1. Panama Desfile de Navidad en Puerto Armuelles

    I had the absolutely privilege of being Santo Claus in the 2009 Desfile de Navidad en Puerto Armuelles, Chiriqui.  This event is perhaps one of the biggest throughout the year. For over a mile stretch the float threw out cookies and candies and children were constantly brought up to sit on my lap for a photo. "Santo Santo dame galletas!"

  2. Panama English Reading Time

    This was perhaps the most surreal moment so far during my service and it happened at one of my good friend Scott Page's site in Embarcadero, Cocle. A group of 6 PCVs headed up to Embarcadero to build a water en-catchment system that would provide water year around and also install the first shower in the community.  Upon arriving in the community in the local representante truck stuffed with supplies and PCVs we were greeted by all the community members rushing out to get a good look at the o...

  3. Panama El Gigante y Hato Chime Tour Guide

    During tech week in Hato Chami de la Comarca Ngobe-Bugle, a group of 5 volunteers set out each morning at 4:30 AM to hike the local summits.  On one of our many sunrise morning hikes we were accompanied by a local inhabitant and his horse.   Upon reaching the top our guide was insistent upon two things; one, taking a pictures with "El Gigante" (which is me) and having his current tenant ride the horse back into the village.  

  4. Panama 11,339 feet of Inspiration

    On April 19, 2010, 15 Peace Corps volunteers accompanied 6 teenagers from my community, Puerto Armuelles, on a hike of Volcan Baru.  At 11,339 feet, this volcano towers above all other mountains in Panama and provides a unique view of both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. This picture is from the start of our hike at 11:00 pm.  After 7 grueling hours of Level E hiking we made it to the top just before sunrise where were were treated to clear sky towards both seas and a violent thundersto...

  5. Nicaragua ¿Donde está la gallina?

    During a family birthday, my little host brother was dying to have his picture taken with one of the family's chickens.  After a couple of attempts and my entire host family rolling on the floor laughing, we finally got this picture.  Humor truely knows no culture boundaries!

  6. Guatemala Life

    I believe there are very few things, physically, that Guatemalans cannot accomplish. They are the embodiment of inner strength and endurance. To you and me, we see a log that needs to get from point A to point B and think, "I need a truck." To a Guatemalan, all they need is some rope and sheer will power. I am humbled daily by their strength.

  7. Belize babies!

    Babysitting Baby Elton for the day.

  8. Belize Men's Yoga Class

    The men were jealous that I do Yoga class for the women, so I started a Men's Yoga Class after they play football.  Namaste! (Monkey River Village, Belize.) 

  9. Belize Village living

    A typical Sunday afternoon in the village.  (Monkey River Village, Belize) 

  10. Belize Amber

    One of my students, Amber.  The beauty of her spirit is reflected in her eyes. :)  (Monkey River Village, Belize) 

Belize

Costa Rica

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Mexico

Nicaragua

Panama

Countdown to Weekly Contest Deadline!

“Sunset at the Railroad” by PCV Nicholas Baylor Hall. Namibia, 2011.