It is now a week since we left Thailand. To be accurate, only 7 days ago, our group was lapping up the shopping in Bangkok. Last night I started to edit the nearly 3000 photos and nearly 2 hours of video I took during our time in Thailand. Add this to the myriad of photos taken by others in our group and the hours upon hours of video shot by the wonderful video team, and we have the most comprehensive record of any trip undertaken by St Heliers Church in it's history.
But what does it tell us?
As I look through the countless images and pick the ones that will make up the slide show, I see a common thread. I see a land and it's people torn apart at it's roots. On one hand I see a beautifully innocent group of young people who have a love of God that is staggering in it's simplicity yet wonderful in it's devotion. A`love that sets apart self from selfishness. A love that gives not demands... a love that is an action not mere emotion. I see a wish for good, a love of peace, and a goal of achieving one's best.
Yet....
In this same beautiful land I see turmoil... I see a society torn apart by greed, I see the faces of the oppressed, the agony of loss, the turmoil of a displaced society and the bitterness in a mother's eyes. There is violence, there is hatred... there is greed there is the love of evil, and there is sin.. more sin than could be imagined.
I am referring here to Thailand however many of the same issues face our on country. In fact, the same could be said of any country. No society is all good.. no society is all bad.
So... why did we, 21 ordinary folk from Auckland New Zealand, travel nearly 18 hours by land and air to go to a little compound in a country that has very little to do with our society? What difference did we make? What results can we see for our efforts, money and time? What benefits have been achieved?
The answers to these questions can't be put simply. There were 21 individual souls who travelled on this great adventure.... 21 people with many different idea's ideal's and expectations. These people however formed a group. This group became more powerful than the sum of the individuals. It was similar to a marriage where two become one but with conviction and dedication became more than the sum of the individuals... (to be continued)
Sunday 7 February 2010
Wednesday 3 February 2010
The view from here... a week on...
It is now a week since we left Thailand. To be accurate, only 7 days ago, our group was lapping up the shopping in Bangkok. Last night I started to edit the nearly 3000 photos and nearly 2 hours of video I took during our time in Thailand. Add this to the miriad of photos taken by others in our group and the hours upon hours of video shot by the wondeful video team, and we have the most comprehensive record of any trip undertaken by St Heliers Church in it's history.
But what does it tell us?
As I look through the countless images and pick the ones that will make up the slideshow, I see a common thread. I see a land and it's people torn apart at it's roots. On one hand I see a beautifully innocent group of young people who have a love of God that is staggering in it's simplicity yet wonderful in it's devotion. A`love that sets apart self from selfishness. A love that give's not demands... a love that is an action not mere emotion. I see a wish for good, a love of peace, and a goal of achieving one's best.
Yet....
In this same beautiful land I see turmoil... I see a society torn apart by greed, I see the faces of the oppressed, the agony of loss, the turmoil of a displaced society and the bitterness in a mother's eyes. There is violence, there is hatred... there is greed there is the love of evil, and there is sin.. more sin than could be imagined.
So what country am I talking about? Good ole New Zealand, or that far away Asian nation Thailand?
But what does it tell us?
As I look through the countless images and pick the ones that will make up the slideshow, I see a common thread. I see a land and it's people torn apart at it's roots. On one hand I see a beautifully innocent group of young people who have a love of God that is staggering in it's simplicity yet wonderful in it's devotion. A`love that sets apart self from selfishness. A love that give's not demands... a love that is an action not mere emotion. I see a wish for good, a love of peace, and a goal of achieving one's best.
Yet....
In this same beautiful land I see turmoil... I see a society torn apart by greed, I see the faces of the oppressed, the agony of loss, the turmoil of a displaced society and the bitterness in a mother's eyes. There is violence, there is hatred... there is greed there is the love of evil, and there is sin.. more sin than could be imagined.
So what country am I talking about? Good ole New Zealand, or that far away Asian nation Thailand?
Sunday 31 January 2010
Whangamata and what now
This blog has beeen about not only our travels but also our feelings both individually and as a group. These feeings I suspect will come out and manifest themselves more as time passes. Tonight i was at a cafe at Whangamata for a lovely meal and live music.. The second song I heard left me in amazement.. We had as a group sung it only a few days ago.. Hellelujua... it struck me as being quite significant that the song was being played in a place so different from the world we had been in only a few days ago
Friday 29 January 2010
We arrive home!
Hello all
Whew! I am sitting here in the leafy suburb of Glendowie and getting ready to go to Whangamata. In addition I have just answered some emails from the boys at PPJ. What a world away it all seems... three days ago we were in the midst of rural northern Thailand. Four days ago we were watching the sun rise over Laos...
