Mountains and Valleys

DISCLAIMER: I don't know why my font and the color are being weird, but I'm working on trying to remedy this inconvenience.

So the week before was a high, a rose, a mountain.

This week was a low, a thorn, a valley.

It’s not like everything was doom and gloom, but it was a hard week for me. Students were crazy, holidays came and gone, I questioned my decision to be here, my phone broke, I learned about the ridiculous Thailand transportation system and I saw a movie.

So lets start with those highs:

LOI KRATHONG (November 25)

This was such a fun holiday and I am so thrilled I was able to be a part of such a beautiful cultural tradition. The school had a whole afternoon of activities ranging from krathong making, a Miss Loi Krathong pageant (one that could rival any Miss America), dances and songs, and a mini release of the krathongs into a kiddie pool. “Loi” means to float and “krathong” means basket (loosely) and the krathongs are traditionally made of a slice from the banana tree and are decorated with banana leaves, flowers, incense, candles, food, ect. On the night of the full moon, you launch the krathongs into the river and this symbolizes letting go of your worries and fears. We were also lucky enough to launch some Khom Loi (floating lanterns) and make some wishes! These lanterns are usually made of a thin fabric like rice paper, held up by wire and attached to a fuel cell that can be lit with a lighter. These mini hot air balloons are actually quite large! My friends and I set off two lanterns and each were at least 2 feet tall!

(Each grade level made a class krathong and pushed them into the pool)

THANKSGIVING (November 26)

While the rest of you were enjoying your turkey and stuffing (and these new desert concoctions called Picakens or whatever you call the pies baked in cakes), I was enjoying some western food at a local hangout here in Satun! My two American friends and I celebrated with a few Leo’s (a kind of beer), darts, and even topped off the night with Apple Pie a la mode! I had a delicious rendition of Chicken Cordon Bleu with vegetables and mashed potatoes and was very content with my evening. To make it even better, I woke up at 5 am to chat with the Black’s over in Wyoming. I got to see my whole family and talk to them for a while over FaceTime was a godsend. I have missed a lot of events already and will miss so much more, and being able to see them is something I will never take for granted!

(Bry and I letting go of our khom loi and making a wish!)

Last high: I saw Mockingjay (Part 2) in a movie theater in Hat Yai this weekend. Wow.

Ok, I’ll keep the lows short.

My phone broke. I did drop it, but it was fine and worked for another two days before freaking out and just stopping. It literally won’t do anything and if I can get it to turn on, it changes colors, spazzes out for a few seconds, and turns right back off. I take the Life Proof case of and low and behold… There is not a single scratch, dent, chip, or blemish on this phone I have worked so hard to keep in great condition. So you can say I’m more than irritated. Thanks Life Proof- care to offer an explanation?

Also, It’s happened. I have begun to experience my first hints of culture shock. I thought I was immune but seeing as I made it over 2 months before it settled in, I think that’s a positive note to recognize. Yesterday, as I was struggling to find transportation back to Satun from Hat Yai, I realized that I am so out of my league here.

(Me and B-dubs have some nice rides!)

I cannot speak the language and I don’t understand what most people are saying to me, I have no real indications of where I am and where I’m going (not only in Thailand but in life), and I am in over my head. I am. Teaching English is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done for many reasons. It’s just so different here and there is a different pace at which life moves, and it’s all just so unfamiliar.

Don’t get me wrong- I love being here. I love this experience and I love the people I have connected with here is Satun. I am relishing this experience because it one that will be very beneficial to my future goals and endeavors. So I’m holding on tight to those facts.

Culture shocks a bitch and eventually I’ll suck it up and just get over myself. But I think a nice cry, Netflix Christmas movie binge, and ice cream are in my immediate future.

On an entirely separate note…

(I am going to utilize my freedom of speech as a right to discuss some things that have very little to do with my Thailand adventures and has everything to do with the state of our world today. So if you don’t want to read about my thoughts about the events of late, stop here. On the other hand, if you are genuinely curious about my feelings, please continue! BUT, these are MY thoughts and feelings and I am not trying to prove one group wrong or right. Frankly, if I piss you off, good. That means you’re thinking about these issues. And if you get that fire burning in your soul, do something about it! I’m merely sharing why I think our world is bleeding and cannot be cured with a Band-Aid.)

(by: Simon Kneebone- cartoonist and illustrator)

I am so tired of hearing all of the racist, ignorant, and down right rude discussions regarding Muslims as a whole, and the concept of  “Islamophobia” is baffling to me. I am appalled at what people, namely people in our government system, are doing and saying in regards to the Syrian refugees and Muslims across the world. I am in a unique situation, because I am living in a Buddhist country and am in a province with a Muslim dominated population. I live, work, eat, and play with Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians alike and I can tell you that I have never experienced such a feeling of solidarity and community as I have here.

