Just go, C!
I'm Charity, a proud auntie, wine lover, semi-nerd, and dreamer who can't stay in one place for too long.
I stopped by the noodle stand near my apartment tonight for dinner. Though I'd not been there in a while, one of the owners remembered my "usual" choice of noodles and served me up a hot bowl of deliciousness along with a big, warm smile and a "sawadee krap." This was the very same noodle stand where I had my first meal in Tak back in April. To be honest, I haven't really thought too much about the last few months recently just because everything has been so hectic with finals at school and finding a new job, making arrangements to move, etc. But tonight, I took the time to reflect on how much my experience in Tak has meant to me. When I first moved here, I had a hunch that I was going to have an incredible experience. How could I not, really? But I could never anticipate just how incredible it has been for me. I have a lifetime of memories just from the 5 months I've been living here. There are so many things and people that I will miss. I'll miss the neighborhood kids shouting, "HELLO! HELLO!" whenever I ride past them. I'll miss the Ping River and all the magnificent sunsets that have danced upon it. I'll miss the markets I frequented, where the people at the food stands would smile and say hello once they saw and recognized me. I'll miss the man at the Thai dessert stand who would always sneak me a free dessert whenever I purchased one from him. (I think somehow I make it obvious that I love desserts?) I'll miss the smell of smoke from monks burning leaves and branches when they clean up the temple grounds. I'll miss the gorgeous view from my classroom at school. And most of all, without question, I'll miss my students and teacher friends. F*****ck, man. This is where it gets difficult for me. My students - I can't believe how much those critters took over my entire heart. I can honestly say this has been one of the few times in my life that I've actually felt like I wasn't working even though technically I was. My "job" was to have fun with these kids; I really believe that. Teaching was secondary. I don't have any idea how much they've actually learned from me, but let me tell you, I've learned a helluva lot from them. They're among the few people who have actually made me feel beautiful. And not just because they would constantly call me beautiful (and I'm not going to argue with them!), but because of how they made me feel about myself. When I was with them in the classroom, I felt like I could do anything. I was my best self. I loved to make them laugh. They always made me laugh. Every day someone would do or say something that would just make me stop teaching and have a hearty guffaw. Every single one of them had an unmistakable personality. I would smile as soon as they would walk into my classroom. And it was a real, genuine smile. I was happy to see them. It doesn't get any more beautiful than that. Sure, there were the moments where the kids were kids and I wanted to go medieval on them, but even then, I still cared about them and wanted to be a better teacher for them. I'm going to miss them yelling "TEACHER!!" and waving frantically whenever they would see me walking across campus. Definitely a big change from the beginning of the school year where they would practically run away screaming whenever I'd ask them how they were. (because of the language barrier, I think...?) I'll miss them greeting me during lunch in the canteen and asking me what I was eating. Most of the time I had no idea, ha. And yes, I'll miss hearing, "Teacher beautiful!" I love them so much. Tak will always have a special place in my heart. I am a much better person for having spent time here. It's another home for me, as far as I'm concerned. I want to visit at least a couple more times before I leave Thailand. And even after I leave, I wouldn't be surprised if I talked myself into coming back again for more visits. Thank you, Tak, and Phadungpanya School, for helping me realize some of my own potential and for loving me exactly as I am. The feeling is very mutual. I'll never forget you.
4 Comments
Miranda
9/28/2017 08:32:14 am
I love you so much so proud of u and inspired!!
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Charity
9/28/2017 09:15:52 pm
I love you, too - thank you for always loving me as I am, too! And I absolutely feel the same about you.
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Amy Whatley
9/28/2017 09:03:44 pm
This is what life should always be about. You are my hero, Charity.
Reply
Charity
9/28/2017 09:16:39 pm
You're absolutely right. And thank you - You are always so sweet to me!
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AuthorHi! I'm Charity. I'm from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. I quit my job in October 2016 to travel the world. Archives
June 2022
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