Day 2-- Painting

Hello!

We began our work today by painting the Tea Factory Building. Everyone worked really hard and we were able to finish the entire structure before 5. The students were a big help and supplied us with excellent music, both Thai and American to listen to; including Justin Beber for the Lowe Sisters. The outside of the building was coffee brown and the inside a bright mint green. I even managed to paint with both the brush and a roller without making too much of a mess and in a semi-straight line! We are now all splattered with white, brown, and green paint, but are excited to be done with our first assignment. Thanks to all those who kept our water bottles filled- we all appreciated it and thanks to the guys who did so much of the heavy work!

After finishing painting we played basketball and volleyball with the students.  It was awesome to see the kids’ faces as we played with them and many were quite good.

Last night we were able to meet the students at the center and partook in some songs with them. It was amazing to hear hymns being sung in both Thai and English, especially one of my favorites “I’ll Fly Away”.  While introducing ourselves, I was informed that my name, Mariah, is similar to the Thai word for polite which I guess is apt.

We have been treated to wonderful meals by Ghan and I have yet to try something that I haven’t liked. And yes, my portion size was bigger than a teaspoon! While taking our lunch break today, Luka kept us thinking by showing us some tricky puzzles. Much props to all who figured them out! I know the ball one stumped me.

Kevin’s Crazy Critter Collection is growing as we encounter lizards, spiders, and various other bugs. The zoom on my new camera is being put to good use documenting all of the discoveries, including the ones that get dipped in paint, loose a tail or some other limb. My favorite is the lizards as they are interesting to watch.

We are recovering well from the jetlag and are not too tired, although we were all grateful to sleep in a bed last night as opposed to an airplane.

We have enjoyed reading the comments that have been posted on the blog and are planning on sharing them at our nightly meetings. We are all doing well and the scenery here is so beautiful. I know that I love it here in Chiang Rai!

I have attached some pictures from our day.

God bless, Mariah Patton, Team Thailand