Life's Simple Pleasures

Yesterday, the junior youth wanted our every two-month trip to the swimming pool and especially when our break is just a week or two away and we won't see one another for at least three weeks. When I got there yesterday, all of them were there, packed and ready to have a fun time ahead. 


So, we gathered and said our prayers and as we were about to leave, we realized that we had to walk to the pool. And technically, it would take us about 25-30 minutes if we were to walk. So the JYs suggested that we rode bicycles there. First, I wasn't entirely for the idea especially when we had to ride the bike along the main streets and there would be so many cars. But then, I agreed after thinking of how long it would take us there if we walked and the JYs just would just have a short time at the pool. 


As we took four bikes with six of us, we rode along the canal, then across a narrow wooden bridge and later along the pavement of the main street; up and down the hills and slopes; then cutting across the car park, and through a beautiful park and though the sun was scorching hot, I came to realize then that these were the little things that just make life so satisfactory. We could have just drove there by car, reaching within five minutes and had the entire two hours in the pool, but we didn't; it wouldn't have been the same experience anyway. 


At the pool, the JYs searched for coins deep in the pool, then challenging themselves to swim across to the other side which turned out to be a swimming lesson for some of them. By the end of that session, one girl managed to swim across the pool and the happiness in her eyes and voice just can never be replaced by anything else at that moment for me. We then, bought some food and ate together where we later cycled back together.


Somehow, this experience has showed me that most times, we try to find happiness in the most elaborated things when technically, all the happiness we need is around us and they appear in the most simple of forms. It's really up to us to feel these little pleasures :)

The Hidden Truth

Something I've learnt over a visit to the homes of my children is that they need all the love they could get. I always thought I knew my kids well; at least well enough to help them through their lives, may it be to give them advice, play and sing with them, draw or learn chants together. But not after yesterday, no. I came to know that, two hours spent with them each week isn't enough for me to know who they are, or how they feel, or what they love; because when they come for the children's classes, they adapt accordingly especially when they know it's with me, a children's class teacher who plays a different role from their families and school teachers. They know I'm a teacher in a way, but they never call me their teacher but rather their sister. And I guess that's been one of the reasons how we have bonded so soon and how much they love to come and hang out at the volunteer's house the moment they know that one of us gets there. It's such an amazing feeling to see them so excited to see us.

Back to yesterday, a couple of us went to one of the boy's houses, Tao, and we spoke to his aunt, whom he calls his "mom". We spent about half an hour or so there and this lady told us the stories that were so unexpected about this wonderful boy. She told us that Tao has been abandoned by his real parents. They left him with his aunt about a year ago and it's been a year ever since they visited Tao. That's so sad. And what's worse is that, Tao is old enough to know that he's been left by his parents, he often questions his aunt, "Why must I pray and thank God for giving me parents when they don't even visit me?". When I heard that, tears welled up in my eyes; I looked at Tao with such pity but I told myself that 'pity' would be the last thing he would ever want. All he wants would be just pure and genuine love. What saddened me more was the fact that Tao would call his parents asking them to visit him and when the day comes, they would never show up and he would end up crying. And even his birthday, they didn't show up. I wonder how this boy would turn out to be if he didn't have his aunt caring for him and it's not like his parents live that far away, they're in Bangkok and yet they don't pay him a single visit. I feel extremely sad, and all I want to do, is to give him all the love he could get. And from now on, I know better of the approach I should take when I speak to him. We also told his aunt that she's doing such a great sacrifice and the amount of blessing she would get for taking Tao in and not abandoning him. This definitely cannot be described.

We often don't give much importance about caring or expressing love for a child. And that's where we as human beings are wrong. Children are gems and it's we who need to reveal those treasures in them. 'Abdu'l-Bahá said:

"...the beloved of God and the maidservants must train their children with life and heart and teach them in the school of virtue and perfection. They must not be lax in this matter; they must not be inefficient."

