Adjarn Heidi over and out

Today was my last and final day playing teacher in Thailand. I am mixed with sadness, fear, excitement and happiness...what a combination! I am sad that my time in Thailand is ending, fear of the unknown, excited about my visitors from home and to start traveling again, and happy cause I am happy! Today my students had to present posters they created about what they learned in my English I Conversation classes. Not only were some of these posters amazing...the speeches they gave were so genuine, heartfelt, and adorable. Who knew I taught them anything besides how to play games like Cheers Governor, Jeopardy, and the Telephone game???

I also had a group of students present me with two Thai Flower Garlands ("Phuang Malai" in Thai). These are skillfully hand-woven fresh flower garlands. They are traditionally hung in front of Buddha statues, pictures of monks, on spirit houses, and on the rear view mirror in cars. Garlands are presented at many festive and happy occasions, such as graduations, birthdays and weddings, for good luck. Thais use them for virtually every occasion – to say everything from “I'm sorry” to “Thank you”. Typically they are made from jasmine flowers and have the most intoxicating smell. Currently, I am basking in the lovely aroma that has filled my room...what a heavenly smell.
I can't believe that I am done....yahooooooo....no more lesson planning EVER, thank God. No more dictation, no more pronunciation, no more grammar, no more telling my students to PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH!!! No more grading, oh wait...finals...I still have to do that. Oh and I still have to proctor 7 exams over the next 3 weeks...okay okay THEN I am done for good! Wooooohoooo!
Below are some pictures of my classes and some of the posters they created.

Sharing the love.

This morning Shannon and I made our way to Camillian Home Orphanage to share some love and smiles...this wonderful place cares for orphans living with HIV/AIDS and disabilities. We were greeted with a quick tour of the facility and then off to playtime with some amazing kiddos. Here I spent some time playing with a 15 year old kid, Pan. We couldn't talk to each but we could play together. Then, before I knew it it was lunchtime....a pizza party. Right before lunch, an adorable child nick-named, Rat, played a few songs on his guitar. After lunch, it was busier than an airport with all the paper planes we were flying in the air. Zoom Zoom. This 3 year old cutie-pie to the left, Mos, was all over it...his giggles were loud and genuine...it was great. Here is their website, if you want to learn more about this fabulous place. www.camillianhomelatkrabang.org/
After the orphanage, Shannon and I headed to Chinatown for some Chinese New Year Celebrations. 2010 is the year of the Tiger...which is a sign of courage and bravery. So if you were born in 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, or 1998 this is your Chinese Zodiac animal. My Chinese Zodiac sign is the Horse...people born in the year of the Horse believe that their aim in life is "to seek individual freedom and happiness." Yeah? I dig. Anyways, we set out on foot and walked around aimlessly for a while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Oh, what a good day...good day indeed!



Happy Valentine's Day ♥

Travels booked, I'm heading home!!!

Finally, all my travels plans have been set! YAY! I am soooo excited however extremely sad at the same time. How am I going to say goodbye to Thailand? The sheer thought of it makes me ill. As for my travels...first up HONG KONG for 5 days by myself. Then I meet up a travel group of 8 people and we set forth into CHINA for 3 weeks. We end in BEIJING where I will stay an extra day or two. Then I will be heading to SOUTH KOREA via ferryboat. I will be in SEOUL for 4 days before boarding a plane to PORTLAND, OREGON, USA where I will meet up with my dear friend Jenn for 5 days. Then, finally, its Heidi's long awaited arrival back to CHICAGO. May 3rd people May 3rd!

This last year and half of my life has been nothing short of amazing. The experiences here have been very rewarding in so many ways. I have seen and done some unbelievable things. I have also learned alot....most importantly about myself. I truly wonder how I am going to say goodbye to Thailand, a place where I found what I was looking for...pure, undeniable, all-consuming and fulfilling happiness...I may just weep like a baby. But, let's not cry yet...I still have another 6 weeks to enjoy. And bonus, I still have 4 visitors making their way over to the Land of Smiles...starting with Suzanne who will be here in less than 2 weeks!!!

I do question what things will be like at home. It will definitely be different, I am different. Moving back in with my mom and into my childhood room is going to be interesting and trying to find a job that I adore may be troublesome, but I know its out there! And there are sooo many things I am looking forward to....numeral uno...meeting my new nieces/nephews! First baby (Adrianne and Matt's) is arriving in 4 weeks! Mid-march!!! Baby two (Sean and Megan's) end of March/beginning of April!!! YAHOOOOO! Can't wait to meet the munchkins when I get home in May!