Let's try this again. I'll attempt to post some fun pictures I took while aimlessly roaming around Siam yesterday. I also have a few gems from the "field trip" I took my three 7th graders on today, to the movies, in 3D!
Friday I have found a way to go with Mercy to the US Embassy for a 4th of July celebration. Saturday I'll be at Farmhouse with the older boys and Sunday I get to see Jay! My days are filled with plenty of stories and lots of compassion, but it can get lonely at night. Just another adjustment I guess.
Also, I'm considering extending my stay in Asia until I have to be back for my capstone seminar. Look out South Korea!
Apparently, my computer doesn't want you to see my pictures. No such luck in the uploads and since I am experiencing my first inner battle with a Thai bug ((read: stomach flu)) I'm going to cut my losses for the evening and go home.
Hopefully tomorrow blogger will cooperate and this stomach nonsense will have passed.
I'll leave you with this...
Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes. ~Henry David Thoreau
ABA
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
"Don't Burn the Day Away" - Dave Matthews Band
The other day "Pig" by Dave Matthews came across my iPod's suffle. I had never really listened to it, and got me moving with it's carpe diem message. So yesterday, I decided to do something a little different for my birthday. I went off alone to explore. I just decided to pick a random, rather busy, sky train (much like Disney's monorail) stop- and go.
Little did I know I would end up in Madame Tussauds wax museum and Ocean World, South East Asia's largest aquarium. It was a funny feeling to not speak all day, but I felt quite euphoric with all the movement and energy buzzing around me.
As I walked through the shark tunnels and "amazing amazon" enclaves, I realized how romantic aquariums are. Sure, there are loud little Japanese kids, like Shin-Kun, running about, but for those few moments of silence, as the fish nearly brush past you, it's like you've entered an entirely different world. In that moment I felt like I could have been anywhere.
By the time I got home the sun was just starting to set and the rain was beginning to fall. I colapsed on to my bed, exhausted. I heard a soft knock knock on the door. Kwang, one of my amazing roommates, had gotten me a cake. And the ingredients were in English!
There's a chance I may extend my stay in Asia past January now. While I miss all of you on the other side of the world so much- the "yes" person in me is saying, how could I not??
Here are a few pictures from my very quiet 26th:
The crazy mall at SIAM. There are three different malls all connected.
Apparently some famous Thai boy band- I just happened to stumble upon...
This is what I was up against.
Too many screaming teenagers for my taste, but I had a good laugh and got OUT OF THERE.
And this is what I stumbled upon next...only I would do this...haha
Since I was alone, I decided to take pictures of other people doing silly things with the wax figures... like this Indian dude boogying down with the late MJ
Or this guy literally fix Diana's jacket before he posed with her. (I wish this was sharper!)
So happy to be with the Obamas....
or with the Queen (don't you love the props??)
Or shooting hoops with Yao Ming, at a famously tall 7'5''.
((More pictures to come soon, since my computer isn't allowing me to upload them.))
I'll try with a new post soon.
Listening to Nina Simone and thinking about a little walk in the park. ABA.
Little did I know I would end up in Madame Tussauds wax museum and Ocean World, South East Asia's largest aquarium. It was a funny feeling to not speak all day, but I felt quite euphoric with all the movement and energy buzzing around me.
As I walked through the shark tunnels and "amazing amazon" enclaves, I realized how romantic aquariums are. Sure, there are loud little Japanese kids, like Shin-Kun, running about, but for those few moments of silence, as the fish nearly brush past you, it's like you've entered an entirely different world. In that moment I felt like I could have been anywhere.
By the time I got home the sun was just starting to set and the rain was beginning to fall. I colapsed on to my bed, exhausted. I heard a soft knock knock on the door. Kwang, one of my amazing roommates, had gotten me a cake. And the ingredients were in English!
There's a chance I may extend my stay in Asia past January now. While I miss all of you on the other side of the world so much- the "yes" person in me is saying, how could I not??
Here are a few pictures from my very quiet 26th:
The crazy mall at SIAM. There are three different malls all connected.
Apparently some famous Thai boy band- I just happened to stumble upon...