Well the news is that we all arrived home and got through immigration ok... there were numerous checks and my own delay was 2 hours... however... here we all are back home.
Thanks to everyone ho has followed this Blog... next time will be better... but we have learnt that the Blog and its online photo album has worked and for that I am really happy.
Many if not most of us won't make church this Sunday.. but we are all aiming for the 14th I believe to bring the magic of PPJ to you. I'll be at Dingle Dell on the 7th so hope to see those in the Church family there...
Take care everyone and thanks again
Peter
Whew! I am sitting here in the leafy suburb of Glendowie and getting ready to go to Whangamata. In addition I have just answered some emails from the boys at PPJ. What a world away it all seems... three days ago we were in the midst of rural northern Thailand. Four days ago we were watching the sun rise over Laos...
Well the news is that we all arrived home and got through immigration ok... there were numerous checks and my own delay was 2 hours... however... here we all are back home.
Thanks to everyone ho has followed this Blog... next time will be better... but we have learnt that the Blog and its online photo album has worked and for that I am really happy.
Many if not most of us won't make church this Sunday.. but we are all aiming for the 14th I believe to bring the magic of PPJ to you. I'll be at Dingle Dell on the 7th so hope to see those in the Church family there...
Take care everyone and thanks again
Peter
Wednesday 27 January 2010
Signing off from Thailand and Thanks to all
Hello all!
OK... its hard to imagine that tomorrow we will be winging our way across nine countries again on the way to our homes in Auckland.
We arrive back in Auckland at around 1:20pm Thursday so if anyone wants to come out to the airport then we would love to see you... We are arriving with Thai Airlines from Bangkok.
So.... what of the trip...?
What have we achieved...
What things have we done...?
I have tried hard to keep up to date with the blog but fell terribly behind... we have seen so much... felt so involved and shed more than a few tears along the way. We have made friends outside and within the group. Some people who we never knew before are now like sisters and brothers... people have understood each other better... have learnt to get along and have learnt to trust God in a far more literal way.
From meeting the beautiful kids at PPJ to tonight's markets in Chiang Mai... from the brilliant schools to the beautiful Hmong people who touched the very core of our hearts... from the wonderful temples to the amazing Mekong river trip... from the sun rising over the hills of Laos to the Son rising in our hearts... and from love to understanding... so what have we achieved.?
Perhaps in 1 2 3 4.. maybe 6 months time I'll personally be able to answer that... but I can say with honesty that God has been with this group and done some wonderful things for our group, for the kids of PPJ and for our church family and community.
God has been alive and in our hearts, moving us through the holy spirit to achieve Christ's work. We have not been perfect or right all of the time however we have been true to the commission that the church bestowed upon us.
Thankyou, thankyou thankyou... This has been an experience that we will never forget. I have promised that I will return and with God's blessing I will along with I suspect all of our group.
See you all real soon
Signing off from an Internet Cafe in Chiang Mai
Your blogger
Peter Chatteris
OK... its hard to imagine that tomorrow we will be winging our way across nine countries again on the way to our homes in Auckland.
We arrive back in Auckland at around 1:20pm Thursday so if anyone wants to come out to the airport then we would love to see you... We are arriving with Thai Airlines from Bangkok.
So.... what of the trip...?
What have we achieved...
What things have we done...?
I have tried hard to keep up to date with the blog but fell terribly behind... we have seen so much... felt so involved and shed more than a few tears along the way. We have made friends outside and within the group. Some people who we never knew before are now like sisters and brothers... people have understood each other better... have learnt to get along and have learnt to trust God in a far more literal way.
From meeting the beautiful kids at PPJ to tonight's markets in Chiang Mai... from the brilliant schools to the beautiful Hmong people who touched the very core of our hearts... from the wonderful temples to the amazing Mekong river trip... from the sun rising over the hills of Laos to the Son rising in our hearts... and from love to understanding... so what have we achieved.?
Perhaps in 1 2 3 4.. maybe 6 months time I'll personally be able to answer that... but I can say with honesty that God has been with this group and done some wonderful things for our group, for the kids of PPJ and for our church family and community.
God has been alive and in our hearts, moving us through the holy spirit to achieve Christ's work. We have not been perfect or right all of the time however we have been true to the commission that the church bestowed upon us.
Thankyou, thankyou thankyou... This has been an experience that we will never forget. I have promised that I will return and with God's blessing I will along with I suspect all of our group.
