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

Thanks for the post Renae.

This past week was a bit different–no kids at the orphanage provide a very quiet work day. I did, however, on Thursday go to a different school with a couple other volunteers. It was interesting to see the differences between the orphanage and this school–we had visited this school during orientation week, but it was nice to see it again after being at the orphanage for so long and having to opportunity to teach English at this school and see the differences was also nice. This school is much better off than the orphanage; they have computers in the classrooms, their buildings are in much better shape, and they have so many more materials. It was nice to be at that school for a day, but I feel so much more needed at the orphanage and plan to spend the duration of my time here working there. Today I worked with my roommates on finishing a small painting project we had started last week and once that was done we started a new project in the classrooms. The new project entails painting “door” “window” “floor” “ceiling” “wall” etc. in the classrooms.

As my time here draws near, I am starting to realize the numerous things I will miss: eating with spoons and forks (no knives), drinking from bowls, the lizards in our room–yes, I will miss them, the children (obviously), the insane amounts of laughter that bounds from room number one when all three of us girls are there, card games with cookies and coffee, the sunsets, our horrifying bus rides to and from the orphanage, the smiling faces of the Thai people, the hugs and outreached hands of the children, and much more.
-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

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

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

Editor’s note: Jon B. participated in Global Service Corps Integrated program in the summer of 2008. Thanks for the post Jon.

To start off with a typical phrase such as, “if there were one word to sum up Thailand…” would be a lazy attempt to capture the true nature of this unique country. With a total of about two months spent here and having accomplished more than I thought myself capable of, I still can’t help but feel like a stranger. Sounding like a hired promoter for this blog entry, I can honestly say that GSC has guided me through an amazing experience; one that will forever stay in my memories. Eric played a big role in making sure I had the time of my life. This guy deserves an award for all he has been through whether it came to planning trips, planning homestays, organizing the HIV camps, meeting up with volunteers to get them to where they have to be, or even simply having him check up on you from time to time. He is an extremely dedicated individual who will be more than willing to help you with any situation. Greenway also plays a big part in homestay situations and is actually the first place you will be staying for Orientation. Although a bit crammed (6 people in each room with one fan) you will surely enjoy the food and company of new people from all over the world. There will most likely be many Europeans on a culture tour at the same time and although you will separate from them shortly after, it was, in my opinion, still fun to get to know each and every one of them. Before leaving Chicago, it was hard to forecast…just about anything. Without ever travelling to a “developing country” before, questions raced through my mind. What is the water like there? Is there even fresh water? What are the living conditions like? What are my odds of survival? In retrospect, those questions were pretty crazy.  Thailand, in general, is an easy place to make a living.  The Baht, currently about 33 to one US dollar, is a blessing considering the current situation of the US economy. Not only that, the food is great and the people are wonderful. One of the best tips for dealing with people in Thailand, however, is patience. They have a highly laid back culture and take their time with everything. Since they avoid confrontation to the utmost, it is very important to not lose composure or you won’t get any answers any quicker and will lose a lot of respect.  Other than that, they will take you in as one of their own and feed you until you can’t even pick up your spoon.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, I was astonished to see tall buildings and a skyline similar to that of a typical city’s in America.  Thailand’s capital is flourishing with business and tourist attractions.  Coincidentally, it was actually just rated one of the world’s top cities to travel to. At first it was difficult only because of the language barrier, but if you really try to learn a few words here and there, the people will love you for it.  Thai people become easily attached to others, especially farangs (foreigners) and will make you feel very sad to leave them, but of course it is worth the experience (This is a tip for the men who try to or accidentally meet Thai women – coming from a personal experience, Thai women take any sort of flirting very seriously and will fall in love almost instantly.  If you think you can get away with flirting, think again.  You are basically dating at that point). Teaching, on the other hand, in Bangkok is a whole different story.  The kids are great and will make you feel right at home.  In my situation, I was placed at a homestay where one of the sons of the family attended the same public high school I taught at.  He treated me as a brother, as I have done as well.  He continues to call me every day here in Thailand which makes me feel like I’ve made a big impact in his life somehow.  However, you must understand something prior to going about your typical habits. Gift giving is not seen the same way as it is in the States. My host family usually saw it almost as a sign of disrespect.  I am not exactly sure of the reasoning as of yet, but just know that before you give something to someone, make sure they know your reasoning. Also, if you live with a son or daughter who constantly wants to be with you at all times, be sure to tell them when you are working or doing something important that takes you away from time spent with them otherwise they will think you are ditching them. Of course, this was just my experience and it could obviously vary according to the personality of each homestay sibling or parent. Overall, the time spent with them was amazing and I will never forget them.