This is what I was up against.
Too many screaming teenagers for my taste, but I had a good laugh and got OUT OF THERE.
And this is what I stumbled upon next...only I would do this...haha
Since I was alone, I decided to take pictures of other people doing silly things with the wax figures... like this Indian dude boogying down with the late MJ
Or this guy literally fix Diana's jacket before he posed with her. (I wish this was sharper!)
So happy to be with the Obamas....
or with the Queen (don't you love the props??)
Or shooting hoops with Yao Ming, at a famously tall 7'5''.
((More pictures to come soon, since my computer isn't allowing me to upload them.))
I'll try with a new post soon.
Listening to Nina Simone and thinking about a little walk in the park. ABA.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” -Robert Heinlein (American writer)
I'm so consumed with love today, that I feel like words can't communicate or do justice to how I feel. So instead of trying to write something creative, I'm just going to post my "diary" entry from last night... ((here goes nothing))
"I am the luckiest person in the world. I have a family that loves me and cares so much about me, the most incredible friends in the world and have been fortunate enough to have had the most unbelievable experiences in my 26 years.
Tonight I went back to Mercy 2. The "wild boys" keep me grounded and show me strength and they have no idea. All they want is love, affection and attention and I feel truly honored to just be there with them. Whether they're going through "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" for the 3rd time, break dancing, "braiding" (read: knotting) my hair, or trying to pronounce Pokimon names, their attention is focused and their laugher fills the room. I can not think of a better way to end year 25 and start year 26. Life hasn't been easy for them and they rise to the occassion.
While the night was winding down, they all got out their paper journals/books. You know the kind you had in elementary school to practice writing letters out? Since I can't read Thai, I asked Ben to explain what they were doing. Turns out they are give a few baht a day to buy lunch and every night they have to record what they bought and how much they spent. At age five they are already better at accounting than I am! While I am no help with numbers or Thai script, I was able to lend my efforts to helping one of the boys write English in cursive. His resistance turned to persistance and he did it! A lesson we can all learn from.
Watching Ben interact with the kids is so special. He's patient, and kind and he cares so much. All of the kids, Ben, the girls on "the travel team" (due to their high marks they have gotten scholarships to travel abroad to go to school) and the Mercy staff are the type of people you want and must surround yourself with. They encourage me to try harder and learn more. I feel smarter just being around them."
__
A year ago I would have never guessed that this is where I would be for my next birthday. Although, if you told me, it probably wouldn't have surprised me, or most others for that matter.
When I saw the kids this morning they looked tired and grumpy- the sun was beating down ((HOT)) and they had already been up doing chores. I knew they were resisting Engish, so I told them I would take it easy on them. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get full sentences out of them, but equipt with ice tea and snacks from 7-11, they were ready. Without even trying two hours flew by and I had barely spoken. I learned all about Thai ghosts and the stories behind them. I was learning, they were speaking English- it was a total win/win.
After class I was given permission to take my all-star students to the movies tomorrow. We're going to see Green Lantern and I can tell they're excited. They'll have to use their listening skills to understand all of the English and it will be a nice treat for all of us.
I feel at ease here and this is the best gift I could have ever asked for.
A thousand thank yous to all of you for your happy birthday wishes. I just wish you could be here to see it all- this place and these people really do change you, in the best way possible.
"All knowledge comes from experience." -Aristotle
((Now if only I could remember to use bug spray- I look like I have the chicken pox on my legs!))
ABA
"I am the luckiest person in the world. I have a family that loves me and cares so much about me, the most incredible friends in the world and have been fortunate enough to have had the most unbelievable experiences in my 26 years.
Tonight I went back to Mercy 2. The "wild boys" keep me grounded and show me strength and they have no idea. All they want is love, affection and attention and I feel truly honored to just be there with them. Whether they're going through "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" for the 3rd time, break dancing, "braiding" (read: knotting) my hair, or trying to pronounce Pokimon names, their attention is focused and their laugher fills the room. I can not think of a better way to end year 25 and start year 26. Life hasn't been easy for them and they rise to the occassion.
