summer work or something like it...

So this summer has turned out to be a very short and sweet couple of weeks. Every year, I try and figure a plan out to stay busy. I hate when I have nothing to do and I'm just home wasting time. Now if I can find a way to spend my time and make money that's even better! Some call that a job, but this summer's work is far from a regular nine to five ;]

I have been extremely lucky and have acquired several baby sitting jobs with regular hours and good pay. Besides all of that, the kids I work with are mostly joy to look after. There are two boys, Keanu and Jack. Sometimes we hang out together, but mostly it's individual kid job. They have two very different personalities and always make me laugh with their kid humor. It has been a great experience and eye opening into the life of caring for a child.

it's official

This summer has had a slow start. I'm not sure if adjusting back to home life has something do with that, but it's given me a lot of time to think and come to miss my home in Ubon. This last week I printed a bunch of pictures, and looking through them made me sad. Seeing Thailand and the people in those pictures made me want to be there again. And that thought came with the harsh reality: I can't.

Yesterday, I stumbled upon a program on TV about Thailand. It was mostly in Thai and hearing the language again sparked up memories. I know with time, it'll all get easier. But that doesn't erase the fact that I miss it. Seeing my printed photos, made it official; that time is now and forever a memory, but one that I will cherish always and forever ;]

the whirlwind

So presently, I am sitting in the comfort of my own home. My dogs sitting next to me sleeping the day away. Outside is the sunny Cali weather surrounds all, the day is in full swing. The truth is, I miss Thailand. For many reasons I wish I could be back, even for just a second. It ended too fast, and the sad part is I was looking forward to the end. It was such a whirlwind, I didn't quite really feel the weight of leaving. At this moment I don't feel at home, I feel unsettled. It's feeling I can't quite explain and I'm quite sure how to deal. This didn't really hit me until Erin left my house yesterday. It's really over, and we're the only ones that understand. 

hello PHUKET.

I have been anticipating this vacation since the day I arrived in Thailand, and it's finally here! Beautiful Phuket. It took a overnight bus to get here, but it's worth a night of uncomfortable sleep. Erin and I are staying at the Marriot Beach Club Resort on Mai Khao beach. It's a little out of the ways, but it's so nice here.

This blog entry is going to be a little different in the sense that it'll be mostly comprised of photos. Enjoy ;]

Erin and I in Patong Beach.

A day by the pool ;]

Beautiful Mai Khao Beach

It was amazing!

James Bond Rock

Our date ;] Indian food buffet!

Breath-taking Phi Phi Islands.

The view from breakfast ;]

hello chinatown.

So we left Ubon today. Our departure isn't for another week or so, and now I'm staying in Bangkok for a night and tomorrow Erin and I's Phuket adventure begins!! We traveled here with friends of ours. They are one of the nicest Thai families, they offered to bring us to Bangkok. We're staying in the heart of Chinatown and i LOVE it. I had a chance to experience Chinatown a little bit during x-mas break and it was so great. There's a different atmosphere here. 

The goal of this quick trip to the city was to do some last minute shopping. So Erin, Mike and I hit up Pratunam (a huge shopping area.) While we were down there we decided to splurge and eat at the buffet at the top of the Baiyote Tower; the tallest building in Bangkok. It was really nice and we had a great time at the chinese buffet. We left with full tummies and headed back to Chinatown to call it a night. 

Farewell Ubon

It's bright and early, I'm on my way out. But this time it's for good. I headed to Bangkok and then Phuket. This leg of my journey concludes my missionary year. I have said good bye to all and I can only hope that we will meet again. Ubon has been a great place with some many amazing experiences. I am so lucky to have been sent here, God had a plan all along. I will never forget this place ;]

goodbye Tan

So the day has finally arrived; my last day. I have thought about this day repeatedly, wondering if it would ever come and now that it has I wish time would slow down for just a second. Erin and I had a small party with our students in the afternoon. It was really nice to see them one last time and just enjoy their company. There has been one student that has always stood out from all the rest, his name is Tan. Academically and socially, he's very capable. He probably speaks the best English out of all my students. It was especially sad to say good bye to him. 

Yesterday after our last day of actual class he told me, 'Leah, your eyes look so sad.' I didn't even realize, but it was true; I was a bit sad to be done with teaching. Saying good bye today was really hard, he looked so sad. What he told me touched me so much, I will never forget it. He said, 'thank you so much for being my teaching, you're the best teacher.' To tell you the truth I was a little shocked, and so flattered. This is the same student who asked me about my beliefs in Jesus. And ever since then, I have felt that we connected. I feel so blessed to have been his teacher and him my student. I leave here knowing that I did something good for at least one person and that makes it all worth it.