This tenth update comes from Laurel Lozzi, Junior Art major from Westmont College. Laurel comes from Falbrook, CA.
Lots of new pictures can be found at:
community.webshots.com/user/ajarnmike100
Dear Friends and Family,
So far, our trip in Thailand has been full of numerous transitions: getting familiar with a new culture, people, and city, living with a new family, and learning a new language. There has been one transition after another and on Tuesday I could feel the onset of another transition.
Last Tuesday in the early morning we (the students) said goodbye to our host families. I'd say it was a bittersweet moment. Most, if not all of us were ready for the return of our American independence and the change of pace. But, on the other hand we were leaving the people we have spent the last two months with. They have given to us and created space for us in their families. For that, we are thankful and many will miss their families--at least for a short time. Many students have been receiving daily calls from members of their host family and some are invited (or
expected) to stay with their families when we return to Chiang Mai.
Since we have left our Thai families to embark on exploring other parts of Thailand, the students have become the new family, yet everyone in this family speaks English. We have been travelling together, exploring the ancient and present day glories of Thailand: Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok. This past week has been a blur of wats (temples), ruins, heat, sweat, bathing suits, exhaustion, and good company. Here are a few highlights:
We have been staying in some of the nicest hotels in each city we have visited. Each hotel has been equipped with swimming pools and air conditioning. As we travel south, the weather has gotten hotter and stickier. So, after each long day of sightseeing most of us have immediately changed into our bathing suits and taken advantage of the perks of fancy hotels. From my perspective as a woman and a native Californian, I am thankful for the opportunity to expose the areas of my body that have been hiding from the world the last 2 1/2 months (because of social
standards)- like shoulders and knees.
On our second day of travelling, we rented bicycles and rode around the ancient city of Sukhothai. As we biked, we were surrounded by ruins more than 2000 years old. In the midst of history, we felt like kids as we rode on the bikes. I've asked a few other students what their favorites moments have been and this has been one of them.
The Talking Buddha in Sukhothai is also a popular temple among the students. As we walked through the old walls of this wat, a huge Buddha statue towered over us. It's hand might have been more or less as tall as our bodies. We have seen so many Buddha images and statues in the past week, but this one was definitely one of the most beautiful.
After Sukhothai we made our way to Ayutthaya, where we toured the city by boat. As the sun was setting, we ate dinner on the boat, sang karaoke songs, and enjoyed the cool breeze. The city was beautiful from the water, but the people made the evening memorable. We bonded with one another as we embarrassed ourselves by singing and dancing. Sanook maak!
Bangkok. The vibe in Bangkok reminded me of many of the large cities in America (like NYC or LA--more than 14 million people in the daytime). The traffic was heavy, buildings took over natural wildlife, people were everyone either selling goods or seeing the sights. The city seemed to be endless. There were so many things to see and places to explore, but most of us were there for less than two days. Thankfully Bangkok, known as the "Venice of the East," has boat taxis and water transportation which helps relieve the scorching heat. We toured some of the old canals in Bangkok where many people still live. There were a few people who would float from place to place selling goods to people nearby. It was beautiful and the waters were teaming with fish.
Last, but definitely not least, we started spring break from our time in Bangkok. We are now on our own and many of the students left for various islands. I happen to find myself on Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand with seven other students (Micah, Hanah, Allison, Melina, Little Sarah, Dominique, and Ben). It has been wonderful to feel the warm waters of the tropics, hear the foam washing up to shore, and feel the sand in between my toes. All of us are already a shade darker or redder.
Tomorrow, we plan on snorkeling on the nearby island of Koh Tao and exploring the world beneath the sea. It is beautiful and picturesque.
But we are only here for a short time, six days, until we go back to class in a remote village in the north of Thailand. Adventures continue!
We love you all and miss you. I hope this email meets you in good spirits.
Thanks for being apart of our lives even though we are physically so far away.
Chook Dee!
