Happy Heart

On Saturday, some friends of mine and I went to Ratchaburi, a small province outside of Bangkok.  We have been collecting donations of money and school supplies (sports equipment, books, a computer and printer, crayons, tables, etc.) to take to an under-privileged school there.  It was such a heart-warming experience that by the end of the day I had felt really content and my heart was happy.

We were a bit late upon arrival due to worse than the usual traffic leaving town (thanks to the Red Shirts).  At our arrival, we were greeted by the Principal of the school along with some of the students, their parents, and other staff members.

We unloaded the van, had a few pictures taken, and then were led to see a Muay Thai performance by some of the students at the school.  The beginning of the performance was a ritual known as the "Wai Kru" or paying respect to your teacher/master.  After that, they did some choreographed fights.  It was spectacular!  These kids have won regional tournaments.

After we watched the Muay Thai, the students and their parents as well as the staff, gathered around as we presented the school with all of the things we have brought for them.  Then we were taken into a room where we were served lunch on behalf of the staff.  Later, my friends and I took a tour around the school so that we could see, first hand, what going to school was like for these children.  I turned to a couple of my friends (with whom I work with) and said "Imagine if some of our students saw this.  They have no idea how lucky they are to have all the things that they have, to go to the school that they go to."  And after having engaged in some conversation with these kids and seeing how very appreciative they were of all of us and our efforts to help better their education, we agreed that our students could really learn a thing or two from them.

Needless to say, our mission was accomplished and we have all walked away a better person.  I don't know about everyone else that went along, but after something as special as that, my heart was happy.  I have helped to make a difference in someone's life, even if just by a little bit.

A special thanks to the main organizers of this great event, my dear friends Kippe and Anita.  I would also like to thank those who were a part of the event whether through their help in donations and/or in their attendance of the big day: Christian, Jen, Aaron, Lisa, Dustin, Sarah Jane, Shawn, Britney, Laurice, and Jodi.