Isara

I've learned that it is important to be around positive people and build relationships with those who inspire you instead of those who drain your energy. Ever since I've arrived in Nong Khai and got to the Isara community center, I've received the warmest welcome and have seen the most sincere effort for positive change in the community. Kirk and Ming are the backbone of this foundation-- when I see them at work and speak with them about the history of their foundation and plans for its future, I can feel their hearts poured into everything that they do. I know I've made the right decision to be here and help them accomplish their vision.

Isara (pronounced EE-suh-ruh) means "freedom" in Thai, and was founded on the idea that volunteers shouldn't have to pay to take part in donating their time in services. At the Isara Learning Center, we offer free classes to local children 3 days a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It is run like an afterschool program-- kids come in the afternoon after school is out. Though we are teaching English, the grander goal is also simply to teach the kids how to use their minds and give them the tools to reach their full potential as individuals. Unfortunately, the current education system in Thailand is widely based on rote memorization and repitition. Many teachers have simply given up and lack motivation to actually see their students' progress and learning unfold, and instead are counting down the days to their retirement. When children are raised in an education system like this, they grow up thinking that things only happen one way and they only have limited options in life. It stunts them from realizing all other possibilities made available to them by the Universe.

Kirk came to Thailand several years ago to take a break from life in America. He volunteered and helped teach at a local school and loved that feeling of beneficially contributing to others' lives. Being here, he also realized how much more he could do with money, in terms of positive results and resources for change for a fraction of what it might cost in the US. So, he decided to move to Nong Khai and build this foundation upon his dreams of making positive change for youth and the future.

In life, we all pick and choose our own battles. The important thing is that we actually make a choice, and not let ourselves fall into the wayside of letting our lives pass us by without giving ourselves the chance to take control and make things happen.

If you are interested in supporting Isara Charity Organization, check out http://www.isara.org/ and become a sponsor or make a donation on the page. Even simpler—make http://www.isara.org/ your homepage. Site traffic provides funds the organization. A little money goes a long way here in Thailand! Just to give you some examples… a bowl of pho or a full plate of pad thai is less than $1! A mug of iced coffee and Thai iced tea is about 25 cents. And that’s just talking about the food… A small amount of your money also translates to funding scholarships for childrens’ education and resources for their learning. We would all appreciate any kind of help and publicity for the work we do make a difference =)

Vagabonding

A few things I noticed about traveling:
(1) In a country where we don't know the language, we've felt relieved seeing other people with huge backpacks and hearing people speak English.
(2) On a similar note, it's amazing how little of the country's language you actually have to know in order to get by. Somehow, Ana and I made it to the Northern border of Thailand from Bangkok without understanding or being able to communicate in Thai. We're not even really sure how we did that.
(3) It's interesting to me how we can meet and speak with other backpackers, and never get to know their name. Like the guy from Colorado we met in the Taipei airport, and the helpful couple from London that I spoke with at the Bangkok train station. Usually in meeting someone, I would be accustomed to extending my hand for a handshake and introducing myself. But when traveling, I suppose both parties know it may be unlikely for paths to cross again in the future, so names don't necessarily matter in those moments of connection.
(4) It's valuable to learn other people's perspectives about your culture. On the overnight train ride to Nong Khai, Ana and I were seated next to a man from Holland who was traveling to Laos. We spoke with him for a long time, and somehow got to comparing and contrasting American and European governments. I can typically be disgruntled with the way many things are in America, such as the health care system that doesn't actually provide true care for our well-being, the culture of competition and materialism, and the nature of corporate America being that it eats away at people's time for actually living their own lives and doing things they like. Our friend shared with us that Obama was a relief to the European countries, as he was for me and many other Americans. He also told us that he was always amazed at the generosity of Americans. I was unsure about what he meant. He explained to us that, for example, the NY Museum of Modern Art is fully funded by private donations, whereas any museums in Europe are run by the government and supported by taxes, and European people often complain about their hefty taxes, and therefore are never willing to give more than what is required. While in utter amazement of this perspective, he further explained that we should never be negative about our country and its government-- we can criticize our own and we can criticize others', but from all cultures we have something to learn.
(5) Squatter toilets are a whole different world.

We made it!

Wee! Ana and I arrived safely in Bangkok yesterday. It had been a while since I spent so much time flying, sleeping uncomfortably, and sitting at airports. We were quite relieved once we claimed our backpacks and made it through customs. Isara provided us with handy cards that explained to the taxi driver where to take us. We were thankful for these. Otherwise, I'm not sure where we would have ended up because everyone speaks to us in Thai. After we couldn't respond to our taxi driver, he attempted to speak to us in English, and sometimes we could understand him, but mostly stared at each other and shared awkward laughter with him.

