you could tell. Just remember that in the end, this experience for me was priceless and I dont regret it for a second!
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I hope you guys enjoyed it while it lasted! I know I sure did! On that closing note, off to my next adventure...LAW SCHOOL!

Its a small world after all...

Once again, I apologize for slacking. I've been a bit off task in terms of blogging, but be happy to know I've been ON TASK serving ;) Aside from regular activities and a few service projects which I will happily share with you in just a moment, I've been blessed to have some really amazing teaching experiences. The funny thing is, the Bahai community is so diverse and widespread but also so interconnected that I'm still left speechless when I map out the 6 degrees of separation I have with a random stranger.
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This leads me to share my fun free day with my girl Mahsa and two of her friends that she met while she was in Brasil, who were in fact from Haifa! Are you starting to catch on to the connection with the title of this post? So I met Mahsa through a friend in Panama. And Mahsa met this couple when she was in Brazil. The couple, young, just married, have been spending their honeymoon backpacking through South and Central America. Pretty BA if you ask me. Anyways, it was their first day in Panama and Mahsa was our tour guide through the city.

We walked from downtown to Casco Viejo only to get caught in a tropical rain storm. No worries though, unless your wearing white pants again! Im kidding, I learned my lesson. But we were definitely soaked by the time we got to Casco.

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We spent the day meeting new people at a local hostel that housed a large number of Israeli tourists, walked around, explored, grabbed Cafe, and discussed the presense of the faith in Haifa, their own interest in the faith, their understanding of the teachings, and the desire to learn more. Well talk about a teaching opportunity presenting itself.

They had questions and I had answers. I think if I've learned anything from service, one of the things is becoming more comfortable sharing my beliefs with others and really learning how to TEACH the faith. I mean ofcourse it has alot to do with the audience you are addressing and their level of interest, but it was good practice and I realized the more comfortable I am the better able I am to present the foundation and binding principles of the faith.
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Now for a bit more of a hands on experience, my Jr. Youth group just completed a really awesome service project! We took a break from class and spent some time cleaning up trash in the neighborhood park and on the side of the road.

It makes me really sad because Panama is a really beautiful country, its like they have literally built INTO the jungle. But in light of all the development, the natural beauty and cleanliness of the country has been neglected. There isnt really an established system to dispose of garbage and people dont actively use the trash. Garbage is just thrown out on the side of the street or out in empty lots. The funniest/saddest part is that most of these areas of land have signs all over asking people to not dispose of their trash. But its not enforced which in turn causes garbage to pile up behind homes, on the side of the road, and in parks where the kids play. So I'd like to think we made a difference!

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Aside from some pretty amazing service opportunities I ended my week with the most reminiscent batch of Ghormeh Sabzi ever! "Jaw oftadeh" and amazing "Jaw toon khalee" Lets just say Ghormeh Sabzi is as good as it is in Panama as it is in the States! God Bless Senora Shahnaz and her "dast pokhtee" for making me feel right at home! Eat your heart out people, Lord knows I ate mine!

Feliz Naw Ruz!!!

Happy Naw Ruz everyone! As much as I missed going to the Nazeryans the first day of Naw Ruz for what is seemingly the most amazing batch of Gormeh Sabzi I would have had in my life. I actually had a great Naw Ruz. Panama City did it big! I was quite impressed :) Put some of the Naw Ruz parties in the States to shame!
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So to begin, our Naw Ruz began with a visit to the Temple on Sunday. Aside from our obvious intention of going to say prayers. There was a memorial held for Senora Raquel. Families, friends and members of the community had gathered to share their fondest memories of her, and to send off her soul with prayers. Prayers, writings, messages on behalf of the National of Panama and the National of El Salvador, stories, songs, and a video about the construction of the Temple in Panama. Turns out she was one of the first, and oversaw the construction of the Temple from beginning to finish. Pretty amazing stuff! Such a fulfilling life! A life of service.

