What in the World is She Doing?

I realize that This Erica Life lately hasn't been illuminating what I've been doing with my time besides killing chickens, writing, visiting the US, and promoting other volunteers and their terrific endeavors for clean water access. 

Is this what Erica is spending two years of her life on? What about that fabulous Jesuit education? And her charming public speaking abilities? 

Well, let me tell you. Between washing my clothes (and watching them dry), battling the mange outbreak on my kitty, staying dry (or not) during wet season downpours, and drinking good coffee, I've been a busy girl learning the skill of project management in two aqueduct improvement projects. I've also been working on a little research for my thesis towards a Master of Science in Engineering degree. That's right, this hippie will come out of Peace Corps a little brighter. 

This past week I attending a "Close of Service" conference hosted by the Peace Corps office in Panama City. The theme was: two months to go, finish your service effectively and remember that in a few months you return to your responsibilities and rights in the USA. Including, but not limited to, getting a real job, not discussing bowel movements in public, and somehow trying to hold on to the simplicity I've found here while trying to operate a smart phone. 

Stay tuned for detailed accounts of my aqueduct improvement projects and my research work. 

The Good Coffee Challenge

While visiting America I remembered why I love coffee. At Cherry Street Coffee in downtown Olympia I observed the barrister lovingly pour water over freshly ground African coffee and intricate, complex, delicious coffee resulted. 

In reverie I thought about the excellent coffee beans that are produced in my backyard and, in contrast, the pre-ground monotone sludge I drink every morning. 

Challenge: Drink fabulous coffee in an excellent way.

It's a challenge because great coffee is rarely for sale here. It's available, yes, but difficult to find in whole bean. 

I obtained a coffee grinder, a ceramic cone dripper, and started with some beans from the Jansen Family in Volcan, Chiriqui. I quit adding milk to my coffee so I could experience the full flavors. 

It's a ritual. An experience. A pursuit. Melodramatic? Maybe. But everyone has hobbies. 

RE: Solar Pump Aqueduct Project

Thanks to all of you who donated to my friend Sergio's solar pump aqueduct project. He collected the necessary funds in record time, giving him the opportunity to deliver and install the pump and materials and construct the aqueduct and connect it to houses in the community. 

My friend and fellow volunteer, Bri, provided technical design assistance throughout the project, as well as a construction hand. You can read a more detailed account of the project on her blog. 

I just wanted to share some photos from the project directly with you all. Enjoy, and if you donated - thanks again! You are having a direct effect on people in rural Panama right now! ¡Se Lo Agradecemos!

Pump Delivery... 

Installation...

Water!

Photo Credits: Briana Drake