Fun and Games in the English Class!

As I sat outside last night and watched all the children rehearse for their concerts this week, I felt a real sense of nostalgia.  We have been here for 2 weeks and it is now that we really are starting to bond.  It takes a while to settle in and remember all the names, but, when you do, you feel so at home here. Everyone is so respectful and kind and, above all, love to have "sanook" - FUN!
It was also Jo's last day and she was so sad to be leaving to go home to Brisbane.

And fun is what we had today.  After a morning of helping with washing and cooking, we were asked by Rotjana to babysit Sky, one of the youngest at BTN.  He came here when his mother did not want him and, fortunately, the head of his village knew of this lovely home, and registered him as his own son and brought him here.  He is totally spoiled and used to being carried around everywhere!

Our job was then to help paint some masks for the concert.   Yes, these are baskets we had on our heads but were soon transformed into scary ghouls and spirits.  It was a messy affair which had us back at the washing machine later on!

Later that afternoon, I was asked to teach three classes and I was in my element.  The GVI teachers, who normally come and teach, were unable to come and that was my opportunity.  I revised what Maya had done last week and then launched into a couple of action songs and a blind pictionary game.  The children loved it and all trotted merrily out of the classroom singing their new song which I continue now to hear everywhere I go! In fact, there was a spontaneous "flash mob" style outbreak of the song outside the building later that evening from lots of kids who were in the class.  They had remembered every word and improvised some new ones!

We have visitors from the New Life project at Chumpon, three girls and two boys. This centre, now supported by Hands, was started many years ago by the DPFoundation to help rehabilitate youth or kids of families, who are caught in a cycle of drugs, gangs and jail.  For many this isn't just a last chance for a new life, it is the only chance at a life at all.  One of the girls, whose parents have both passed away, is gorgeous and was such a shining light in the English class.  She used to be made to sell flowers on the street in Bangkok by her uncle, I was told. Her obvious excitement to be here is clearly difficult for her to contain and a joy to watch.  We have been assigned the task of taking the 5 kids to Le Meridian today for a swim.  They will be blown away!

Excitement is building as preparations continue for the imminent arrival of the 50 or so riders on Thursday.  Seaow and the girls are busy making a signpost which will show 800 KMS as they ride in! It really is the highlight of the year here.