I hope that from this post of mine, we all would pay more attention to children and visit them to learn more about them so they could get all the right help and love from us.

The Joy of Children's Class

Today, I want to write on Children's Class, something I've considered as my favorite past-time. A couple of hours ago, I made a visit to a CC that I hardly go to. And I learned something really amazing. I learned that no matter what social class the children may come from, or how financially stable the teacher may be, it doesn't matter. No, it doesn't. All that matters it that, the children enjoy having you around as a teacher; they feel loved because you express love towards them; they feel wanted because you visit them even though you are so tired; they feel inspired because you do all it takes to make them a better person without yelling or hitting them. Isn't that a joy? As a teacher, you mean so much to them even without realizing it. 


Today's Children's Class, its usually taught by 3 youths (16,15 & 14 years old). And the oldest one, Ploy got sick today and she didn't manage to come. And thus, no materials were brought because she's normally in charge of making sure that the things get there. So the other two youths, Mook & Kluay came empty-handedly. Here's where I got nervous when I knew about it. How were they going do the class? What about art activity? What about story-telling? What about color pencils? How was CC supposed to take place? All these questions ran through my mind. But guess what, Mook & Kluay managed it so well. They requested the kids to pray; chant whichever prayer they wanted. And the kids chose three prayers, all in English and Thai mind you. They all prayed, having their arms folded across their chests and their eyes closed. They looked so cute; unfortunately, I didn't have a camera with me. After the prayers, they sang (Ye are drops in English) with actions. Then, we played games together. And guess what, we had no materials with us! But that didn't allow the kids to have no fun. They picked up leaves to be cloths to pass to their friends and they used dried coconuts as balls. I was so so impressed by that. Even with the "natural toys", the kids had so much fun :)


Here's what it is, my friends and I might have been there to teach the kids. But at the same time, we learned something. And not just anything but something that could change our entire perspective on life; Learning isn't a one-way process. You don't just teach someone and learn nothing. You learn even when you teach and even if they are kids from broken families, they still inspire you as much as any other individual may. And that's why I love doing CC so much. I learn something every time I'm with them. And I always want to make them happy because I feel that they deserve to be. And at the same time, they make me happy too.  


So, all they want from us is love. They learn to love, when they are loved. While I left today, I said goodbye to all of them and here's what they did, they ran to me and hugged me even though all I have spent with them was just an hour. It was such an amazing feeling and inspiration :) 

- joy -

Setafire 2010

   Another round of Setafire came and went. And so again, many many more memories to be treasured and collected in my little box of "Setafire Memory" in my left brain, or maybe right, I don't know. But it all comes down to one little thing, the participants enjoyed themselves and so did the tutors (at least that's what I feel). Four days of camp and almost two weeks of living together has made all of us, or at least for me, to be so attached to all the kids at the institute and other tutors. As always, there were many rough rides. These rides for this year include tutors going sick. Two ( Nadia & Sears) turned out to have gotten dengue. And they sort of suffered as they were move from hospital to hospital (even as they reached home). I feel sorry for them and would trade to be in their position. Being sick away from home doesn't sound fun and it isn't fun, trust me. And some other tutors who had minor illnesses.

   Nevertheless, the camp was a success AGAIN. Every year, mistakes are made and we learn from them; to make sure we don't repeat these mistakes next year. Anyway, why am I mentioning so much about the setbacks? Let's talk about the good parts...

    The performing arts this year was a massive production; which turned out awesomely awesome! Everyone did their part, and it looked professional. Professional at their level of course. And we shall be sure to help them improve it next year. The lessons, as they turned out, didn't go through that tough a ride either. Somehow, we managed to get help from all around and so, we succeeded in that sense.

    Well, I can't really think what else to mention. BUT, what made this Setafire a success once more was the number of participants; over a hundred of them and about 20 tutors. This was a record.