We're currently in the lobby of the Bangkok Inter Place Hotel, where the first floor amenities are all super nice. Check it out:

 

But things change once you get upstairs... We got a room with 2 twin beds and a "balcony." Watch the video:

Kinda smelled like mildew on account of the humidity and lack of circulation. Luckily, Ana brought tiny sticks of incense. We rested and browsed Thai television stations, and just left it on, and kept listening to language we didn't understand. I said, "I'm gonna take a nap..." around 2:30pm and woke up realizing the following: (1) It was dark. It was actually already almost midnight! Ana fell asleep too... we were tired! (2) It sounded like there was a live band concert and club poppin' outside of our window. (3) My previously flat-ironed hair was now curly, as if I took a shower and let it air dry.

We ventured across the street for a stroll around the block. Street vendors and bars were open in a small square. And there was a live band! Also, miscellaneous stray animals and some rats. We sat down for a small meal and bought some drinks at the convenience store.

Honestly, Ana and I have not felt very adventurous just yet, probably due to the fact that we have no idea where we are. Seriously. We've consulted and compared several maps, trying to figure out our location, and we're only slightly sure... So, we've just been resting up and eating. The furthest we've gone is to 7-11 down the street. We also bought some delicious fried bananas on the way back.

We've decided to try not to eat any American food or snacks while we're here. Too late for the ice cream + waffles below... But following that is my first Thai tea =)

 

We're both ready to get to Isara and become more immersed into the culture and interact more with people so we'll be more prepared for exploring before we leave. Nonetheless, in the day that we've been here, we have both spent less than $30, including our hotel fare and delicious meals. Can't complain about that!

I'm not sure why it doesn't feel more foreign to be here. I'm thinking maybe it's because Thailand reminds me so much of the Philippines.

We're catching a 12 hour train to Nong Khai this evening. Gonna take the taxi to the train station soon!

12 hours and 55 minutes

This is me like 20 minutes ago. Technology these days!

We just endured a pretty long flight from SFO to Taipei, Taiwan. It was packed to the max, to the point where Ana and I couldn't even get seats next to each other and flight attendants seemed like they were about to lose it. We realized that the 13 hours we spent on the plane will probably be the longest break we get from each other for the next several months.

These were our friends that we made waiting for our flight in SF. The one on the left pointed to Ana's nose ring and asked, "What's that?" When we told her it was jewelery, she said wanted to buy jewelery like that too. We told her to ask her mom first. The smaller one on the right was speaking to us in a foreign tongue, but her body language and giggles displayed she was certain we understood her.

People had been asking me if I was scared or nervous in the couple days before we left. I didn't feel that. I've been more excited than anything. Surprisingly, even to myself, the most I cried was when I departed from My-Chi in So Cal and when shutting the webcam box with Diana (silly, I know since she's in Hawaii anyway!) Yesterday, I somehow said goodbye to my parents and made it from the airport without tears.

I'm sure at some point I will be homesick. But I realized that homesickness, like heartbreak, is painful and looming when it's present, but hardly given a thought about once the stage has passed. Maybe realizing that will allow me to skip that stage altogether.

Simple

After a barrage of going away parties and too many alcoholic drinks, the moment I've been celebrating for in the past few days is very quickly approaching. In fact, at this time tomorrow, I'll be at SFO with Ana, anxiously awaiting our flight.

This is all I will be wearing for the next few months:

This selection of clothing includes:

- 2 pairs of pants: jeans (that I hardly ever wear) + corduroys (that I don't think I've ever worn)

- 3 pairs of shorts

- 2 summer dresses

- 1 skirt

- 3 nylon/ Spandex blend t-shirts

- a few halters, tank tops, and my favorite black tube top

- 2 swimsuits (I'm sure I could do with just one...)

- My Cal visor. I haven't worn a visor since I coached softball and thought it would be funny to bring back =)

As little as this seems to be, when I look at what Josh brought for his backpacking trip, I feel like I still don't even necessarily need it all... I generally don't pack much on trips anyway because my style is low maintenance and I definitely learned to pack light after I survived a month in Costa Rica with only a duffel bag to stash my belongings. But I look at this collection and compare it to my overflowing closet + dressers and still am in awe about it's limitations. Which are also very liberating.

I took this picture of stuff on my bed, which I realized I will miss very much as well. Goodbye memory foam, favorite duvet cover that I made myself, hypo-allergenic down alternative comforter that I found on sale at Ross, and pink sateen sheets. You've been good to me and I will love to come back to you some day.

This may be my last post from the U.S. and that excites me =)

Sibling rivalry

 

Even though I'm only 2 months older than her, I like to think that Renee is like my little sister. Not only because she's small, cute, gives me Barbies, gets carded everywhere we go, and always wants to be like me =)... but because I've always wanted a little sister and subsequently chose to start treating her as such. You can usually find us cracking jokes about each other and throwing punches + making faces when no one's looking.  Or when everyone's looking.

She told me I should, "Uhh... Write something important..." in my blog. The nerve of this child...

