July 4th Update Before the End of July!

Every year I look forward to July 4th. The food, the fun, the fireworks! Even in Thailand it is possible to have a great 4th! There was one a couple years ago that just didn't feel like it should've. It rained for several days straight and our time was spent huddled out of the rain and trying to start a fire. To me that year just didn't compare to the year before. But this year was great! It included all the necessary ingredients. We had amazing hamburgers, french fries, watermelon, soda, cookies, and ice cream! The evening was capped off with fireworks and impromptu music making.

Everyone chipped in to make the meal and we really had a great time. July 4th is also one of the first "events" of the year and a fun chance to hang out with new students and get to know them better. This year, the 2nd year students gave their first speech, which was about their life, that night so it was fun hearing those too!

The spread before we all dug in (minus the best stuff like the hamburgers, french fries, and ice cream).
The baby!
Samuey cooking up the hamburgers (the grill had some issues).
Uaorawet and I frying the french fries.
A meal infinitely better than McDonalds!
The three teachers chowing down.
Making music.
Attima, Wanlee, Haechi, and Chanpang in front of the ice cream.

I feel so thankful that even so far away we were able to experience the fun of the day. And the Friday before one of the students asked to pray that Americans would understand the day coming up. Kind of interesting that he thought about it. Hopefully I understand just a little of what the day means!

Om Koi Trip

I love getting a chance to see where my students live and to see more of Thailand. What's more, I really enjoy learning more about Thai schools and seeing how they are run. Fortunately for me I was able to do all three things a few weeks ago! One of my former students, Jeh, was back at his old elementary school helping with an English camp along with a former Legacy employee who now teaches there. Another past teacher and friend went also. We piled into the truck in early afternoon and arrived at the school about 4 hours later.
The journey was beautiful, since we drove through the mountains and along a few high ridges. The school is slightly out of the way and I would personally find it an adventure to drive or motorbike in the area! Fortunately I was just a passenger!

The first night there, we had a delicious dinner at Jeh's family's home. Unfortunately, since this was awhile ago, I don't remember everything we had. But I am so grateful to those who prepared it and for the hospitality.

One of the best things about that night was seeing all of the stars! I couldn't believe how black the sky was with so many stars shining! It was so big and beautiful!

Delicious dinner!
The next morning we went to the school and watched as students had their morning routine. We spent the morning and early afternoon helping in different English stations such as greetings or fruit.
English camp banner.
Me helping teach fruit vocabulary.
The students eating lunch.
Singing a song.
The whole group.

The school consists of predominately Karen students so we were given the traditional Karen shirt to wear.

The setting of the school was very beautiful with a stream running to one side. It was peaceful (at least when we were there!) and I found it somewhat relaxing. As we were leaving late that afternoon, the director told us that in the dry season wild elephants come down the mountain and try to eat the crops. I'm sure then the school isn't so peaceful!

A New View

The view from out my apartment door - it's more beautiful in person!