I am staying and have signed a contract. At the start of the school year in May, I will resume teaching for the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation at the Ratchaprochanagroh 36 King’s Foundation (Thai government) School in Kamala, Thailand. The pay is not much, but the benefits are huge.
Despite the tugging feeling that I should be closer to family and friends, I knew very soon after arriving that I wanted to stay. I love to work with these children. (Notice the buttons in the photo above)
Every day is a challenge to be creative and to help the children learn and grow. Every day I try to help them achieve successes and affirm their abilities and capabilities. I try to care about them and take a few moments one-on-one with each child, encouraging them. The children line up as they enter and leave the classroom and I ask them a question, and keep asking, until they have a success. 
In those brief interactions, I can look into the face and eyes of each student and maybe give them a high five or a “Wow!”, or a “Good job”.
Every day is full of gifts given by these children. An “I love you” written on my black board or on their papers, a piece of candy or a stick of gum, a sticker they stick on me, a note, a hug, and my name (“Teacher Lynn!”) called out as I drive through town - sometimes by a child I don’t even know. Even the local shopkeepers will say “Good morning, Teacher”.
From my classroom door I look at the mountain and the sea and there is usually a little breeze that lessens the heat of the day. The Andaman Sea is usually a blue that is so brilliant that I wonder how I could possibly describe it.
Some of my students are orphans or are not being cared for by their families. They are so eager for attention, hugs, love. Sometimes I think I am an orphan, too….that we need the love from one another. I am glad that I can provide a bit of continuity and be part of this community. Maybe we all need it.
To my remote family and friends, I hope you understand. I miss you.
Come visit magical Thailand.
I want to share this with you.
