Changing Standards

I find it really interesting how quickly standards can change.  Before I came to Panama I tried to eat a variety of vegetables of different colors and nutrition at every meal and snack.  Now I’m grateful for any sort of vegetable I get that isn’t a starch.  I don’t need dark leafy greens.  Now bens will suffice because at least they have fiber.  This past week when we went to a different host family, I was so excited about the flush toilet and indoor shower with running water throughout the day.  If I have any sort of cell service, even if it’s not that strong, I’m excited because I can have unplanned phone calls without having to hike up a hill.  This is supposed to be the Peace Corps experience, right?  Getting used to new norms and not really even noticing?

This Saturday I go to my site where I will live for the next two years.  It's definitely not a luxurious site, but considering it has running water, electricity, cell phone signal, and is really close to a big city, I already have more amenities than a lot of my fellow volunteers.  This has created a bit of a conflict for me.  Am I going to get the “Peace Corps experience”?  I remember someone telling me before I knew in which country I was going to serve that Panama was really Americanized and they hoped I didn’t go here.  I have friends from college who will be in Africa and I can imagine that they will have a completely different experience from those of us in Panama.  Now that I’m here I know that there is need in this country.  The disparity of wealth is pretty sad and this country is trying to develop faster than the rural areas can keep up with, especially with regards to the environment.  So it’s kind of neat to be playing a role in a crucial part of this country’s development, but I still can’t help but think of the perception that I’m not really going to get the “Peace Corps experience.” 

I’m reminding myself, though, that I didn’t join Peace Corps for a rugged, out-there experience.  I joined because of the cultural exchange and the opportunity to help people, and Panama is not so Americanized that it doesn’t have a lot of need and a not-American culture.  In fact, the Panamanian culture is extremely strong and I’m excited to get to know this country and the latino culture in which my dad grew up.  I’m curious to see how Peace Corps is working and what I can give to and learn from the people I am about to meet.  But the fact that I am having a relatively luxurious Peace Corps experience and the perception that I am not actually doing anything is something I think I will be struggling with for a while.