Journey to parita

Hey family and friends, 

Today we woke up at 6:30, woke up our peers, and headed downstairs for breakfast. On today’s menu we were served eggs and tortillas. After breakfast we started our journey to the Parita community to brainstorm our CAP (community action project). Today’s theme was Sustainable development in which we had to go and brainstorm ideas for the park located in Parita. We met our friend from the peace corps, Megan, she has been living in Parita for over a year. We also talked to the representante (Joaquin) from the community and some local kids. At the park we walked around and gathered to discuss various ideas for potential improvement. We came up with a few suggestions such as repainting the gazebo, repainting benches, painting the area around the soccer field, improving the trash cans, and cleaning the park. Before leaving we talked to some of the local kids to see what they felt would improve their community. They suggested painting the wall around the soccer field a celeste (light blue) color and also adding a hopscotch near their playground. We took a walk to the church in the community which is one of the oldest in Panama, on the walk we got to see the beautiful community. 

Before heading back to the hotel we had many WATERFALLS which are mandatory water breaks. Once we got to the hotel we headed straight to lunch, which was delicious rice, chicken, potato salad, and plantains with papaya and strawberry juice. Lunch was a crowd pleaser! 

Some people were able to call home today, but others have to call tomorrow due to limited time. 

Then we had a seminar where we discussed and planned our task for tomorrow´s project. We split into three groups where we communicate our ideas and possible materials needed for the project. Once we were done we ran up upstairs to get changed into our professional outfits to present our ideas to Megan.  

After we presented our ideas to Megan, we had dinner, which was Sanduches (sandwiches) with a side of yuca frita. After dinner we wrapped up our night doing our nightly meeting, which included a debrief of the day, giving positive comments, and passing the leadership position (LDD) to Valeria, Sarah, and Ben. 

Signing out, 

Jacklin, Daisy, and Maria

P.S. Hi mom, dad, ZsaZsa, Aunt Barbra, and friends. I am having so much fun. Uno no Mercy is no joke. You guys can leave comments and they will read at meals. I love you so much bye xoxo Jacklin.