The good, the bad, and the ugly

I decided that I needed to write a blog post, but once I sat down to do it, I couldn't think of anything to write. I'm going to make an effort, though, since it's been a while.

First, personally this has been a challenging week. My substitute grandmother (my real grandmother's identical twin sister) passed away on Wednesday. I was going to come home to visit this weekend, but her cancer was very advanced and moved too quickly. I love her, and am sorry that I didn't get to see her one more time. I'm also sorry that I can't be with my family right now. I love all of you and am looking forward to seeing you at the end of the month.

As far as work goes, I'm helping my water committee organize an election for a new water committee in the next week or so. Hopefully there will be a MINSA (Health Ministry) representative there, but frankly, I'm not holding my breath. If the vote actually happened and went even moderately well, I would be thrilled. My standards are pretty low for this particular group.

On the other end of the spectrum, my women's coop has arranged dates for a training to recieve their Personeria Juridica (legally establishes them as a group and makes government funding, as well as other types of funding, more accessable). During the meeting with IPACOOP (the agency that handles coops in Panama), we even convinced three more women in the community that were initially on the fence or leaning towards no, to join the group. It was a great meeting, and working with these women continues to be the joy of my service. If only I could figure out a way to replace the water committee with all my coop ladies...

I have a BUNCH of photos that I will, eventually, post. I might do it when I go home. Although, my school is supposed to be recieving internet (WIRELESS, no less) soon, so when that happens, I can post from my house. I didn't even know that this crazy newfangled technology existed! Next thing you know, they're going to figure out a machine that you can just throw food into and cook it in 1 minute and call it a microwave. Crazy, crazy world.

I am going to bring home a few of the best canasta (baskets) when I come home. They're little, but they're from the best artisans in my community, and they're beautiful. If you're interested, let me know and I can send some pictures.

That blog post came easier than I thought it would. Once I forced myself to start typing, it turns out I did have things to say.

One last thing: to all my family, I love you and miss you and will see you soon. Lori, my thoughts are with you. I'm sorry I could not be there, but I look forward to spending some time with you soon.