See you all real soon
Signing off from an Internet Cafe in Chiang Mai
Your blogger
Peter Chatteris
Saturday 23 January 2010
Brief update for Saturday
Hi all!
Don't forget to visit our online photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz !!
More photos have been added today.. and a huge amount of work done around the compound.. a beautiful mural made and gardening done... sun shades added and computers repaired.
More to be added soon.. and more photos added today... more tomorrow. A busy day and now off to a restaurant in Phayao city for dinner. Tired, drained but all good!
Cya all
Peter
Don't forget to visit our online photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz !!
More photos have been added today.. and a huge amount of work done around the compound.. a beautiful mural made and gardening done... sun shades added and computers repaired.
More to be added soon.. and more photos added today... more tomorrow. A busy day and now off to a restaurant in Phayao city for dinner. Tired, drained but all good!
Cya all
Peter
Friday's view
Hello folks!
Firstly... Don't forget to visit our online photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz
How... how do I describe today? At the moment I have Frann and Angela sitting here... and I was (for me a rarity..) lost for words... literally at the end of the day as my voice had gone...from too much singing in hot humid conditions Frann just said.. YES... yippee.. but of course it has returned now.( hehehehehe). I know.. I'll ask them what they want to say here... Angela: "um" Fran: "um".. and she says I can't spell.. deja vue.. but I can... hehehehe.
As you could no doubt see.. we are all totally exhausted.. Frann said something else but.... Now Steph and her little friend Blu are here as well... they also are lost for words.. the fact that Blu is nine and doesn't speak English is why he can't say something in this blog.. !
So..... as usual I'll tell you about it... outside there is the sound of water bombs being thrown by the kids... it is very hot and humid tonight and its adding to the tiredness factor...
I'll now get on to the events of today... ahem...
The school we went to was in the countryside near Chang Rai. The school is a secondary school called Padadwittayakom and well over 1000 students attend. We went there with a brief to entertain and teach at the same time. This situation was quite unique as the school had made a good donation to the PPJ project to have us attend. They named it "Foreign Language Day" and treated us like celebs! From the moment we arrived to the moment we left absolutely tired out we were short of nothing... cold drinks food, food and at lunch MORE food. Lunch was simply stunning. We were treated to everything from Pork knuckle in Thai sauce, Baked fish, Fried fish chunks in a marinade, Thai veges, Sweet dumplings and much more. The standard of food on this trip has been amazing and today the food was straight out of an expensive upmarket Thai restaurant anywhere in the world.... in fact better!
For the purposes of teaching, we divided down into five groups : Music, Sport, Kiwi culture, Word games and Jump-Jam featuring the Four Heidie's (Tes, Steph Angela and Lisa). We took four lessons each of around 45 minutes duration.
The music group which was made up of myself, Andy, Nikki and Summer had a ball! We took a basic song "Lazy Boy" and rewrote the lyrics according to what the students liked played or loved. For example "I like Ice cream"! We also sang the NZ national anthem. We also played rhythm games which included tapping hips knees clapping and so forth.
Stan was part of the word game group. His particular specially was "Clusters".. where he called out numbers where the students had to form groups of those numbers and if they were not in a group they were out. The students squealed and clustered together... they loved the game and learnt from it!
Gill was part of the sport group. Their favourite sport was Rugby... supposedly touch although the finer points were lost in translation. Other sports played were basketball, soccer, and dodgeball. Their soccer skills were quite silky according to Gill... I think that means they were good!
Lesley led the Kiwi culture group featuring Poi's. The students learned the art of the Poi as well as what centre left and right were. On all accounts a lot of fun was had by all!
The Jump-jam class was a hit especially amongst the boys! I guess they had never seen four blonde girls with hair platted like Dutch maidens dancing to songs like YMCA!
After the four classes the whole school assembled in the hall area and we put on a show. Summer sang "The Irish Blessing", Nikki played the flute, and yours truly sang "We Shall Overcome". I loved the ambiance of the area which was concrete and very basic but nonetheless a great facility so far from the city of Phayao. The whole group sang "God of Nations" and a couple of other favourites. We were then treated to a selection of Thai songs sung by the entire school. It was magical.
But.. wait there's more. We were called up in front of the school and each received a piece of amazing artwork from children. They were made especially for us by the art class. My own particular gift is a cow made from wire and paper mache. It is hand painted and has an spectacular set of dentures. Others received similar items as well as keyrings, and writing books decorated by the students.
