Just another day. . .

Today was another fabulous day of teaching. We find that each day tends to present it's own challenges, gifts and 'ah ha' moments. At school today, there was a Review Board committee from the School District; they were observing classes, meeting with the teachers and reviewing documents, so things weren't business as usual. For example, we walked into our 4th grade class (normally our most challenging and chaotic class) and they were silent and seated. . . we were in awe. I was in the middle of teaching a lesson about numbers (still trying to get the counting down) when the Director walked in, I politely 'wai' (the proper greeting where you put your hands in prayer form) and said "sawadee ka". He then proceeded to walk right past me and over to Ryan and says "Teacher, I want you to join me and the Committee for lunch in the Directors room". . . as if I wasn't a teacher as well!! Of course, Ryan graciously accepted (for both of us, I think!)and the Director promptly walked out. Ryan looked at me and said, "babe, I think you are invited too." [insert Ryan's comment: to be honest, I wasn't quite sure!]. It has now become our running joke and daily laugh how much attention the Director pays to Ryan.

As many of you know Ryan, there are few moments, if ever that you see him frustrated or upset. . . today I was witness to a classic moment of discipline. One of the students who is consistently talking, out of his seat, or just not paying attention was at it again when Ryan called him up to the front of the class. I wondered what he was going to do, a new lesson, perhaps make him sing a song by himself. At this point, Ryan draws a circle on the board and turns the boy to face the board and points to it and says "stare at the circle". A bit confused at this new form of discipline, the boy points, stares, puts his ear to the circle then turns around and laughs. At this point, I couldn't do anything more but laugh out loud myself. Unfortunately, I think this defeated Ryan's purpose but it was a classic moment. [insert Ryan's comment: once the class saw Julie laugh, they started laughing too and all hope for further study was lost].

Then there was our 5th grade class who upon our arrival were silent and seated again (not business as usual). . . we quickly notice that one of our most challenging students is outside the class but talking to a student through the open window...we tell him to come in and he ignores us...and the class chimes in that he is sick and cannot come inside the class. It seemed odd that he was sick, yet physically present on school premises and not allowed inside the classroom.

Now it's time for lunch with the Director, the teachers, and the Committee. We walk in and the Director says, "Ryan please sit here", pointing to the head of the table where the head Committee members are seated. I look at the Director (now keen to his ways) and ask him in my most friendly voice, "where would you like me to sit?" and he nonchalantly gestures to the seat next to Ryan and walks past me. One of the Committee members spoke English very well and told us about his 'friend' in Montana "Joe Smith" which he repeated numerous times to us as if we might know "Joe Smith" from Montana, USA. He was very kind and interesting to talk to during lunch, I think I got a few words in! Of course, it wouldn't be lunch without the Director calling Ryan "genius" and "handsome" at which point I just must agree and chime in! [insert Ryan's comment: actually the Director used the word smart and Julie yelled "Genius", presumably in jest, however the Director snapped back, "Yes! Genius!!"]

We laughed the whole way home thinking about all the crazy things that happen to us on a daily basis. We are winding down our stay in Nong Khai and share a deep appreciation for Travel to Teach and this experience. We have two more days of teaching (still trying to get those ABC's and 123's down) and then we are off to Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) for a few days. We decided to get the Director a bottle of Gold Label Johnny Walker Scotch Whiskey as our departing gift, I am going to give it to him. . . I can't wait!!! I just hope he'll let Ryan go with me to Chiang Mai!