We left Payap around 8 in the morning. Although there were several cute little dogs running around, just like most places we have visited, I think the first main difference I noticed when we arrived at the building was that instead of pictures of the King, which are prominently displayed all over the city, or pictures of Buddha, which we have seen very regularly at temples, there was a large picture of Jesus above our heads. This was a bit of a shock to me, but what was more of a shock was when we then were lead to sing a song about how Jesus loves us. I don't have a problem with people praising who they worship, but since I am Jewish, it would have been nice to know that religion would be strongly involved in our activities before I arrived. I thought the difference in religion also seemed obvious by the fact that the man who ran the hostel had both a "Christian" name and a Thai name.
Anyway, we sang a few songs, incorporating hand gestures along with the singing to get everyone involved and to mix the kids with the college students. The kids then sang a song to welcome us, and we played games.
First, we sat in circles of about 8. On the count of one, everyone touched his or her own ear. On two, everyone touched the ear of the person to the right of him or herself. On three, everyone threw his or her hand into the middle of the circle. The person whose hand ended up on top lost. He or she had to move to a different circle. Every time people moved, we all introduced ourselves to each other. We also played duck duck goose. Although it seemed rather dangerous to be playing on a concrete floor in a gigantic circle with several geese rather than just one, it was a fun experience. I couldn't help but wonder, though, if the Thai students were bothered at all when some of the geese would tap their heads rather than their shoulders. Back in the states, I would never question messing someone's hair or tapping a friend on the head, but on one of the first days here, we were warned that touching the head was considered disrespectful, so I couldn't help but wonder if it was upsetting people during the game.
After games, we painted plants with the kids. This was fun, and some of the kids were amazing artists. Several asked how to spell "Jesus" so they could paint it on to their plants, like "Jesus loves you".
After painting, the kids went to change. The older kids put on traditional clothing and performed two dances for us. The dances seemed a bit challenging--especially the second, where the boys and girls would clap their feet together.
Before we ate lunch, we each gave one kid a gift (somewhat in the spirit of Valentines). We had pulled names earlier in the week to find out the gender and age of the kid we would get a gift for, and we were told to be somewhat practical about the gifts. I got the girl whose name I pulled several notebooks, pens and pencils, and a tin of cookies (it was Valentines, I had to put in some sort of treat!). Most of the gifts were similar--some were backpacks or shirts. Then, after lunch, we had a bit of time to tour their home and say goodbye.
The building they live in is split in half by gender. Their bedrooms and showers are upstairs. We did not see what was inside downstairs, although I have a feeling that it was probably where they have class or church. They also have a little living room area on each side upstairs. It was a nice arrangement, though it is sad to think that so many children must live just together and not with their families. I'm sure it must be extremely difficult.
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