Then the photography began... and went on... and on... and on... and on... and on! It seemed that every device that could take any form of photo came out... we had already been filmed, photographed, and made to feel special but this was amazing... every girl wanted their photos with the guys and every boy wanted the four Heidie's! Email addresses were exchanged by the hundred and many many new friendships made. Even as we were climbing into the Van's to come back to PPJ there were camera's going off, signatures sought and movie camera's going. Handshake after handshake after handshake was exchanged.. even as were driving off...
So... why? Why were we... a simple group of average Kiwi guys and girls treated like major celebrities? ? Why were we the stars? Why were we paid to come (A donation was made to the PPJ project), given star billing and why did we become a feature on every camera, cellphone and video cam in the area?
Indeed to me it seemed similar to the days when my band had become moderately successful and we were sought after by our audiences. But... in this case.. we weren't rock stars.. we had only just played with the students and taught basic English.. we weren't celebs or special... to our way of thinking.
However... if you can picture the situation for one moment. This school had been aware of our visit and planned for months. No other outside group ever goes to that school. We were so different from what they were used to it raised us to the point of... in their eyes... stars. We did do something special.. for ourselves as well as for the school. All those months of anticipation and building up meant that our arrival was a special day indeed.
I do have difficulty in understanding how a bunch of ordinary Kiwi people can be raised to this point of stardom. However.. perhaps we shouldn't ask why. Perhaps we should just be exceptionally grateful that we were treated like magic.. and the result was that both communities gained an amazing experience from the day.
For me, when I first made the decision to come with the group to PPJ I wondered how it would be. I wondered if our PPJ visit would just be a group of "rich" foreigner's coming over to a poor land to show off. I have found this to not be true and my fears have been proven wrong. As a group we work very hard to do our very best for whoever we are asked to be with and lend our hands to whatever needs to be done. From recovering the truck seats to singing in front of over a thousand teen boys and girls... from meeting a beautiful family during our visit to assist the Forest people to our late night talks about solving the world's problems this group is an exceptionally caring, talented, and friendly bunch of people. We do not flaunt our "rich" lifestyle, and we don't need anyone to tell us not to.. simply because if we did, the pure and magical bond between two totally diverse societies would be lost.
Perhaps also we feel good about being treated as stars... is this a bad thing? No... but it should never be the aim. The goal of what we do by nature makes us unique in this northern Thai society. We are taller, bigger and have looks such as blonde hair, blue eyesm as well as different facial features. To them we represent a society that most will only dream about or experience through movies, the Internet or television. If this makes us special and therefore excites them... then we are merely examples of another world and it is not ourselves personally that are the "celebs", it is our culture on show that they crave. In this I believe we can be proud, without being conceited. Those photos they took and are probably downloading right now are there because of the society they live in and the passion that people here have for learning.
What a wonderful thing... to learn... to teach... and to have fun and gain experiences of our lifetimes whilst doing both. I absolutely commend this experience to all who read these words. If you have ever wondered about coming on such a trip, don't spend your life wondering... do it! If you have ever wondered whether supporting the Pakpingjai project is a thing we should be doing as a church I challenge you to come as well... I promise you that your outlook will be changed and that you too will experience the magic and the mysteries of being a representative of our amazing Kiwi culture. Yes... we are very lucky to live in Paradise... but... paradise can only be recognised when you see it through a clear lens. I will sleep well tonight knowing that the group gave its all today and that lives were changed as a result.
In closing our prayers go to Roy Jarrett, Colin Pidgeon and their families. They are both ill and in need of God's love more than ever. May God bless these people and all who care for them. Tonight the group prayed for them and they are in our thoughts as indeed all of our community is.
Tomorrow I will be adding many photos... remember to visit the blog and the online album http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz again for images of the past few days... they will stun you!
Take care and God bless
From Pakpingjai in northern Thailand...
Peter Chatteris
Firstly... Don't forget to visit our online photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz
How... how do I describe today? At the moment I have Frann and Angela sitting here... and I was (for me a rarity..) lost for words... literally at the end of the day as my voice had gone...from too much singing in hot humid conditions Frann just said.. YES... yippee.. but of course it has returned now.( hehehehehe). I know.. I'll ask them what they want to say here... Angela: "um" Fran: "um".. and she says I can't spell.. deja vue.. but I can... hehehehe.
As you could no doubt see.. we are all totally exhausted.. Frann said something else but.... Now Steph and her little friend Blu are here as well... they also are lost for words.. the fact that Blu is nine and doesn't speak English is why he can't say something in this blog.. !
