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Published: July 24th 2007
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GVI Base
I know the pic is blurry but you get the idea The end of the first full week of teaching has arrived, and I am charging through the second one. It is strange how it feels like I have been gone for a month, maybe even longer. As I anticipated, I feel so removed from life as I am used to it and there is so much to do: chores around base, cooking for almost 25 people, creating lesson plans, spending time in the classroom both teaching and observing, and having the occassional trip around this part of Thailand. Although it seems like I have no free time (which I really don't) it is all worth it.
I taught my first three classes in the past week and a half. They went really well considering the challenge of teaching English to natives that are not familiar with the language (some not even in the slightest bit). All of the students are so friendly and try really hard. It is interesting how no matter what, I never get frustrated. I feel really lucky in that way because I know that some other volunteers are.
I am not really sure if I am doing a good job teaching (according to the
Kareokee Night
Katie, myself, and Penny students anyways), but I did receive some sort of confirmation when two young girls after class came up and kissed my hand. The first girl shook it and then kissed it, and the second wiped away her kiss and proceeded to kiss it as well. It was a little ackward at first, but a beautiful moment I will never forget. I wish I could communicate that to them. I asked our base leader, Jill (who has been living in Thailand for five years now and can speak Thai fluently), if the girls kissing my hand had any special significance (besides the obvious). She replied with amazement. "I have never seen anyone do that in all the years I have been teaching. They must really like you." She also mentioned that it is hard for them to know how to show respect and admiration to people from the western world because all they know is the "wai" (pressing your two hands together at your chest followed by bowing your head). To say the least, it was a great feeling.
Tomorrow I am teaching my first 90 minute class (the longest I have had so far were two 45 minute lessons).
Teacher!!!
After my first night of teaching....the sweat is never ending. I am excited but I have sooo much work ahead of me! It is amazing how much time goes into planning a lesson! Some of the names of my students are: Mua, Tony Ja, Maan, Prachoomporn, Shalong, Kia, and Supachai. I have 26 students in total at the moment. I know about 20 of their names so far, by tomorrow I hope to know all of them.
Last Saturday we took a side trip to the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi. It was the most beautiful place I have been to so far (although every where seems to be beautiful here). I will put yourself in my shoes for a moment....Imagine yourself getting out of a taxi van, and stepping out in front of a Buddhist temple. I didn't walk more than 100 feet before I had a monkey at my side trying to steal the banana I had tied to my backpack (brilliant idea, I know). I thought it was convenient that the first day we were given bananas on base they took us to an area swarming in monkees. Anywho, we were told that the monkees bite and they can be rather nasty so I started to
1st Monkey Friend
There were so many of these monkeys at the base of the Tiger Temple Cave walk really fast and hid the banana under my shirt. The whole time I was walking away I was saying really loudly, "I don't have anything. I don't have anything." I do know that monkees can't understand what I am saying but it made me feel better at the time to speak my mind. The sticky situation turned out to be just a laugh, and the monkey continued on its way to the garbage bin where I watched him take out a bottle and drink from the straw that was still in it! The funniest thing to see!!!
A couple volunteers and I continued on our way to a path that led to the top of a mountain where the largest Buddha statue you could ever imagine awaited us. Let me rephrase myself for a moment. It wasn't a path; it was a little over 1,300 steep steps with a small little railing going up the side of them. Some volunteers turned away just at the sight of it, and others shortly after climbing only a couple hundred steps. I remained strong and climbed up to the top, being one of the first two to finish. I didn't doubt
"Pook how"
(meaning mountain in Thai) myself for a moment. I know how amazingly strong the human body is.
Once we got to the top, I felt like we had climbed to heaven. It was the most beautiful view. I later learned the local monks climb it every day to show their devotion to Buddha. The journey upwards is their suffering, and then he rewards them with his presence and the beauty that awaits them.
I was soaked in sweat at this point. It was probably one of the hottest days so far (of course, what other way would it be). A sign was there instructing us to take our shoes off (which you have to do when entering anywhere containing a representation of Buddha). I did, with pleasure at that point, and climbed the last few remaining steps to reach him. I took a ton of pictures and did some yoga in one of the temple areas to stretch and relax my over-exerted muscles. A couple other girls joined in and followed my lead. It was so much fun, so relaxing, and extremely peaceful.
I discovered that every male who lives in Thailand has to be a monk at least once in
Funky Monkeys
I watched this monkey pick out the container in his hand from the garbage, and actually drink it from the straw that was still attached. his life. There is no required length of time, as long as you are devoted in the time you choose to committ yourself. Every Monk removes his hair (and some even remove their eyebrows) because it is considered to be a sign of vanity. Fascinating.
Well, I must go and eat some dinner before I get back to base and there is nothing left. I will have to fend for myself at that point, which usually means eggs.
La gohn kah!!!! (goodbye in Thai)
Much love sent to you all~
Penny Lane
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Trevor R
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Hell yea Vaness!
Looks like your having a good time....keep working hard. We all miss you. I enjoyed reading the blog, keep me posted