Nayao School

Hi Everyone!

We finally have internet in the rural Nayao village!! Yippee!

Gosh, so much has been going on these past few days, but I will try to keep it short and sweet.

MAY 29

Our first full day in Nayao. What an amazing place! We were introduced to the students in grand fashion, upon which we had to introduce ourselves in the Thai we learned, which of course made everyone laugh! We then had the opportunity to visit different types of classrooms here in Nayao. Funny, but their motto should be “The world is our classroom” because it is true. They have a machine shop donated by Toyota where students make a design then build a project. The latest projects are a remote control lawn mower and a truck completely designed and built by students. It was quite impressive! They plan on making a tractor and van next. They also have gardens, fish ponds, fruit trees, rice paddies, a beauty shop, a bank, and regular classrooms.

As we were preparing to observe our first class, the vice principal approached us and asked that we teach English for 2 hours. Right now. So Ying, Top (the two amazing Thai grad students), Sarah, and I went in and taught students how to sing Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Old McDonald Had a Farm, worked on alphabet pronunciation, and played Hangman.

MAY 30

Today is special...The Bong-Fie (firework) festival. There is a story about sending dragons up to the angels in the sky to ask for rain. So the village has a festival to celebrate, with many different components. A parade with dancing, music, floats, and beautifully decorated fireworks, which are judged. Fred warned us that the parade may have sexual undertones, but there was nothing under about it. Men were walking around with penis guns, carvings, and sculptures. Animals on floats were all male. I couldn't help but notice. We spent much time at the festival visiting markets, buying new tropical fruits, and watching beautiful dancers. It was wonderful!

I miss you all, and can't wait to hear from you!