So..... as usual I'll tell you about it... outside there is the sound of water bombs being thrown by the kids... it is very hot and humid tonight and its adding to the tiredness factor...
I'll now get on to the events of today... ahem...
The school we went to was in the countryside near Chang Rai. The school is a secondary school called Padadwittayakom and well over 1000 students attend. We went there with a brief to entertain and teach at the same time. This situation was quite unique as the school had made a good donation to the PPJ project to have us attend. They named it "Foreign Language Day" and treated us like celebs! From the moment we arrived to the moment we left absolutely tired out we were short of nothing... cold drinks food, food and at lunch MORE food. Lunch was simply stunning. We were treated to everything from Pork knuckle in Thai sauce, Baked fish, Fried fish chunks in a marinade, Thai veges, Sweet dumplings and much more. The standard of food on this trip has been amazing and today the food was straight out of an expensive upmarket Thai restaurant anywhere in the world.... in fact better!
For the purposes of teaching, we divided down into five groups : Music, Sport, Kiwi culture, Word games and Jump-Jam featuring the Four Heidie's (Tes, Steph Angela and Lisa). We took four lessons each of around 45 minutes duration.
The music group which was made up of myself, Andy, Nikki and Summer had a ball! We took a basic song "Lazy Boy" and rewrote the lyrics according to what the students liked played or loved. For example "I like Ice cream"! We also sang the NZ national anthem. We also played rhythm games which included tapping hips knees clapping and so forth.
Stan was part of the word game group. His particular specially was "Clusters".. where he called out numbers where the students had to form groups of those numbers and if they were not in a group they were out. The students squealed and clustered together... they loved the game and learnt from it!
Gill was part of the sport group. Their favourite sport was Rugby... supposedly touch although the finer points were lost in translation. Other sports played were basketball, soccer, and dodgeball. Their soccer skills were quite silky according to Gill... I think that means they were good!
Lesley led the Kiwi culture group featuring Poi's. The students learned the art of the Poi as well as what centre left and right were. On all accounts a lot of fun was had by all!
The Jump-jam class was a hit especially amongst the boys! I guess they had never seen four blonde girls with hair platted like Dutch maidens dancing to songs like YMCA!
After the four classes the whole school assembled in the hall area and we put on a show. Summer sang "The Irish Blessing", Nikki played the flute, and yours truly sang "We Shall Overcome". I loved the ambiance of the area which was concrete and very basic but nonetheless a great facility so far from the city of Phayao. The whole group sang "God of Nations" and a couple of other favourites. We were then treated to a selection of Thai songs sung by the entire school. It was magical.
But.. wait there's more. We were called up in front of the school and each received a piece of amazing artwork from children. They were made especially for us by the art class. My own particular gift is a cow made from wire and paper mache. It is hand painted and has an spectacular set of dentures. Others received similar items as well as keyrings, and writing books decorated by the students.
Then the photography began... and went on... and on... and on... and on... and on! It seemed that every device that could take any form of photo came out... we had already been filmed, photographed, and made to feel special but this was amazing... every girl wanted their photos with the guys and every boy wanted the four Heidie's! Email addresses were exchanged by the hundred and many many new friendships made. Even as we were climbing into the Van's to come back to PPJ there were camera's going off, signatures sought and movie camera's going. Handshake after handshake after handshake was exchanged.. even as were driving off...
So... why? Why were we... a simple group of average Kiwi guys and girls treated like major celebrities? ? Why were we the stars? Why were we paid to come (A donation was made to the PPJ project), given star billing and why did we become a feature on every camera, cellphone and video cam in the area?
Indeed to me it seemed similar to the days when my band had become moderately successful and we were sought after by our audiences. But... in this case.. we weren't rock stars.. we had only just played with the students and taught basic English.. we weren't celebs or special... to our way of thinking.
However... if you can picture the situation for one moment. This school had been aware of our visit and planned for months. No other outside group ever goes to that school. We were so different from what they were used to it raised us to the point of... in their eyes... stars. We did do something special.. for ourselves as well as for the school. All those months of anticipation and building up meant that our arrival was a special day indeed.
I do have difficulty in understanding how a bunch of ordinary Kiwi people can be raised to this point of stardom. However.. perhaps we shouldn't ask why. Perhaps we should just be exceptionally grateful that we were treated like magic.. and the result was that both communities gained an amazing experience from the day.
