Thailand Journal 2011 #14

Today was fairly uneventful by all accounts. The team seemed to be suffering from a collective tiredness but still gave their all to their respective projects.

On the farm we spent another day weeding chili pepper fields. Our on-site coordinator extraordinaire, Sorawit Chaipisit (Richard), accompanied us again today. Richard is the head Dean at APIU. Working in the fields allows the team to be in closer proximity to each other, which allows for some entertaining conversations. Yesterday it seemed as if all the conversations focused on the movies – everything from Charlie Chaplin, to James Bond, to X-Men. They covered it all. Today’s topics were more diverse – Richard would ask questions about our culture and we would ask questions about his. Very educating and amusing. It is in these times that the culture and mission dimensions of our trip intermix. These discussions also helped the time go faster. Unfortunately the rains pounded the area today so it is most unlikely that we’ll get to see the road finished, but at least we know the resources and arrangements are coming in place to get it finished as soon as possible whether we’re here or not.

At the elementary school the team took turns teaching various grades. We have a great team at the school and they’re wonderful with the kids. The kids crowd around them every chance they get and want to talk with them about all sorts of things. The school kindly prepares lunch for our whole team every day. We find this especially generous and gracious since the rest of us come straight from the farm and are not exactly dressed for dining. I suppose it is helpful that they feed us outdoors.

The day ended with exciting learning sessions at the Community Center in town. The squeals of the kids (young and old alike) as we arrive each evening at 6:00pm make coming, even after a tiring day, a delight.