I am frequently asked the question, “How do you decide where to go?” Because I go to so many different countries over the course of a year, it might seem like I just hop around and show up in communities unannounced like a drill-rig-carrying-salesman. Although it would certainly make for a comedic documentary, I do not … More Who? What? Warnings? When? How?
Instead, I wanted to just share quirky, silly bits about my projects here in Panama. Maybe share how I have been emotionally defeated by a table saw (I’ve tried to work with it- multiple times- but it scares me so I use other tools to avoid it!) or how it is so hot that my … More I didn’t want to write about Nepal…
…but Parrots instead! Panama – where the seasons are “wet” and “wetter.” 😉 My first couple weeks here have been busy, sometimes hectic, most always muddy and GREAT! When I arrived, there was a team here at the Wood’s house from Washington State. They were having medical/dental clinics, building rain-catchment systems and drilling wells (with … More It doesn’t rain “cats and dogs” here…
You know how I am always busy prepping for a trip? Especially when I have less then a week between my previous trip and the new one? Well, that little window of time is my excuse for not letting you all know about Panama 🙂 I’m sitting on a plane at JFK airport in NY and … More Quickest Update Ever!
After the storm cleared up, we went back to the site to assemble the piping between the septic tank and leach barrel. Â I told Jess and Pat it would take about 35 minutes to complete….nearly 4 hours later, we finally made it home. Â The mud was so sticky, thick and difficult to walk in that … More stuck…Stuck…STUCK!
A storm rolled in this morning that has kept us from working on the Latrine so far today…which gives me time for a quick update. We have been working on a little bit of everything for the past week. Â Hygiene education, latrine construction, Kinkajou home repair, drilling boreholes, pump repair and boat building. Â We spent … More “It will be here tomorrow…”
I am nearly at two weeks here in Panama and I am excited to share some photos from my project, host family and daily life in Bastimentos.  I have had hygiene classes for the community on germs, how water is contaminated, why we should wash our hands, how we should wash our hands, shared the story … More Tippy Taps, Island Pets and more!
Just boarded my flight to Panama! That huge bag I am carrying is full of great supplies for the community – thanks to everyone who donated first aid and hygiene supplies. I am so excited to work alongside the Wood family again. I will be focusing on hygiene education and sanitation facilities. Special thanks to … More So Long!
That’s how I feel when I am speaking in front of more than four people. Here is a video file of me sharing at last week’s Missions night at church. I only had a couple days notice so I was extra nervous (although I’ve never actually given a speech when I wasn’t nervous even when … More My tongue is too big for my mouth
Language Blunder #954: “Fruits de mar” has nothing at all to do with fruit in Haiti- it means seafood. Helene and I almost ordered some sort of mango seafood dish thinking it was just a mango fruit cup. Oops! We returned home just after midnight from a successful and exhausting trip into the mountains of … More Fruits de mar
How Many Cows 