Simple Things

From Ruth Anne

Circle standing.  Feels like a lost art in my life somehow.  Just that simple, casual conversation between lots of you, standing there, in a circle.

Happened yesterday between the quick run down the road to book today's elephant ride, and supper.  It was a girls' thing this time.  Porn, Da, Bao, Wara, Nok Gaew, Nut, Kratae, Bouy and Apple, with Megan and I.  Started smaller, but others joined us.  Not even sure what we were talking about, and it doesn't even really matter.  What stands out was the easy, fun way of being together, laughing, gaining insights into how they think, what's important, what's funny.  Just standing, together, in a circle.

We do lots of things in circles here.  Morning and evening devotions, various games.  (Sometimes it feels like we're running in circles, but that's alleviated by letting go of my linear and very Western mindset.)  Circles are interactive.  Circles are inclusive, at least they are here.  Circles allow for a different kind of 'face time'.

It constantly astounds me that I have been welcomed into the circle of Hot Springs.  That I'm there worshiping with them in the mornings, teaching English in the evenings.  That I'm standing randomly, casually in a circle with some laughing, happy, crazy girls, feeling loved and very much welcome.  It's part of the healing of this place, I think.  Many who've come here from Highview have mentioned it to me.  There's a deeper connection of souls because of this underlying base of welcome, of being brought into the circle.

I am mindful now of the circles in my life at home.  Of allowing others to join.  Of not always having to plan them.  Of the welcome that each one of us so desperately needs.

It's still cool as I write.  Yesterday bumped into the 40's and it's looking like the same thing for today, so we're enjoying it while we can.  But.....today Megan and May get to ride the elephant! 

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From Megan

While Ruth Anne has the eloquent and introspective posts, I tend to lean more toward the simpler side (mainly just because I have very little skill in written eloquence - haha). I think while I'm here, my posts will consist of my gratitude. I still can't believe that I get to be here, let alone this being my fourth trip! I'm thankful for:

1. Elephant rides! You'll hear more about this later, I'm sure, but May and I get to go on an elephant ride this morning (the only two at the orphanage right now who have never ridden one)! We leave in about 10 minutes actually, so my typing has never been so speedy.

2. Cool mornings. Cool is all a matter of perspective, of course, as their mornings tend to only go down to about 23 or 24, but it still feels lovely compared to the heat of the day. Of course the kids are all bundled in their long pants and hoodies in the morning, because I don't think they enjoy it quite as much as I do!

3. Impromptu lessons. Being here is constantly an ongoing English/Thai lesson. I'm learning so many new words, and so are they. We've gotten to the point where we'll have little conversations that are a mash up of English and Thai - and we get it.

4. Bakeries. Most of you will know that I have a thing for baked goods. Both making them and eating them. So when it was suggested that we stop at Ruth Anne's favourite bakery yesterday, who was I to say no (better yet, WHY would I say no)? Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It could easily rival any Western bakery, and if I'm able, I'll be bringing some interesting but delicious snacks home for people to try! Maybe it'll even inspire my next baking creation.

5. Down time. I'm not a person who usually enjoys a lot of 'down time'. I'm constantly on the go at home, heading from one thing to next - and I like that. I don't know what to do with myself when I sit. But being here is teaching me the art of sitting and enjoying the moment. That a time of making bracelets or sitting in silence just enjoying each others company with shy smiles can be just as lovely as keeping myself on the go. There's a slower pace here, but it's contagious. They live in the moment, and appreciate each one they're given. I like that.