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Published: February 2nd 2009
bikes
Ready to Ride!Sawatdee sawbaaydee kha Hello and how are you? The first week here in Thailand has been very intense with long days consisting of language, cultural, technical and biking classes. Yes, biking, 12 hours of profiency testing and general riding. Did a 25k the other day (yes, I'm getting into metrics).
Today, Tue., is an important day for us as we meet with the Govenor of Lopburi providence along with the Country Director of Thailand, Dr John Williams. I've had a chance to meet with Dr John previously and he is a very interesting man along with being fluent in Thai..my hero!!!! During the meeting we must each introduce ourselves in Thai and mention the city, state and country we have come from. The really important part of the day will be when we meet with our host family and go with them to their home. We will stay with them for the next 10 weeks. Most do not speak any ang-lish at all. Then each day, beginning tomorrow we will bike from our new home to the PC hub in the village and continue with our classes 8 hours a day. Can you imagine that I gave up a fairly good paying job that only made me work 5 hours a day for this? As Peace Corp says..."this will be the hardest job you'll ever love!" I hope they're right.
I'm not sure if I will have internet connection on a regular basis, so will enter info when possible
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Peggy Durfey
non-member comment
One Day at a Time.
I have one small bit of advice. I have done some extended(not nearly as lengthy)volunteer work in areas of great need. You will do yourself and everyone around you more good if you only concern yourself with the job at hand, just today. A written plan to keep you focused is good when you become so exhausted that you can barely put your thoughts together. But when it comes down to it, you only have today to get through, and there is only so much one person can do in one day. Enjoy the challenge, let it direct you, but do not let it control you. You must take good care of yourself because no one else will or can. You will get so tired, like you have never thought you could be, but learn to love it. Really love knowing how much you did to get that tired. It sounds really weird and backward, but, you will love your work more if you appreciate your exhaustion as part of your contribution to the worth of the work itself. I'm sure this will be the hardest job you will ever love! You are a strong person with character and compassion and I am behind you all the way in spirit. Namasta