Karyn Johnson

I went to Panama in one piece and came back with my left foot fractured in two places.

Other than that, it was an incredible experience. I feel a bit overwhelmed trying to write it all down at the moment, so here are some photos.

Day 1: Arrival in Panama City

Day 2: Our welcome into the community

We flew into David that morning, then traveled to Cabecera de Ullama. This was no small feat, as it’s a remote community at a high altitude. We had to switch from shuttles to pickup trucks to get over the unpaved mountain roads. After a welcome ceremony and recess with the children, we started the work.

Days 3 & 4

We made a home visit on day 3, helping the family with chores and learning about their day-to-day lives. On day 4, the community celebrated the 27th anniversary of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca.

Day 5 & 6

Day 5 is the day I fractured my foot. We alternated between working and teaching classes. My class with 6th grade and we taught them English to Spanish translations for different animals. I fractured my foot in the afternoon while painting playground equipment, but at least we were almost done with the work.

On day 6, we had our dedication ceremony. I was taken to the hospital afterward to be X-rayed. I spent two hours in the emergency room, missing dinner on the beach near the hotel. But my escorts kindly took me to a fonda, which is a roadside restaurant serving cheap Panamanian food — the only Panamanian food I got on the entire trip.

Day 7: Sightseeing in Panama City

We flew back to Panama City and enjoyed (well, not really) some sightseeing before heading home. I was wearing a walking boot, but it was disgustingly hot and I was really uncomfortable.

I cut the sightseeing short, opting to go to the airport early to rest my foot and be somewhere with air conditioning. Though it took several hours for the ticket counter to open so I could go past security, delayed even further by wheelchair service. It wasn’t a great experience, and I was so happy to finally get home on Sunday morning.

I got my foot X-rayed again this morning — per the recommendation of the doctor in Panama — and confirmed two metatarsal fractures. I’m now waiting for my doctor to refer me to an ortho.