I am the foreigner, the white person, in a strange land. I have had my fair share of struggles and issues here in Thailand and I know I will continue to wrestle with issues as my time here progresses. But. None of the people I have met have ever wished me ill will, hurt me, degraded me because I am a falang, or denied me services because I was not like them. This is community. No, this is what it means to be a human. Whether you worship and look to Buddha, God, or Allah, in the end, we all have the same core beliefs and a respect for human dignity.

In the article entitled, “Not Tourists: Refugees are Human Beings”, written by Global Ministries, a branch of the Disciples of Christ denomination, the authors state that “the answer is not to shut out whole populations collectively; we know that each and every one of us could be excluded based on some aspect of identity.” This could not be truer because America is a melting pot of identities. This rings very clear with me because I am the minority (literally, I am like 1 out of a handful of white foreigners here in Satun).

The article goes on to conclude saying, “We are called to be a merciful and caring community; to seek justice and to honor every person; and to stand up and shout out when such a vision is challenged or violated. We urge caution and caring in our discourse and in our actions, so that we all may hold ourselves to a higher standard and ideal.”

(I've conveniently added the link for you!)

Not Tourists: Refugees are Human Beings

If we cannot help our global neighbors, who’s to say they will ever do the same for us when we need it most? Syria is vulnerable, being pushed and pulled all different directions, and the majority of Syrians are being thrown around like basketballs, constantly changing hands without free will. Their lives are turbulent and ever changing, without security and safety, and how dare America think they hold power over these people’s lives! These refugees are fleeing terrorism, and even though they may be Muslims, this does not automatically mean they are terrorists themselves. Justice and peace are being challenged and we have the opportunity to do something about it, to extend a welcoming hand, and to help our brothers in need.

I applaud France. After the brutal attacks in Paris last week, France still says they will take in Syrian refugees. France is being the bigger person. Right now, France is leading by example while the US is turning its back on innocent people.

I also applaud people like Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) who can stand on the senate floor and discuss the need for humanitarian action. Much of what she says, and I encourage you to read the article and/or her senate address, hits a chord with me.

(I've conveniently added the link for you!)

Elizabeth Warren Delivers Stinging Critique of Efforts to Reject Syrian Refugees

Over half of the Syrian refugees are children. Fact. Many of whom no longer have a family. No home, belongings, country, no idea of where to go or what to do next. These are the people most vulnerable. Fact. Children, especially children alone are easy targets for human trafficking. Many of the refugee children will not make it. They will get taken to be sold as child prostitutes. Many of the young girls will die because their bodies are not physically able to sustain continual harm. Those that don’t die will get pregnant eventually. If they live through childbirth and if their child lives, they will be thrown out and now you have this 14 year old mother with no education or means of earning an income, stuck in some slum, trying to survive. Oh by the way, she will most likely have HIV/AIDS or other STD’s. What a wonderful life for a teenage. If the children are not taken for sexual or labor slavery, they could be trafficking into the organ trading business. Sadly, these operations are growing. It is exactly as it sounds. Boys and girls will be cut into and their healthy organs will be harvested to sell to 3^rd parties, namely in developed countries (guess what Uncle Sam? That kidney transplant you had, well it probably came from a terrorist!) Har har.

Not funny. How is any of this funny? How can we knowingly sign off on refugee’s lives saying “yes, we don’t want you and too bad so sad, but we know you wont survive without our help.” This is the kind of ethnocentric thinking that proves we are just as stuck up as the rest of the world believes us to be already. America is scared because ISIS is on the other side of the fence. The brown, crispy, dead side of the fence. Syria is scared because ISIS has already invaded the house and is searching room by room to take and oppress.

So America, let’s show the world the best version of ourselves. I don’t understand why we think we can play God and determine the fate of millions of people because we are scared of leaks in the gaps. Inevitably, a terrorist or two will get by the system, but so will hundreds of thousands of innocents. If we don’t help now, we will forever be jeopardizing our international standing, and what country would ever put their trust in us to do the right thing ever again?

I am proud to be an American. I am also proud to be a human. Instead of harming it, let’s work towards peace and bring those most responsible to justice. Let’s show some human dignity and help, because there is a need. The world is bleeding. A Band-Aid is not a permanent solution, but it is a means to an end. 


(Sorry if it comes up weird colored or something. I had some technical issues with this one!)

110%

This past week has bee pretty great! Probably one of the best I’ve had in Satun so far! I visited a few new food places and had some good dinners, my water got shut off so I had to go find a shower elsewhere, I met some new people, had a few beers, and just took things slow!

Most of my classes went swimmingly and even my really devilish P3’s were exceptional and very well behaved. I think their Thai teacher put the fear of god in them because they were so good it was eerie. Everyone participated, we got through the vocab, they all understood it, and then we played two games and it was great! It is amazing that when they listen and pay attention we get stuff done AND still have time for plenty of fun! (I made sure to say that too them, so we will see how this week goes!)

