Quotes from Journal Reflections #4

Here are some more journal reflection quotes. These were written following the great welcome party at Hadsamram High School where students met their host families for the first time:

Quote 1
My family is trying very hard to welcome me to Thailand and open their home. It is amazing how complete strangers can just welcome you into their home, and rearrange their lives to welcome us. I keep trying to compare Thai culture and American culture, but there is no comparison. Everything that I valued at home (independence, solidarity, material things, etc.) seem less and less important as the days pass by.

Quote 2
Hal told me one day that in order to experience a different culture, you have to leave your comfort zone. I crossed that door today as I left the group behind and ventured into the unknown with Ged, my host. … After receiving our honorary welcome at the high school, we drove to his home. After settling in, we went to the market to buy dinner. Everything is fresh in Thailand. On the way back, we stopped at a furniture store, which was nothing more than a house with a few extra tables and chairs. I was astonished when his mother pulled out a wad of Baht and bought four chairs. They must have done it for me. It did not stop there. His mother took off before dinner to get me ketchup! Ironically, I do not eat it!

Quote 3
It has also been interesting to see how much of a role technology plays in their daily lives. As soon as we got home the 12 and 15 year-old daughters turned on the TV. They watched a Thai version of MTV. After awhile we walked on the beach where they took pictures with digital cameras and kept in touch with their father (who we left at home) via a cell phone. After the beach we had dinner and they had a small tTV in the eating area. We watched a Japanese movie while we ate. When dinner was over the girls got on the computer to do homework. I managed, however, to do a couple of good old fashion story readings. The girls enjoyed them, and requested the second one.

Quote 4
As I sat with my host family [at the welcome] and teachers from the school, there were some awkward moments because I forgot all of my Thai (the few words I thought I memorized) as my affective filter was very high. The teachers, the director, and everyone at the table had the same experience. There was no one at my table who could speak English. I ran to get my yellow booklet out of my backpack so I could say a few words to put everyone at ease. It worked and by the time we parted, we were all smiles and had exchanged a few words back and forth.

Quote 5
When we arrived at the school, it was amazing to see all the preparations they did for our welcome. It kind of felt like we were famous. They were all so kind and respectful. Everyone had a smile on their face. It’s true what they say, “Smile, its contagious.” Their happiness does rub off and makes you happy as well. It’s such a nice way to be.

Quote 6
I was nervous meeting the family, if they would accept me or not, but they were friendly and seemed excited to meet me.

Quote 7
When we got to Hadsamran High School, we had one heck of a welcome party. As soon as we pulled up, the band started playing and the table was set. My host mom is so cool. Everyone knows her and they all love her. She’s like the Sophia Loren of Hadsamran.

Quote 8
My [host] family is awesome! It took two seconds to feel like a family member. We were teasing on another and using one another to get a laugh.

Quote 9
The welcome party was great. I just wish I had known to wear a better shirt. I had one in my bag, but as soon as we arrived the show was on without time for a breather. My host family brought me back to the house, I talked to their son for a while, and suddenly its time for dinner at the neighbors. The food was good, but it seems weird to me to put plates on the floor (or a blanket) and not pick up the plates like in Japan. The cut up bones in the chicken were hard to deal with. … Aside from the heat and bathroom/shower inconveniences, this seems to be a very good place.

Quote 10
We are here! We arrived a little after 3:00 and I felt very emotional when I saw all the boys and girls lined up. I got teary-eyed!! It was also the first time that I felt like I could do this. I met my host mom and she is so sweet and nice. I immediately liked her. She is young, and hip and has this big shiny personality. You can see her smile and feel her energy from across the room. Many of the students wanted to take my picture and be near me, which was so flattering and warm. I loved it!