The One with the Proposal

Happy New Year!

I remember applying to Peace Corps back in 2008 and thinking wow, if I really do this whole’ Peace Corps thing’ I will not be home until 2011! That seemed like a decade away. Time cannot be stopped, and so 2011 has arrived. I welcomed the New Year in Panama City. I was in very good company with other PCV’s and it was nice.

Even though we don’t have the ability to stop time, some would argue that a photograph can do just that. This New Years Eve, I was summoned by my friend Harold for a very special mission. He was planning on asking his girlfriend to marry him, and he wanted me to be there to covertly take pictures of the moment. I was privileged to have been asked to help them document such a special and momentous moment in their lives together.

I had to hurry my travel plans from Bocas, to ensure I would be there in time, by taking the overnight bus. Let me say, if there is one thing I can tell you about Panamanian culture it is that those that are lucky enough to have air-conditioning abuse the heck out of it. It is rare, but possible, to find an air-conditioned room that is a comfortable temperature. The buses however, are hopeless. I am talking about the long distance, cross country buses. Sometimes I actually question whether we may be transporting dead bodies, it is that cold. I have it figured out by now, as do all the Panamanian travelers, and we adequately prepare ourselves. However, I feel for the unassuming tourist who I too often see boarding that bus with nothing but his Board shorts and a cut off T advertising his favorite Panamanian beer. They should really put a sign in the window warning the passengers that they are about to spend 10 hours inside of an ice box, that would be nice. Other PCVs have labeled the overnight bus, “the coldest place in Panama.” And I will admit that it is the only time where I am glad when my seat assignment is next to a very large person, I appreciate the extra body heat.

Wow, I didn’t realize I had so much to say about the overnight bus. Moving on…So with no sleep, I meet Harold for breakfast in Panama City, where he drew out his plan of attack on a napkin. We parted ways; he took his bride to be out to lunch while I fought the crowds for a taxi and waited in traffic for an hour (welcome to the city). I finally arrived, but not before the cab driver tells me that he only accepts kisses as payment (It is instances like that when I pretend I don’t understand Spanish). I then hurry to navigate my way using Harold’s handmade map. Finally I arrive at the “x” marks the spot. I am most definitely not alone. The spot Harold and chosen to propose to Joanna was directly in front of the Presidents house. President Martinelli happened to be home that day and there were armed security guards EVERYWHERE. So here I am; 30 minutes early, haven’t slept at all, still wearing dirty campo clothes, a hat pulled low over my eyes to look inconspicuous, I am carrying around a big camera, receiving and sending text messages from Harold every 2 minutes, and trying to find a good place to hide…. all right in front of the president’s house. I received a lot of attention! I explained the situation to each guard that approached me, but unfortunately there was no communication amongst themselves. So I was questioned at least a dozen times “why are you texting to much?” “you look like you don’t belong.” “What is the camera for?” “Do you have id.” I sent Harold a warning text that if they don’t hurry it up, it is likely that they only picture to remember the day would be my mug shot.

Luckily, it all worked out. Harold popped the question, Joanna said yes, there were tears, there was lots of kissing, there was lots of cheering from onlookers, and my camera successfully stopped a beautiful moment in time for them to have forever. I had never witnessed a proposal first hand before and I even got a little choked up, it was beautiful to see two people making that commitment to one another. I am very happy for Harold and Joanna. This is the 2nd engagement in my group since we arrived last year. Peace Corps is changing lives alright. Joanna told him not that they are engaged that just means he has to catch more chickens. Harold bought me a snow cone for all my dedication to getting the job done... I was entirely satisfied with that compensation.

~Miche