Peace And Smiles
My adventures as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand:The Land of Smiles
1/14/2018 2 Comments Children's DaySaturday was Children’s Day in Thailand. The day is exactly like it sounds like it would be- a chance for the adults in a community to celebrate their sons, daughters, grandchildren students, or any other kids that may be a part of their life. But, more than that, is was a chance for the kids to celebrate and enjoy being a kid. My Tessaban had a huge event in the morning with free food (including ice cream, hot cocoa, and French fries), games, prizes, and performances from each of the different schools. For four hours kids had the run of the land and no one would criticize them for snagging that extra ice cream cone or running wildly with their friends. When the MC asked for 15 volunteers and 25 ran to the stage, no one was turned away; and when a student didn’t know the answer to the Khong Chai trivia question, the adults helped him figure it out and still gave him the giant teddy bear prize. The kids were everyone’s sole focus: lifting them up, cheering them on, reveling in their happiness and the excitement and pride from the parents was palpable. Why shouldn’t it be? Their kids are some of the most incredible young people I’ve ever met.
The kids in Khong Chai carry more responsibility than I ever did at their age. I have students who care for their younger siblings after school, cook for their families every night, and help in the rice fields during harvest season. They do all this and still manage to show up to school, smiling and ready to try sitting still for an hour and learning from me. Naturally, some students pick up the English faster than others but that doesn’t discourage them from trying and, at the very least, enjoying whatever game or activity I end class with. I have never left school without a smile and I have these people to thank for it. As Children’s Day went on, I saw most of the kids I’ve met since moving to Khong Chai. They greeted me with hugs, waves, and “Hello! How are you?” and I could not stop smiling. So many people here have welcomed me with open arms and curiosity but it was the children who made my limited language skills a non- issue (they just want to play); it was the children who took me on their bikes to show me the best field to run around in; and it’s the children who keep me laughing on a daily basis. They will tease me for my ungraceful attempts at Thai dancing, share in my excitement over a package from home, and tell me stories for hours (whether I understand them or not). We learned the Panama dance together, befriended my stray cat family together, and complained together when it didn’t stop raining for a week. They ask me tough questions (Why are you white? I want to be white. Why did you come to Thailand? Are all Americans like you?) and will listen closely to my answers, an act that has made me more intentional in the way I reflect on and talk about this experience. They are my biggest cheerleaders, my favorite exercise buddies, and my best friends. There is no way I can ever adequately repay them for the positive impact they have had on my life, but starting my second year with a day dedicated solely to them has certainly given me the motivation to try.
2 Comments
Aunt Loyola
1/15/2018 03:37:23 am
Hi Kayla Hope you received a A HUGE SURPRISE from Glenview as I celebrate every day the impact you have on these children!
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Patricia (grandma and Carolyn)
1/22/2018 10:21:32 am
Hi Kayla We thought your kiddies might like to learn about Valentines
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