Here is timeline of my first week in the Peace Corps as a trainee.
Monday: wake up at 2:45am to drive to airport, fly to Dallas (DFW) and then into Miami (MIA). My flight from Dallas got delayed by two hours and that’s when I really started to let go and embrace this journey. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial. Once I arrived to the hotel in Miami, I met my fellow volunteers. This was a big component that contributed to my stress before leaving. I was worried to meet people that I wouldn’t click with. My family and friends supported me and told me that “Peace Corps attracts similar personalities”. That could not be closer to the truth. I feel so lucky to be a part of my cohort. We get along so well and it’s been less than a week.
Tuesday: We spent all day training: learning about the core expectations, goals, and initiatives of the Peace Corps. We went through many scenarios and worked through action-plans. We talked about behavior while integrating into a new community. Questions such as what to do if community members show up to a meeting two hours late, how to take a bucket shower, how to greet someone respectfully, or just sitting in silence were a few of the topics we brought up. Thankfully, so much was covered because I will look back on our discussion during my service.
Wednesday: Wake up at 4am and fly to Panama City. I had so much trouble sleeping the night before. I couldn’t fall asleep so I was texting my friend, Natalie, who is in California for the summer. The three hour time difference was to my advantage as we texted about our days. I went to bed around 1am but shortly woke up at 2:45am and just lightly slept until 4am. To catch up on rest, I slept through the whole plane ride into Panama. We were greeted by Peace Corps staff at the gate who led us through 10 minutes of customs and immigration; it was so smooth. Then, we bused 1.5 hours to the hotel.
Thursday: All-day training: We had brief introductions to safety, medical kits, rabies shot, and installing a Panamanian SIM card. I cannot express how amazing the staff is here; they are all so incredibly supportive, calm, and compassionate.
Three phrases that resonated with me:
Friday: More training in the morning and then I had my first Spanish class which freaked me out. I was struggling with every conversation and I was starting to spiral about how I would converse with my host family; I worried about if they would like me, how I would be perceived, and so much more. Right after the class, we got on to a bus to drive to our host communities.
My host Mom and her grandson greeted me when we got off the bus. It was a very awkward interaction, hugging her with all my suitcases and doing my best Spanish greeting. Not having total confidence in what I’m saying at all times is weary, but knowing that my host family is aware that I’m learning is comforting.
I’m staying with a Mom who is 64 and her grandson that is 24. They are very supportive. We use hand gestures to mimic actions. Her granddaughter is 7 which reminds me of my niece and nephew. The granddaughter’s friend also came over who is 11. We played soccer with a plastic water bottle which had no impact on their joy. I fumbled my way through all of my talking. When the girls asked if I wear make-up, I responded with “no, I did not bring butter.” They got a big kick out of that. The Spanish is overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. I have the vocabulary of a three year old, but that's part of this journey so I'm doing my best to embrace every aspect.
Saturday: I have more training today and I will be living here for the next 9 weeks. There are many unknowns and I’m slowly starting to like that. I’m taking everything one day at a time.
Tomorrow is Sunday and I will be at the house most likely all day. My host mom lays in the hammock most of the day and takes care of her mother who is in a wheel chair. I’m hoping to get a walk in and play more fútbol with the kids. Monday is a holiday because there will be a new President inaugurated and I will stay in the community.
I just found out I had wifi today so I will do my best to post updates :)