Just when I think I’m doing well with my Spanish, actually chatting with someone at the beauty salon, my conversation partner shows me her stomach and asks me a question... I don’t think we were having the same conversation.
Christmas in a Catholic country
By some estimates, up to 85 percent of Panama is Catholic. We live just a few minutes from the impressive Apostolic Nunciature in Clayton (state funded and a bit controversial here). World Youth Day is set for Panama in January of 2019. Every housing complex, government office, local mall and even parks have nativity displays.…
Bonus Mother’s Day
This year I had two Mother's Days. Yesterday, Dec. 8 was Mother's Day in Panama. Ads, commercials, special promotions, even extended hours at the mall the night before Mother's Day. AND it's a national holiday so everyone is off work so they can spend time with their mamas. Mothers deserve no less. Coffee and pastries…
What is my job and who am I anymore?
Along with the struggles of moving to Panama come the struggles of the time of life our family is in. I've been a stay-at-home mom (really, a drive around mom) for almost 15 years. I've worked part time at our church; I've done freelance writing and editing; and I've made video/slide shows for bar mitzvahs,…
Spanish lessons
My Spanish lessons started a few weeks ago. Dean's company provides 80 hours of one-on-one lessons for me. The teacher is very good. She's smart, funny, follows Panama politics and is willing to explain so many things. She comes Mondays and Wednesdays for two hours each visit. My teacher thought I was a bit brilliant…
The Yerems in Panama 