While the night was winding down, they all got out their paper journals/books. You know the kind you had in elementary school to practice writing letters out? Since I can't read Thai, I asked Ben to explain what they were doing. Turns out they are give a few baht a day to buy lunch and every night they have to record what they bought and how much they spent. At age five they are already better at accounting than I am! While I am no help with numbers or Thai script, I was able to lend my efforts to helping one of the boys write English in cursive. His resistance turned to persistance and he did it! A lesson we can all learn from.
Watching Ben interact with the kids is so special. He's patient, and kind and he cares so much. All of the kids, Ben, the girls on "the travel team" (due to their high marks they have gotten scholarships to travel abroad to go to school) and the Mercy staff are the type of people you want and must surround yourself with. They encourage me to try harder and learn more. I feel smarter just being around them."
__
A year ago I would have never guessed that this is where I would be for my next birthday. Although, if you told me, it probably wouldn't have surprised me, or most others for that matter.
When I saw the kids this morning they looked tired and grumpy- the sun was beating down ((HOT)) and they had already been up doing chores. I knew they were resisting Engish, so I told them I would take it easy on them. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get full sentences out of them, but equipt with ice tea and snacks from 7-11, they were ready. Without even trying two hours flew by and I had barely spoken. I learned all about Thai ghosts and the stories behind them. I was learning, they were speaking English- it was a total win/win.
After class I was given permission to take my all-star students to the movies tomorrow. We're going to see Green Lantern and I can tell they're excited. They'll have to use their listening skills to understand all of the English and it will be a nice treat for all of us.
I feel at ease here and this is the best gift I could have ever asked for.
A thousand thank yous to all of you for your happy birthday wishes. I just wish you could be here to see it all- this place and these people really do change you, in the best way possible.
"All knowledge comes from experience." -Aristotle
((Now if only I could remember to use bug spray- I look like I have the chicken pox on my legs!))
ABA
Sunday, June 26, 2011
"We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others." - La Rochefoucauld (French philosoher)
Sorry to have left you all stranded for the weekend, but what a busy 48 hours! I have been writing in my new journal non-stop and take it everywhere with me ((stay creative!)) and have pages and pages of thoughts, observations, new Thai words and notes from a few books I'm reading. I feel smarter, healthier and stronger here, so long as I stay away from the Thai peanuts!
The other night I sat with Ben for awhile; there was a cool breeze on the rooftop terrace of Mercy 2. It felt nice to have someone to talk to, an "outsider" of sorts as well, or "falang" as the kids call us, meaning "foreigner". I felt calmer than I have in a long time, sitting up high with panoramic views of our neighborhood, sky high billboards towering over the tin roofs below. In the silence, while Ben was chasing around the boys that hadn't gone to bed, I thought about Bangkok. Father Joe says, in "The Gospel of Father Joe," by Greg Barrett, that "we all have now, we all have the moment that we're in" (p.263). I think as Americans it is hard to hold on to the moment. I always feel like I'm looking ahead, but rarely do I sit and embrace the moment itself. Thai buddhist's preach "jai yen", translated as "a cool heart"- which means you allow yourself to be open and accepting. I'm working on it. I feel oddly at peace in this oh-so-foreign land.
Yesterday I found myself, after an impromptu trip to Tae Kwon Do class with some of the Mercy kids, sitting in the park finally finishing "The Gospel of Father Joe". It's beautifully written and incredibly inspiring and if you want a better idea of what goes on here I highly recommend picking it up. Although, it's an entirely different read once you're here. I now know these kids in the book, I spent the afternoon watching them playfully climb all over each other in their lessons. These were children that had escaped being sold to brothels for the exchange of two cases of whiskey, and others who had literally been forcely taken from them. Now they are here, laughing up a storm, running around with my camera taking pictures of themselves in the wall length mirrors lining the Tae Kwon Do studio.
As I opened the book, for the first time since my flight to Bangkok, a little piece of paper fell out. It was my horoscope from The Bangkok Post, dated June 15th, the day I landed in Thailand. It read:
"Today's total lunar eclipse may remind you that it takes strength and courage to listen to inner wisdom and follow ideals."
