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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