With everything that has happened here, it was impossible for me to write it all down. On my blog, in my journal and even contain it all within my inevitably narrow memory. Because each memory has burned a spot so deep that it’s like they are constantly fighting to be seen. Prizefighters vs. the heavy weights of moments to look back on. For the past 4 and a half months these images have trembled behind my eyes and gathered faster than any single grouping of days in my life. Some sat there flickering consistently while others slowing petered out, their wicks burnt through. Other memories simply slipped on by, my mind couldn’t comprehend the bombardment of sights and sounds; My drive was at capacity, The page wouldn’t load, The camera was full. It was like walking down a full evening market, vendors waving you down thrusting their goods, and in the flurry your eyes scan each taking it in but inevitably only taking the best. I may not remember the shades of green everywhere or the scent of the flower on the hill, or the distinct feeling that each morning had as I rode to The Restaurant.
Overshadowing all of these memories is a question I asked myself before I left; What have I learned? This journey of mine was had was full with excitement and enjoyment, but What have I learned? I’ll try to tell that in the best way I can: I’ve learned that a lesson plan is crucial and that the Thai alphabet has over 64 letters. I’ve learned more ways to eat rice then most and that Kow put Gai is best with two kinds of soy sauce. I’ve learned that tones aren’t just loud and soft, and that finding those tones is difficult but that friends are willing to wait. I’ve learned that family is who you make it and that a broom is not the weapon of choice against jumping spiders. I learned that when you fall in a rice paddy you need someone to help you out. And I’ve learned people can adapt to a lot and that seeing connections is easier with perspective. I’ve learned that the moments that define us are hidden within everything else and that een when things go wrong, good things can still take place. I’ve learned that only after examining another culture can you truly understand your own and that with everything there is an equal or greater opposite. I’ve learned that doing laundry once a week isn’t enough and that it’s really easy to wait that long. I’ve also learned you can miss people without being homesick and that teaching a group of 5th graders after a sugar rush is not a good idea. I’ve learned that you can feel much more out of place than in public education, while you can surprise yourself with where you can call home. I’ve learned that the Thai’s are exceedingly generous and kind, and that a smile can say more than you know. I’ve learned that it’s essential to see how far we’ve come in our lives. I have learned hundreds of names, favorite foods, favorite pastimes, and family stories, none of which I regret learning. And lastly I’ve learned that everything, like this increasingly long list, has to have an end.
Overshadowing all of these memories is a question I asked myself before I left; What have I learned? This journey of mine was had was full with excitement and enjoyment, but What have I learned? I’ll try to tell that in the best way I can: I’ve learned that a lesson plan is crucial and that the Thai alphabet has over 64 letters. I’ve learned more ways to eat rice then most and that Kow put Gai is best with two kinds of soy sauce. I’ve learned that tones aren’t just loud and soft, and that finding those tones is difficult but that friends are willing to wait. I’ve learned that family is who you make it and that a broom is not the weapon of choice against jumping spiders. I learned that when you fall in a rice paddy you need someone to help you out. And I’ve learned people can adapt to a lot and that seeing connections is easier with perspective. I’ve learned that the moments that define us are hidden within everything else and that een when things go wrong, good things can still take place. I’ve learned that only after examining another culture can you truly understand your own and that with everything there is an equal or greater opposite. I’ve learned that doing laundry once a week isn’t enough and that it’s really easy to wait that long. I’ve also learned you can miss people without being homesick and that teaching a group of 5th graders after a sugar rush is not a good idea. I’ve learned that you can feel much more out of place than in public education, while you can surprise yourself with where you can call home. I’ve learned that the Thai’s are exceedingly generous and kind, and that a smile can say more than you know. I’ve learned that it’s essential to see how far we’ve come in our lives. I have learned hundreds of names, favorite foods, favorite pastimes, and family stories, none of which I regret learning. And lastly I’ve learned that everything, like this increasingly long list, has to have an end.
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