"Mai khao jai"

I'll start by saying with no exaggeration that our time in Om Koi was an amazing experience. I know I speak for the 3 of us in saying that the time we spent there has really affected us and others in a positive way. There were challenges, there were tough times and coming from our part of the world there were things to adjust to that we did find difficult. But in a short time, anybody who goes there with an open mind and good intentions will inevitably benefit from the experience.

The most impressive and striking thing to me, right from the start, was the group of around 40 kids that we stayed with at the Baha'i center. These kids (aged roughly between 12 and 17) were completely self-sufficiant, disciplined, hard working, happy and well mannered children. We kept asking "who looks after them?', or "who does this for them?", etc. Jaya contributes greatly to the center, overlooking everything, bringing supplies from Chiang Mai and co-ordinating activites. But when he returns home to Bangkok for weeks at a time, things continue to run smoothly without him. The kids will everyday; rise at 5.30AM, exercise, cook, clean, wash clothes, pray, go to school, come back, cook & clean more, pray, study & do homework, play some games, sing songs, have some discussions and go then to bed early...all by themselves, without a need for any adult supervision or strict guidance. There seemed to be an elaborate and unspoken system whereby the older children assumed the role of supervisor with more responsibility, making sure things went smoothly, and all the younger kids carried out whatever duties they had to without question. There were rosters and time tables for who did what & when, particularly regarding cooking and cleaning. And these children were among the happiest, most joyful, attentive and intelligent young people we've ever met; always making time to balance work and play, include you in whatever they can or just sit around and have fun with you, talking about anything and always wanting to learn something about your culture and teach you about theirs.

It was a remarkable routine to watch, and I couldn't stop thinking just watching them everyday how much more disciplined they were to me and how we could all learn a thing or two from this kind of lifestyle back in our part of the world.

We spent the first few days getting to know the kids and the area around us. We sang songs and played games in the evenings, and during the day we went to the local schools (Ali and David to the high school, and me to the primary school) and started to work out a routine of what we'd be doing over the next few weeks. I was mostly teaching English and playing music, Ali was teaching English also and doing some dance workshops, and Quinny made some good contributions by painting in the school and decorating a wall in the Baha'i center with a well designed nine point star.

At weekends we made excursions to the local (and extremely remote) tribal villages, which took hours to reach, even in Jaya's 4x4, because of some disastrous roads. But really enjoyed all of these trips as it was so adventurous and we were welcomed so warmly in each village we visited.
The diet of Thai food (chicken/rice/spice) twice a day everyday - although delicious and healthy - began to take its toll on some of us...that's all that needs to be said on the matter. Also, for a while we had no hot water. I remember the day when I went to use the shower and Quinny was in the bathroom; I knocked and said "Are you in the shower?". Audibly shivering and grunting under the cold shower, he replied in the rattiest tone "Y-Yeah man...I'm gettin the next bus home..."

But instead of talking about what we missed, I want to mention what we gained. We have all so many memories and stories to tell of our time in Om Koi: I would'nt even attempt to summarize these into a blog as it would be too difficult and undoubtedly boring to read. But I can say that we learned a lot about the Thai people, the tribal cultures, and (here's the cheese) about ourselves.

Thank you to Uncle Jaya, and all the Om Koi baha'i community that looked after us and helped give us an unforgettable experience. Hope to see you all again...Khorp Khoon ma khrap...