Back to blogging!

For those of you who stumble upon this blog, one thing you will probably notice is that I haven't blogged in almost two years. I suppose the reason for that is returning home to America and settling into the 'normal' life of working and going to school. Shortly after I returned from Thailand, I decided to look into finishing school. After investigating the program at Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), I decided to go for it. That and cooking pizzas has been my life for the past nearly two years now, until I felt God leading me back to Thailand, back to Home of the Open Heart (www.baannamjai.org). Two weeks ago I arrived back in Thailand, feeling just as at home here as when I left.

One thing I really felt compelled to pursue with this return trip is English literacy for the children here, and for that one needs quality books! The last several months of my life has consisted of book raising, visiting thrift stores, buying discount books at Hasting's, and doing whatever I could to get the word out about my efforts. Honestly this was particularly stretching and challenging for me. I had trouble knowing where to start, who to talk to, what steps to take, etc. It seemed like such an enormous task, and I am glad that it is over! In the end I was able to pack my suitcases full of books and didn't get charged ANY baggage fees on the way over. I barely kept my two big bags at 50 pounds, and I am fairly certain I didn't keep my carry-on under 50 pounds. I really think God has His hand on the whole luggage situation. They could have easily forced me to check my carry-on bag because of its weight, but nobody ever pursued it. Thank You, Lord!

The children have been eagerly devouring the books, which makes it well worth the effort of getting them over here. I am still formulating a plan of attack for more formal literacy teaching, but I feel like things are off to a really good start. The kids are knocking on my door nightly to trade their books in for new ones, and are unceasingly asking me and other nannies to read with them. I am actually quite surprised nobody has knocked on my door in the time that I have been writing this.

Well, I think that is all for now. There are many more blogs to come over the duration of my stay here, mainly due to the fact that I am in a writing class and keeping a blog is part of my coursework. Might as well keep everyone updated on the goings-on here and kill two birds with one stone, eh? Thanks for reading!
Stephanie