Laurel Lozzi
SST and Westmont College Art Student
Lots of new pictures can be found at:
community.webshots.com/user/ajarnmike100
Group Field Trip--Pittsanoke and Ayutthaya
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Tuesday, March 12, 2007
This blog comes from Blair Warner, Sophomore International
Business major from Pepperdine University. Blair comes from Hood River,
Oregon.
Dear Friends and Family:
I think a Thai vocabulary lesson is in order as I begin this SST update.
Let me introduce you to the Thai word "uan," pronounced “ooh-waan”. Uan is
Thai for fat. And this is silly and it is at the top of almost everyone’s
commonly heard vocabulary in their Thai families. And as we all prepare to
say goodbye to our Thai families, we are sad, yes we are, but uan is
something that most of us are also feeling.
A good way to describe a peculiarity of the typical Thai family (not that
there aren’t thousands of strange things in a typical American family) is
that you are told constantly that you are uan, and then you are
immediately forced to eat three more helpings of rice until you both feel
and look like a blimp. So as we get excited for spring break, I think most
of us naksiksaas (students) are looking at our bathing suits, wondering
how exactly we are going to wear that thing for a week on the beach with
our various extra rice/noodle weights. Jogging, anyone? Oh boy.
So this last week was filled with studying, spending time with our
families and goodbyes at our various internships as we had our final Thai
culture exam on Friday. No hilarious skits were a part of this final, and
for most of us it was a last-ditch study effort, four written in-class
essays, and then academic freedom! I can speak for all of us when I say
that it is great to be done. This culture class has taught us a lot about
Thai culture and has helped us be able to apply all that we are witness to
in Chiang Mai life and in our Thai families to general cultural aspects of
Thailand.
I cannot speak for everyone’s specific internships, although I wish I
could. I am a part of the Baan Ponsawan (boardinghouse) and English
teaching internship along with Nate, Sara, Courtney 1 and Courtney 2. I
can say that it was an incredible week for all of us. Our last two days of
teaching were unforgettable. I will miss my second grade students more
than words can say (yes, think of the Extreme song). However, we
definitely used more than words to show our love for these children, as
did they in return. With these kids, language and cultural barriers were
crossed as we use things like stickers, snacks, hugs, a little English
teaching here and there, and learning constructive Thai phrases like “you
are smart” as we tried to show the kids that we care. They are so smart
and capable, and we just hope that they have a fair shot at the bright
future they deserve so much. We put together a goodbye party at our school
on Wednesday, and it was amazing to give them balloons, face painting,
stickers and ice cream. The five of us also got to say goodbye for real on
Saturday when we went swimming with the kids at a local pool. What a great
time. It breaks my heart, but I know that we will be back. Maybe not all
of us within a year, maybe not in even in three or four, but we will be
back. My heart is with these underprivileged kids. They have given me a
joy of working with kids that I did not previously possess. So we students
said goodbye to all those who have changed our hearts and lives in these
incredible internships, whether they be monks or hilltribe kids or special
needs children or silver craftsmen or northern Thai young men…and many
more!
This week other students in our group also had going away parties at their
internship placements, including 9 students at the Buddhist University, 2
students at Anuban Chiang Mai School, and Dominique at the Healing
Foundation.
But you must be wondering, what about the SST 2007 banquet?? I can feel
your excitement, and can honestly say that it was such a success. Everyone
was dressed “to the nines” in their fabulously tailored or
Thailand-designed outfits, and I thought it ironic that this formal dinner
was the nicest and probably the cleanest our group will be for the next
month and a half. From now on it’s sun, sand and sweat on the beaches and
in various cities in Thailand as we travel places with HOT weather. And
then after that comes the not-so-frequent showering that will (not) occur
the Karen village in April. : ) But us SST 2007 students are up for it,
yes we are. But going back to the banquet, the night was filled with an
encore of one of our Thai language skits, many heartfelt thank yous to all
those who make our experiences in Thailand possible, and an incredibly
memorable time with our Thai families.
