My journey began August 27 2009. Upon arrival in Udon Thani Thailand I was welcomed by Jack. My home stay coordinator. So far so good. Suit case safely stashed ,we set of for my first official Thai meal. Noodle soup( Jacks all time favorite meal.) Sounded good to me but what were the scrawny little Duck feet complete with toe nails doing in there? I was to ask questions like this many times over in the months to come. The drive to Ban Thin Dung was about sixty miles.

This was a "OH MY, LOOK AT THIS... WHAT IS THAT???" Stop the car, take a photo, drive. Poor Jack , I think he was beginning to wonder who was this "Older" volunteer. Did I mention I am 58. Final made it to the home. I have to say I was so happy to see my new home for the next six months. Thai homes are very open plan. In Jacks home there are four large bedrooms for the Volunteers with four bathrooms. The family have their own rooms but share the kitchen and community rooms. Which are open to the Lizards and any wandering birds. The Pets are very important to the family and know there place. Well the two dogs Far and Fun, along with the one day old puppy did, until we, the volunteers introduced them to the upstairs... Whoops! The puppy was named WenBar(Wendy a dutch Volunteer and me Barbara), she was a favorite in the family.

My room was lovely all the basics. A futon with pillows and a quilt. Small table, hanging rack and the all important fan. The door had a lock but Ban Thin Dung is so safe I never felt the need. The view was amazing coconut trees and rice fields.... The perfume of the flowers stayed with me as two walls of my room were shutters with screens. At night I could see the stars and would fall asleep along with the bug and reptile serenade. Two of the bathrooms toilets were western the other two were Thai style, its best to have the family show you how to use these. Showers were no problem plenty of hot water. In the hot months we all needed cold water. Jacks mom has towels if you need them. Speaking of Jacks mom 'Bonsoom' I would put my laundry in the washer but she would iron, oh, the luxury... No wrinkles. I Miss This!

All meals with Jacks family are eaten on the floor typical for Isan. If you are invited to his extended family its the same. So much easier for clean up. I didn't get to clean up much, as you are treated as a guest but should take care of your own room. I came to Thailand to teach Conversational English. On the second day Jack took me to meet the two schools I would be working with. These two schools quickly became five. The children and teachers are very receptive. Its up to you to ask for help. I found with some classes a teacher in the room was helpful. Some students needed the Thai translation to assist them with their comprehension. A basic subject guide is available as is lunch with the teachers. I would suggest all volunteers take lunch as it is a great way to get to know your school, discuss ideas, ask for help and in turn you will be helping the teachers to practice spoken English.

Remember you are here to speak with the children so don't get bogged down with grammar, handwriting and so on play games have fun. I did buy some stickers and made flash cards, these are very cheap to produce, most local markets will have all the supplies you need. I found the children to be so shy at first however they quickly warm up to you. Take your camera plenty of photos! The teachers can't do enough for you. I quickly felt at home. I am a teacher but other volunteers who are not found it an easy transition into the classroom. Eating food from other cultures has always been quite a treat for me and as I enjoy cooking, I thought I would learn the basics of Thai cuisine. Jacks family will ask you to "sit" you may want to get stuck in, so keep asking they will allow you to help. Jack took me to the markets where there are plenty of foods on offer, all are safe. On a daily basis Bonsoom would cook my breakfast around eight. I asked for oatmeal after about a month as Thai meals can consist of soup, fish and rice I felt that once a day I wanted something different. So just ask. If it can be done you can have it. Just a little reminder Thai food is sweet and spicy so be cautious, You can ask for "Mai Pet" Not spicy... If you find you are on fire and its not comfortable. For me fruit was the best and again so cheap. Jack has a fridge so plenty of room to store the goodies.!

When ever possible Jack would take me sightseeing in his car. Local Wats (temples) which would later lead to big discussions of Buddhist theology. Special local events; Beauty pageant's, cooking contests, weddings and funerals! Jack is only too happy to take us (the volunteers around). He would take every opportunity to share his knowledge and love of Isan, his home. As for getting around on my own this was not a problem. Jacks family has several bikes, two of my schools were close enough to ride to the other required a lift. After school I would often ride into Phonphisai. The 711 or the local Amazon coffee shop were my usual haunts, along with the markets where I would haggle over some little thing I just couldn't live with out. Most evenings or early mornings I would take a walk through the village, So much to see. The local people are so friendly inviting me in to meet the family, try a local crafts, sing along to the karaoke while enjoying a glass of whiskey ;) Great fun. Behind Jacks house are the rice fields acres of them. Staying for six months I was able to see the seasons of rice. So much so that I helped with the harvest which earned me the invite to the local Rat BBQ! Tasty!

I have so many photos of this along with many hours on my old bicycle in and around the jungle taking in Mother Nature in Thailand. The schools in Thailand take plenty of vacations so ask before you book your stay. I had several small trips planned you may need visas so allow extra time. I took the night bus and the train both are comfortable and cheap. Its a great way to meet people like myself who are volunteering or travelling around. At last count I had spoken with people from twenty nine countries. Many who have became friends.

To sum up my experience I would have to say; Thailand is truly amazing. Friendly people, stunning scenery, gorgeous food, people who are genuinely happy to have you as a volunteer. So sign up ... Spend some time with Jack and the kids in Ban Thin Dung Thailand.