I was also able to get to see "N" (a former student and good friend of mine from a previous post) over New Years. She has been in the city for the past year going to a better high school than is offered here.It was such a delight to see her and catch up (and hear her much improved English!!!). We shared a "ped mak" (really spicy) meal that I just barely managed to handle, but it was delicious and the laughter and joy that was shared during the meal nearly brought me to tears. I am so proud of her!! For old times sake we followed up dinner with a walk in the night market with a scarily high human population density (its phrases like these that make people question my English teaching abilities! ;-P ). After we chased around a famous Thai singer we embarrased ourselves at the "dart and balloon" game set up at the temple and recieved 1 grape flavoured cookie for our participation. :) mmmm yum....
As for this week I am preparing lessons as usual and working on a few side projects. I am making progress in learning to read and write Thai, a written language with endless rules and absolutely no sense to it...but its challenging and fun! I am also working on putting together a Shan Language book in transliteration, as nothing really seems to exist yet. Although all of the people I currently work with speak Thai it is my hope in the future to start an NGO in areas not yet reached where the people may or may not speak Thai.
Well must gear up for a big weekend...5 classes (two which are workshops on Environmental issues and rights), a New Years party for the kids, "the bosses" coming to a few of the classes, finishing an application for art therapy school, and meeting Paul's dad for the first time!
Happiness to all of you and please enjoy the pictures of the hand made beads from last weeks classes!!
xx Michelle
Homemade clay beads made by the kids
