It has been just over a week since I returned home from an incredible month long stay in Thailand. The trip was coordinated through Cross Cultural Solutions - this organization, the in-country staff, and my fellow volunteers each deserve a post of their own. The trip exceeded any expectations I may have had and I am so grateful to everyone that played a role in this journey.
I am thankful to have been included in this community. To have been witness to their celebrations. To have shared in their commitment to the students and their families.
My paid vocation is supporting individuals with developmental disabilities - to ensure that they are receiving appropriate services and to coordinate resources. My most valuable 'job'
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
The kindness was extended quickly to myself and my fellow volunteers, Daniella & Vicki. There are so many examples; from the lunches out with our supervising teachers P' Noi & P' Fon (they wanted us to try the very best dishes from the local community- the food was delicious, their company made the meals even better and I can not forget to mention the iced coffee 'Thai style' - yum or should I say "aroi mak"?) all the way through to my departure which included a farewell fitting for family - with my honorary Aunts, P' Kung & P'Tuy and P'Pim (Mom).
I'll share one of many specific examples. The Panyawuthikorn School serves around 180 students from ages 5 to adult with developmental disabilities - primarily Downs Syndrome and Autism. Each morning the students and teachers gather in the courtyard area to raise the flag, pray, and engage in a vigorous round of exercise :-) part of the morning activity includes an English Language lesson. P' Lek, a teacher small in size hence the nickname 'Lek' but big in heart, coordinates this program. I was fortunate to be in Thailand as they prepared for and celebrated Loy Krathong. Amidst this celebration P' Lek thought to include something from my country. On the morning before Thanksgiving she handed me this slip of paper which I then recited to the students with her interpreting and sharing about my holiday. I do not know that I was able to fully express to her how much this meant. I will save this among my other treasures from this journey.
It was also during the morning gathering that I received warm greetings from students and families. To greet in Thailand is to wai (palms together and a bow of the head) accompanied by "Sawasdee -ka/krup". It reminded me of the greeting I share with my own teachers - 'Namaste' the act of seeing the divine in one another. I may miss this most of all. Once again the language did not matter as there were some children who were without words. These students too were encouraged to wai and had it modeled by their caregivers. The action came from their hearts and of course there were the smiles.
"There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all"
The kindness shown towards me was so appreciated however of greater importance was the kindness, compassion, and commitment shown towards the students. The environment was one of both learning and of celebration. Children with disabilities can often be made to feel inferior. At Panyawuthikorn the students were in the spotlight. The students performed beautiful dances, music was played, songs were song, and many more smiles were to be seen. The pride was evident and I believe contributed to the student's success in other areas.
I'll end today's post with a final sense of welcome - the welcoming of ideas. The administrators- P'Pim (pictured to my right), teachers, and support staff- P'Siwan (to my left) encouraged my suggestions and provided great support to see them through to completion.
I look forward to remaining a part of the Panyawuthikorn community and have marked my calendar to return next fall. I plan to take some Thai language lessons over the next several months although I am confident that when we meet again it will be the language of the heart that speaks the loudest.
