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July 24, 2005 - My journey to Thailand was preceded with a farewell to the Philippines, my home for over 2 years. I like to imagine myself as having become Filipino by adopting some their values.
Though you might think I am adventurous for joining the Peace Corps and AFS, I am really not. I like comfort and knowing what is going to happen. |
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Joining the AFS family was a very fortuitious event for me. AFS is a non-profit organization that provides inter-cultural opportunities for students (and in our case teachers) by allowing them to live with host families in different countries.
From the picture above, you can see that I am one of four teachers (first row) on the AFS-US teacher program to Thailand. We are sponsored by a grant from the US Embassy in Thailand. |
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We were well taken care of by AFS Thailand in Bangkok for our first few days. AFS is experienced with helping foreigners learn about cultures and their philosphy is to get students out to host families as soon as possible. So after one day of orientation, we were met by our host schools and taken away to our provinces.
I now reside in Saraburi province, about 110 Kilometers north of Bangkok. My host family has adopted me and allowed me into their home. It is kind of amazing and special to be given this kind of experience. |
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My host family is pictured up above to the right. My host mother is Orawan Leardwilaianunt (try saying that out loud!). Thai people have long names, even for Thais, so everyone has a nickname. My host mother's nickname is Orn. Next is my host cousin Kumaree (Ann) Wokkum, then my host brother Jainwit (James). They have been very kind to me and done everything to make me feel comfortable.
Thai food is so delicious, up above is a good example of a normal meal at our home. |
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There is rice (khao) with several different dishes - such as tom yum goong (shrimp soup). The dishes are tasty. I am always being told to eat more and the food is so good that I do.
Up above and to your left, are some pictures of the students at Saraburiwittyakholm school. It is where |
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I will be a teacher. The teachers and students have been very interested in meeting me, so I hope to have more stories on that to follow.... |
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