Slowly gaining a solid footing!

Once arriving at the Rice Fields base, we were instantly able to immerse ourselves, not only into the Rustic Pathways program, but into the Thai culture as well.  With a combination of language, religion, traditions, and of course food, we have been able to get a grasp of how things may be similar and/or different than life in Michigan.  Our group has especially liked the two different service projects that we have participated in.  We enjoy making a difference in the Thai people’s lives, however we wish that we could give more.  The heat and the remainder of our jet lag periodically slows us down throughout the day, but we are working to push through those obstacles and make the most of this amazing experience.  We are already thoroughly enjoying the trip even though it has only been one full day.  We are excited to see what the rest of this week has in store for us.  ~Micaela

As Micaela says, we are slowed down a bit by the extreme heat and some residual jet-lag. Our first full day was supplemented by a trip to Nong Prajak Park, where each of us was the recipient of a Thai massage.  It was like nothing we'd experienced, and came at a good time.  The massage was followed by fresh smoothies!

At reflection tonight, Shannon and Jerri invited us, Karashian-style, to talk about the "peaks" and "pits" of the day.

Peaks included: Meals on Wheels (the market, the food prep, the stories, the smiles), seeing two service projects through to a good conclusion, working together (on the house and for Meals on Flip Flops), the massage, and finding a multiple moments that it really didn't seem like day two since we worked so well together and we fit in so easily.

Pits included: Jet lag, getting hot sauce in my eye, too much food available from which to choose, being responsible for the fish that died in transit from the market to the pond, the heat, the massage since I don't like people touching me.

Another highlight of the day was the beginning of Shannon's 36 hour celebration of her 18th birthday. We will celebrate with cake at lunch tomorrow, as her 18th birthday gets into full swing at home.