I don't think it could have been more spot on.
Some of the "karate kids":
I've been reading up on philosophy again ((I know, read: NERD)) but I will leave you with this one last quote:
"Don't seek for things to happen as you wish, but wish for things to happen as they do, and you will get on well." - Epictetus
Lumpini paradise.
ABA
The other night I sat with Ben for awhile; there was a cool breeze on the rooftop terrace of Mercy 2. It felt nice to have someone to talk to, an "outsider" of sorts as well, or "falang" as the kids call us, meaning "foreigner". I felt calmer than I have in a long time, sitting up high with panoramic views of our neighborhood, sky high billboards towering over the tin roofs below. In the silence, while Ben was chasing around the boys that hadn't gone to bed, I thought about Bangkok. Father Joe says, in "The Gospel of Father Joe," by Greg Barrett, that "we all have now, we all have the moment that we're in" (p.263). I think as Americans it is hard to hold on to the moment. I always feel like I'm looking ahead, but rarely do I sit and embrace the moment itself. Thai buddhist's preach "jai yen", translated as "a cool heart"- which means you allow yourself to be open and accepting. I'm working on it. I feel oddly at peace in this oh-so-foreign land.
Yesterday I found myself, after an impromptu trip to Tae Kwon Do class with some of the Mercy kids, sitting in the park finally finishing "The Gospel of Father Joe". It's beautifully written and incredibly inspiring and if you want a better idea of what goes on here I highly recommend picking it up. Although, it's an entirely different read once you're here. I now know these kids in the book, I spent the afternoon watching them playfully climb all over each other in their lessons. These were children that had escaped being sold to brothels for the exchange of two cases of whiskey, and others who had literally been forcely taken from them. Now they are here, laughing up a storm, running around with my camera taking pictures of themselves in the wall length mirrors lining the Tae Kwon Do studio.
As I opened the book, for the first time since my flight to Bangkok, a little piece of paper fell out. It was my horoscope from The Bangkok Post, dated June 15th, the day I landed in Thailand. It read:
"Today's total lunar eclipse may remind you that it takes strength and courage to listen to inner wisdom and follow ideals."
I don't think it could have been more spot on.
Some of the "karate kids":
I've been reading up on philosophy again ((I know, read: NERD)) but I will leave you with this one last quote:
"Don't seek for things to happen as you wish, but wish for things to happen as they do, and you will get on well." - Epictetus
Lumpini paradise.
ABA
Friday, June 24, 2011
A Walk in the Park?
Yesterday was a great day for a little exercize, so I ventured off on my own and went to this cute little park by the Emporium Mall. It's pretty small, but stunning. There is this pond of sorts in the middle and a walking path around it with lots of greenery and work out stations. I saw these in Istanbul too- I love the idea of an outdoor gym. I was soaked through in sweat when I left, but it was so refreshing to get a good run in.
Not to scare any of you reading, but last night however, was not such an enjoyable walk in the park. While these girls are so fantastic and are always making sure I am safe with the food- we had a cross contamination issue last night. Needless to say I made Angelina look like she had pencil thin lips and I spent some quality time pulling the trigger in the restroom of the mall. As I stared at the porcelain floor toilet, I thought, that's it, no more of this. Sometimes when I have reactions like this, it's hard to tell if I'm having trouble breathing because of the allergies, or because I'm scared sh*tless. I promise not to do that again. Sticking to the water, fruit and cereal... what a shame in a country filled with the most amazing food. But I'd like to come home in one piece.
This morning I felt much better and spent the morning working with my three 7th graders. They're awesome and thanks to all the killer TEFL teachers out there who post impressive websites like www.insideout.net I have cool lessons about Lady Gaga and contemporary issues they're into.
Now it's past lunch time and Friday. I have exploring to do!
Oh and before I forget, this morning I met this guy from Spain who road his motorcycle from Spain to Thailand to raise money to build schools for sexually abused kids in Thailand. Pretty cool, right? He only spoke Spanish and like Baxter knows, I don't. I got bits and pieces of information from the girls, but he seemed like a pretty rad person- who looked all sorts of confused as we rattled on in English at breakfast. I'll see what other information I can gather about him and get back to you.