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After the memorial, we headed home to get ready for a Jr. Youth class, but then with all the construction they've been doing on the roads, there wasnt enough time to do all that and get ready for the Naw Ruz party which was way back in the city. By the time we got home it was like 3:30. And we had to leave the house again at 4:30 to be in the city at 5:30! Eeeee. Ok so sit down, catch your breath. Try to stop sweating. Chill for a few minutes. Shower, AGAIN. Straighten hair, AGAIN. Try not to sweat while straightening hair. Make up, clothes, shoes, and BAM! Damnnn we look good ;)

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No but actually, we did look pretty damn good. Hahaha. So we squeezed 4 people in the back and turned up the AC and made our way back to the city. The Naw Ruz party was for dinner, and was being held at a private club in one of the high rises in the city. Lets just say it was fannncyyy shmanncyyy. Looking out over the city, and on to the ocean, watching the sunset, the view was really breath taking.

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We made our way through the dining area, greeted some familiar faces and some foreign ones! Panamanians, Persians, Gringos, (oh boy was there one ridiculous gringo there that night or what?!) Bahai's and non-Bahai's alike. All gathered to celebrate Baha'i and Persian New Year! As we took our seats, we were offered some tropical bebidas, and waited to be ushered to dinner. Buffet style? While fasting? You can expect people to wait too long! But before we were served dinner, there were prayers, music, and a presentation about the significance of Naw Ruz from the Baha'i perspective. And it was actually a really great teaching tool.
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But alas, the food! Oh and the dessert! I wanted to have it all, but ofcourse, the beauty of fasting is that you're starving and as soon as you eat a little you're already full. But we did try a little bit of everything.

Watched the sun set on the skyline. Enjoyed each others company and danced the night away. Salsa, Marengue, the Panamanian version of the "Electric Slide". What a great way to celebrate your Naw Ruz especially when you know you're missing out on Khanum Nazeryan's Gormeh Sabzi!
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The next day, we made our way to a family friends house to celebrate the first day of the New Year. Felt kinda weird to be able to eat during the day! But we enjoyed some good grub, and quickly made our way to the beach! We didnt wanna waste any time, or sun light! Which brings me to reveal to you all this beautiful view. They call it Rio Mar...

We trecked across a warm river, from the black sparkly sand to the hot white sand of the tropics. We had the place all to ourselves. We spent the day swimming in the ocean, which by the way was pretty warm, "cold" to the locals. And clean and amazing! First time I felt pure happiness since I first met my little kiddies here in Panama.
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Hoping you all had an amazing Naw Ruz! In one form or another!

Upon your request: “A blog update…or ten”

I apologize everyone for getting lazy on the last post. The truth is things have been pretty mellow around here because of all the national holidays and vacations people have been taking. It’s the end of summer, school has started for all the kids and youth, and with Carnavales kicking off the new school year, I almost felt like I didn’t have any updates for you guys. 

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But as a matter a fact, a lot has happened since I last wrote to you all. I’d like to take a minute and explain all the events going on nationally here in Panama and also, a series of Holy days that have also been a huge part of my Bahai activities most recently. I’d like to proceed in chronological order, so you all get a sense of what my schedules been like and what I’ve been up to.

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So first of all, we are amidst the Bahai fast. A period of 19 days kicked off by the 4 intercalary days I told you guys about a few posts ago. This is a special time for Bahai’s as we use it to spiritually and physically cleanse our bodies. If you don’t know already, the fast is obligatory in the Bahai faith and has a few exceptions, based on age, health, and in the end, personal discretion. However once March rolls around you can bet your bottom dollar that your friendly Bahai neighbor is most likely not eating from sunrise till sunset. Sure its tough, but you satiate your hunger by taking this time to deepen and grow steadfast in your faith and bring yourself closer to God. Its really all about growth, sacrifice, and detachment. If you come out knowing these things, you can consider yourself golden. 

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But Bahai’s sure know how to prep for the fast, I mean we kick it off with Ayyam-i-Ha which I will no remind you is the time of giving. Makes sense right? You take time to give to others, you experience detachment and sacrifice, and you end with another bang. Naw Ruz, also known as the beginning of the Bahai New Year, Persian New Year, and Spring equinox. So for Ayyam-i-Ha I enjoyed the company of my host family, their extended family, little goodies, and some coconut pickins. 

That’s right, I tried my hand at the pickins. I was far from successful but highly entertaining. I think being here, experiencing all these new things. I really want to experience as much as I can, even if it means making a goof of myself. Which extends as far as exploring the nature and the wild life!