What else are we up to these days? Why, packing of course. I’m resorting
to magic as I try to fit my accumulated Thai treasures into a couple
suitcases, and I know others are experiencing similar challenges. But as
with all of these Thailand adversities, the resourceful and amazing SST
2007 group will succeed. And there is also last minute Chiang Mai shopping
and eating and enjoying life and our families in northern Thailand. Last
night at the Sunday walking street market over half our group was there,
covered in shopping bags. I can’t believe how the time has flown, cliché
yes, but never more true.
Our group is going to bond, Kumbaiya-style, during our Thailand field
trip, and then split off into several groups for incredible spring break
experiences at the world’s best beaches!! Parents and relatives and
friends, we miss you and are thinking of you when we aren’t busy shoveling
mango and sticky rice into our mouths. Take care and know that we are
healthy, happy, and extremely well-fed.
Blair Warner, SST student from Pepperdine University
This blog comes from Blair Warner, Sophomore International
Business major from Pepperdine University. Blair comes from Hood River,
Oregon.
Dear Friends and Family:
I think a Thai vocabulary lesson is in order as I begin this SST update.
Let me introduce you to the Thai word "uan," pronounced “ooh-waan”. Uan is
Thai for fat. And this is silly and it is at the top of almost everyone’s
commonly heard vocabulary in their Thai families. And as we all prepare to
say goodbye to our Thai families, we are sad, yes we are, but uan is
something that most of us are also feeling.
A good way to describe a peculiarity of the typical Thai family (not that
there aren’t thousands of strange things in a typical American family) is
that you are told constantly that you are uan, and then you are
immediately forced to eat three more helpings of rice until you both feel
and look like a blimp. So as we get excited for spring break, I think most
of us naksiksaas (students) are looking at our bathing suits, wondering
how exactly we are going to wear that thing for a week on the beach with
our various extra rice/noodle weights. Jogging, anyone? Oh boy.
So this last week was filled with studying, spending time with our
families and goodbyes at our various internships as we had our final Thai
culture exam on Friday. No hilarious skits were a part of this final, and
for most of us it was a last-ditch study effort, four written in-class
essays, and then academic freedom! I can speak for all of us when I say
that it is great to be done. This culture class has taught us a lot about
Thai culture and has helped us be able to apply all that we are witness to
in Chiang Mai life and in our Thai families to general cultural aspects of
Thailand.
I cannot speak for everyone’s specific internships, although I wish I
could. I am a part of the Baan Ponsawan (boardinghouse) and English
teaching internship along with Nate, Sara, Courtney 1 and Courtney 2. I
can say that it was an incredible week for all of us. Our last two days of
teaching were unforgettable. I will miss my second grade students more
than words can say (yes, think of the Extreme song). However, we
definitely used more than words to show our love for these children, as
did they in return. With these kids, language and cultural barriers were
crossed as we use things like stickers, snacks, hugs, a little English
teaching here and there, and learning constructive Thai phrases like “you
are smart” as we tried to show the kids that we care. They are so smart
and capable, and we just hope that they have a fair shot at the bright
future they deserve so much. We put together a goodbye party at our school
on Wednesday, and it was amazing to give them balloons, face painting,
stickers and ice cream. The five of us also got to say goodbye for real on
Saturday when we went swimming with the kids at a local pool. What a great
time. It breaks my heart, but I know that we will be back. Maybe not all
of us within a year, maybe not in even in three or four, but we will be
back. My heart is with these underprivileged kids. They have given me a
joy of working with kids that I did not previously possess. So we students
said goodbye to all those who have changed our hearts and lives in these
incredible internships, whether they be monks or hilltribe kids or special
needs children or silver craftsmen or northern Thai young men…and many
more!
