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The week got off to a busy start; beginning with the ABC's and Rice art show. This was organised by volunteer cha Maggie in honour of the previous and first ever art teacher Bryn. Around $500 dollars was made in total which was raised through a raffle, selling various products such as T-shirts and jewellery and most importantly the auctioning of the children's paintings. The children were brought to the show to begin with so that they could personally see their artwork mounted on the walls and were all fed dinner. They dressed up for this occasion which was lovely to see. It was their time to shine and they did just that. Proud teachers we were indeed!
Thursday was the 1st of the month which meant one thing……rice day! This is part of the food scheme at ABC's and is extremely important for the children and their families. On this date of every month each child is given a 4kg bag of rice to take home for their families. Myself and three other volunteers managed to make up 240 bags within 3 hours. It was a lot of kneeling, sweating and some back ache but worth every minute of it. All the children are so appreciative of this occasion and all said thank you whilst placing their hands in a prayer-like position as they were handed it. Watching the little ones wobble along through the colourful gates of school just about managing to carry the bag was quite a cute sight.
Friday was 'crazy hair day' which meant that everyone had to have a wacky hair do. I went for the electric shock look by attaching pipe cleaners in my bunches which I plaited upwards. Breakfast was interesting, many people started at me probably thinking 'this girl is on something' whilst the guesthouse owners laughed and asked me if it was for school. The ride in to school, however, was probably the most interesting, especially as I had forgotten what my hair was like. Cars beeped at me and smiled, children on their bikes waved and laughed and locals on the side of the road couldn't take their eyes off my hair. At one stage of my journey I thought I was going to cause a crash between two motos! As I cycled into the school gates everyone was shouting 'crazy hair' and there was a station set up by the teachers to help the children do theirs. I joined in and created some wacky dos with feathers, string and pipe cleaners. The smiles on their faces was priceless. I did however have to close my eyes with some of the children who were nit-ridden.
In between this crazy hair day I managed to fit in another blessing in a pagoda. There's no better feeling of respect when having a blessing. There's no better feeling than feeling immersed in a culture. And there's no better feeling than having your own time and space to think about others. It was the same monk as last time and he welcomed me with a smile.
On Friday evening myself, Rosie, Hayley and Sean took a tuk tuk out to a local carnival. This was a sight in itself. A muddy area of land filled with dodgems, merry go rounds (run by a fan), trampolines, balloon dart games and pancake venders…we did the lot! During a go on the balloon dart game, where I won a bottle of whisky, the strangest thing happened. I turned my head to see an ex pupil of ABC's and rice. We both did a double take. And then we both screamed and she shouted 'chaaaa'. I was so happy to see her, I couldn't believe it! I even got a cheeky hug from her boyfriend!
A fantastic week!
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- comments
Mum What a week Beth, do they carry their rice home on their heads?
Tina Miller Phew, am tired just reading your last blog! Mind you, like your mother I too am 50 so that's probably why ...........! Sounds like you're having a great time again with all your little pals. Keep it up & take care, brace yourself for your Mum's visit, LOL! x