River running

This post is not about anything collectively, just a bunch of random paragraphs, which mimics my thought pattern right now.

Just ran down a trail 20k along a riverbed from Huey Hang to Cave Lodge. Trail running has to be one of my activities to do. I felt like I was running so fast! Trail running is like a dance, always jumping from rock to rock, avoiding getting your feet wet, or twisting an ankle. You feel like a deer- light steps, on dry rocks, and constantly keeping in mind every step is a choice.

I feel elated and free now that I ran! Oh how I miss it.
After spending so much time with someone, they start to rub off on you and their mannerism, and actions are subconsciously adopted as your own. I felt as though I had become a little lazy, as Lula is sometimes, then in my meditation 2 days ago realized that this is not who I am, or what I want. I am the opposite of lazy, and always want to be working on something, doing hard things, and bettering myself. Since the start of the week, I have gotten up at 5am to lead the student exercises and yoga, then take myself on a walk to the top of the mountain look out behind the school to pray, and read my bible.

Today I was greatly convicted at how easy it is to judge people who you can't understand, or speak with. Because my Thai basically sucks, I find that when I can't communicate to a teacher, or student, I sense their body language and make predictions about them to try to understand them. This isn't bad, but I tend to judge the main teacher Mr. Pemok who is anti-American.
Once Lula arrived from England, Mr. Pemok never makes eye contact with me, or asks my opinon anymore, neither listens to concerns I have about the students. All attention is on Lula. I was feeling rather frustrated, and jealous yesterday because Lula was not only is getting loads of English-Thai conversation, but is also using all my stuff.
She came out of our shared hut wearing my clothes, then asked me later if she could use them. She uses my soap, lighter, candles, and even sleeps in my bed! I pretty much make her lesson plans for her, and give her suggestions on what games to play when she teaches, and then she complains about the planning she doesn't even have to do. Yesterday I was very frustrated, and didn't feel like I had anything else to give her, or the school.
Two of the girls had lice at the school, so before bed we put lice medication in their hair. Afterwards, we both agreed that we need our own space. Lula is a lovely person, just I feel as if we have spent so much time together! We shower, eat, sleep, teach, read, meditate, walk and dance together! Bottom line is- sometimes when you are viewing something on a 5x magnification, you have to step back for awhile to truly appreciate it and see it clearly. Today she decided to move all of her things into the opposite shack on the other side of the school. I'm kind of glad. Lol.

We are planning on hosting a concert for the Huey Hang school at Cave Lodge the 28th of March to raise money to build a library for the school. There are little to no books at the school. Books are a rare luxury, and the school doesn't have a library. The closest book supply is in Chiang Mai almost 200k away! So Lula an I will be jamming with a guitar in Pai this weekend to raise awareness for the concert. The children are very excited to sing their Thai songs at Cave Lodge, and are also going to do some Buddhist chants, as well as play the sistar. I'm pretty much stoked about it! I hope to raise at least 1,000 baht.

Oh! Oh! Praise! I moved Go, the boy who used to be a Shan child solider, up to a more advanced class, and he was smiling and laughing and playing and having fun! That brings so much joy to my heart! Today after teaching a song with the guitar, he picked up the guitar and tried to play. I taught him the G chord, to which he flashed Lula and I a huge smile when he played it. I have big hopes for him. I think he has a really big heart, just no one has given him a chance.

I have a Thai nickname at the school-"Wings"- which is "run" in Thai. The past 2 days I have gone to Buddhist meditation and the girls who usually sit around me handed me a book of Thai songs and sweetly put their finger along the words (Thai characters) as they sang the song. Even though I had no idea what they were saying, and the booklet looked like a bunch of squiggly lines, their compassion, and love never fails to come through. The teachers are very persistent and helpful with my learning how to speak Thai. One of the teachers taught me a song which I have been using part of as my mantra:
"Let nam go lie cheeo." Which means, "the water will fall, let it flow down the river, go with the flow, let the river carry you." It's a very beautiful song and I was so tickled at the teacher's eagerness for me to learn a Thai song.
Today I am needing to use the computer to email some people, book my flight to New Delhi, plan the concert details, and our border run to Mai Sai this weekend. The Lahu New Year is from Thursday night to Sunday of celebration. Already the kids have made fireworks, and were shooting them off between classes. Lula and I want to celebrate the New Year on Thursday then leave early for Pai then to Mai Sai on Friday. If we have enough time on the way back, we are stopping at Chaing Dow and climbing the 2nd highest mountain in Thailand, which I'm stoaked about.
But for now, let nam go lie cheeo. Time to relax and do some research.

Mom and dad, I tried calling you Sunday night, but of course there is no service in the village. If you get a random call at 3am with a 08...number it is I! I love, love, love, you all so much!

Acacia- write me soon!

Thank you Ri for your comment. That means a lot. Hugs! :))