And we thought the Songkran festivities were over. Silly us. Upon our return from Phuket 2 weeks ago, Ton and Ake took us to Phichit's water festival with George and a few of the
Thai teachers.
Ton drove us all in his truck, so the majority of us squished in the back with the 3 huge water barrels. We tossed buckets upon buckets of water at people and definitely got soaked in return. Toward the end it seemed a lot like a parade, we were driving in the fast lane and people on both sides of us were cheering and saying they loved America. It was so much fun.
On our way home, I stood in
one of the empty water barrels to help make the back a little less squished for everyone as they huddled as low as possible to avoid the wind. It was there that I realized just how much I've changed from this experience.
Ton drove us all in his truck, so the majority of us squished in the back with the 3 huge water barrels. We tossed buckets upon buckets of water at people and definitely got soaked in return. Toward the end it seemed a lot like a parade, we were driving in the fast lane and people on both sides of us were cheering and saying they loved America. It was so much fun.
Last week I was talking to one of my best friends and she asked
me a question. She said, "What's the best lesson you've learned while in
Thailand?" It took me a few minutes to go through the many things I've
learned while abroad, but I finally settled on one. My reply went like this:
"The best thing I've
learned? Oh gosh... I've become so much more self confident. I feel way more
independent and I'm pretty sure I could conquer the world at this point, haha.
I guess the biggest thing I've learned is to not let my comfort zone rule my
life. Bigger and better things exist outside of it and I've got to step away
and brave the change to embrace the opportunities that are out there."
The phrase Live & Laugh has been floating around in my mind for a few years now, but this experience has helped me gain a deeper understanding of what it is to live and truly enjoy each moment. Adventure is out there for each of us and all we have to do is remember to make the most of our time. Circumstances, your way of life.. it all changes. Focus on the now and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it.
Who knew that one meeting could change my life?
I took a chance and did something that surprised everyone: I made a spontaneous decision to travel and serve. Doing so meant that I had to leave everything behind.. school, work, family, friends, and the only way of life that I knew.
But you know what?
I'm a better person because of it.
I used to be a person who was scared of little kids and the idea of teaching, but not only have these kids found their way into my heart, I've discovered that I can do whatever I set my mind on.
As we start preparing for our departure, I find that more and more of my highlights are coming from my kids. It's the funny things they say and do, it's D-Day wearing his Thor costume to school, it's playing with them both during and after classes that makes me wish I could take them home with me. They are the reason I came here and they are the reason I don't want to leave.
Sun
Tipco
I took a chance and did something that surprised everyone: I made a spontaneous decision to travel and serve. Doing so meant that I had to leave everything behind.. school, work, family, friends, and the only way of life that I knew.
But you know what?
I'm a better person because of it.
I used to be a person who was scared of little kids and the idea of teaching, but not only have these kids found their way into my heart, I've discovered that I can do whatever I set my mind on.
As we start preparing for our departure, I find that more and more of my highlights are coming from my kids. It's the funny things they say and do, it's D-Day wearing his Thor costume to school, it's playing with them both during and after classes that makes me wish I could take them home with me. They are the reason I came here and they are the reason I don't want to leave.
Sun
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