Moment of ZEN: I learned about the Thai Justin Beiber - check out "Connect" by MIN on Youtube.
Now for pictures of the heavenly park, all take on my iPhone:
Views for the workout stations.
The cool workout stations all over the park.
Taking in the scenery...
Thai skater boys.
While I was doing sit-ups, I looked up into the trees and found a heart. <3
Nice school uniforms- Leanne, you would have enjoyed the green on the bottom of their shoes.
I tried to not so subtly get a close up.
At the entrance to the park.
And Pui passed out at home :)
ABA
Not to scare any of you reading, but last night however, was not such an enjoyable walk in the park. While these girls are so fantastic and are always making sure I am safe with the food- we had a cross contamination issue last night. Needless to say I made Angelina look like she had pencil thin lips and I spent some quality time pulling the trigger in the restroom of the mall. As I stared at the porcelain floor toilet, I thought, that's it, no more of this. Sometimes when I have reactions like this, it's hard to tell if I'm having trouble breathing because of the allergies, or because I'm scared sh*tless. I promise not to do that again. Sticking to the water, fruit and cereal... what a shame in a country filled with the most amazing food. But I'd like to come home in one piece.
This morning I felt much better and spent the morning working with my three 7th graders. They're awesome and thanks to all the killer TEFL teachers out there who post impressive websites like www.insideout.net I have cool lessons about Lady Gaga and contemporary issues they're into.
Now it's past lunch time and Friday. I have exploring to do!
Oh and before I forget, this morning I met this guy from Spain who road his motorcycle from Spain to Thailand to raise money to build schools for sexually abused kids in Thailand. Pretty cool, right? He only spoke Spanish and like Baxter knows, I don't. I got bits and pieces of information from the girls, but he seemed like a pretty rad person- who looked all sorts of confused as we rattled on in English at breakfast. I'll see what other information I can gather about him and get back to you.
Moment of ZEN: I learned about the Thai Justin Beiber - check out "Connect" by MIN on Youtube.
Now for pictures of the heavenly park, all take on my iPhone:
Views for the workout stations.
The cool workout stations all over the park.
Taking in the scenery...
Thai skater boys.
While I was doing sit-ups, I looked up into the trees and found a heart. <3
Nice school uniforms- Leanne, you would have enjoyed the green on the bottom of their shoes.
I tried to not so subtly get a close up.
At the entrance to the park.
And Pui passed out at home :)
ABA
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Maple syrup is to Vermont as cooking oil is to Thailand.
This is the country of FOOD.
Last night I went with P-Dai, the volunteer (and everything else) coordinator, to sort out my newly unlocked iPhone. I thought this was just a quick trip to Tesco, but to my surprise Ben and Poi were there to meet us for dinner at a nice wine bar/restaurant. Dressed in my running clothes, we sat and had a really nice meal together. It was wonderful to get to know them better and to see more of Bangkok, outside of Mercy's invisible walls.
When Poi and I got back to the house that night, we were greeted by all of the university girls, taking pictures of their flower arrangements they had made for today's teacher celebration, called Wan-Wai-Kru. What a great idea- it is a big ceremony to pay respect to your teachers and all teachers around the world. ((Education is power!)) There were two kids from each Mercy preschool present. There were dance performances and lots of singing. The kids were adorable! At one point a group of three and four year olds got up and sang, "Wind the bobbin up" - what a throw back to Park Lane. Emmi, I thought of you and the kids and how we sang that every morning.
Again, today as I was sitting outside writing, one of the girls I tutor found me. She was looking at my camera so I told her she could go around and take pictures. Thirty minutes and 100 pictures later my camera was returned. She's quite the photographer.
It's hotter than usual today and the sun is beaming bright. I WILL get out to run today! Then dinner with all the international girls.
