Thailand Trip (Day 10)

Day 10:
I woke up to the delicious smell of fresh banana pancakes today (Monday). Shaun, Morag, and Kirsti were on breakfast today and did a fabulous job. Banana pancakes with honey and cinnamon = stellar. We headed off the the school at 8:45 and found that it was a short (10 minute walk). Since Thai teachers are extremely respected we wore slacks even in the 90+ F heat. By the time we arrived at the school we were sweating quite heavily, but were greeted with loud courses of hellos. Mike, Steve, and I will be teaching at this particular school for the next 2 weeks. Jill (the country director also accompanied us since it was our first day). The school was a complex of buildings on the side of a river. The main building comprised of outdoor hallways and was three stories high. It was encircled by a variety of outdoor cafeterias, playgrounds, and smaller buildings. One particular building was a clean water drinking station donated by Rotary Club after the infamous Tsunami. As we entered the grounds we met one of the English teachers and also the Assistant Director (Principal). Mike and I had to laugh when the Principal told us we were celebrities and pretended to sing! I was also amazed at how well behaved Thai children were. Kids moved about the yard collecting trash, helping with morning chores, and moving items about.

Jill taught the first class while the three of us observed. The Thai children were quick to ask us our name though and were ecstatic to have us in their class. This particular class was interesting since one Thai English teacher is out sick (back injuries). This means that GVI volunteers actually run class. I have been told that if we were not their students simply would go to class and sit (some chatting while others do homework in their workbooks). Accordingly, Jill ran class today and the student loved it! Normally, they do a lot of note taking and drilling, but GVI teaches through games, so foreigners mean "fun, fun!!") We had a bit of time off mid day, so we headed off to the base to grab lunch. After lunch we headed to the school to assist Steve in teaching. The kids were quite a handful, but Steve ran the show well and even sang several songs for them. Then the insisted that Mike and I sing and dance, luckily we had a song prepared.

After this class we headed to the third grade class that we were supposed to assist with, but 'found the students testing or something. It wasn't long before another teacher approached us (fourth grade) and asked if we would help with her class in an hour, we were thrilled. In the time waiting another teacher insisted that we take a refreshment and brought me a Thai coffee and, Mike a water. We arrived to the class at 3 as schedule to find 30+ Thai student sitting in desks, but no teacher in sight (we think she may have gone home early?). As we entered they all chimed in "HELLO, HOW ARE YOU?" and stood up. We hardly knew what to do. It turned out great in the end and we reviewed age, greetings, and taught numbers. The students loved the games and became quite competitive. At the end of class several students came up to say thanks and shake hands. Other students put chairs on desks, shut the windows, and swept the floor. Soon we were walking home after being mobbed by students waving, shouting, shaking hands, and some even taking pictures of us!

We arrived at the base and began our chores which are mostly yard work. We raked leaves, and even dug a trough across the lawn for water. It's quite fun to be part of the base team where everyone is responsible for a small part of a larger community. It's amazing how well it all fits together. Dinner was spicy Thai food prepared by a local women and really hit the spot! Afterwards we went for a run, I picked up my laundry, and headed to the net cafe (**I'm a the cafe next door right now**).