How does one motivate another? I think this is the eternal
Peace Corps question.
I certainly didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth,
but I know that I have had many incredible opportunities in my life. I don’t
feel that I have anything I don’t deserve or didn’t earn. It pains me to see
the lost opportunities here. The Panamanian government and international
governments give away millions of dollars each year in different projects, and
the people don’t take advantage of it. When has the US government given me
thousands of dollars’ worth of stuff for me to work and provide for my family.
Never that’s when.
Recently we began a soil conservation project with 4 other
communities because there was not enough interest is just Los Virotales. This
is legit the best project that has ever come. Soil conservation is great from
an environmental perspective because they are not clearing new land every year
to plant and will reduce the amount of chemicals used in production. From a
farmers view, it saves them work because they are not clearing land every year,
and saving them money in workers and chemicals. And those that are farming now
aren’t spring chickens anymore. During one of the meetings that two people
showed up to, the engineer asked me if I had land here because I was the most
interested in the project. Yikes. This project also rocks because the funds are
a lot more flexible. There are not just buying things that the project requires,
they are asking the people what they want. Genius. What tools, what plants,
what more could you want?
Good news. 4 community members are participating, and I
believe getting a lot out of it. I still may be the most excited about it, but
at least there are a few on board with me. And that is really what it is about,
reaching those who are interested. Because not everyone will be. Peace Corps is
here for those few motivated individuals. To help them move forward in their
work and have them make the world a little bit better place.
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