But just like true sisters-- no matter how much we pick on each other, when it comes down to it, you know I'll always be there for you. I saw you crying when we said goodbye last night and felt the tears on my cheek when I hugged you. I'll miss you and I love you-- hearts are forever <3

Time travel

Almost three years ago, in 2007, I started making New Year's Resolutions. Actual Resolutions that I wrote down and stuck by and Post-It noted in my planner to constantly remind me of what I wanted to accomplish in the next year, and more generally in my life. Ana joined me in this practice as well. I remember our excitement for 2009 and the lists we came up with that were more than doubly as long as the previous year's. We were intent on living by them. I always take a moment to look at them when I feel lost or when I have spare time or when I just happen to flip to the back page of my planner. Some of them are still works in progress. But for the most part, I would say they came to be.

2009 Resolutions, in no particular order:
1. Speak your mind and take risks with no regrets.
2. Visit at least 3 different countries!
3. Develop upper body strength. Become a certified yoga instructor.
4. Save $20,000. Quit job. Get outta San Jose.
5. Learn more about your family.
6. Improve posture.
7. Drink lots of water. Read lots of books.
8. Eat more vegetables. Drink less alcohol.
9. Write and sew more.
10. Fall in love <3
11. Limit the petty gossip.
12. Don't be jaded by past events.
13. Be nice to your parents-- they made you.
14. Change your life and the lives of others.
15. Be patient with your goals and celebrate small victories.
16. Get more sleep.
17. Wear sunscreen regularly.
18. Believe in your luck at all times.
19. Embrace your youth and all its mischief.
20. When bored: play piano, do pushups, daydream about your future, write, draw.
21. Appreciate the waves in your hair.
22. Take really good care of your teeth.
23. Absorb positive energy from people who are happy and in love.

Once in a while, in the company of a dear friend or even with myself, I'll ask the reflective question, "What were we doing one year ago?" We remember the emotional state we were in, relationships that were beginning, ending, or in progress, what jobs we had, what we were doing with our spare time, funny things that had happened, sad things that had happened... It always seems to start interesting conversation and introspection on how fast time flies and how crucial it is to make goals for progress in this life.

Just a year ago, my life was very different. I was still a corporate member of corporate America with an 8x8 cubicle, steady income, stock options and great benefits. Nonetheless, at times, I felt like I was wasting my brain power on administrative tasks, data entry and witnessing senseless office drama enacted by people older than myself. I missed doing work that actually reached out and helped other people. I felt torn and stuck, because we were in an economic crisis and I had a job with a company that was still doing well despite the fact. Plus, I had the coolest boss ever. All "common sense" would tell me to stay there, but my heart strings were tugging me somewhere else. I guess I've always wanted more than what would make most people content. I was confused, but tried to be patient for things to make sense.

Almost exactly a year ago to this very day, it was my cousin's birthday and I spent the weekend in Irvine to celebrate and take a break from life. I remember feeling like I was on a real and necessary vacation, even though I wasn't too far away from home. So many things happened and changed that weekend. New bonds began; old ones were tested; existing ones were strengthened. Somehow, the perspectives I received managed to shift my energies. When I got home and checked my email, I received an acceptance invitation to volunteer with Isara, and that's when I knew things could change. I told Ana right away, and started planning so that we could make it happen. The past year has flown by, maybe because I've since been constantly looking forward. I have no regrets.

This is me + Ana purchasing our one-way tickets to Thailand a few months ago. Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" was playing in the background and we toasted our purchase with wine coolers.

Things don't always happen right when you ask for them, but if you want something bad enough, it will come when it's supposed to.

Frenzy

The anticipation and excitement for our upcoming trip is totally getting to me!!! 12 more days before we depart.

I emailed our contact at the charity organization that we're volunteering with regarding attire and level of conservativeness in Nong Khai. This is what he said:
"Yes, please bring some pants. We sometimes get invited to teach at public schools or at an English camp and it's not polite to wear shorts."
This cracked me up for some reason! How embarrassing would it have been if I didn't ask this question and ended up not bringing any pants...

The past couple of days, Ana and I have been spending on last minute purchases and quickly deciding on items to invest in. She bought an external hard drive and some fancy camera lenses for our money shots abroad. We're both thinking about getting netbooks. They're so cute! We both purchased 5 months worth of travel insurance. The hugest backpack I will ever own arrived in the mail and I've semi- started packing it. I need a new camera because a drunk friend threw mine on the floor and it was never the same after that. I'm borrowing a few nifty items from Josh, our experienced backpacker and go-to guide for leaving the country. Plenty of time to figure the rest of this stuff out.

A twinge of fear crept into me the other day, for the first time ever since the idea of this trip manifested about a year ago. It's the kind of fear you get right before you do something gutsy. Even if it's planned-- like a tattoo, bungee jumping, sky diving, etc.-- you can be excited about it for the most part, but then right before it happens, your heart might beat faster and you might start sweating because now, all of a sudden, you might be a tad scared of the the needle and the pain, the height issue, the parachute not working... Something like that.

But more than anything, I would have to say I'm ready to go.