New Year's 2014 vacation was spent on a secluded island called Koh Mak off the province of Trat. There were no TV's, no Internet, and a small number of people; just what I needed. It gave me time to reflect on the past year in Thailand. As I sat in my hammock outside of my bungalow, with my P' Mimi sitting in the US Army hammock beside me, listening to the waves hit the rocks and the wind blowing in the trees, I could only smile. 2013 was a crazy year filled with ups and downs but at that moment the only feeling I had was gratitude.
It is truly amazing what can happen in a year. A year ago, I started on this journey with 50 quite amazing people not sure what to expect, packing tons of stuff I would never need and mentally preparing for any conditions. In hindsight, I have come to realize on a journey such as this one there is absolutely no way to prepare. I came with tons of ideas and expectations of what this year would look like for me, but I had no clue. There was more in store than I could imagine. In just a year I have lived and worked in Thailand, traveled all over Thailand, learned a new language, and gained a slew of new friends. All of this in just one year and I can't wait to see whats in store. I have proclaimed this as my year! And it has started off great. Brought in the year with great friends, then headed to the north of Thailand, experienced a Hmong New Year in Nan, Thailand, and then worked a Youth Leadership Camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand and I am finally back home.
I have so many plans for 2014. I have officially been living in Thailand for one year. I feel as though this first year flew by. I must use this last year to the fullest. I have a number of personal and work goals that I would like to accomplish in this year. I will not give you the skinny just yet but as they happen you will know!!!=). OK OK ill give you the first one! I am participating in a get healthy challenge! and for the first time in a forever I had to weigh myself and without even knowing it i have lost quite a bit. Although this challenge ,for me, is less about the weight and more about being in shape and healthy, it was definitely a great surprise! I am hoping to be ready to complete ...maybe a 5k or a 10k very soon! As I things happen, you will be informed! *SCOUTS HONOR* Ok! I am sure you are wondering whats been happening since the last post which was in Sept. I will fill you in with pictures! =) HAPpY NEW YearS!!! Sending lots of love, hugssss and an amazing 2014!
Flooding in my village I chose to bike around! AFTER this nice helpful man told me i could definitely make it through on my bike! haha it was fun trying though
Handing out money to the elderly! She was blessing me! and would not let me kneel because she didnt want my legs to hurt haha!
Passing money out to the elderly! They are so sweet!
Chiang Mai
Riding elephants!
We have become one haha
Me and my SAO went to visit PHETCHABUNNN!( also known as brandon)
Made cookies using english only!
My host dog had puppies
Peace Corps Came to visit my site! THis is the picture my boss at site posted! We are all wearing black because we were mourning the death of the highest patriarch of Buddhism
Thanksgiving with my host family
Some of my students (although I am not a teacher)
Kings Birthday! Lighting of candles and well wishes
Making secret santa greeting cards
Field Trip with the kids
I made Christmas cookies for everyone
And these little cards haha
Sports day starts outside of my house! haha 6:00 am! The perks of living at the Public Health Center
Went to a temple and the Mae Caows(ladies in white) gave me all of this! the orange pillows I cant use until marriage!
Birthday in thailand they surprised me with a cake at work
My sisters did too!
My Supervisor! Kun Jaree! she is great!
P'Pook and P'Nancy! They were great
Fun times!!
Late Birthday Celebration!
Goh Mak!!!! BEAUTIFUL
Our Bungalow all the way at the top
Eating on the beach
Me after our looonngg walk to the other side of the beach
Last night with my loves
In Nan visiting Yee!
Hmong New Year It was cold and no that is not my coat lol
Soo cute
WE did the fish spa!!!
BTF CAMP!!!!
The guys washing dishes!
At this camp we stayed at a temple, in which, a monk would walk through every morning really perky and say GOOD MORNING!!! and then just start chatting it up! In Thailand, there are special ways to address monks so knowing this made this very awkward.. like do i just respond normally haha! but he was cool and here he is! I didn't even want to be this close but he made me!
Last day before heading home! I had a yummy beef burger! haha
