Chilli peppers and Musical Chairs, all with the Thai Spirit

Author: .
Location:
So I hope none of you parents mind that we bring home an extra body in our suitcase because we are totally in love with Thai children. Today we had sports day at the Duang Prateep Kindergarten!!! When we got there we started the day off with a parade around the area, looooots of drums and singing and trying to be energetic in the hot sun. We split into 3 teams (blue team dominated!) and had some great events like the tire pull, water balloon relay, tug-o-war, musical chairs (we were the chairs!!) and a cheer off!! The kids were so cute and everyone had a favourite or two by the end of the day. We even got to serve the kids their lunches and treated them with ice cream, a rare treat for them!! Lifeworks had also purchased rain coats for all the kids (adorable cute hello kitty ones) and it warmed our hearts to see how excited they got at receiving these gifts. After a much needed and deserved lunch break we played some intense games of Mafia and then went out for our home visits.
We split into some groups and were able to take some of the kindergarteners home. Seeing the conditions they live in and hearing some of their stories gave the day and very real and intense feeling. One boy had his father in jail, mother had ran off and he was living with a grandmother who had diabetes (also worked for their only source of income) and a grandfather with heart problems. The grandparents had lived in the slums for 40 years, adapting to the conditions presented to them and living day to day. Another little girl lived with her mother who suffered from bone degeneration and an elder sister - they lived on approximately 50-100baht per day (2-3 dollars US) and were behind 2 months on their rent which was 1000baht because the mother had to pay the electricity and water bills. These children's futures are all uncertain, but they all have educational sponsorships through DPF. The fact that they could go to school and get the chance to be a child was so special and that night we focused on those who inspire us and how we can still have the smiles and charisma that these Thai people exhibit.
happy days!!
.