Besides school, I had a pretty eventful week! On Monday, 5 other teachers and myself went to a Teaching Seminar in Songkhla. It was so nice to get out of the city for a day! The seminar I attended was a glorified TESOL course. We went over lesson planning, warmers (activators) and how to do production activities. It was interesting to get another perspective on teaching and I got to hang out with some pretty cool people!

(My fellow teachers and I hanging out on the beach in Songkhla)

After the seminar, we all went to the Songkhla mermaid and posed with her. Then we went and found some cool street art and then got some delicious ice cream and sticky rice! We also had fried egg chip things and balls of fried fish (which I did not eat). Overall, It was a wonderful day and I had so much fun!

This weekend I went o the street market on Saturday night and had a delicious noodle chicken combo for dinner and then a fruit ice smoothie thing for desert. The market is always fun to walk around because it is so big and there are so many vendors selling some pretty cool things! I bought some cacti! Afterwards, I met up with some friends at a local hang out and showed everyone how poor my pool game is.

(Cool Teecha Brina taught the kids something funny!)

Sunday evening, I went and played badminton and once again showed everyone how terrible my hand-eye coordination is! Really, I suck at sports, but I’ll try and give 110%! But it was a ton of fun and I really enjoyed playing! So that was a great way to end the weekend and start my week off! And I learned today that two of my classes are cancelled, so more time to prepare and lesson plan! Whoo!

Leeches and Spiders and Lizards, Oh my!

Well, another week down!

Only an infinite amount left.

So my second week went much like the first. I tried to teach, most of my methods of teaching and classroom management failed, I made a fool of myself, I realized how oblivious I actually am, I had some fun, met some new people, and started to not take things too personally. So overall, it was a better week I guess. Oh, and I learned that sleeping at my desk will most likely become a daily thing! (I zonked out for at least an hour on Wednesday because I was so tired!)

Those P3 kids are still just so difficult to handle, but I figured that after a few more classes they will know more of what I expect and the style of teaching I have. It doesn’t help that I spend half of the class just getting them to be quiet and listen, so I have NO idea what they are actually learning. It’s going to be a shocker when I give that first test!

(This is one of my P4 classes)

My other classes are going good. I’m having fun, so that’s what counts right? Most of the students are well behaved and there’s always one or two kids in each of my classes (besides the hellian P3 classes) that help me reign in the other crazies because they actually want to learn. They also help me explain the activities to the students who don’t quite understand. This is extremely helpful and I am so appreciative for their help when I’m floundering trying to explain something in English using pictures and gestures. Regardless of this, I still get loads of blanks stares and “mai kowjai” (I don’t understand) comments.

In other news, I had some fun adventures this week! On Saturday, we went to the Yaroi Waterfall, which is pretty close to the Thale ban National Park. It was so much fun! We go and park our scooters (and I showed my travel buddies how shitty of a driver I am by almost running into a rock wall attempting to park) and then start on this trail to see the waterfall. After 200 stairs, the “designated” trail ends and we go hiking through the jungle to get to the higher pools of the waterfall. After a few leeches that were burned off and some spider’s webs and spiders attacking us, we finally made it to the pool. It was lovely! The water is not super clear, but it’s fresh mountain water and was SO refreshing! You could go up right underneath the falls and it felt amazing. This was by far the highlight of my week and a great way to relax and let off some steam.

The drive was also spectacular! It took about 30-45ish minutes to get there by scooter, and yes my butt was so sore after that drive.  There were brightly colored mosques littering the highway, interesting flora and fauna, and mountains everywhere! It’s like God was playing a game of marbles on a global scale and just decided to leave the ones that landed in Thailand wherever they fell. Really though! There are random limestone cliffs shooting up everywhere. It’s one of the wildest things I have ever seen. We also had some fun driving and at one point I swear we crossed into Malaysia because we went down this sketchy dirt road, passed what looked like a military station of some sort, and then navigated crappy roads for about 20 minutes before turning back. But we made it back! And just beat the rain!

Not that beating the rain really means much because it’s rained everyday this week and more often than not, I end up coming home soaking wet and leave pools of water wherever I go in my apartment. Joy. But now I have invested in a rain poncho so maybe I can avoid the soaked to the bone week I am sure is to come.

All in all, I am starting to enjoy Satun. At first I was reluctant to embrace this place because I wasn’t very happy here. I was lonely, knew nothing about this place, had no friends, and felt like I was way in over my head. I’m not gonna lie, the thought of leaving and going home crossed my mind more than once these past few weeks. But that is NOT the kind of person I am. Whether I’m happy or not, I will persevere because that’s what I do. So I guess it is a good thing I’m happier now huh? I’ve met amazing people who have really helped me to feel comfortable and welcome here. I am so thankful for that and having people to talk too and hang out with is such a nice perk!

On a lighter note, my bug bite count is now in the hundreds! And with all the other random bruises, scrapes, and other various boo-boos, let’s just chalk it up to a fulfilling Thailand experience! Till next time.