First day at work

I must admit I was a little sad today as teaching teenagers is nowhere near as fun as teaching monks! I missed my monks today. (And the feeling was mutual) they told me this evening they'd missed me. I wish I could teach for a full 3 months here. I might try to apply for a meditation visa while I'm here: perhaps it'll work who knows? Anyhow, they had a ceremony this afternoon for the beginning of the wet season retreat, so I got to be a part of that (photos below) even though I couldn't understand a word.

My school is quite small, which I am very happy about. It's like a family really, so I know that making positive relationships will be important here. I can already recall some of the students' names: Mi Mi, Cecila, Mary and Ben. Developing a good rapport with these kids is going to be important, so I'm making an extra effort. Today, was there alumni ceremony so past students who were now studying in Ireland, the U.K, USA and Australia returned to speak about their experiences to the secondary 3 and 4 students. That was interesting and helpful for me to get to know the school community better. I taught 2 classes: both secondary 3 (year 9) as I will be the only secondary 3 teacher, I'll take all the classes. They are not like Australian year 9s they are very well behaved. We did exam preparation, the writing section, as they have an exam tomorrow.

I am glad as Daniel the principal will be flying with me to Bangkok on the same flight as he is conducting interviews there. They booked my flight today. It's good because it's easier for me now as Daniel knows which hotel to stay in and exactly where the embassy is.

I did enjoy school today: it was different being around children again. I definitely prefer teaching the monks, but now I can stay with them for longer than 3 months. They are so sweet: after the ceremony today one pulled me aside and said: "I will always remember you teacher!". A few of them have said this to me. I won't forget them either: but I'm not going anywhere yet! Not until they learn enough English ... I cannot wait to see them improve.