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Which brings me to explain my next cultural experience: Carnavales. Carnavales is about a week long. It is established every year by the “Church” as the week before lent begins. (In case you were wondering the majority population of Panama is Catholic, accompanied by a large Evangelical community.) So basically what it is, is the church announces every year when lent will begin, and the week before the country holds the festival of Carnavales. Taking place primarily in “Interior” which yes does mean the interior of the country, its about 4-5 days long and you can except that the city you’re in is going to bed dead quiet unless you are in the city center or partaking in the festivities. In Panama, the cities that host most of the festivities include cities in the province of Chirique, including David, Chitre, and many more. Panama city also had a scaled down version of the festivities going on in the city center. What the festival entails, you could imagine would be a cracked out version of Bumbershoot. Musical performances, good grub, masses of people getting hosed down by fire hoses, and choque till your hearts content! So although I was intent on partaking in these activities it was complicated by its interference with the Bahai fast. Its hot, no water, no food. You catch my drift.

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Regardless however, it did serve as a nice little break for me. I had never seen the city so empty and my neighborhood so quiet. Schools close, work gives their employees days off. Its like a NATIONAL HOLIDAY!!! But it gave me a chance to explore the city for a few days, and look at what I found...

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But its safe to assume with schools starting, Carnavales, and fast, my schedule pretty much cleared out for about a week. But its been back on for about a week. And some changes and adjustments have been made.  At the moment, I have all my study circles during the week, and then back to back childrens classes and Jr. Youth groups on the weekends. It’s the only way we can really make it work for the kids. On that note, can I just say kids in uniforms are so adorable! The entire country is swarming with kids of all ages in different types of uniforms, private school, public school, it doesn’t matter. From 6am to 6pm they swarm the streets. When are they in class? I’ll tell you. So in Panama there are two class sessions, which is also why it complicated our children’s class schedules because some kids were in one session and others in another. But the sessions run from 7am-12pm and from 12pm-6pm. Can you imagine being in class till 6pm!?! I mean sure there are the perks of sleeping in, but basically your buddies have a half day every day!!! Pretty sweet if you ask me. But I think its done this way to manage the over populace of children and youth. The schools are relatively small, and their located about every few miles. Some kids however, commute as far as the city, to go to better schools, or private schools, the ones that teach English from K-12. 

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On a bittersweet note. Remember Senora Raquel? The sweet old lady I told you guys about a while back? One of the first!?! She sadly departed this world a few days ago. I think we can all rest assured that she is in a better place, and that our prayers will guide her to her rightful place in the next world. Hopefully she is looking out for us as well…

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Its been a chill two weeks people and fast is kinda draining in this heat. Makes doing your activities and getting around extra challenging. But its definitely possible. Just gotta do your best and God will provide you with the strength to keep going. Only 2 more days and its my favorite time of the year!!! Well except for Christmas, I just love that season to be jolly! But on March 21^st, fast ends, and Naw Ruz begins! Wishing you all a happy fast and an amazing New Year!!!

A La Orden

With Ayyam-i-Ha and Carnavales behind us, in midst of the Fast and Naw Ruz just around the corner. I thought I'd give you all a nice Panamanian playlist to live by:

1. El Choque- Mr. Saik
2. Que Xopa- Mr. Saik
3. Si No Le Contesto- Plan B
4. Danza Kaduro-Don Omar
5. Freaky- Joey Montana
6. La Melodia-Joey Montana
7. Contestame El Telefono- Alexis y Fido ft. N**** 
8. Mujer Amazonica-N2
9. Como Lloro-Mach Daddy
10. Loca- Shakira
11. Tu Unico Amor- Murder Cat

Hope you all enjoy this music as much as I do. It'll give you a little taste of what bumpin on the streets these days, day and night!

Finally a tourista...

As if the weekend wasnt exhausting enough! We werent finished! A bunch of youth from El Salvador had come for Escuela de Verano and were hoping to visit with friends and hit some tourist spots before they left on Tuesday. This only meant that I got to join in on the fun. And boy did I enjoy myself!
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Our morning began by running some errands, but once we were done, my host sister and I made our way to the city to meet up with the girls. We enjoyed our morning by the pool. Did some shopping, and found ourselves meeting up with the rest of the gang at the Canal! Yay! Tourist Check Point #1: Miraflores

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At the Panama Canal, they have built a visitor center that literally sits on the point in the Canal where the ships pass through international waters to change hands where they are declared "NUETRAL." The captain literally hands over the wheel, and in the hour it takes to pass through the canal, its "No man's land." Its really awesome because the look outs have been built, about 5 in total, starting from water level, up to a look out above the Miraflores building.

