Surat Thani

It was a great time! It was a slightly stressful because some of the interpreters felt really nervous about their parts. But it all worked out. There were 7 deaf that came. The really cool thing was that 5 of them traveled at least 3 hours to come. They have all been contacted within the past 6 months and are progressing well. Really impressive! The other 2 were locals who were contacted a few weeks ago.

The southern circuit is small, there were about 350 in attendance. I'm not sure how many baptized-maybe 5. There were 87 at the pioneer mtg Friday (yes, I went, no beach time but that's ok.) Out of the 87 about 30 are Thai. So there are over 50 foreigners serving down there! They're mostly Japanese and Koreans. So in addition to trying to understand the Thai (for interpreting) we had to try to understand the foreigners trying to speak Thai. It was tricky.

and again

Had to go back to school last Wednesday. There were a few cases of HFMD but nothing alarming. Then Thursday there were about 10 kids in the office with possible outbreaks. The head teacher decided the school had to be closed again. This time for 8 days!!! Wohooo! So that's a total of 9 extra days off. We'll have to make up 4 of them over the next 2 months with holidays we were supposed to have. But that's ok, 2 of those I'll be in the states anyways.

The timing is perfect! I was planning on going to the C.A. down south to help with interpreting. I was going to have to take a night train Fri night in time to arrive Sat morning for the program. Then catch a bus back Sun night in time for school Mon. But now I'll be able to go down early. I'm leaving tomorrow night on the night train. Wednesday we'll go in service trying to make contacts with the local deaf. Thurs there's an interpreting mtg and Fri the pio mtg (which I'll probably skip since it's not mine which means some possible beach time). I'll still have to take the bus back Sun night but that's ok. The C.A. is in Surat Thani. There are some popular islands off the coast but I've not been there yet. I don't think I'll make it this time either.

This is litterally contagious!

My school has closed for 5 days for an outbreak of Hand Foot Mouth Disease! Every December/January I get so jealous when I hear of schools back home getting snow days. I lived for snow days when I was in school. Finally we get the equivalent. Well, maybe a flood would be the SE Asian equivalent. But I'll take anything!

So I first thought about skipping town and going to the beach for several days. But I decided to stick around and stock up on some bonus time. I'll need the bonus time since I've bought the airline tickets to go home in April. Have I mentioned I'm coming? I found great tickets on Kuwait Air, of all airlines. Round trip from Bkk to NY for under $900! (The flight stops in Kuwait, isn't that cool!) So I fly into NY on April 26 and return on May 16. I'm really excited to come home in the spring! It's the hottest time of year here so I'm thrilled to leave Bkk. I never thought I would leave since we don't have enough time off work to go far. But since I'm attending a particular wedding (!!!!) I'm taking the time off work. My visit will be short so I may not be able to see some of you. I'm really sad about that, I really want to see all of you! But I'll likely be back again in a year or so. Then I'll be able to come for a longer period and see everyone. I would really love to come in the fall with the crisp air and brilliant colors.

Speaking of trees, there's a particular tree at school that drops grape-sized seeds for about a week each year. It was just last week. The seeds fall about 15-20 feet. That's not very far but they sure come down hard and splat the ground good. I got hit in the head several times and one even stained my shirt. The ground looked like we got raided. I caught one of my students about to eat one that landed in the sand pit. I'm glad it only lasts a week. I guess it could be worse, it could've been a mango tree. A mango could really knock someone out.

It's contagious!

Without very much persuasion there are 3 of you now doing the cleanse. You'll do great and feel awesome! Last week I had so much energy and felt good. But I'm actually still having a few digestion issues. Kinda depressed about that especially after doing the cleanse. I think the problem is related to living here and the bacteria I'm exposed to. So after doing some research and diagnosing myself, I came to the conclusion that I'll have to follow a strict diet of no sugar, no alcohol, no bread and lots of veggies. It won't be so bad since there are lots of fresh veggies available.

I bought a washing machine last week! I'm really excited about it! My old one, given to me 3 years ago, was the kind with a tub on the left side and a spinner on the right. So when doing laundry I had to sit with it and change the water out, rinse, let the water out again and then put it in the spinner-very time consuming. The engine on the spinner quit working. So after checking around for about a week I decided on one and bought it. It wasn't too expensive, about $190. It's so wonderful to put my clothes in and they're finished 26 minutes later! I love it! This was the first appliance I've ever bought. I felt like such a grown-up. I know I'm officially a grown-up since I'm over 30, but do you ever have moments like that? Maybe it's because I seem to do things later in life than the average person? Hmmm.

Food Glorious Food

I love food! I love having energy! The soups turned out great. I must say I was still dragging on Saturday even though I was able to eat soup. Sunday is when I really noticed my energy back. I felt like a much better teacher at school today too. I actually played with the kids. Last week I mostly watched them play. My back isn't sore, more organs don't hurt. Food is a wonderful thing! I am really glad that I did it and I feel really good. I think I'll do it for 5 days each year.

So now my health focus is not only eating right but exercising regularly. In addition to running once a week, I'm going to join aerobics in the park and do pilates. I want to do things that will tone my muscles.

As Witnesses, we're all very busy with the regular routine of meetings, service, family, etc. And sometimes I feel slightly guilty about having a major health focus. But I really benefit from having a health focus. It does take a bit of time and energy (which is why I think I feel slightly guilty) but it's so beneficial! When I feel good physically it overflows into other aspects of my life. I end up being a better teacher (school and service), retaining information better and feeling more productive. It's all about being balanced. (I think I'd enjoy being a Nutrition Counselor...haha)