For instance, a couple Saturdays ago, I came out of my room with my laundry (I had checked the day before just to make sure it was ok that I did laundry) when my father stopped and asked me, wasn't I going with him? I had no idea what he was talking about, but soon learned he was visiting his parents out in the country. I quickly agreed to go with him, and remembered that "tomorrow" is always the better day to do laundry. My father took my sister and two neighborhood friends out into the countryside where I was reminded of what most of Laos looks like- roaming animals, bright green rice paddies, scattered trees, framed by an open sky and dark mountains in the distance compared to what I've mostly seen- "crowded" and busy city life in the capital. Soon after we arrived, I had a short tour which included a stop by the frog pit (they're not pets!). Shortly after a lunch which mostly included "bird" and sticky rice of course, the kids and wandered down to the nearby creek where we found a nearly submerged water buffalo relaxing in the river. The kids tried calling out a number of things, but only "Come here" in English worked. But boy did it work! Fortunately the buffalo was on a leash and didn't test his limits.
After we left, we took a different way home which included a river
crossing on a old barge and a stop at the Lao Zoo. After stopping to
take pictures with the mascots, we fed and rode the elephants. The
zoo had a nice variety of animals but for some reason had over 100
crocodiles (none of whom understood English).
Usually the change of plans works out somehow, and it usually more fun!
Since I updated last, I have started teaching at Nita school. It's a
private primary and secondary school with over 1000 students and
rapidly growing each year. I teach a little in each of the secondary
classes which range from 6th graders to 10th graders. Right now, I
have mostly just helped the Lao teachers out with pronunciation and
clarifications. I also help with games and songs.
It's been great to talk to the students and see their friendly smiles.
They are pretty curious about me and America, and after I talk to
them a little, they have many questions for me. They are also eager
to help me with my Lao. Already we've had a number of interruptions
to the school weeks with teacher's day, a holiday for the end of
Buddhist lent, monthly exams (where I try to prevent at least the
outright cheating- the school is run more like a business so the
students have more power to do what they want to, including cheating) and in the next few weeks, we will have a two-month holiday for the South East Asia games which Laos is hosting for the first time. The government is very dedicated to making sure they go well. (I just learned today that supposedly gatherings of more than 10 people are supposed to "register" beforehand).
Recently, I've been "partying" which certainly isn't unusual in Laos-
Thursday, I went to my first Lao wedding reception which wasn't too
different than an American reception except for a few of the
traditions and the fact there were about 700 people there. Friday and
Saturday, I went to birthday parties for an American and a little girl
in my neighborhood. Sunday, I was with a small group for Canadian
Thanksgiving with real Thanksgiving food!
I suppose I should be thankful for the warm weather I have and perhaps many of you do not, but I wouldn't mind if it was a little less humid! Thank you for all your encouraging emails and prayers! It is wonderful to have you and God with me during this time!
