Yesterday I left the school, and hitchhiked with Lula to Pai, where we helped on of the students, Nalong, move in with his brother. It was sad to leave everyone- but the students were happy to go on summer break. I was glad for them. It still feels like I have family up near Burma- in the same way I have family in America. God was so with me every moment of the journey here, and we got a ride to the main part of the city which was a blessing!
Last night, we arrived in Chiang Mai around 6pm, made some phone calls, checked into a guest house, and I called Jack- the nice Thai man I met last time in Chiang Mai. He took me around the city, and we ate fish, and talked about everything. He gave me a Thai hand massage, then took me back to the guesthouse around midnight.
I woke up this morning at 6am refreshed, and headed out to send somethings off in the mail. I'm ready to go on another adventure, and will be taking the overnight bus to Bangkok tonight. From Bangkok I have no idea where I am going- haha. (literally laughed out loud just then) Because it doesn't really matter. If I go to Cambodia- I can get a 3 month visa for Thailand, but I could also go to Singapore which would be more interesting. I'll decide when I get there- right now- I'm buying a ticket to anywhere-reminded of the song by Journey..
Lula and I parted our separate ways today after looking at some beautiful pictures of the children. I'm glad to be on my own again- yet she is like a sister to me, I know I'm going to miss her in a couple of days. By the way!! The concert was a huge success! When we drove down to Thom Lod, the children got super quiet from seeing so many people- maybe a little stage fright. So Lula and I took them on a walk to the huge cave nearby, and then came back and had dinner- complements of a nice man who bought all of the students food, and teachers. Along the way back to the cave from the hike, Lula met a film crew who actually filmed the whole thing, and it's on the Internet now- somewhere. Haha.
The children were so happy on the ride back, they were singing at the top of their lungs, under the stars, and holding on for dear life standing in the back of the 4x4. It brought tears to my eyes. Me quam so. All together with the generosity from family and friends, and the concert we raised 7,000baht- which is almost 300 dollars! Thank you everyone who participated!
The next day, I taught the oldest class basic conversation, and played games. After lunch, I wanted to take the students on a walk up a mountain. We took a piece of a sarong from a bag of used monk's clothing, a rope, and a machete, and headed up the mountain. All the kids were like monkeys climbing up the steep slope and running up trees to pick flowers for Lula and I. At the top we could see the little village below and layers upon layers of mountain ranges in Burma. Beautiful. We took a photo and used a long stick of bamboo with the orange cloth to make a flag. All the children and I let out a "hoot," and then ran down the mountain.
That night, Tik was having a party for class 6, and we sang karaoke, ate papaya salad, and drank cola. Everyone had to stand up and say something. I have acquired somewhat of a crush on on of the boys in class 6 called Jailong, who is only a year younger than me. :) We sang, played guitar, and jammed until it was to dark to see. Afterwards, the students drove off without saying goodbye. I was sad to see them go- but happy for them at the same time. That is a huge accomplishment to finish your first school- especially at 18! The children in class 6 will go to high school after for another 6 years. They were so happy to leave Huey Hang, and I was happy for them. I kept thinking- I didn't get to say goodbye, I love you, good luck, or whatever, but the past 2 months I have been showing love to them through everything- so I went to bed content, and happy. There is no doubt in my mind that I will return.
I am going to get breakfast, then go to the bus station, then off to somewhere over the rainbow.
My flight to New Delhi is April 21st, and I plan to return to Bangkok and Chiang Mai before for the water fest before I leave. There is a half-marathon in New Delhi organized by Delhi Runners on the 23rd that I am thinking about running. I miss the thrill of a race, and have continued to run here- so I want to see how much faster I have gotten.
Down to 1 change of clothes, and gave my iPod to one of the teachers. Life is simple, and yet luxurious, filled with everything I need, and love flowing from the hearts of people around me. I love and miss everyone back in America- and hope you know I pray for you every night before bed.
Love love
Enjoy the photos.... ;)
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| Love |
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| Singing "I like to move it, move it," at a boyscout campout, preformance night |
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| Swimming at the stream below the school with the children |
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| View of the village Huey Hange |
2 comments:
Dearest Jena,
What a delight to read your blog today....and LOVE the pics of you with the precious children... Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are most precious, I am proud of you and your work, and hope you will always be safe..and rest in the LOVE the Jesus and your family has for you.
All my love,
Mommie
Wow, Jena! What a surprise to see you so far away and LOVING it. You've grown a great deal since the first time I came to see your precious mom for my first pre-natal visit. My husband and I have always been impressed by the Lacy children.
I hope that your dedication, drive, ambition, and faith serve those around you--no matter where you are.
With love,
Christy M.
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