On Wednesday my school had a going away party for me which they call Phukhan. They recite prayers and they tie strings onto your wrists. People from my town and all of Nakhon Phanom came to wish me well and send me off with Chok Dii (good luck). The party was combined with two of my fellow teachers who are retiring this year.
Mah Nee, my Thai mom, made a traditional Thai skirt for me the day before. Did my hair up nicely the morning of and decorated me with her pearls. I felt like such a Thai princess. As I was getting ready a friend came, Uncle Sir I call him, and gave me a beautiful bouquet of roses.
At school I took many pictures with my students and they gave me flowers, drawings and stuffed animals. So generous of them. Then the ceremony began. Four of my students performed a dance that they spent only two days practicing. They were so adorable. There was a slideshow too. The school maintenance man Mr. Wit performed the prayers and they string tying began. I was feeling strong through the entire morning and no tears. They the chanting began and I noticed Phe Toy and PA Gai in the sea of people and got choked up. They told me they had meetings and would make it but surprised me. Phe Nok told me too that when she says good-bye she doesn’t cry because she knows we are going back to happiness and not sadness. If we were going back home to sadness she would cry. She also know she will see us someday soon so we have nothing to be sad about. If you think too much about it you will be sad. If you miss someone you think about them and have pictures and little memories around to make you happy and remember them. Her simple yet wise thoughts have encouraged me to be strong when saying good bye.
All people from the community gave me their blessings and good luck and my tears flowed. It was such a moving celebration. I have knowing that my work here in Thailand is appreciated but to be blessed with this Thai tradition showed me even more how much Ban Chok Amnuay appreciated hosting me this year. I got so many hugs and hom (Thai kisses) from students to mothers to grandmothers. This meant so much especially because giving someone “hom” really means they are special to you.
I am going to miss my students but know I will see many on them again someday! I am sad to leave my home but one a home always a home right? I am part “cone” Chok Amnuay, Thai (Thai person) now and no one can take that away from me. I will forever remember this year and how special each and every one of my little students is to me and how much fun we had learning together. Best of luck to you my little kiddos and know you can always count of me for anything!
Now on to my next adventure of coming home and discovering what lies ahead. See you all soon!
THANK YOU for your love and support throughout the year and for reading all my crazy, wild, fun stories of teaching and traveling in Thailand!
Lots of love!
(Title of blog- Not good-bye but see you again)
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