Miraflores: Panama Canal

 You watch these HUGE ships come in from one side, you watch the waters change, and the ships pass through. Its all a very time consuming process but its really amazing. Talk about foreign affairs!
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Inside the visitor center, they have 4 floors of museum exhibits about the history and artifacts from the Canal. Each floor has a theme. The first floor consists of the history about the construction of the Canal. The second floor has models and information about all the ships that pass through the canal, the third an actual mock control deck. Basically what it would look like if you were guiding the ship through the canal. The fourth is dedicated to the wild life and nature environment surrounding the canal. And if your lucky, when you make your way up to the 5th and final observation deck, you might just catch your self in the midst of a recording of "Survivor"!

Hah! Random I know, but I guess its one of the spots they have to "survive" in? I never understood the show so please forgive me and my absent mindedness.
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After the canal, we made our way to Tourist Checkpoint #2: Casco Viejo. I fell in LOVE. End of story!

 Ok so I wont leave you hanging. Just because I want to try my best to describe to you this beautiful area. So Casco Viejo is basically the origins/ remnants of the original city of Panama. It looks like a romantic blend between Cuba and Italy. The architecture is absolutely breathtaking. And its an incredibly popular tourist spot. With three of its sides surrounded by water, who wouldnt wanna get lost in the streets during the day, exploring shops, resturaunts, coffee shops, wine and dine bars.

 Ofcourse, like most places in Panama, its best to stay away after dark. But during the day, it seems harmless. If I ever come back to Panama as a REAL tourist. I will most likely get lost in this area for days! Its an adventure all on its own!
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To wrap up our touristy day, we made our way to Tourist Checkpoint #3: The Temple for a special visit. I say special because the Temple closes to visitors after 5PM, but lucky us, we have the hook ups. My host sister called and explained to the care takers our situation. "We basically have a bunch of youth visiting and they leave tomorrow, can you leave the gates open?" "Sure thing!" Ummm sweet! I must admit, at night, the Temple is even more stunning than it is by day. It lights up the night sky and you just wanna pray the night way.

We spent about 2 hours at the Temple, and called it a night. Great day! Exhausting! But great!

Christmas couldn't come sooner!

Although the following events took place on the last day of Escuela de Verano, I felt they deserved their own post. If you didnt know already, Ayyam-i-Ha is coming up faster than I could remember. For those of you who dont know, Ayyam-i-Ha are the 4 or 5 intercalary days in the Baha'i calender. These days come right before the start of the Baha'i fast and are often refereed to as the time for giving. I guess you could consider it the Baha'i equivalent to Christmas!
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Even if it was totally different from Christmas, the feelings Im about to share with you, I would only imagine are the feelings universally felt by every child Christmas morning when they wake to find beautifully wrapped presents under their colorfully decorated Christmas tree.
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So, I'll start where I last left off, we were leaving Escuela de Verano, and a local family had given us some gently warn clothing to give away to families in need. What better time to give than Ayyam-i-Ha which is only a few days away right? (To be exact. The first day of Ayyam-i-Ha is this Saturday but for those who are in need, Im sure they cant wait!) Anyways, my host family and I decided to make a quick stop in Chapalla to visit the family that lives in the "Pink House". Ya know...my favorites? Shhh dont tell. But its true. As we got to their street, we were faced with a bit of an internal battle. You see, these kids, they are amazing, and their grandparents are saints. But the parents? Not so much.
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What do you do when you have gifts to give, and you feel some are undeserving? Do we even get to decide? You see, these kids, their parents, dont exactly do such a great job of parenting. Often the children dont get breakfast, because their parents use the money to satiate an "unquenchable" thirst for alcohol. Drunkard parents, means the kids often dont get to school, fall behind, and what seemed to me at the time, create an ugly cycle.
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We made our way down to the house, we decided to sort through the clothing, and make sure to give each child some article of clothing and the adult clothing to the grandparents. As we turned the corner we realized a bunch of the mothers were sitting around with the children. They are never around! And they pick today to lounge around with the kids!?! We knew if they saw us coming with a bunch of adult clothing we wouldnt be able to give anything to those we considered "deserving." But God seemed to be on our side. As we pulled the grandparents and the children aside, we handed out the clothing, sizing up, fitting, and dressing each child in atleast one article. My host sister and I took care of the girls, my host brother the boys, and my host mom the Grandmother.
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If you could see the sparkle in each of their eyes you'd know God was looking down with a huge smile on his face. But even as I write this, I'm again overcome with emotion. It came down to us finishing handing the clothing out to the boys, in the end we had a few extra pieces, so we figured in order to prevent them from fighting we'd have them pick numbers at random to "win" the last article of clothing. Can I just say, this doesnt help much, because they still fight, and then you just want to break down and cry! Why! Why!?! How is this fair at all!?! The truth: Its not. And life, isnt fair.
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I said my goodbyes with the best smile I could muster up under the shadow of great sadness. I know I should have been basking in the happiness we had just shed on some beautiful children. But as I walked up to the car, I couldnt hold it in anymore. I mean just imagine, you've seen their pictures! They are malnourished, tattered and worn. And here is one of the mom's chillin pregnant AGAIN! You would think if they couldnt manage to feed their kids, they'd think twice before having another one. I was sad, angry, frustrated, confused, torn. Just OVERCOME with emotion. Lets just say it was hard for my host family not to notice as I tried to cover my eyes with some big bug eyed shades. But its not an easy experience for anyone.
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I know a lot of you think, sure I give clothes to "GoodWill" and other clothing banks. Sure. Cool. We all do. Let me just clarify, this is totally different. We dont know how much of a difference it makes on the lives of these children. On families! Its so different handing it out yourself. In the U.S. we are so used to third party mediators we forget what we're even doing! I guess this was a little reminder. A HUGE reminder. And it is an experience I will never forget and cherish for the rest of my life.

