Here it is, our brand new computer. But don't be fooled: we staged this picture. Those kids have no idea how to even turn it on, but they'll be Microsoft pros when I get done with them.

 

We had a drum circle/dance the other night, Tamborito, and this niña is wearing the traditional dress.

 

Here are the moms wearing their traditional dresses, too. They stand in a line singing and clapping while the men drum (I can never understand all the words...I just clap).

 

I spent part of this month working in indigenous communities in the Bocas del Toro province (caribbean side). Nearly everyone lives in wooden houses on stilts because of all the rain...looks like a pleasant day, eh?

 

We were putting on the Captain Planet Eco-Fair in different schools, so here is Agua Ana--cape and all--talking about drinking water. Captain Planet is the guy hanging out by the door and saving the world from pollution.

 

This is Agua Ana in true Super Heroine style, flying through the jungle.
(John Kamman, this pose is for you)

 

This is Loralee (Super Suelo) and Emily (Chica del Fuego) hanging out after a long day of Eco-Fairing.

 

The Ngobe-Bugle people live along the caribbean coast and use these canoes in both rivers and the ocean. Here's a slightly funny story: whenever a fishing canoe doesn't come back from the ocean (say, after a storm), many Ngobes honestly believe the ''Red Chinese'' in submarines come and eat the people who were in those canoes. Accidental drowning doesn't seem to be a possibility. A lot of volunteers in Ngobe communities are frequently asked about these mysterious ''Red Chinese.'' One of my friends has just started telling them that China has enough people in its own country if its citizens want to eat humans. They don't need to send special submarines to Panama. Hmm.

 

When Gina came we spent a few days at the beach. Yep, it was beautiful.

 

This particular day was a great combination of things I like: bikes, a friend I've known since 3rd grade and the caribbean coast. We found a perfect forest path that led to the turquoise water.

 

One more picture of Gina: here she is sitting next to the gigantic bag sent down with her by my mother. That bag was bigger than Gina (but thanks for all the stuff, Mom!) It made traveling interesting.

 

This is me with part of the kids in my Panama Verde environmental youth group. We were at the national conference, hence all the matching shirts (except for that one kid, Ricky). In Panama, all official events must include matching shirts.

 

What is an afternoon like at Ana's house? Kid Central. Luckily that huge bag from my mom was filled with lots of art supplies and books to keep them busy and learning.

 

This is everyone in my town celebrating the feast of our Patron Saint, San Isidro.
Celebrating=Processing with a statue and banner for three hours. Fun.

 

Joe arrived speaking better Spanish than I do after his semester abroad in Guatemala. He was a favorite in the school with his guitar and funny English lessons. He left two months ago and the kids are still asking when he'll come back again to sing with them. Hey kids, I can be fun, too.

 

Joe took this picture....my neighbors are so cute and they love to play with my gadgets.

 

Carlos is one of my best students and always comes over to my house to talk. He likes to help organize the shelves or do the dishes, and yesterday he said, ''Ana, eres como mi hermana. Te quiero mucho.'' (Ana, you are like my sister. I love you a lot.) He's one I want to put in my backpack and take home to Colorado.

 

Watch out Canada.