Talking the talk, hoping for a difference, accepting the challenge, inspiring the young is what T.H.A.I. means to me. As Luzaan would say Shan Rag Thailand. I love Thailand.
Thailand took me by surprise; it was a heatwave of children, culture, language barriers and smiles ,all in one. I've taken four days out of my diary to show you how my experiances in the country was a challenged for me.
Day 1 (01/04/09) The first day at school
Teaching was one of the things that looked most challenging... Esspesially because it was language English.
Dear Diary
Today I helped out at the school. It was quite challenging for me seeing that teaching is not something I pictured myself doing in Thailand. I thought this was my chance to take all my strength and put it into hard labour. I did that for the first day, but only for a few hours because then I got food poisining and the only thing I did for the next three days was stair at the ceiling.
Love Kimmy
One thing I learnt from teaching English is that Juf R. Potgieter at High School Waterkloof deserves more credit. She is an amazing teacher and for the last five years she has not only guided me in class,but in life aswell.
Day 2 (05/04/09) the day I met Kim-one
This boy stole my heart before I knew his name.
Dear Diary
Today I met a little boy. His nickname is Kim. He came to me with a big smile on his face and said pointing at me Kim-2 and pointing at himself Kim-1 and from that moment my heart was stolen.
Love Kimmy
The kids in Thailand are not easy to resist. They cling to you and they wont let you go. I didnt want Kim to let go. I didnt want to let go either.
Day 3 (11/04/09) Yesterday
Dear Diary
Today was the last day of school. I am very sad. I grew very close to the people in class. They were not kids but grown-ups. Nirat is amazing a 46 year old man with ambition. His English is good as he would say my vocabulary is growing. Yohn a 19 year old shy guy (used to be) who grew so much. We have a great friendship know. I invited him to come visit me in South Africa. I do hope he considers it. Paul Washer really improved my gardening skills this week. I listened to his sermons while I was pulling out some weeds at the community centre. I really do love these people.
Love Kimmy
Finishing school last year made me realize how much teaching is actually a calling rather than a job it is impossible not to love these kids.
Day 4 (12/04/09) Greeting everyone and KIM
Dear Diary
I am actually so sad to say goodbye. I try not to think about all the names I learnt (Beam, Oi, Pie, In, Cow, Snow ex.)The things I ate (bugs) and the tears Ive cried. But time and time again I fail because that is all I think about.
Love Kimmy
Kim took me home with him today ,I met his family ,they are 7 people living under one roof with a salary of about 330 bath per month ,that is not even R100. They gave me the sweets they sell for their salary. 60 Bath worth of sweets. Thats what Opas said on the way back.
I can write a different blog about Opas he is an amazing man. He was in the Tsunami and that is where His faith started, and it has just kept on growing ever since. He is a precious friend and has climbed deep into my heart. He has a great love for the children. In your quiet time, please pray for him ,that God would protect and guide him.
I am free to run
I am free to dance
I am free to live for You.
We have the freedom 2 walk, the freedom to hope, the freedom to accept and the freedom to inspire but most of all we have the freedom to say that the great I AM is enough for all of us.
Something to remember:
The rest of your life is the best of your life. Go make every second count.
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