Thailand Journal 2010 #16

Today was the day of saying good-byes and exchanging gifts. At the farm we received hammocks hand-made by the disabled farmer, and at the High School we received towels and delicious donuts. We gave them t-shirts with our trip logo. The day began at the farm with the farmer asking Melissa to change his catheter. They thought she was a nurse. So they asked us to take them to the hospital in Pakchong. There they also thought Melissa and Danny were medical personnel. Remember now, this year we didn’t have a translator with us on the farm. So we had to figure out what was going on without understanding the language. For the hospital information, however, I had to call the men’s dean, Richard, and have him translate exactly what they needed. They so much appreciated us and what we have done for them. We also completed the bamboo bed, which really is an all-purpose work and rest furniture. This afternoon we made our final Friday jaunt to Tesco Lotus, and had one last outing to The Pizza Company; and then I introduced them to one of the delicious ice cream places in Thailand – Swensen’s. I got the van we rented, washed – more like “detailed” for $6:00! Four persons worked on it, thoroughly cleaning inside and outside. It looked like “brand new second hand.” If one lives on even a modest American salary in Thailand they would be so well off.