For me, when I first made the decision to come with the group to PPJ I wondered how it would be. I wondered if our PPJ visit would just be a group of "rich" foreigner's coming over to a poor land to show off. I have found this to not be true and my fears have been proven wrong. As a group we work very hard to do our very best for whoever we are asked to be with and lend our hands to whatever needs to be done. From recovering the truck seats to singing in front of over a thousand teen boys and girls... from meeting a beautiful family during our visit to assist the Forest people to our late night talks about solving the world's problems this group is an exceptionally caring, talented, and friendly bunch of people. We do not flaunt our "rich" lifestyle, and we don't need anyone to tell us not to.. simply because if we did, the pure and magical bond between two totally diverse societies would be lost.
Perhaps also we feel good about being treated as stars... is this a bad thing? No... but it should never be the aim. The goal of what we do by nature makes us unique in this northern Thai society. We are taller, bigger and have looks such as blonde hair, blue eyesm as well as different facial features. To them we represent a society that most will only dream about or experience through movies, the Internet or television. If this makes us special and therefore excites them... then we are merely examples of another world and it is not ourselves personally that are the "celebs", it is our culture on show that they crave. In this I believe we can be proud, without being conceited. Those photos they took and are probably downloading right now are there because of the society they live in and the passion that people here have for learning.
What a wonderful thing... to learn... to teach... and to have fun and gain experiences of our lifetimes whilst doing both. I absolutely commend this experience to all who read these words. If you have ever wondered about coming on such a trip, don't spend your life wondering... do it! If you have ever wondered whether supporting the Pakpingjai project is a thing we should be doing as a church I challenge you to come as well... I promise you that your outlook will be changed and that you too will experience the magic and the mysteries of being a representative of our amazing Kiwi culture. Yes... we are very lucky to live in Paradise... but... paradise can only be recognised when you see it through a clear lens. I will sleep well tonight knowing that the group gave its all today and that lives were changed as a result.
In closing our prayers go to Roy Jarrett, Colin Pidgeon and their families. They are both ill and in need of God's love more than ever. May God bless these people and all who care for them. Tonight the group prayed for them and they are in our thoughts as indeed all of our community is.
Tomorrow I will be adding many photos... remember to visit the blog and the online album http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz again for images of the past few days... they will stun you!
Take care and God bless
From Pakpingjai in northern Thailand...
Peter Chatteris
Friday 22 January 2010
Silly happenings at PPJ.. the case of the vicious chair and Frann's attack on an innocent toe!
Hello again!
Did a silly thing tonight or at least a silly thing was done by me by a chair... the Thai people are rather small and Kiwi's well lets just say in the rugby games I have about four of the "larger" teens hanging off me as I walk to a try.. if you run they bounce off you! OK... now imagine the chairs they sit on... the plastic is ... ummm thinner than that required for Kiwi's... OK.. picture this if you will... we are all sitting discussing strategies for tomorrow's teaching at a senior school.. Our group.. the music group is giving the lesson plan when right in the middle of my explanation of counting beats and rhythmical patterns and relating it to teaching English in the said patterns the "thin" chair collapsed under me... now at this moment you should also know apart from the broken toe I lifted the nail on the other foot big toe whilst playing rugby on the concrete.... ok.. back to the chair... you with me? Good... I immediately went from a seated position to a sprawled position on the tiled floor... wrenching my back.. which is now sore as heck,,, Taken painkillers and reckon I'll troop on...
The group has had a few mishaps.. three have a cold... but are continuing on... Steph has now lost her voice.. and hurt her knee.. Tes had jelly belly and the list goes on.. today someone got a Thai bee-sting which was rather unpleasant considering the circumstances of the requirement to walk in places... ummm... theres more but at this stage the painkillers are kicking in so I'll sign off..
OOPS
As one was standing.. Frann.. dear Frann was getting up as well... as we are side by side... all of a sudden the keyboard caught in her legs and came crashing at a hurtling speed ....down on... yes.. you guessed it.. my toe... the one that was damaged in the rugby game... oh yes.. Frann must have it in for that toe!
Right... NOW I am off to bed.. yes folks this is truly it for tonight.. which will be morning in unzud... or afternoon.... in oh I'm too tired to work it out...
cya
Pete
Did a silly thing tonight or at least a silly thing was done by me by a chair... the Thai people are rather small and Kiwi's well lets just say in the rugby games I have about four of the "larger" teens hanging off me as I walk to a try.. if you run they bounce off you! OK... now imagine the chairs they sit on... the plastic is ... ummm thinner than that required for Kiwi's... OK.. picture this if you will... we are all sitting discussing strategies for tomorrow's teaching at a senior school.. Our group.. the music group is giving the lesson plan when right in the middle of my explanation of counting beats and rhythmical patterns and relating it to teaching English in the said patterns the "thin" chair collapsed under me... now at this moment you should also know apart from the broken toe I lifted the nail on the other foot big toe whilst playing rugby on the concrete.... ok.. back to the chair... you with me? Good... I immediately went from a seated position to a sprawled position on the tiled floor... wrenching my back.. which is now sore as heck,,, Taken painkillers and reckon I'll troop on...