This week other students in our group also had going away parties at their
internship placements, including 9 students at the Buddhist University, 2
students at Anuban Chiang Mai School, and Dominique at the Healing
Foundation.
But you must be wondering, what about the SST 2007 banquet?? I can feel
your excitement, and can honestly say that it was such a success. Everyone
was dressed “to the nines” in their fabulously tailored or
Thailand-designed outfits, and I thought it ironic that this formal dinner
was the nicest and probably the cleanest our group will be for the next
month and a half. From now on it’s sun, sand and sweat on the beaches and
in various cities in Thailand as we travel places with HOT weather. And
then after that comes the not-so-frequent showering that will (not) occur
the Karen village in April. : ) But us SST 2007 students are up for it,
yes we are. But going back to the banquet, the night was filled with an
encore of one of our Thai language skits, many heartfelt thank yous to all
those who make our experiences in Thailand possible, and an incredibly
memorable time with our Thai families.
What else are we up to these days? Why, packing of course. I’m resorting
to magic as I try to fit my accumulated Thai treasures into a couple
suitcases, and I know others are experiencing similar challenges. But as
with all of these Thailand adversities, the resourceful and amazing SST
2007 group will succeed. And there is also last minute Chiang Mai shopping
and eating and enjoying life and our families in northern Thailand. Last
night at the Sunday walking street market over half our group was there,
covered in shopping bags. I can’t believe how the time has flown, cliché
yes, but never more true.
Our group is going to bond, Kumbaiya-style, during our Thailand field
trip, and then split off into several groups for incredible spring break
experiences at the world’s best beaches!! Parents and relatives and
friends, we miss you and are thinking of you when we aren’t busy shoveling
mango and sticky rice into our mouths. Take care and know that we are
healthy, happy, and extremely well-fed.
Blair Warner, SST student from Pepperdine University
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Saturday, March 3, 2007
This blog comes from Lisa Brooks, Sophomore Creative Writing Major from Pepperdine University. Lisa comes from Plano, Texas.
To all the ones we love,
The theme of the letter is ‘SANOOK’, which means ‘fun’ in Thai, and which has become a sort of a mantra for our experience here in Chiang Mai. I want to update you on the stunning events of week 8, which was packed with all the SANOOK you can handle. You see, SANOOK is the Thai way, and as my Dad so cleverly states, “It’sThai-way or the highway”. We choose the Thai way. Would you believe that even economics can be SANOOK? This little-known fact was actively proven to us this week through the lectures of Ajarn Chaiyan. He managed to make the economic ups and downs of the country into a regular comedy. It’s not that what he was speaking about was particularly uplifting or humorous, but he chose the light-hearted route above the oh-so-serious option, and that is quintessential Thai. Our culture class has given us so many insights. Over the weekend, there were no group plans and so we were once again at the wonderful mercy of our Thai families. There was much SANOOK to behad by all. I, in particular, got to go into a cave in a place called Chiang Dao. We traveled in Thai style (as SANOOK as possible), which means that we stopped about every half hour for a snack. One hot-dog, one bowl of noodle soup, one plate of pad-see-yu and an iced chocolate later, we reached our destination (this was all before noon). I ventured in the cave with my older brother, Pi Jack, and we paid the $3 (100 baht) for the guided tour. The guide was wearing sandals, so I thought, how rough could this be? I’ve been in Carlsbad Caverns twice. I’m basically a spelunker. But this was WAY more SANOOK than Carlsbad. There was no lighted path…our guide had a lantern that I kept praying wouldn’t go out. We saw bats galore, and had to crawl through tiny and wet spaces in order to get from one cave ‘room’ to another. But the fascinating thing was that in the depths of this cave, there was a small temple. Pi Jack told me that monks used to come there over 300 years ago. I am sure many others could report on the heaps of SANOOK they found themselves in this past weekend. Just ask. It’s always a surprising time here in Thailand. But the SANOOK wasn’t over with the weekend.
