Today was an awesome day. It was a day that makes me so thankful that I live here and have the good health, time, and resources to do good things. Last week, a friend sent out an email invitation to volunteer with disabled children from a nearby orphange. The email came just moments after I stated just how crazy busy the upcoming week was going to be. But my Tuesday daytime was free...
And so I was on the list to join a wonderful group of ladies and children on an adventure. With 10 of us willing to volunteer our time and energy, we escorted 11 children to the Chatuchak Train Park today.
Such a beautiful place. I was pleasantly surprised by the bicycle rental beside the park. The bikes were in great shape, (Nice switch from the bikes of our Vietnam adventure, though you know I loved that too). We rented 19 bikes for 300 Baht ($9.86 USD). Amazing.
I have to give a big hand to our driver, Khun Bub, today. One of the ladies on the list to volunteer was unable to come, which means one of the children all suited up and ready would have to be left behind at the orphanage. No one liked that idea as these children rarely get to take trips out anyway, if ever. So, I abruptly volunteered Khun Bub to ride a bike alongside one of the children. He went along with the plan, smiling the whole time, but did inform me it has probably been 15 years since he's ridden a bike for such a duration. Definately not how he planned to spend his day but he was great sport...and was probably asleep in bed by 7pm.
And so I was on the list to join a wonderful group of ladies and children on an adventure. With 10 of us willing to volunteer our time and energy, we escorted 11 children to the Chatuchak Train Park today.
Such a beautiful place. I was pleasantly surprised by the bicycle rental beside the park. The bikes were in great shape, (Nice switch from the bikes of our Vietnam adventure, though you know I loved that too). We rented 19 bikes for 300 Baht ($9.86 USD). Amazing.
I was partnered up with a young lady named Yoy. She is verbal but spoke no English. I was glad I could speak enough Thai that we had a pleasant conversation on the car ride to the park. She and Khun Bub spoke quite a bit and she took to calling me "Madame" because that's what he calls me.
Yoy walks with a cane and can't pedal a bicycle so we were sure to find a bike with seats for 2. After a few wobbles and frightened squeals (from both of us), I was ready to pedal us around that park. Yoy was ready to hold on for dear life.
Yoy enjoyed the ride so much she didn't want to stop for the playground, or to eat. But we did need a rest so we sat down with the rest of the group at lunchtime and took a break. Then, more cycling and finally a stop at the Butterfly garden.
I have to give a big hand to our driver, Khun Bub, today. One of the ladies on the list to volunteer was unable to come, which means one of the children all suited up and ready would have to be left behind at the orphanage. No one liked that idea as these children rarely get to take trips out anyway, if ever. So, I abruptly volunteered Khun Bub to ride a bike alongside one of the children. He went along with the plan, smiling the whole time, but did inform me it has probably been 15 years since he's ridden a bike for such a duration. Definately not how he planned to spend his day but he was great sport...and was probably asleep in bed by 7pm.
He and I were both asking Yoy if she was tired on the drive home. She shook her head, "Mai Neu-aay." (Not tired.) "Madam neu-aay!" followed by lots of giggling. She was asleep 5 minutes later.
2 comments:
Such a giving heart you have Katie! I want to be like you when I grow up!
Glenda beat me to my comment! I feel lucky to be friends with someone as kind and giving as you, Katie.
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