Ineffable

Lately, my feelings here have been more welcoming than ever. I feel at home here and it's a great feeling. I like that I can walk up and down Mee Chai rd. and know that the moment I walk through the gates of this house, I can temporarily call this space home. The room Lara and I share is more than enough for me to feel the comforts of 'home'. It's amazing that a week from now will be the first month of me being in Thailand. I already feel a good relationship building between myself and the students--- and not to mention with Ming & Kirk, who have gone out of their way to make us feel welcomed.

Time seriously has flown. It almost feels like yesterday when I left these wonderful people:




Some updates on our being here!
Lara and I started teaching at the English House, an off-site English and Science learning center for students during the semester break. We've already completed our first week there and I have to admit, this week involved a lot of teeth grinding. The learning environment and behavior dynamic at this program contrasts quite blatantly with Isara for several reasons that I would rather not dispense. Let's just say that I am relieved the moment Ming comes to pick us up after a few hours worth of teaching and really exhausted the moment I step into our house. I just forget how crazy kids are.

Be that as it may, I have learned what quiets children down without me exerting any form of violence (...which I would never)

• Stand with arms folded in silence, then when the class reaches silence, sternly inquire "are you done?"
• Hit marker against white board
  
• Turn off lights
• Call on students who rudely interrupt class with their vexation to answer questions
• Assignments that include cumbersome writing (i.e. copying what is written on the board)
  

Despite my uneasiness with this teaching experience, I'm thankful for this because it's teaching me patience that I never knew I had.

Next week, we're planning on visiting Laos with the intention of getting a Thai visa at the Thai embassy. Our allowance to be in Thailand is up by next week so we have to apply for the 3 month visa. Martin and Selena (previous volunteers) told us about an extreme tubing experience they had while in Vang Vienne, Laos. I'm still kind of confused about the story they shared with us, but very intrigued about what's in store at this popular tourist destination. I'll just give you some keywords for you guys to piece together what this experience may entail: river, round tubes, bars on the river, mud wrestling, and foreigners.

Hmm... yeah.

Anyway, more later once things progress.

P.S. Visit Isara's website!
P.P.S. Party taught me how to ride a bike today.... and I've finally learned! Wahoo.