The final week had come around for me faster than I could blink. I'm not supposed to leave, I'm the one that says goodbye to those leaving every week! My time was up now and it felt vey strange. I'd settled down pretty well in just six weeks in Surin. I have loved every minute of my time in the classroom as a volunteer teacher and enjoyed my free time with fellow volunteers too. I've gained so much insight into children, Thai culture, food and language, as well as other things. I've learnt to relax, to be spontaneous rather than so planned out all the time and finally to learn not to worry over little things. I've met some incredible people, both the Thai and the fellow volunteers and have really enjoyed making new friends from all over the globe. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity really!
This week I was teaching a special class of children who had chosen to come into school especially to learn English. School was shut for summer holidays now, so these children were a delight to teach as they had chosen to be there. It was a new challenge teaching a mixed age and ability group and I had to tailor my teaching style and worksheets to suit all of them. My coordinator, Nikki, helped me quite a lot this week - it is difficult teaching how to tell the time in English! It was so rewarding to see that they understood though and hearing them shout out the time made us feel so proud! I also taught the children some holiday vocabulary at the end of the week.
On my last day, we had a small party for us all. I took in snacks and drinks for the children as a treat and they were so polite and helpful in helping set up and serve. It was wonderful seeing them so happy and playing and smiling. It was so sweet to be given flowers as a token of gratitude. It was tough saying goodbye, but equally I know they are happy and will learn more with new volunteers.
In the evenings this week, I went for runs in the park. On Wednesday, we all treated ourselves to luxurious ice cream. It was Sara and Fred's last day as medical volunteers so a bit of a leaving do for them. Fred and Sara have been wonderful to talk to about travelling and learn medical related things from. On Thursday, my last evening, our coordinator, Nam, invited us for dinner. She made my favourite Thai dish -green curry! It was so lovely all eating together coordinators and volunteers. It was great to spend time talking to other English girls who arrived last week. They are a sweet group.
For my last day today, I have enjoyed a traditional Thai massage. I was stretched and stood on and it felt so rejuvenating. I am so perfectly relaxed now for my bus ride to Bangkok and flight to Bali. Let the next part of the journey begin!
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