Every day is filled with hugs, smiles, waves, laughs, and “I love you!”

Editor’s note: Renae R. participated in Thailand Orphanage Program.

Thanks for the post Renae.

“While scraping away paint the other day a girl from the orphanage came over and began to help. After a couple of minutes I felt a tug on my arm and looked over. Etched in the paint was “I love you” She smiled and pointed to the words she had just written. Speechless. How do you even begin to find words for an act such as that. Now, every day is filled with hugs, smiles, waves, laughs, “Lenae, Lenae!!!!”, “I love you”, and so much more. Tuesday night I spent the night at the orphanage with two other volunteers. After work ended at three we went over and watched the kids dance and then joined after a bit. It went from traditional Thai dancing to a hip-hop dance-off. We, the volunteers and I, were pushed into the middle of the circle during the dance off and began to embarrass ourselves with no looking back. The kids cheered and began dancing with us. We spent the night in one of the rooms–there are about 20 girls in one room and they all sleep on the floor. Mosquito nets are hung from a string and blankets are pulled out from under their hanging clothes. It is amazing to think how little they have and yet how happy they truly are. Always smiling, always grateful, always happy. Always.”

-from Renae R., Thailand Orphanage Program

Further information about Thailand Orphanage Program can be found at http://globalservicecorps.org/site/thailand-orphanage-care/
Feel Free to call or email GSC with your questions at
Thailand@globalservicecorps.org

What Our Volunteers Say About Buddhist Immersion Program

Editor’s note: Tom C. participated in Thailand Buddhist Immersion Program. Thanks for the post Tom.

Within a couple days of arrival we were already becoming deeply immersed in Thailand, Buddhism and the life of the Wat.   I think you can go as deep as you’d like there.  The Wat is a vibrant and important part of the regional Buddhist community with many mediators and students coming to attend events and visit.   The facilities are lovely.  There is a huge new temple under construction now.  The sleeping arrangements for teachers are simple and can be a little uncomfortable at first, but following the 8 precepts makes the experience really special.   Participating in morning alms walk and the evening chanting makes the day really magical.  The teaching isn’t very difficult and the students, the monks and hill tribe staff are very anxious to learn English and try really hard.  The mediation instruction is really incredible; Phra Bart does an amazing job and gives as much individual attention as needed.  The spiritual insights gained are incredible.  Be sure to allow time at the end of your volunteer experience to travel a it in Thailand on your own, after you’ve worked at the Wat for a few weeks you’ll feel very comfortable bouncing around the country on your own.

-From Tom C. for Thailand Buddhist Immersion Program

Further information about Thailand Buddhist Immersion Program can be found at http://www.globalservicecorps.org/site/thailand-buddhist-immersion/
Feel Free to call or email GSC with your questions at
Thailand@globalservicecorps.org