The group has had a few mishaps.. three have a cold... but are continuing on... Steph has now lost her voice.. and hurt her knee.. Tes had jelly belly and the list goes on.. today someone got a Thai bee-sting which was rather unpleasant considering the circumstances of the requirement to walk in places... ummm... theres more but at this stage the painkillers are kicking in so I'll sign off..
OOPS
As one was standing.. Frann.. dear Frann was getting up as well... as we are side by side... all of a sudden the keyboard caught in her legs and came crashing at a hurtling speed ....down on... yes.. you guessed it.. my toe... the one that was damaged in the rugby game... oh yes.. Frann must have it in for that toe!
Right... NOW I am off to bed.. yes folks this is truly it for tonight.. which will be morning in unzud... or afternoon.... in oh I'm too tired to work it out...
cya
Pete
Thursday 21 January 2010
More on Monday plus news from Tuesday and Wednesday
Hello to all
Access our online photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz and email us at pakpingjai@gmail.com . We would love questions!
Monday was a day when we did so much... it was so busy that I even mistakenly said the waterfall swim was on that day as well... it was actually on Saturday after the visit to the Forest people. I also had not mentioned the White Temple and the beautiful scenes we saw. The above photo shows Stan and Samarn outside the Temple at dusk. In our online photo album you will see many more images of that amazing place. At times it thrilled, whilst at times it was disturbing. The hands reaching up from Hell was chilling.
Whilst on the way home we drove through chaotic traffic but right in the middle of it all was a beautiful mother teaching her baby Thai dancing. The picture below shows the mother and baby... and to me shows pride and love. Pride in her baby and love in her eyes. Perhaps it shows us that pride can be a form of love....
After we arrived home, we had a celebration in the meeting hall. It was as usual an amazing show of talent and wisdom. Those band boys are getting better every day! A strong bond has developed between our group and the young people of PPJ. The tour group have been adopted by the kids as surrogate mums, dads, sisters, brothers... and many other roles. As a group we have loved this to the core, and as I speak there is laughter to be heard. Our kids are playing with the kids of PPJ.. some are assisting in putting new seats in the back of the truck... the old ones were killers! This interaction is priceless, both for the PPJ kids and ourselves.
Tuesday was amazing for myself personally as already stated... and no... I will not say what happened until the PPJ service at home! The Buddhist university on Wednesday was amazing as already said...
Which brings us to today!
Which I will cover tomorrow!
You will have to return... same place and same address... but only just... ahh there is something in that... perhaps a clue to the miracle!
Before I leave you.. we had an email from our Minister in St Heliers asking some questions.. so... here are the questions and the answers!
What does the fence look like??
Answered by Gill: Pauline the fence looks great! Same colours as last time with the addition of a mural (hopefully).
Are the boys good at the skate boards and scooters???
Answered by Frann: No one as fallen off yet though Robyn is concerned that they do not do them up properly. She is our "OSH" rep!!!!!!!! Laissez Faire.. this is Thailand!
Who looks after the computers at the hostel???
Answered by Peter: The computers are a bit of a problem. There is one boy who is becoming knowledgeable but at the moment they are relatively unprotected as far as virus's are concerned. There is also a need for the electrical system to be improved as there are electrical shocks being felt if you touch them. I am trying to assist as best I can but more work is required.
What is impacting you the most?
Answered by Chris: The team spirit that has been created on this trip is second to none. Every member has a unique contribution which we are all able to enjoy and share.
What is impacting the children of the hostels most because of your visit?
Answered by Slav: I believe that the children know that someone cares for them and they are not forgotten. They are full of energy and we are assisting them in using that abundant energy. Having a younger sister and brother assists me in interacting with the kids.
What can we learn from their worship for our own community??
Answered by Summer and Fraser: We should allow some services to be led by teens and those of teen spirit. The relevant services should be entirely led by the young and young at heart. We should include rock music in these services and also in the general services as well.
OK... these are interesting answers... for myself.. I believe we could learn about community in a different way. A community where the older ones assist the young, where there is a sense of belonging and commitment to love within our families..