     What's more to be treasured is the times we spent together, the bond we shared, the frustrations that arose and needed to be hidden and all the little things that will make up memories... And so I would like to thank the tutors who came from all over to help: Nadia, Natasha A., Natasha G., Priya, Shervin, Eesha, Sears, Kavin, Kris, Dana, Brittany, Golee, Grace, Pasuda, Sunaree, Thotsaporn, Umporn, Sayan, Daddy, Allen, Benz, Kru O, and whoever else I may have left out :)

   One last thing, as usual more and more memories are being added to the collection; and yes, previous memories weren't forgotten either...

Banana Chips, The Saggy Dog, "Nadia Nadia with your long golden hair", Khao Soi

One thing that ought to go back up there is Paracetamol this time :D

Alright, so thanks again for all the people who helped Setafire and not forgetting the participants.

Now that is going on in me is the blues and I'm waiting for the next Setafire in 2011 :))

Coming to a Realization

I'm only feeling the heat as I enter the last three weeks of classes before my summer. Never have I known how disturbing these weeks could be. I have just come to know that I was one point away from having to withdraw from the microeconomics course two days ago and that I have two and a half weeks left to fix it. And God only knows if I can. And my migration paper is due pretty soon. How soon, I'm not too sure. But what is discouraging is the fact that I have lost all inspiration to writing this paper. I'm not too sure if it's the topic or is it just me. Nevertheless, I do know that no matter what I'll have to push myself to complete it. Sigh... 

As Thailand struggles for Peace

Currently, a curfew has been imposed from 8pm to 6am tomorrow. This curfew is supposedly to be a time where police officers, army personnels and other CRES officials (Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation) use this 10 precious hours to "restore peace and order" in restricted areas. We'll have to wait and see what happens tomorrow. 


Questions run in people's minds right now. Will this curfew really help? Will peace ever be achieved here? I purposely used the word 'achieve' because it is true, effort is needed. Everyone is publicly expressing their thoughts and feelings towards this issue. Even feelings of hatred are expressed in such a manner that insults a certain group of people. Even if everything ends tomorrow, people and their prejudice will not go away. Sabotages will occur. Criticism will arise and probably most criticism will be based on "I'm educated and you aren't!"


What has Thailand come to? What happened to the Land of Smiles? Some just want to literally disown themselves from this country right now. Why so? To me, it's probably because people fear that a war might arise... A war that is needless. A war that will not help anyone. A war that will hurt the entire nation. This war would not necessary be a physical war but probably a war of thoughts and words. A war that could create a greater damage to not just the physical beings but probably all the elements of a human being: heart, body, mind and soul. 


Nevertheless as people of this country and of the human race, we should hope and pray and more importantly work together towards a common understanding, PEACE. It isn't impossible to create peace especially with the current situation right now where everyone has the same desire... The desire to live together harmoniously without any bloodshed.

Don't we all just want Peace?

Where is Thailand headed? With no signs of either parties giving in, this violence could be longer than most had thought. Latest updates confirms 22 dead and almost 180 injured in just two days of violence and maybe there could be more but unknown. Today, the army has said that it will begin to "take all measures and pressure" the red shirts to end the rally. This could mean more violence is expected and most probably more lives being lost. 

When would both parties come together to sit and compromise? Neither would give in, so what happens now? Everyone shall die? The country shall lose its citizens? 

Looking at it, both parties have very similar views towards the matter. Both want peace, democracy, justice and freedom. But the measures they take to attain them aren't very justifiable. But then again, who am I to say what is and what isn't justifiable. 

Here are some words by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá  years ago which I think it's still very relevant to the current situation in Thailand, nevertheless of the world too.    

"...War is made for the satisfaction of men’s ambition; for the sake of worldly gain to the few, terrible misery is brought to numberless homes, breaking the hearts of hundreds of men and women! .... There is nothing so heart-breaking and terrible as an outburst of human savagery!"