Then there was the HIV/AIDS training and prevention camp during my stay in Bangkok.  Preparing for it was a bit difficult since it is hard to predict how it will turn out, but in the end it was pretty good.  All the kids were able to conceive and acknowledge HIV as a life-threatening virus that can be transmitted through various modes.  Although possibly of little significance, for once I felt as if I had changed lives for the better.  It was a great feeling and can only hope to continue to do the same for the rest of my life.  The goal to help them absorb the information is through games, hands-on activities, and of course having fun.  Kids here don’t really enjoy the typical monotone lectures just as anyone else, so be sure to keep their attention.

Afterwards, I took a week to travel in between programs to Chiangmai and Phuket.  Both places were like a paradise I never knew about.  The beautiful nature in Chiangmai and the jaw-dropping beaches in Phuket are both definitely worth seeing if you have the time.  I stayed in Bangtao Lagoon Village Bungalows (about 800 Baht a night for a room that can accomodate 2 with air-conditioning which is only like 25 dollars!) and it’s right on the beach with a great swimming pool and a French-Thai restaurant located on the resort. However, Phuket in general is a very very expensive place considering it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Thailand, but the place where I was located was secluded enough to the point where I didn’t feel the affects of annoying tourist vendors or attractors.  Chiangmai is a totally different story.  There I saw elephants, went bamboo rafting, and went mountain biking.  If you are a big adrenaline junkie, I definitely recommend the mountain biking.  I had no idea what it would exactly be like, but it turned out to be crazy with jagged rocks, steep hills, and a great workout. What I highly don’t recommend is the elephant riding. Although fun and entertaining, the elephant trainers are some of the cruelest people I’ve seen when it comes to animal treatment.  There is an alternative elephant farm that you can visit instead to just hang out with the rescued, maltreated elephants from tourist places such as the one I went to.  Although a bit more expensive, you will feel much better about yourself when leaving.

My next stop was the Buddhist Immersion program and teaching at the Wat (temple) in Inburi – a province next to Singburi. Here I stayed with a woman named P. Tuk who was very very very generous and took care of me so well.  Her food was excellent and she was always making sure I was occupied with something since she worries otherwise.  She knows many people in the village and is happy to help you with anything you need in the town since it is a very small village with a minimal amount of English. The school, Wat Bod, was such a unique experience that it is hard to put into words.  Not only were the Monks some of the nicest people I have ever met, but the Novice Monks were some of the most diverse kids with various backgrounds and at the same time defined the word unity. Being a free school, they were still able to receive a good amount of education from the Monks and really inspired me to help them learn English.  However, they weren’t the only ones who learned something for I also learned a good amount from each and every person at that school and will definitely take my time to go back and visit if I am ever in Thailand again.

If you have any questions about Buddhism, they are more than happy to answer along with occasionally inviting you to meditation sessions on the weekends.  The Monks speak a good amount of English and will help you convey your points to the Novice Monks during class if they have trouble understanding you from time to time. Do not be shy and talk to these Monks as much as possible since it may be your only chance to do so.

All in all, every penny that went into this experience was well worth it. Thinking I was going to only be getting some semi-exciting experience to put on my resume was surely a misconception.  I never had so much fun working with others and it is a great feeling to call yourself an actual “teacher” when it never seemed possible. Maybe I wasn’t the greatest teacher or got every point across that I wanted, but they sure learned a lot and I can confidently say that I learned more from them in return.  While GSC may be a young Non-Governmental Organization, they have the staff, educational background, and a plan to help these people.  As mentioned previously, I will never forget this experience and recommend it to all who are interested!

We enjoyed a dinner at Cabbages and Condoms restaurant. Not only does the restaurant offer excellent food, but they also promote the health and safety aspects of condom use in a fun and amusing manner. All proceeds from the restaurant are used to fund the social development programs of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). It is a great place for those interested in the International Health program to go for a meal, as the walls are lined with interesting PDA project information and public health tidbits. We left the place with full bellies and a better sense of the health challenges facing Thailand.

I have been quite busy setting up the upcoming HIV/AIDS awareness camps in Bangkok, so I have a bit of catching up to do with the blog. I will be blogging more regularly, I promise! I am going to begin catching up by recapping some of my experiences with the volunteers, beginning with Jake. Jake was already in Thailand when I first arrived, teaching English and studying Buddhism at a wat near his homestay in Inburi. Before he left the GSC program he wanted to study meditation, and for this he went to Rachaburi and then to the host wat. I went there to visit him and to meet his teacher, Phra Barton. “Phra” means monk in Thai. Phra Barton, or “Bart”, as he likes to be called, is an American monk who has been in Thailand for seven years. A master meditation teacher, Phra Bart is very friendly and eager to assist students in their practice. There are two types of meditation taught there. Unique techniques are used for teaching Tranquility Meditation (Somadha) and Insight Meditation (Vipassana), which lead to peace of mind and transcendent wisdom. Jake admitted that it took some getting used to, but he really came to like the technique and said it was actually easier to maintain focus, particularly under the guidance of Phra Bart.