CDA aint got nothin on Escuela de Verano!

Ok, so thats a lie, and Im trying so hard to get my host sister to come to Clara Dunn for the summer. But I'd imagine Escuela de Verano is a lot like Tiny Seed at Brighton Creek. The campus even looks just like it! I mean a bit different, we are in the middle of the jungle, but you can imagine. Large main hall, attached to kitchen, and dorms across the field. And tents spread across the field to house the overflow of attendees.
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The program ran from Thursday night to Sunday afternoon. Pretty standard. I arrived at Villa Virginia (the name of the campus, similar to Brighton Creek or Bosch) on Friday morning, bags in hand, and jumped right into the mornings first "Charla" (Spanish for "Talk"). The weekends arrangement of speakers varied from ABM's, Councilors, and LSA members.

Councilor

The theme for the weekend was arising to search and teach the faith. There was also a really heavy focus on the recent letter from the UHJ. I should mention, the letters are different to Panama than they are in the U.S. Here I was thinking its the same thing but then I was like, "Helloooo, duh! Ofcourse its different." It addresses goals that Panama needs to meet for their station in the 5 yr plan.
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So, the schedule for the day looked alot like this.
6:00AM Wake up
7:00AM Devotions
8:00AM Breakfast
8:30AM 1st Presentation
10:30AM Recess
10:45AM 2nd Presentation
12:15PM Lunch
1:00PM 3rd Presentation
2:30PM Recess
2:45PM 4th Presentation
4:15PM Free Time/Activities
6:00/7:00PM Dinner
7:00/8:00PM Mystery Night
8:00/9:00PM Cultural Night
10:00PM Lights out!
Sounds alot like Clara Dunn doesnt it!?! Except instead of excess doses of coffee and hot chocolate during breaks, we enjoyed fresh fruit, bananas, papaya, coffee, and tea. No complaints there!
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What really set apart Escuela de Verano for me though was the crowd. I should explain, the first day I arrived, I was the oldest attendee aside from the few adults who were putting it on. As the weekend progressed more adults showed up, but by the end of the weekend I was 1 of about 5 youth over the age of 21.

