Catch Up Time

It has been alooong time since I last updated. So in the spirit of getting caught up quickly this will be mostly a pictorial posting.

It has been a busy last couple of months, highlights including graduation, my completion of the first year in my master's program, and my trip home.

Last December we went to one of the King's Project's to see the produce that had been gathered. It was a nice outing and a chance to see many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and cultural music.




In January I went to the school of my student, Norah's, daughters. They were putting on a show with a raffle.
Myula performing at school.
Myule performing. She kept laughing at the little boy with the wig on who was singing.
In February we had graduation. Needless to say, it was a happy and sad occasion. It takes something away when I am writing about it almost three months later - now I've gotten used (for the most part) to the fact that they're gone.
The teachers dusted off their windpipes and sang a song to send the students on their way.
Norah, me, Fon
The graduates and teachers.
The week after graduation we took a trip to Tiger Kingdom. I'm sure you can guess what we did there. We spent our time following tigers around so we could get a good picture with them.
I'm not so sure this was the good pic I was going for...
For the last year and a half I have wanted to go to the border refugee camp where a couple families live. I'd met them when they came to the school for the feast. Well, finally I got my chance and we went just for a day to organize some things with the families and spend the Sabbath with them. The following pictures were taken by one of the girls, Eseke. I think she has a pretty good eye for an artistic shot. One of the other girls, Chaloet, followed me around everywhere and was just very cute. She would talk to me in her native language and I would talk in English and she didn't seem at all bothered.

The soccer (football) field at the camp.




Chaloet
From here on out I will try to do much better at keeping up with this blog. Hopefully the pictures are of interest!

Seeing more of SE Asia

I'm sitting here in my sweatpants, socks, and sweatshirt - and still a bit cold. Mornings in Thailand are now quite cool! And for those who don't believe it can get chilly here - I have proof!

Bundled up in the back of the truck on the way to Thanksgiving dinner in town.
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A couple weeks ago I got to go to Singapore and Malaysia. It was a really good trip and satisfied my travel bug (for the time being).

Singapore
We only spent about 2 1/2 days in Singapore. My favorite place was Little India. The first night I had to walk over to buy a towel at the Mustafa center. What was interesting was seeing all the people and the cramped place and it was so clean! You could smell all of the things in the place - an odd assortment smacked together - of spices and lotions, and new shoes.

On our last night in Singapore we also ended up in Little India when it seemed that all the inhabitants were outside for the night - milling around and talking. The open areas were teeming with people as was the market.

Another highlight of Singapore was the zoo. Mostly because it was so beautiful and well kept. I also saw a Komodo Dragon for the first time. It has a looooong tongue.

We also went to church there and the people were so welcoming and friendly! They loaded us down with all the leftover food from the snacks. Definitely nice in a pricey place like Singapore.

Me sleeping while the guys try to figure out where church is.

On Saturday night we went to the Raffles Hotel, a swanky place, and home of the Singapore Sling (a drink). After that we headed down to the Quay and checked out all the bars and restaurants. We didn't actually stop anywhere, since it was soo expensive! It was definitely impressive with all of the lights and people, though.


Ben and I trying a Singapore Sling.






Malaysia
We took the night train up to Kuala Lumpur and arrived blurry eyed the next morning. After hitting up a Dunkin' Donuts that didn't have donuts we grabbed a taxi and were on our way to our guesthouse. As I recall we spent most of the day sleeping! I think we also saw Chinatown and walked around a bit.


Picking up fruit our first day in Malaysia.

The next day we went to a Butterfly Park and then to see the Petronas Towers (I've wanted to see them since they were built!) and up one of the tall communication towers for views of the city.


Ben, me, Elainea, and Nathan


The last night Elainea and I were in Kuala Lumpur we had a fabulous steak dinner!

Another really good trip. It would be nice to go back with more money! I think our next stop will be a beach in the south of Thailand for some R & R in December. Because, you know, traveling extensively is not exactly relaxing! We'll see.

Photo credits go to Ben and Nathan since I forgot to bring my camera!

Feast 08

I have almost sufficiently recovered from the Feast this year! I didn't get sick like last year! School (as a teacher) started up last week and was pretty good. We lost two students, though, this week, which made me a bit blue. Otherwise, those that remain are really making good progress. School (as a student) starts in a couple weeks. I am enjoying not having to read so many articles and just reading for fun!

So, the Feast this year was a really good time! I enjoyed all of our activities and I felt like I got to relax a little. It was fun to stay in the hotel (last year I didn't), but now I miss nice hot showers and good water pressure! I also miss the pool and soft mattress.

Activities included:
- elephant farm
- monkey farm
- talent show
- bowling
- soccer game (although it was rained out for the 2nd half)
- school tour
- Thai cooking class
Whew! A group of us also had a fancy dinner at the Chedi.


This year my mom and dad got to see Thailand. It was great having them there, even if just for a short time. It was also fun being a bit of a tourist in my own city. All in all, a great time!

Beka and Mom choosing the perfect ball to get a strike.

Mom and Dad on the elephant.

Saow and I riding along.

Norah's daughter, Myula, in her cute green hat.

A monkey making a little shopping trip for coconuts.

I was so excited to hold a monkey, but when I finally got to, he peed on me!

Ben and I in Lahu dress for the traditional dance we did.