Catching Up!

We received instructions on how to perform several household tasks while we live in the community. Thank heavens the instructions came along with an excellent demonstration. Luckily the PC staff is large enough to accommodate three demonstrations at once. Our group was divided and each of us was able to watch how to wash clothes, prepare a bed for sleeping and using the bathroom. The best part was that we had fun while learning! I did laundry today for the first time (2/3/08) and found that it is most effective. Collars came out white and drying in the sun makes the clothes smell so very good.


The men and women were divided into separate rooms. The men were given an all-purpose piece of Thai clothing. Here you can see them being shown how to wear it around their waist. However, it is also just as common to wear it on one's head or shoulders.


We have been divided into different Tabons (village area). Our group consists of the three “senior” couples as well as three younger members. We learned exactly where each of us will be living. The map you see on the wall has our photo by our house. It was an exciting time. Reminded me of match day at our local medical school when each graduate would learn where they would be doing their internship.


We had the privilege of meeting the governor of our province. Each of us in turn had to stand up and introduce ourselves. The tables where we sat had microphones. Oh yes, and I forgot to mention that we had to introduce ourselves in Thai! Our first name, last name and the town, state and country we come from. Talk about stage fright!

Once we had all finished the introductions we were invited to go up and receive a necklace made of flowers from the governor. He was most distinguished. He was also very kind. When I managed to thank him in Thai he gave me a smile and said good luck in Thai. Of course I didn't know what he said but one of the staff was nearby and translated for me. (What would I do without staff????)


After meeting the governor it was time to be introduced to our host families. This was an exciting moment for all of us. We had host families of all compositions. Multi-generational, traditional Mom, Dad and children, older, younger, many children, no children. One of the sweetest moments was when the tallest of our young people would be introduced to his host parent and a 6 ft + would be matched with a 4 ft 10 Mom.





Here are some of the people in our Tambon (village group). Notice that we are wearing the necklaces presented to us by the governor.



This is when we first met our host father and host grandson (I say that proudly – I am now his Yaah and John is his Boo).

This is Gun. He is ten years old. His big sister is in her third year of college and lives at school. Gun is a very sweet child. He has some English vocabulary and attends a full day of English instruction in addition to what he learns while in school during the week.





After our first night sleeping in our host family's home we gathered to share thoughts. As you can tell from some of the titles on these boards – we had fun. We were left free to enter our thoughts for each category and then we talked about the most intriguing ones. We all learned from each other and had a great time doing it!