A thousand thank yous to everyone who has been sending me emails- they always brighten my day and I love hearing about what's going on in your time zone. Ten days till Jay's visit and then I get Amy and Andy on their honeymoon in August! Also, a belated birthday shout out to Ms Jen Dufour- TEN years ago we celebrated our surprise sweet sixteen together :)
The lovely ladies, Kwang and Pung, with their flower arrangements. They keep me in the know, constantly translating and keeping me alive with their no nut know-how.
The kids at the Teacher's ceremony today, Wan Wai Kru, waiting patiently to present their flower arrangements to their teachers and Sister Maria.
The girls, who I spend my days with.
The kids getting water.
The traditional Thai dress for one of the dancing performances. If I figure out how to load videos, that will be the first to go up- it's amazing.
To the watering hole.
Kids will be kids, will be kids. Doesn't matter where you are.
Sister Maria lighting a candle for the ceremony.
The kids offering their flower arrangements.
Thai dancing.
The girls looked beautiful!
This dance was most definitely youtube worthy. FANTASTIC!
"Wind the bobbin up..."
The rest of these pictures were taken by Ann, one of the girls I tutor. I'm working on emails.
Pung braided my hair this morning, pretty funky, right??
Ann got into the cooking action on the other side of the room.
Ourdoor kitchen, just a few feet from where I write everyday.
Elephants are a symbol of Thailand. This is the cover of one of my journals.
Not a bad view for a morning's write.
Waiting for the rain to pass so I can get to the park today before dinner. ABA.
Last night I went with P-Dai, the volunteer (and everything else) coordinator, to sort out my newly unlocked iPhone. I thought this was just a quick trip to Tesco, but to my surprise Ben and Poi were there to meet us for dinner at a nice wine bar/restaurant. Dressed in my running clothes, we sat and had a really nice meal together. It was wonderful to get to know them better and to see more of Bangkok, outside of Mercy's invisible walls.
When Poi and I got back to the house that night, we were greeted by all of the university girls, taking pictures of their flower arrangements they had made for today's teacher celebration, called Wan-Wai-Kru. What a great idea- it is a big ceremony to pay respect to your teachers and all teachers around the world. ((Education is power!)) There were two kids from each Mercy preschool present. There were dance performances and lots of singing. The kids were adorable! At one point a group of three and four year olds got up and sang, "Wind the bobbin up" - what a throw back to Park Lane. Emmi, I thought of you and the kids and how we sang that every morning.
Again, today as I was sitting outside writing, one of the girls I tutor found me. She was looking at my camera so I told her she could go around and take pictures. Thirty minutes and 100 pictures later my camera was returned. She's quite the photographer.
It's hotter than usual today and the sun is beaming bright. I WILL get out to run today! Then dinner with all the international girls.
A thousand thank yous to everyone who has been sending me emails- they always brighten my day and I love hearing about what's going on in your time zone. Ten days till Jay's visit and then I get Amy and Andy on their honeymoon in August! Also, a belated birthday shout out to Ms Jen Dufour- TEN years ago we celebrated our surprise sweet sixteen together :)
The lovely ladies, Kwang and Pung, with their flower arrangements. They keep me in the know, constantly translating and keeping me alive with their no nut know-how.
The kids at the Teacher's ceremony today, Wan Wai Kru, waiting patiently to present their flower arrangements to their teachers and Sister Maria.
The girls, who I spend my days with.
The kids getting water.
The traditional Thai dress for one of the dancing performances. If I figure out how to load videos, that will be the first to go up- it's amazing.
To the watering hole.
Kids will be kids, will be kids. Doesn't matter where you are.
Sister Maria lighting a candle for the ceremony.
The kids offering their flower arrangements.
Thai dancing.
The girls looked beautiful!
This dance was most definitely youtube worthy. FANTASTIC!
"Wind the bobbin up..."
The rest of these pictures were taken by Ann, one of the girls I tutor. I'm working on emails.
Pung braided my hair this morning, pretty funky, right??
Ann got into the cooking action on the other side of the room.
Ourdoor kitchen, just a few feet from where I write everyday.
Elephants are a symbol of Thailand. This is the cover of one of my journals.
Not a bad view for a morning's write.
Waiting for the rain to pass so I can get to the park today before dinner. ABA.
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