So as one often does when in a new place, they compare the old to the new. I have been trying to do that, I don't want to make Canada and home an unrealistic fantasy land, but that being said there are some things that I just can't help but compare!!
To start, the weather and how people deal with it. At home, everyone goes inside to escape the cold and to warm up. This in Panama is not the case, here people go inside to cool down and escape the heat. A second observation we've made is steam. My friend and teammate Tricia had an ice cream yesterday and we notice one very bizarre occurrence, her ice cream steamed! At home hot things steam, here the cold things do!
In serious though, the biggest adjustment that I have had to get used to is the racism. In some ways I am glad that I am experiencing it, in others it is just plain horrible I hate being judged by the color of my skin. Just walking down the street and people honk their horns, roll down their windows and yell racist remarks at you. "Gringo, gringo, gringo", it is disgusting. Panamanians generally don't like Americans as a rule, and in some ways it is understandable...they have quite the history. But no one wants to hear that I am Canadian...not American.
On the upside of things, those you love you, love you a lot and would do anything for you. And I have met some wonderful people even only after being here a week have made some great friends. I have also found a wonderful church to worship at here, it is very mission centered, and I have felt right at home there. The message is preached in English, and those who only speak spanish listen to it on headphones via a translator who sits at the back. The worship is very moving, sung in both english and spanish. I am hopefully going to be joining a small group and they also as a church have wednesday night soccer, I am looking forward to going to that each week. I am so glad I brought my gear with me from Canada.
my love to all,
Sarah
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