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.