Mi Amor

"Hola mi amor" - literally meaning "Hello, my love". I think I hear this every time I'm out in public, and it still always surprises me. In the US,  people typically refer to only family members, significant others, or very close friends as "my love". In Panama, you can refer to someone you literally just met as "mi amor". People say "Hola mi amor" in grocery lines, at restaurants, when they are trying to move past you on the bus - literally everywhere. This is the perfect representation of Panamanian culture - everyone is so friendly and loving, and I think it is just the sweetest thing.

I have definitely experienced this loving atmosphere first hand. My host family is made up of some of the sweetest people I have ever met. They have made it more than clear that I am a part of the family now so I better start acting like it. This just means that I need to stop asking to borrow things or use things - "Mi casa es su casa". I think one of the coolest parts about this family is that I now have two little brothers! After growing up with only an older sister, this is a completely different experience. They are super silly and funny, so usually after I finish work we will play and I will force them to practice their English (which they do not enjoy at all).

Typical day after school

I also see this hospitality at school. All of the teachers that I work with are so sweet and generous, and many times have tried to share lunch with me, even though I'm already eating my own lunch. They also really enjoy cracking jokes and laughing while we are in the Teacher's Room, so I can always expect to be laughing at some point which is crucial during a long day at school. Speaking of school, I have a super important update. This upcoming week we have a week off since the kids just finished exams, and then we move into the third trimester. Starting next Monday, I will officially be the main teacher of History of 9th and 10th grade as well as the teacher of Religion for 8th and 9th grade. This means I will have a little over 500 students, so I can't wait to meet all these kids! It's going to be quite the transition, but I am excited to have such a great opportunity! In addition, I will be working alongside a lot of great and amazing teachers, so I am confident that I will receive great advice and help if I am ever in need!

This is probably a bit shocking to hear since I can't exactly say I am the most experienced teacher. However, after speaking to my mom (long time teacher) she gave me some pretty great advice. She told me that there are two kinds of teachers: teachers with a huge amount of experience but a low amount of energy, and teachers with not so much experience but a lot of energy and love. She said that luckily, both qualities are interchangeable and equally important, so as long as I bring all of my energy and my whole heart, my work should be cut out for me. So, other than planning, planning, and doing some more planning, I will do my best to be my best self every single day with a renewed energy and spirit. As someone told me recently, "It's not what you do, but the love you put into the doing."

In other news, I seem to have lost all sense of balance in Panama. Not like the roads are perfectly paved or anything, but I have managed to find a way to trip at least 2 or 3 times a day. It's not really helping my case since I already stand out really bad, so tripping and nearly tackling strangers has been really fun. My favorite is standing on the bus, because you never know whether we're going to have a smooth ride or possibly slam on the breaks every few minutes. Here's a picture of a typical day on the bus - a bit crowded and also my nightmare that I will fall in someone's lap:

Also, for those of you who are aware of my obsession with Mexican food, I have finally found where to get it. I have found that Panamanians really aren't that big of fans of Mexican food, but I found a way to find it. So here's a shout out to my Mexican food:

Joseph and I found a great restaurant that makes these delicious burritos

After telling Patricia how obsessed I am with Mexican food and smoothies, she surprised me by making it one day for lunch. Seriously, the sweetest person on the planet.

Otherwise, I have just been adventuring around a bit and trying to get to know the city, so I'll add in a few pictures so you can get an idea of my new home!

Disregard the traffic cones. This is Casco Viejo, the old part of the city that is super beautiful and historic

The most incredible view from Casco Viejo

On Friday night we got to see a few bands - Salsa, Meringue, and even some Karaoke free for all! Karaoke is really big here, and everyone is very insistent that everyone goes - luckily I got out of it, but I might not be so lucky next time :) 

Street Market! They have some of the freshest vegetables and fruits. As we learned from Glenda, it's pretty easy to barter and try and get a cheaper price - you just have to know the right thing to say!

Anywho, that has been what's been going on lately! This coming up week is a vacation - but that doesn't mean I won't be busy! During the week I will have a teacher workshop, helping paint a mural at  Joseph and Glenda's church (San Mateo) and then for the whole weekend I will be going to a weekend retreat camp for kids called "Expresate" (Express Yourself). I honestly am not entirely sure what will be going on, so stay tuned for the next blog post about Expresate!!

As always, THANK YOU to everyone that has and continues to support me. You all have no idea how much it means and how nice it is to have you all as part of my support system. Keep the prayers coming as I will surely need them, and most of all, thank you for being YOU!

Also, St. Christopher's Church, the church I am attending in Panama, always seems to have the greatest  "thought of the day". I found today's especially important for me, but also can apply to everyone, so I just thought I'd share:

"Choose to make a difference instead of choosing to be indifferent today."

Nos Vemos!