Simplicity

I'm sure you're hoping to read some titillating but let me tell you now, this won't be that kind of read. I'm a simple person and simple things please me. I'm overjoyed to find mango and sticky rice with coconut milk for one American dollar. Something I would order as a very special treat at a local Thai restaurant in California for about nine American dollars. The cost of living in Thailand makes one feel very fortunate and comfortable. Boring and simple, but true and realistic to be concerned about making one's ends meet right?

I'm a teacher by nature, but I'm not "teacher-y." Let me explain; I have taught, can teach, will go on teaching, but its not my "gift" so to speak. I'm in for the "ah-ha" moments. I love when I can get a message, a lesson, a piece of advice across to someone. Their face lights up and a whole new perspective has been experienced and there's understanding and the excitement to share it with others. I love that. And its even more rewarding when there's a huge language barrier. Just yesterday I was telling my twelve year old kids why the word "year" has to include an 's' when answering the question, "How old are you?" They have a hard time pronouncing the letter 's' anyway, so they don't hear it in everyday conversations, but they know its around. Anyway, I showed, drew, explained, mimed; I did everything I could to convey why and they got it. We were all excited. One could feel in the moment of silence the understanding, then the students "oooohh." Simple, yet so cool.

Thailand is incredible. So many open and friendly people. I'm pretty independent but I appreciate all that this company has done. I was able to concentrate on the reasons I'm here while they placed me in the school, found a nice apartment two blocks away from the school, market place with everything necessary also just blocks away, an inexpensive train ride into the city, a good salary w/bank account, work visa, etc. I've only been here three weeks and I already have good friends, merchants whom I enjoy shopping from, who know my name and vice versa, and I have my favorite coffee shop. So simple, but so necessary, especially the coffee.

Four months will fly by and I'm already looking ahead to where Go Overseas can send me next. I trust them to make another idea a reality.