I guess that means we arent really youth anymore, more like adults. Weird I know. I still feel like a kid. But...speaking of kids...I was so impressed with them. They sat through all the talks, quietly, some not so quietly, but it wasnt even a question. We had kids as young as 8 sitting through the talks right along side us "old fogies"! And yes they were paying attention. Most of the time they were more attentive than some of us were. It was amazing, and that just proved to me that we make to many excuses for kids back in the U.S. They TOTALLY have the capacity to retain all of this rich information, and here we are making seperate classes for them, and telling them its ok for the them to run around the Bahai Center during devotions. Dont get me wrong, childrens classes are great, but these kids are capable of sitting and listening to not just one but all the talks through out the day!
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My favorite "Charla" was on Sunday. The speaker? This little lady who was one of the original NSA members for Panama, Mexico and most of Central America during Shoghi Effendi's time. She spoke of her experiences, her memories of Shoghi Effendi, and what it was like being one of the FIRST! I give you...

Senora Raquel

Dont worry, we all got a chance to goof off throughout the weekend too. The free time and the nights activities definitely served as a way for ALL of us, young and "old" to get out some of our excess energy and restlessness. Aside from fun and games, we had a night where we just turned on the music and danced the night away. I'll have you all know I officially can dance an authentic Salsa, and I was also taught a Pananamian dance, whose name escapes me now. But I will be sure to perform it for you all when I get back. Hahaha I know Im going to regret saying in a few months but for now, in the spirit of service, Im thinking I might just show you guys how its done!

Forced into a very public dance off!

Winners of the dance off!

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Now a lot of you might be wondering if I even understood anything from the weekend. Yes, the entire program was in Spanish, (side note: A lot of people refer to Espanol as Castillano because Espanol the Spanish spoken in Spain and Castillano is South American Spanish). But I was actually able to understand most of what the weekend offered. I actually had a harder time understanding random side conversation than the talks. It also helped that a lot of the speakers had visual aids, it serves as a guide in case your ears deceive you, your eyes are there to back you up. Sure, it got a bit frustrating being reminded so often to stop speaking English to a few youth who spoke it. But can you blame me!?! It gets exhausting! My brain strains to understand the language, but I've also gotten tired of the chastisement. Which brings me to explain why I've been slacking off on blogging. I've decided to use my free time to really start to nail my Spanish. My vocabulary isnt half bad but my grammar is VERY VERY poor. And there are a lot of verbs that I dont remember. So I figured, if something is bothering me, Im going to do something about. Im going to stop letting the comments bother me and do everything I can to learn the language as SOON as possible. 
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And just when I thought I could breathe easy, I was asked along with another youth on service from Zambia to speak out our service. Oh ya...IN SPANISH. Despite my insecurities, I pulled through! Without any help! Thats when I realized I could do it. I just have to be patient, and not let peoples comments bother me. Im sure most mean to be helpful, and its my own insecurities that amplify every little chastisement. But ya know its been about a week, and I'm already seeing a difference!

Tradition

Sweat pants, hair tied, chillin with no make up on...

Who uttered those immortal words? Is it even a question? If you know me at all, and you listen to hip-hop you should know that the Artist who spoke these words is Drake. And now, internationally recognized as the sweetest words you could say to a woman. Cute. But sometimes a girl likes to get all dolled up and feel pretty. Which brings me to tell you guys about my Saturday night.
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I think its safe to assume I've been all natural whilst in Panama. Its too hot really to do much with your hair or wear make-up. You walk a lot, even when you don't, you find yourself sweating. The sun is incredibly hot, and even when its overcast that's when you feel the humidity most. So you can only imagine my joy and happiness when I got my "hurr did" on Saturday night! I think it was really entertaining because after I got it done, I went grocery shopping with my host mom and host sister, and they were giggling because I was like dancing around the grocery store. Its the simple things in life people!
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After a night of girly laughter we were ready for bed. Sunday morning was going to be a long day and we had to be up early. We were going to the Temple. My host sister and host mom had a study circle with other LSA members and the councilors and it was going to be all day long. But as you know, the Temple, is a place you get semi dolled up for. It's a place you wanna wear your "Sunday Best" literally.

