Ngobo rika mabe, Bichochi

The title of the post read in the dialect of the indigenous islands, "God go with you, Jessica." It is our way of saluting Jessica "Bichocho" Porath, the outgoing Peace Corps Volunteer on her safe journey from Sandubidi back to the United States.

Many of our guests have had the opportunity to meet Jessica. Her bright smile and humble spirit greeted many visitors to the indigenous village of Sandubidi or Popa Dos. Whether teaching English to villagers, growing the tourism initiative or helping out the women's cooperative, Meri Ngobe, Jessica's willing nature carried her through with grace.

Guests of Popa Paradise were always struck by her lasting optimism and her warm, friendly attitude towards visitors and locals alike. Living in a thatched hut, with holes in the floor, that she carefully took the time to fill, her residence was a stark contrast to that of the lush casitas of Popa Paradise. She was happy to show off her surroundings and besides the occasional request for a ride to Bocas town, her necessities reflected those of her fellow villagers: some rice and plantains for sustenance, fresh water in her rain catchment tank, and a phone card here and there, to stay in touch with the outside world.

After being introduced to Jessica, by our boat captain, who was smitten with the "girl who danced with indios!" we invited her back to the resort for an overnight. Every once in a while, when she could find the time and we had the space, we would have her over for a nourishing meal, some time to catch up on the Internet and a quiet place to recharge her batteries both the AA kind and her own personal store of energy.

Jessica is going to be missed not only by her gringo neighbors, but by many of our staff, indigenous, Latino, and Afro-Caribe. Most of all she will be missed by the people that she lived with, whom she earned respect and affection from, by living among them and as them.

Jatwaitai mare, Bichochi! Until later, Jessica...

Employee of the Month: May

Persistence can be a great asset sometimes. Months ago, an indigenous local who lived next door to us came daily with his small catch of the day, which we dutifully bought off of him. Everyday, he would ask the same question,: "Hay Trabajo?" Is their work? Time after time we politely declined his request for work, saying we had all the staff we needed. One day though, his persistence won us over, as we had a special project we needed to have done.

Impressed with the vigor he went at his work, Chef Ben, dubbed him "Terminator," and he was invited back to help wash dishes the next night. Eberto Sam, or "Terminator" as we still call him today has never let the vigor die down. We soon contracted him to work here full-time and he rotates his position between dish-washer extraordinaire, pool cleaner, gardener or whatever else needs doing.

Terminator is constantly offering a hand and his small frame hides a strength and stamina that rivals men twice his size. His determination, effervescent nature, helpfulness, and yes, even his persistence, make him an excellent asset to the Popa Paradise Team, and worthy of the status of Employee of the Month. Congratulations Terminator!