Here is a more collage-y summary of my life here.
Outdoor classroom, Yoga, kitchen, rote deng, home, school, barbeque with family, school backyard.






















I will attempt to create a collage of pictures to show my life here. The first two are of our outdoor classroom where we learn as a group by lecture and Q&A about Thai culture. The bamboo screens behind the chairs of our class lead to the yard, pictured below.


I often sit on the swing from the huge tree (I'm not sure what kind of tree) or on the stone bench when I talk to Tory on my international cell phone.

Eat, Sleep, be a sponge. I am learning a lot.
My family and I with friends at Doi Saket.

This is my home! It's so beautiful.
This is also the first glimpse of me in my student uniform. Jib is on her way to school as well. This picture was taken this morning, and today was particularly exciting because I took the "rote deng" home by myself, which is the "red car," Chiang Mai's bus/taxi. Everyone was suprised at how fast I was able to get home by myself, including me. Those who know me well know how much I enjoy getting around on public transportation, so this was a thrilling moment.

These are pictures of fruit, and the night market. Both beautiful in their own ways.

To all those of you who are interested in calling someone overseas, I recommend Pinzoo.com

3-5 cents/minute calling Thailand cell phones from the US. Its the best I've seen.

Tomorrow I will be going to the market with school. I am very excited. I had dinner with my Mae and my sister Jang today. My family is all so nice. Hopefully someday soon I will be able to communicate with my cool grand parents Bpuu and Yaa, and my Thai Father.
Progress feels slow, but it has only been two days of intensive Thai. I am learning a lot and I really have it easy with cool sisters that speak English. My Mae speaks english to some extent as well. Life in barefeet might be better than in shoes.

I now have three cute sisters !
Jess (of course)
JoobJib (bottom)
Jang (left)

My Thai nickname is JaaJah.


In both of these photos, I am trying to brace my eyes from the flash and account for the major height differences. I made my first purchases here though other than food as you can see.

It was also my first day of school today and I wore the traditional Thai uniform, but changed when I got home, so I don't have a pictures. It will be very typical for the next few months though. I can already tell it is going to go fast, but I've only been here for a few days and it feels very long also. My Thai family makes me feel very at home and relaxed. They are very kind and welcoming. My mother is beautiful. We got massages at the night market last night, as you can see from the photo. I think she would like my real mother to know that she is kind, she asks about her. I now have two wonderful families; one is a bit more short term.

I feel quite comfortable here already.

I saw so much today, but didnt have my camera, so I can't show anyone. It is a memory.
I went to the market and saw an elaborate Chinese dance where a small boy climbed up a very tall pole and was swung back and forth towards another pole covered in bigger men holding a huge dragon head with a long tail, twisting down the pole and into the street.

I saw a highschool graduation play, where each short scene was highlighted by an incredible hiphop/ballet type dances to American and Korean pop songs. And I do love American pop. All my favourites with awesome costumes too!

Meanwhile, back in Grand Rapids...
http://www.revuewm.com/?p=595

Mailing address while on the program:

STUDENT NAME

ISDSI

PO Box 222

Prasingh

Chiang Mai, 50205

THAILAND

Shipping address while on the program:

STUDENT NAME

ISDSI

48/1 Chiang Mai-Lampang Road (Superhighway)

Muang, Chiang Mai, 50300

THAILAND

Send me Mail!

I've called many places home in the past month or two and I am excited to move on and find a new one to settle in for a little while.  Ultimately, I look forward to some permanence.  I have always wanted to travel, but never to be a constant traveller.  Tory and I said goodbye yesterday but we are as prepared as we'll ever be, armed with the experience of his trip abroad for 5 months a few years ago and a wonderful month together to reflect on.  Minneapolis was wonderful and the new friends in my roommates I made there gave the month added joy.  If anyone is in the area, I highly recommend visiting the Art Shanties before they close on Feb. 14.