At 10AM on Sunday mornings they always have devotionals and its open to the public. On this very special Sunday I was asked to say a prayer :) IN FARSI! I regretfully told them I dont know any prayers in Farsi, but I would gladly say one in English. So I found the prayer that they wanted me to say in English, and closed the program with my reading.
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After spending about 3 hours praying for anything and everything under the sun I made my way back to the visitor center, and read for the rest of my stay. I just started this really great book, its called "The Purpose of a Physical Reality." It's absolutely fascinating. And although the Kardashian's book makes for some great entertainment, I gotta have some stimulating reads too. So in my first few days I read this amazing book called "The Last Lecture." I recommend it to any and everyone! As my mom reads this she is going to be thinking "Ya Hediyeh it only took me a year to convince you!" And I know mom, I should have listened sooner, but I think my timing was impeccable. I feel like I'm at a point in my life, where I'm learning more than ever, I'm growing up and starting a new chapter. And with that, the book couldnt have been more comforting. Its a quick read so I highly recommend it to everyone. Its funny, witty, profound, touching, its short you guys. Dont be lazy. Just read it!
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After their meeting was over, we headed towards the city to pick up a cake for Abuelo's birthday! Being the girly girls that we tend to be, we kinda ended up having a little shopping spree of our own! But how can you resist when everything is soooo inexpensive here! Anyways, we enjoyed some yummy dulce y helado and had a blast playing around with a new little moosh I'd love to introduce you all too! She's such a flirt! Strike a pose girl! Work it!

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Now onto more exciting things! After we got home, I learned how to make Patacones! Some of you might know a similar Panamanian dish called Platanos. People all across South American and parts of Africa enjoy this preparation of the fried banana. But the difference with Patacones is that they are prepared with green bananas or commonly called plantains. Which means they arent really that sweet. So here's how its done. Im going to attempt to make them when I get back even though we dont exactly have the same type of green bananas in the U.S. but apparently unripe Bananas work too.
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How to prepare Patacones:
1. Peal off banana peel
2. Slice up banana
3. Throw slices into a pan and fry them till they are slightly golden
4. Let them cool for a few minutes as you fry the rest
5. Smoosh the fried slices and throw them back in the pan and now fry them to a crisp
6. Sprinkle some salt over them as they cool
7. ENJOY! (They taste like FRENCH FRIES!!!)
8. Optional: Sprinkle your choice of cheese on top! (Cheese Fries anyone!?!)
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Anyways as I was finishing up preparing the Patacones, my host sister told me there was someone outside waiting for me. Confused and disoriented, I was pushed outside to the gate of our house only to find a delivery man standing with a vase filled with two dozen assorted roses, Argentinian chocolates, and the cutest Panamanian teddy bear ever! "Como se dice tu nombre?" (How do you say your name?) I was sooo confused, but lets just say, I dont know how it was done, but best Valentine's Surprise ever! And ofcourse my host sister was in on it. She is soooo sneaky! And ready with the camera!!!

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What a great way to end my weekend and start my week! I mean the kids pretty much did it for me, but 2 dozen roses doesnt hurt! And so I celebrated my Valentine's day fascilitating a Ruhi Book 7 study circle, and teaching a local youth some of the most popular step dances. Not till after however, we got caught in a typical tropical downpour!

As you can tell I wasnt to happy about it. Note: Never, ever, wear white pants if there is a slight chance its going to rain!
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Its safe to say when the rain pours, anything can happen, including power outages. Sure not as bad as the power outage of what was it? '06? or '07? I know you Seattlites remember that epic winter when we didnt have power for like 2 weeks? This wasnt that bad, but I got to enjoy a romantic candle light dinner with my host mom in the mean time. I should mention, I had more than one Valentine this year. I surprised my host mom and host sister with Valentine's! Isnt my host sister cute!?!

M&M's 4 Lyfe!!!

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Which brings me to the images I'd like to share from today. They're a bit random but they stood out in my mind and I figured they're worth passing on to all of you. Today I had one of my Jr. Youth study circles, and as we were studying, I could hear one of the younger siblings in the other room. Well, his voice wasnt all I could hear. I could hear a computer program speaking in English. And then I could hear the little boy reciting the same words in English. It definitely put a smile on my face. Little Spanish accents, so cute. Its crazy how interested they are in learning English at such a young age. While we study to learn Spanish in the classroom, they're picking it up in their spare time!
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Anyways after my Ruhi Book 3, I caught a Taxi down to the parrada de bus, and caught a bus back home. The thing is, at that hour, around 5PM, traffic gets a bit crazy, and all the buses are jam packed. Remember the images I shared with you guys a few posts back? About holding random kids, and breast feeding out in the open. Well I got on another over crowded bus today, my purse thrown over my shoulder, and a stack of book in my arms, and the lady sitting down next to where I was standing offered to hold my stuff for me. You see, when you're standing on the bus, its best to eliminate any excess traffic. So, I handed over my books, and got them back when I got off at my parrada. Thanks lady!!!
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As I walked back to the house from my stop, I took a short cut and walked through an open field that most of the time is occupied with little kids playing baseball. Today however, there was a dad and a bunch of little kids. What were they doing? They were trying to fly a kite. The kite? It was made of a brown paper bag and some streamers. And as the sun set and the breeze set in, I watched that sucker take off!

