I could not have asked for a better day to end my
adventures here on the farm. To start things off today there was no school
because today is a huge Buddhist holiday. So this morning we began with an hour
long meditation which was sabai sabai. And then with all of the kids we took a
big nap in the big hut, followed by a massage train! Oh good times.
We played on the rope swing and then had some rounds
of badminton before lunch. After eating we “went to the temple”. This trip to
the temple ended up being one of the biggest adventures of all time. We piled
into the bed of the truck and sped down the road for probably an hour and a
half. I was standing in the truck and we were going so fast my cheeks were
flapping in the wind. But the drive was so beautiful. The amazing scenery just
led me to reflect on how much I really love Thailand and what a great
experience this summer has been. The kids were also singing Justin Bieber songs
and it was so fun to rock out with them. When we finally arrived at this
mountain temple (which was gorgeous) we gave an offering to the one monk who
lived there and we prayed with him. We then explored the area a bit and climbed
up this huge tower to see an amazing view. The monk is related to Doi, my
coworker, and before we left the temple somehow we acquired a Chihuahua puppy,
a chicken, and an egg (we could hear it chirping). So random. Instead of going
home to the farm, we drove to a big lake where we hung out for a while. Then
our next stop was a really cool cave. Exploring this dark damp cave with all
the kids I felt like a Thai version of Tom Sawyer.
When we finally arrived back at the farm we scarfed
down dinner and then went to our local temple for the big ceremony. We prayed
and chanted, gave flowers and burned incense. We walked around the temple 3
times while burning candles and incense (we all got hot wax and incense ash all
over ourselves) before the ceremony ended. It was so cool being a part of this
Buddhist holiday. Buddhism really is such a beautiful religion and a way of
life. I absolutely love it and I am so glad I was able to participate in the
ceremony.
We came back to the farm and built a huge campfire.
I taught the kids how to make s’mores and it was a huge success. They loved it
so much! Bundit pulled out his guitar and we all rocked out for a very long
time. Then the kids pulled out the much loved drums and we started our campfire
dances which I love so much. We danced around the fire until we could not dance
anymore. Che finally called for everyone’s attention and then had all of the
kids one by one say something to me. I completely lost it. The things they
said…it was just so touching. Then they gave me “power” which involves
singing/signing “True Colors” and then our CSF chant. After that, we said
goodnight for the very last time…
The next morning I hugged my family, kissed them goodbye, and headed for Joy's House in the city. We spent the day visiting and celebrating the holiday. We paraded down the street to the local temple. Jarm and Che pulled me in front to dance and lead the parade. So there was the three of us, Thai dancing and leading this huge parade to the temple. When we finished the ceremony we came back to Joy's House for our Thai bbq. After dinner we sang and partied with the guests. Oh surprised me by coming back to visit before I left. I didn't get to work with her for very long, but it was so great to see her and catch up! Once the majority of guests turned in for the night, all of us coworkers stayed up together just having fun. I have grown so close to them. They are more than just my coworkers. They are my mentors, teachers, friends. They are my family.
I cannot leave this place. I know I have to, but I
just love it so much. I am so upset right now, I will just have to leave it at
this was the best summer of my life and I learned more about development, NGOs,
language, culture, and most importantly, the human connection. I am forever changed from this. I will never forget Thailand or the people that I have met and loved. I will come back, that is a promise.
