"Saca mi photo?"
The technology of digital cameras is incredibly novel in poor areas of the world, my Comarca included. The kids love to pose, and then immediately run to the opposite side of the camera to take a look. I suppose for a people who don't ever look in mirrors a photo of themselves would be a pretty special occasion.
Most host family was excited to get a photo of their abuela (grandmother). She's awful old, although no one knows quite how old. They are definitely under the impression that she could go at any moment because it has been imperative that I get a photo of her to remember. To prepare for the photo she donned her prettiest nagwa, brushed her hair, and to top it all off... dabbed on some perfume. My friend cleverly told me, "...for the scratch-and-sniff photo". I guess the prettier you feel the better you look?
Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I came into the city on Wednesday to celebrate with my Peace Corps friends. As I watched the mud and depravity swirl down the drain under the hot water of my shower I was appreciative in a new way for simple things. Our makeshift celebration included watching football at an empty casino bar and Argentinean food for dinner. Not quite home, but being around other Americans was quintessential.
Occasionally I feel guilty for being reminiscent of home. This is your job, Erica. Missing home is a sign of weakness. My neighbor Melba asked me the other day if I were sad here in Duima. I didn't lie when I told her I was content. She said, "If I were away from my family like you it would bother me a lot". I'm not a super human - and with such a dramatic shift in culture Melba definitely comforted me with demonstrating our kinship by way of human nature.
Our pig had piglets. Want a tidbit of trivia to impress your friends at your next cocktail party? Pig, in the language indigenous to the Ngabe people of Panama, Ngabere, is mudu.
It was requested of me to supply some photos of where I live, my dwelling space and community. So, here we are.
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ReplyDeleteWowzers Erica - Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! Your experience sounds truly amazing, and I am glad you've made a blog - this way the rest of us can take a peak at the world so far - and yet in some sense not so very far - removed from ours. I imagine you'll have a lot to take away from the experience - not least of which will be strength of mind, body, and character. Hopefully you don't mind my reading about your adventures in Panama. Hope to see you in the not-so-very-far future ;)
ReplyDeleteHey sister (Its Kimberly again),
ReplyDeleteWhat great pictures. When you were writing about the digital camera it really hit home that we take for granted so much! It was neat to see where you live. I had no clue. But its pretty close to what I imagined it would be.
Is there anything you need me to send you...??
Love,
Kimberly
Genia! I am honored that you read my blog :) Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI Like the Piglets picture.
ReplyDeleteErica. I am so impressed with what you are doing. The experiences you have had and have yet to come sound amazing. I am sure you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteIt made me sad to think of you so far from home for Thanksgiving. I spent my first Thanksgiving away from home this past weekend in Oregon and that was hard enough.
I have not kept up on your blog too often but when I do read it I am blown away.
Take care and keep up the amazing work!
Therese
Therese, it doesn't matter where you are, it's hard to be away from home during the holidays (especially your family, I bet!). Too bad you couldn't get away from school. Isn't grad school awesome? ;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on finals or whatever you have going on. Thanks for the comment!!