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's...no it's actually a plane!

Just got home from my children's class in Chappalla. Its hot out as usual but its also overcast, which means you dont actually realize you're getting any sun till you walk into the house and check your tan lines. Hah! Gotta love Panama! Lately I've been observing these really amazing images of people in Panama and the culture and I think some of them are worth sharing.For example, yesterday I shared with you all the image of hospitality I witnessed on an overcrowded bus.
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Last week, I was riding a Diablo Rojo back from Arraijan and look to my left to see a woman breast feeding out in the open. She was sharing a seat with 2 other people and it didnt seem to bother anyone. It was so interesting! I mean its natural and we know its all part of the life cycle, but somehow I still dont think most Americans have wrapped their heads around this kinda stuff. Im pretty sure if I was sitting on the 271 and some lady straight up started breast feeding her baby, I might not mind, but Im almost positive some people would be shocked, and maybe even offended. Its just not a cultural norm. But why not!? Anyways thats just some food for thought. The picture Im excited to paint involved my kids from the Chappalla childrens class. But first Ill update you guys on the progress they've made and what we're up to in class.
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So as we make our way through the forest to the little pink house, we wait for our kids to gather round to start the children's class and the pre-youth class. Usually they take place simultaneously but today, we only had two junior youth show up. To prevent the other Jr. Youth from falling behind, we decided to have the Jr. Youth review their homework and then continue to assist me in the children's class.

Man I could have really used the help with the 12 kids I had show up in Bello Amor! Regardless, we had a really great class.
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My kids have basically nailed "O Dios Guiame" so I got them started on "Quien libra de las dificultades" and this week...THEY HAD IT DOWN! I was so proud. I mean at the beginning of class they still needed a bit of help, but by the time we were done say our prayers, each of them was able to recite it to me from memory! On to our canciones (songs), so the kids have basically memorized "We are drops" + hand motions, and it puts a smile on my face every time I stop singing along, and realize they dont actually really know the words, I mean obviously its in English so its a bit difficult, but you hear pieces here and there and thats enough for me! So I've decided to start teaching them "God is one" and my creative self has come up with some pretty sweet hand motions to help the kids memorize. I could swear, when I was going to Daystar EVERY song had some set of actions or hand movements. Lets just say this is my attempt at remembering some of them and the rest I improvise. But its great because it definitely helps them remember!
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After prayers and songs, we read a story about Abdul-Baha and the kids completed a few masterpieces as usual. I love when they finish, because then I ask them to explain to me what they've drawn, and they are so on point about the messages they retain from the stories! A few rounds of juegos later and we were ready to finish class with a prayer. These kids make me so proud!

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Now for the image I was hoping to impart on you all. As I was sitting, waiting for the rest of the gang to show up for class, we were visiting with their grandmother. I ofcourse cant understand a word of what she says but she is, how do I say this, the definition of a caregiver. She has a billion grand kids running around, cats, dogs, chickens, and monkeys! And somehow, she manages to find the energy to clean and keep up the house! But while we were visiting with her, three of the kids were sitting with us, 1 Jr. Youth and 2 kiddies. All of a sudden, I hear an airplane overhead and the kids freak out! Excited to catch a glimpse of the plane, they run off the porch and onto the dirt and run around in circles trying to see the plane through breaks in the canopy overhead. I realized, they probably have never been on a plane before, let alone, seen one up close. It was really amazing though. Such a small world we live in sometimes, and other times, its bigger than our wildest dreams!
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Im sorry I couldnt help but to include this, but one of my girls really wanted to show me her bling! Isnt she gorgeous!

Thats all for now my friends! But hopefully I'll have more stories and mental images to paint for you all! Tomorrow I'm off to the Temple. I get to spend a whole day there, its gonna be nice to have some time there, pray, meditate, and just get some peace of mind. I can assure you, that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!