Our big camp just ended. About 40 junior college students
from Singapore came and stayed with us for six days. While they were here we
taught them how to farm and build dams and they helped us build our beautiful
new library (pictures coming soon). When they first got here I was really
worried because they were afraid to get dirty and they later admitted they were
unprepared for jungle life. But they had such good hearts. They really wanted
to help out and they were able to connect with all of our kids. It was really
cool to be a part of it. But with that said, I am stinking exhausted and it
will be nice to get back into our normal routine.
So here are some highlights/memorable experiences from the
past however many days it has been (I really have no sense of time out here):
We had to do a lot of preparation for the Singapore camp.
This included big meetings in the city with all of the staff. I was able to
meet all of the amazing people that work here and I became pretty tight with a
few. One of the days in the city when we show up for a meeting it was blazing
hot. So I was just wearing shorts and a light tee. But then Che pulled me and
Torie aside and informed us that we needed to look like a team and had to wear
the CSF gear. No problem at all. Except for one thing: the CSF “gear” consists
of sweat pants and a thick long sleeve shirt. Awesome. So within the first 5
minutes we were drenched in sweat. Mai pen rai. That night we had a big old
party with singing and dancing (yes, this means we were rocking out to the
karaoke which is a popular pastime in Thailand). We were also served some great
food. This meal was my first experience of eating something so spicy it made
snot come out. I mean…wow. Very disgusting and embarrassing, but slightly
impressive. And although I feel as if I might have permanent damage on my taste
buds, it was so worth it. The food was freaking good.
Right before the camp I had a pretty big scare. We were all eating
lunch (some sort of hot soup) when I looked up and saw one of the girls trip
and spill practically boiling water down a boy’s back. They were across the
room but before I realized it I was pulling off Poom’s steaming shirt and
carrying him over to the sink. He was screaming out in pain and I was doing my
best to comfort him as I put water on his back. Even typing this out makes me
shudder at remembering what that was like. It was awful. One of the kids ran
out and found a plant (I’m pretty sure it was an Aloe plant) and we rubbed that
on his back. His blisters are all gone now, but it was pretty traumatic.
On a brighter note once the Singapore students came it was a
constant mix of hard work and party time. Every night we sang and danced around
the “camp fire” which definitely was more of a bonfire. So fun. The kids have
taught me all sorts of new dances and they have become my favorite pastime out
here.
But with the hard work we have been doing I have not
realized how much I have learned and how much I have become a part of this
farm. The kids and teachers here have taught me all about the plants and
animals. I work with them side-by-side on the farm. And it’s serious work. I
plant, pick, and weed. I shovel up soil to bag it and build dams. I have built
a fence. I have made and spread compost. I am pretty handy with a hammer and a
nail. My hands are rough now, calloused to the day’s work. And until the
Singapore kids came, when I was able to answer their questions about the farm
or show them how to do something, I did not realize any of this.
We went to the city with the Singapore students where we
stayed at Joy’s House (part of CSF) for one night. We had a big Thai bbq (which
as you know is my favorite) and then got to watch some cultural performances
put on by the children. There was a lot of dancing and it was all great, but my
favorite definitely was the war drum dance. Oh my. If you ever get the chance
to watch it, do not pass up the opportunity. It was simply breathtaking—I don’t
think there is any other way to describe it.
I had a great time in the city, especially with the staff at
Joy’s House. Like I already said, we became pretty tight during the camp. They
call me Jessi J. Why? Not exactly sure, but it’s hilarious and we always rock
out to her Domino song. They also cannot get over my hair. Everyone here has
straight hair…except for me. They think it is the coolest thing how even right
after I brush it, my hair just automatically curls and waves. As if my white
skin wasn’t enough to make me stand out. But it’s all good fun. We enjoyed our
time together, playing the guitar, riding motorcycles, you name it.
I would say it’s rainy season now. While we were at the
market in the city a huge storm rolled in and the streets started flooding. And
now I am sitting at my desk watching some of the hardest rain I have ever seen
in my life. There is a new muddy stream in front of my room now, so hopefully
the sun comes out soon. If not, mai pen rai. I am definitely used to being
muddy now.
Well those are all of my updates for now. This weekend we
are going to a Hmong village to visit the Anthropology kids from BYU. That will
especially be fun for me because next year I need to do my field study. So I’m
pretty excited.
Oh, and one more quick update. Those giant spiders, you know
the ones I have posted pictures of on facebook? Yeah, well I discovered
unfortunately that they play dead. Who knew? Spiders can play dead better than
any dog, or human for that matter. Thought there was a crumpled dead spider on
my floor, but then I went to sweep him up…let’s just say there was a lot of
screaming involved. When I finally composed myself and went to take care of
business he played dead again (which thankfully made him an easy target). So
minus the terrifying fact that spiders can play dead, it’s a pretty cool trick
I guess.
Til the next adventure!
Peace out.
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