AT CENTER GLD - INDONESIA

My name is Emmaline Stotter. I'm nineteen years old and currently on a gap year before starting at Edinburgh University in September 2013. I've always wanted to go abroad and volunteer, but never understood why I would have to pay thousands of pounds to help build a community or bond with children. I wanted it to be personal, I wanted to see for myself that I was making a difference or doing at least something to put a smile on someone else's face.
I chose to come to the IHF centre in Chiang Rai Thailand, as my mother is originally Thai and I was born here, but was brought up in Europe forgetting most of my Thai. I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn more about my other culture and language, as well as bond with the real Thai children and learn deeply about their world I wish I was more bonded to. The centre is located in Chiang Rai - its beautiful here! I could imagine living here and that thought doesn't come around often! This centre is a home to 12 children from the Lahu Hilltribe. They live here in order to gain a proper education. All of them attend a Thai school nearby.
We wake up around six in the morning to wake up the kids for school. We prepare their breakfast and see them off on the school bus around seven. At 4 we pick up the primary school kids and walk them home. Shortly after, the high school kids return home by bus. We have snacks and relax. After washing school uniforms we get busy with activities, whether its completing sponsor letters, doing origami or one of our frequent AMAZING dance battles led by the great Jiraporn! We help each other to prepare dinner for everyone and we make sure the place is clean before lights out.
My time at the centre is coming to an end and to my amazement, I have learnt so much more then I ever expected. As well as me reminding the children to say 'thank you' and 'please', they have reminded me to keep calm, be patient and to enjoy the moments. I've also learnt a lot of cooking from these amazing chefs! This is one big reason I traveled abroad - to work on my bad aspects i.e. to become more patient and calm, to be able to discuss things with others and not argue and to never waste the time you have. These kids have really put huge smiles on my face everyday I've been here and after leaving this centre I will not forget them and will try my hardest to stay in contact often. I hope to sponsor one of the new comers who shares an interest - photography! I am very grateful to every one here for their kindness and for letting me get to know them and spend time with them. I will miss them dearly and wish them all the success in their futures.