Today, Tuesday, we had our Thai language final. In keeping with theThai-way, SANOOK was incorporated even into the test. This was no sit-down, be quiet, only look at your own paper type of test. We were given the assignment to write skits in Thai, with basically every freedom and most every person as fair game-including our Thai teachers, AjarnMike, and our Thai families and friends. If ever there was a SANOOK-ful way to take an exam, this was it. Each of the four groups really went all out… from a colorful “khitoi” (transvestite) impersonation to well-planned representations of Ajarn Mike’s idiosyncrasies, the amount of SANOOK in that room was record-breaking. We had a special lunchafterward, in celebration of the end our Thai language class. It included our dear favorites: sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, and mangoes and sticky rice. The conclusion of our Thai language class is a reminder that our time here in Chiang Mai is coming to an end.
However, this is by no means the end of the SANOOK. We spent our free time this week planning for Spring Break. The group will disperse and scatter along Thailand’s most beautiful beaches and return a few shades darker (or redder, for some unlucky ones). It is hard to believe that Spring Break is just around the corner. Everything is flying by. It seems like just yesterday we were moving in with our Thai families, suffering through awkward introductions and countless miscommunication issues. We have now learned a considerable amount of Thai and have survived whatever adventure our Thai families have put us up to. I think it is true what they say, “Time flies when youare having SANOOK”. We praise God for the experience and we rejoice in His ability to uncover a sparkling gem from any situation. Psalm 136:1“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”
Lisa Brooks
SST Student from Pepperdine University
PS: Update on Shawn: We just wanted to give you an update on the Shawn Livingston, the student who had the fall on the waterfall on February 11. Last week Shawn was given the green light from the surgeon to fly home. He got out of the hospital on Tuesday, February 27 and he, his mother (Gwen), and one of his surgeons flew home last night from Chiang Mai. Shawn is doing very well--he is talking and joking with us, but we know this is a long process with many unknowns. He had a couple days the week of February 22 that were very difficult, but we found out that it was caused by a reaction to one of the medicines. Now that it is out of his system he is doing well. The prognosis is for a full recovery after his eye heals/is repaired. We consider this a miracle, and thank you all foryour prayers! Yesterday we had a big send off in class for Shawn and Gwen. This was followed by a Lunch with Karaoke, and a final hang out opportunity for Shawn and his friends. The plane left Chiang Mai at 9:00 PM and there were more than 30 people who came to bring their best wishes for a bon voyage and to send Shawn, Gwen, and doctor to America in style. We would appreciate your prayers during their flight--it is difficult even under good circumstances! I know Shawn's mother is very tired, and though they have had a lot of support here; she has had to deal with so much stress. It means to much to all of us knowing that you are holding them up in prayer.
Thanks, Ann and Mike
(look for pictures of Shawn's send-off--community.webshots.com/user/ajarnmike100).
This blog comes from Lisa Brooks, Sophomore Creative Writing Major from Pepperdine University. Lisa comes from Plano, Texas.