So yeah, as much as violence or war may seem to be helping all of us gain something in a way, it basically does not. It hurts people and kills hopes.What would help us unite again is basically love and understanding. According to Abdu’l-Bahá,

"... When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love." 

So when will the people stop and come to an understanding? Are we all forgetting that Thailand is a country which comprises people, an entire population of 62 million and not just those who are in the fight right now? I'm not going to mention who's right and who isn't. The fact is that I don't know myself. But now isn't the time to try to prove who's wrong. Now is the time to create peace. Maybe Thailand will only come back up again when it goes way down down down and maybe then it would realize that this isn't what it wants. 


I hope and pray that Thailand will be united again. And I'm sure everyone else would say the same no matter which party you may be in, or which region you may come from... We just want peace. 


Here is a video I found http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1416726932472

Freedom of the Press?

Well, I'm currently taking courses that are considered pretty "sensitive" in Thailand. What was so intriguing to me was the fact that these magazines and reports that I get from my lecturers are so in detail about certain issues such as Human Trafficking and stuff. And what surprised me more was the fact that under every sub-heading of these matters, there is an example of Thailand, the current problems on these issues which take place in Thailand. And what amazed me most was the fact that these magazines and reports cannot be found in Thailand. They're either not published or not for sale.


So what can we learn from this? Thailand doesn't want its people to know the matters that aren't so humane that is taking place in the country which partly shows how unaware the people here are about what's going on within their country. It all links back to the argument whether Thailand has Freedom of the Press. Half of the news about certain issues are not published entirely. People have no clue of what's happening! We're all becoming ignorant, don't you think?  

I'm blessed, so are you!

It's obvious that this isn't my usual time blogging. But it just struck me... And not just struck me, but struck me real hard.

I'm am blessed, people! I totally am.

Having this 2010 begin with an uncertainty and confusion, I wasn't sure I would be having a great year ahead. But guess what??!!! Things have totally change in the last couple of weeks or so. It's been so good. And I hope it will continue to be this year.

This trimester... I just got the best timetable after being in college for like over a year now.... THE BEST! Well, so much freetime! And next to that, freaking awesome exam schedules. I couldn't love it more although the finals' schedule is bad but what I mean is that, as of now, it totally rocks :)

And adding to all these greatness-es.... I have great people around me. Without these wonderful souls, I don't know how I'll be running my day to day activities.

So yeah... What more could better?

Feel the awesome-ness of your lives for your own sake, people!

Book :D

Hmmm... so yes, I should say John Grisham did intrigue me :) I enjoyed his book although the ending wasn't so much of a "thriller". I think that's the case for many books that I've read. Somehow the book is always so good until the last couple of chapters... It all gets 'usual'. I wonder why. Is it that towards the end, writers run out of ideas? But maybe it's also a way of showing that not all books/stories need to have "perfect" or "ideal" ending. Whatever it is, 'The Associate' did make me not wanna do law. Haha... You might say that the book is a novel but then it could be partly true too. I believe that to be able to write well, one needs to have the inspiration. And so, where do writers get insipiration from? And I suppose it's from the everyday life. Even J.K Rowling was inspired to writing Harry Potter while she was on the train. On the train... How did those kind of ideas come up, we as readers often question.

Ah well... here's the cover for 'The Associate' incase you wanna read and make sure what I just said about the ending was wrong. Haha

Anyway, I have picked up another unread book from my collection "What the dog saw" by Malcolm Gladwell. Well, one of my cousins gave it to me after knowing that I took sociology once before and he mentioned it was a 'must read'. And yes, have to admit, the way Malcolm looks at things is pretty interesting. He did mention that we shouldn't judge a story/article just by the way we feel towards it. It's pretty obvious that we can't be agreeing with everything a person thinks or feels. But perhaps, we could try to look at it like the author just did :)

Peace xD

P.S. tell you more about the book when I finish reading it & yes, The Associate will be in cinemas this awesome year of 2010 !