When not practicing meditation and learning about Buddhism, volunteers are able to teach the monks and novices English for a couple of hours per day. This happens in casual conversation as well as in a more structured setting. Many monks are lifelong students, and truly appreciate the opportunity to practice their English with native speakers, as well as learn about other cultures.

Wat Luang Phor Sodh is a beautiful area with more water than I have ever seen at a wat complex. It is meticulously landscaped, making for a very peaceful area to walk around. There is also internet available at the wat, which volunteers find convenient. The accommodations for prospective volunteers interested in studying meditation are shown in the attached photographs. Women volunteers stay in a building within the wat compound and the males have a five-minute walk to a house outside of the complex. Both are quite nice and have their own charm, with the female quarters being more traditional, and the male’s more modern. The inside of the women’s quarters is wide and airy, and mattresses are placed on the floor for sleeping. The picture with Phra Bart was taken from the back of the women’s quarters, and a nice breeze was blowing off of the small lake into the room. Jake gave me a tour of his quarters before his late afternoon meditation session.

Find out more about GSC’s work in Thailand by clicking here.

About half way into my volunteer commitment, I realized that anyone of about five clichés could define my experience. Que sera sera. Let it be. It’s about the journey, not the destination. Even Shit Happens. Gone were the days of neatly planned and executed To Do lists. Gone were the days of being at least relatively in control of my time, my movements, my individual autonomy. Why spend the time struggling to understand the plan when it would only change? Why get upset when my best-laid plans are derailed by something seemingly irrelevant or unimportant? Why not just take it as it comes? So I did! And life got a whole lot better.

Adopting a more laize-faire attitude served this Type A control freak well. Not only did my frustrations diminish, but I was suddenly able to do things that I never in a million years would have imagined as part of my workday. Like sing and dance at a training session for community health volunteers. If you ask my kids, “Can your mom dance?” the answer will be a resounding “No!” As for my singing, well, my older sister says I sound like a dying hyena. But sing and dance I did! And, surprisingly, I had a lot of fun doing it, mostly because my audience was so delighted. (But let’s be honest. I’m in Thailand. Who’s gonna know?)

In my experience, Thais have a tremendous sense of fun, and almost any successful endeavor must include an element of play. On my very first day teaching HIV/AIDS prevention to teens at Lopburi Technical College, every single class asked if I would sing a song. Sing a song? What’s up with that? And why aren’t these kids paying any attention to my HIV/AIDS prevention lesson? It wasn’t until day three that I finally gave in and sang one of the few songs I can sing without accompanying music and lyrics: America the Beautiful. (It was either that or Christmas carols.) Nothing remotely hip or contemporary from this middle-aged mother! Luckily, my audience was very appreciative. That’s not necessarily a good thing, though, since it led to requests for an encore.

Based upon this experience and the guidance provided in GSC’s training materials, I quickly learned to integrate as many songs and games into my lesson plans as possible. Not only did this help to overcome the language barrier, which was more extreme than I had anticipated, but it also engaged the students far better than any didactic lecture. (Like their American counterparts, Thai students fall asleep in class all the time. This, of course, brought back memories of my own unsuccessful struggles to stay awake, both in class and the endless meetings of my workplace.) And who knew that 20-year-olds would like to do the Hokey Pokey, or sing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes? And never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that London Bridge could actually be violent – but in the nicest possible way?

Imagine, then, my utter delight when GSC’s new Thailand In-Country Coordinator Eric Skaar showed up a one of my community health volunteer trainings. True to form, he was asked to sing a song. After demurring unsuccessfully, he launched into an amusing rendition of This Land is Your Land. Now it was my turn to laugh – and he knew it! After watching him struggle to remember the words, and suffering from over-confidence in my own musical abilities, I decided to help him out. Little did I know that this would lead to dancing, and Thai dancing at that!

I still don’t know what all this seemingly random and arbitrary singing and dancing has to do with health promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention, but I do know that this: don’t be wedded to a plan because it will change, at least once; be prepared for anything, and that means being receptive to everything; a little fun and merriment is never a bad thing, even when it disrupts the most thoughtful agenda or lesson plan. In fact, I just might try breaking into song (or dance!) at my next state-side board meeting. It can’t hurt, right?

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