This year for christmas a few friends, Jim and Anne donated some stuffed animals for the little kids, there are about 25 of them and I had a fun time giving them out so here are a few pictures, so cute. Other then that there were not many activities as it is a Buddhist Temple.
On New Years this year the kids had an extra 2 days off from school. The Monks set up the sound system so that they could sing karaoke for hours and dance. As well a friend of mine, Barry and his family donated a meal and snacks for all 650 kids, it was Barrys daughters birthday. Thai people usually celebrate by giving a donation to a temple or an orphanage or give something to Monks so this is how they wanted to celebrate, great idea.
In January, in Thailand they also celebrate the children by giving them a whole day of activities, food, singing and dancing, snacks, snacks and did I say snacks, lol. So much so that the kids run around with a sugar high all day, it is a blast. I was able to bring my friend Nik, a teacher from Australia, she loved it and she is working on coming back next year to help teach at the primary school. She is also going to help to raise donations for Stu and the Kids, Nik is really nice and we are grateful. Nik also made a contribution to Sum Yot for his school for next year and it was exciting for them to meet on Children’s Day. In the evening they had a Hill Tribe Beauty contest where they have 1 representative from each Hill Tribe, 9 in total compete in dancing, singing, wearing their traditional hill tribe clothing, etc. Sadly I had to go and could not be part of that but I know they had good fun and one of my second year accounting students took first prize.
I also just wanted to add a few pictures of some of the kids from some of the classes I teach, I hope you enjoy them…….
As for me it has been a bit of a crazy year, I will not dwell but just want to keep you posted……Well to start I am still waiting for my 1 year visa. Normally this is not a problem but for some reason this year it is. Luckily my lawyer has been helping me so I do not have to leave Thailand every 3 months but still, it cost me more money and it more of a pain in butt. He says my paper work is now in Bangkok and as soon as it comes back here I should be all good. Let’s hope so since I have been waiting for 14 months. Also 28 days ago had a heart attack, I am ok but it sure was scary. The doctors were great and they say that as long as I eat right and take good care of myself I should be just fine. I am taking things slow and still a bit tired but getting back to normal.
Only 2 more weeks of school left for this semester so we are preparing for their final test and their graduation ceremony, this is a very exciting time. Peace
