Serendipity?

"Don't Try So Hard; Sometimes The Best Things Happen Unexpectedly"

I feel the need to explain my quote at the bottom of this blog. In 2006, when I was at the March 15th (Hungarian National Day/ anniversary of beginning of 1948 Revolution ) festivals in Budapest, I stopped with my Italian friend Francesco at a stall selling cards with sayings on them. They were written in Hungarian, of course, so I could not read them. So as usual, I spent ages deciding on which one I wanted (I was rather indecisive in those days). Anyhow, I took it to school the next day to ask the English teachers to translate it for me - it said: Don't try so hard; sometimes the best things happen unexpectedly. I wish I had a photo of it now: its in a box somewhere. So this card meant a lot to me at the time - it reminded me to have faith. And sometimes, if you are lucky, life hands you, a little bit more than just that! 

"If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism."

~ Albert Einstein

First Exam

 I gave the monks their first exam today on what we've been studying for the past 3 months - phonetic awareness: they did okay. The ones I have marked so far are at around 65 - 80%.

It's difficult when I teach the classes for only one hour per week. As I am quite busy at work and it's been difficult to plan a holistic unit of work, most of my first lessons, as I am only there once a week, were isolated stand-alone lessons. Next semester I hope to be able to plan ahead better.

Leonardo and others watching a YouTube clip I downloaded to show him what Australian football looks like.

Today was the AFL grand final in Melbourne and even though I don't follow the football I checked for live updates! It made me a little homesick.

Students Paying Homage

I just love teaching at this school! The teachers are non-competitive and supportive and the students are wonderful really. There is not a lot of organization at my school but things still run smoothly! Has made me aware of approaches in some schools which are over-organized to the extent that daily organization takes up so much time and creates a higher workload. I'm not sure how I am going to be able to teach in a "mainstream" (whatever that means?) school again in Australia. I couldn't stand the kids in London. I think I might just get stuck here. I never have to scold students and they always say "hello teacher" as I pass them on the stairs or around the school.

Below: students paying homage after my lesson. After they said their chant each teacher has to give a little speech/lecture. I discussed the issue of "brain-drain" to remind them that, as privileged members of their society, it is important for them to return to Myanmar after studying abroad and contribute their skills.

Letters from my students

These letters show the future aspirations of the monks to become teachers. What they plan to do is vital for Myanmar. There are little or no educational opportunities in the small villages they speak of, and getting a teacher out there, local or foreign, would be impossible. These boys are indeed very special.

6 month multiple entry visa!

Yesterday, I got my new passport back with my first 199 days validity! Its also multiple entry so now I can go on a holiday out of the country and return! I am so glad. I know that back in July, when I didn't know what to do, with a passport with no pages left and 10 days left on my tourist visa, this would have been worth gold to me.

Pride ISM Excursion

Yesterday, we took ten secondary 3 students to the monastery. I wasn't sure how the day would go but it all went brilliantly, mostly due to the fact that the monks are so brilliant. The students were asking me before we even left when we would come back again. They want to come along to the next trip, which is planned for after the school holidays for just the secondary 1 and 2 students. The teachers appreciated the day too, and told me that these particular students don't get as much guidance in Buddhism from their parents as other local students, are their lifestyles are different, and their parents, in high-profile jobs, often don't have the time to do so. Some photos from today:

Mret Hein

 Mary

Open Discussion with Sayadaw

Aung Mo Hein

 Wunna Oo

Phyo Lwin Oo & Jimmy

 

Aung Mo Hein

Kaung San & Teacher Kymer

 Teacher Mo Mo

 Mary

 Don't know who that idiot is!?

 Phyo Lwin Oo & Jimmy

 Htet Tet Moon Tin

 Teacher Thengi: she was in her element & loved chatting to the monks!

 Us with Sobhanajoti