To all the ones we love,
The theme of the letter is ‘SANOOK’, which means ‘fun’ in Thai, and which has become a sort of a mantra for our experience here in Chiang Mai. I want to update you on the stunning events of week 8, which was packed with all the SANOOK you can handle. You see, SANOOK is the Thai way, and as my Dad so cleverly states, “It’sThai-way or the highway”. We choose the Thai way. Would you believe that even economics can be SANOOK? This little-known fact was actively proven to us this week through the lectures of Ajarn Chaiyan. He managed to make the economic ups and downs of the country into a regular comedy. It’s not that what he was speaking about was particularly uplifting or humorous, but he chose the light-hearted route above the oh-so-serious option, and that is quintessential Thai. Our culture class has given us so many insights. Over the weekend, there were no group plans and so we were once again at the wonderful mercy of our Thai families. There was much SANOOK to behad by all. I, in particular, got to go into a cave in a place called Chiang Dao. We traveled in Thai style (as SANOOK as possible), which means that we stopped about every half hour for a snack. One hot-dog, one bowl of noodle soup, one plate of pad-see-yu and an iced chocolate later, we reached our destination (this was all before noon). I ventured in the cave with my older brother, Pi Jack, and we paid the $3 (100 baht) for the guided tour. The guide was wearing sandals, so I thought, how rough could this be? I’ve been in Carlsbad Caverns twice. I’m basically a spelunker. But this was WAY more SANOOK than Carlsbad. There was no lighted path…our guide had a lantern that I kept praying wouldn’t go out. We saw bats galore, and had to crawl through tiny and wet spaces in order to get from one cave ‘room’ to another. But the fascinating thing was that in the depths of this cave, there was a small temple. Pi Jack told me that monks used to come there over 300 years ago. I am sure many others could report on the heaps of SANOOK they found themselves in this past weekend. Just ask. It’s always a surprising time here in Thailand. But the SANOOK wasn’t over with the weekend.
Today, Tuesday, we had our Thai language final. In keeping with theThai-way, SANOOK was incorporated even into the test. This was no sit-down, be quiet, only look at your own paper type of test. We were given the assignment to write skits in Thai, with basically every freedom and most every person as fair game-including our Thai teachers, AjarnMike, and our Thai families and friends. If ever there was a SANOOK-ful way to take an exam, this was it. Each of the four groups really went all out… from a colorful “khitoi” (transvestite) impersonation to well-planned representations of Ajarn Mike’s idiosyncrasies, the amount of SANOOK in that room was record-breaking. We had a special lunchafterward, in celebration of the end our Thai language class. It included our dear favorites: sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, and mangoes and sticky rice. The conclusion of our Thai language class is a reminder that our time here in Chiang Mai is coming to an end.
However, this is by no means the end of the SANOOK. We spent our free time this week planning for Spring Break. The group will disperse and scatter along Thailand’s most beautiful beaches and return a few shades darker (or redder, for some unlucky ones). It is hard to believe that Spring Break is just around the corner. Everything is flying by. It seems like just yesterday we were moving in with our Thai families, suffering through awkward introductions and countless miscommunication issues. We have now learned a considerable amount of Thai and have survived whatever adventure our Thai families have put us up to. I think it is true what they say, “Time flies when youare having SANOOK”. We praise God for the experience and we rejoice in His ability to uncover a sparkling gem from any situation. Psalm 136:1“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”
Lisa Brooks
SST Student from Pepperdine University
PS: Update on Shawn: We just wanted to give you an update on the Shawn Livingston, the student who had the fall on the waterfall on February 11. Last week Shawn was given the green light from the surgeon to fly home. He got out of the hospital on Tuesday, February 27 and he, his mother (Gwen), and one of his surgeons flew home last night from Chiang Mai. Shawn is doing very well--he is talking and joking with us, but we know this is a long process with many unknowns. He had a couple days the week of February 22 that were very difficult, but we found out that it was caused by a reaction to one of the medicines. Now that it is out of his system he is doing well. The prognosis is for a full recovery after his eye heals/is repaired. We consider this a miracle, and thank you all foryour prayers! Yesterday we had a big send off in class for Shawn and Gwen. This was followed by a Lunch with Karaoke, and a final hang out opportunity for Shawn and his friends. The plane left Chiang Mai at 9:00 PM and there were more than 30 people who came to bring their best wishes for a bon voyage and to send Shawn, Gwen, and doctor to America in style. We would appreciate your prayers during their flight--it is difficult even under good circumstances! I know Shawn's mother is very tired, and though they have had a lot of support here; she has had to deal with so much stress. It means to much to all of us knowing that you are holding them up in prayer.
Thanks, Ann and Mike
(look for pictures of Shawn's send-off--community.webshots.com/user/ajarnmike100).
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