Day by Day

Hi everyone,

The kids are still on "school break" so my days have been different from the first week. We actually have a couple more weeks of this break though they will be varied based on different field trips and how many Thai classes Malee feels like teaching that day. The architect that designed this building is married to a college professor who claimed that the children are behind in their Thai. I don't know personally if a college professor is the best person to ask-i think sometimes when you're surrounded by adults you forget what children are like and their learning patterns. But anyway, so Malee got all concerned and is thus, teaching them extra classes in Thai on their time "off."

Today, I taught an English class to the House Mother, Mali, and one of the nannies, Chi Chi. One of the Thai teachers, Pat, also listened in. I was nervous to teach them since I didn't really know how much they knew and did not want to offend them by starting off too easy. Apparently, I had nothing to be worried about because they were grateful for any bit of English I gave them and they really need the practice. I hope this will be a daily occurrence and assume it will be since they both seemed so eager to learn.

I am continuing to try to learn Thai as well, but it is very different from English and thus, a lot harder than learning Spanish or French. And even with those languages I am certainly not perfect. I have forgotten a lot of my French, which I took 12 years of-frightening, and my Spanish now from college definitely needs to be brushed up-hah. I love languages though and really would love to be able to at least get by with a little Thai. I also wish I knew what the kids were saying all the time because I miss out on the cute things they say since they use Thai for that. Sometimes Averil translates, but when she's not in the room I just have to guess what they're saying.

I will be going to Chiang Rai with Bill and Malee on Friday to visit a different orphanage and probably to the market there, which is exciting. I am also trying to make plans for my travel afterwards. If anyone has any ideas of must see places in SE Asia or Australia/New Zealand, please let me know (BrittanyL@gmail.com). Hope all is well with all of you.

Love,
Brittany