Until next time this is your blogging friend signing off and wishing you all a very good evening from Pakpingjai
Peter
Wednesday 20 January 2010
The adventure continues!
Access our online photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz
Hello all wherever you are in the world!
The past few days have been amazing, incredible and made our group think alot about their own lives. Sunday was very special as we had a Church service with 6 baptism's including our very own Darryl. The young Thai musicians are improving in confidence and skill after some workshops. The main issue has been the tuning and the PA system. Both area's have been worked on and Sunday showed just how much work they has put in.
Stan spoke at the service and reminded us of the abundant love God has for us no matter what... He told us that God understands that various societies have things that other's might find strange and yet God loves us all for who we are. Samarn talked to the Thai people about how people should develop life skills that will ensure they have a better life for themselves and their families.
Monday was tourism day with Elephant trekking, snake handling, swimming in a beautiful waterfall and visiting markets. Some photos follow and more are on the online photo album. After school finishes each weekday we play with the boys and girls. This is a good way of teaching them conversational English. Rugby at a very rudimentary level has been taught... The Thai boys are fast but light and the sight of five or more of them hanging off a kiwi lad whilst racing to the try line has everyone in fits of laughter! A couple of older boys would make great halfbacks or centres but Soccer is the game of choice here as the size makes it difficult to play Rugby.
Tuesday was a teaching day with most of the team going to a local school. I stayed back here to assess the computers and electrical systems. Whilst here a miricle happened of which I will not share until back in Auckland. I'll keep you on the edge of your seats! A lot of sport was played with the kids after school and we wore a few of them out! (They did the same to some of us!)
Today (Wednesday) we were priviliged to attend and teach english at a Buddhist University. The monks put on a welcome that included demonstrations of their way of praising Buddha and their philosophy on life. We broke into groups and did conversational english. My group was really interested about life in NZ and were amazed by the photos of waves and the beaches. Only one out of eight had ever even seen a beach. We were able to tour ariound the university and see some amazing sights. These included a massive golden Buddha as well as some ancient relics. See our online photo album soon for photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz . Don't forget the email address that has been set up for the tour. pakpingjai@gmail.com . Please ask questions about the trip and our work here... we would love to hear from you!
Anyhow... I have some photos to process and upload... take care and keep praying that we are able to achieve what God would have us do.
Regards
Peter
Hello all wherever you are in the world!
The past few days have been amazing, incredible and made our group think alot about their own lives. Sunday was very special as we had a Church service with 6 baptism's including our very own Darryl. The young Thai musicians are improving in confidence and skill after some workshops. The main issue has been the tuning and the PA system. Both area's have been worked on and Sunday showed just how much work they has put in.
Stan spoke at the service and reminded us of the abundant love God has for us no matter what... He told us that God understands that various societies have things that other's might find strange and yet God loves us all for who we are. Samarn talked to the Thai people about how people should develop life skills that will ensure they have a better life for themselves and their families.
Monday was tourism day with Elephant trekking, snake handling, swimming in a beautiful waterfall and visiting markets. Some photos follow and more are on the online photo album. After school finishes each weekday we play with the boys and girls. This is a good way of teaching them conversational English. Rugby at a very rudimentary level has been taught... The Thai boys are fast but light and the sight of five or more of them hanging off a kiwi lad whilst racing to the try line has everyone in fits of laughter! A couple of older boys would make great halfbacks or centres but Soccer is the game of choice here as the size makes it difficult to play Rugby.
Tuesday was a teaching day with most of the team going to a local school. I stayed back here to assess the computers and electrical systems. Whilst here a miricle happened of which I will not share until back in Auckland. I'll keep you on the edge of your seats! A lot of sport was played with the kids after school and we wore a few of them out! (They did the same to some of us!)
Today (Wednesday) we were priviliged to attend and teach english at a Buddhist University. The monks put on a welcome that included demonstrations of their way of praising Buddha and their philosophy on life. We broke into groups and did conversational english. My group was really interested about life in NZ and were amazed by the photos of waves and the beaches. Only one out of eight had ever even seen a beach. We were able to tour ariound the university and see some amazing sights. These included a massive golden Buddha as well as some ancient relics. See our online photo album soon for photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz . Don't forget the email address that has been set up for the tour. pakpingjai@gmail.com . Please ask questions about the trip and our work here... we would love to hear from you!
Anyhow... I have some photos to process and upload... take care and keep praying that we are able to achieve what God would have us do.
Regards
Peter
Tuesday 19 January 2010
The Forest People of Eastern Phayao
Hello folks
I have found over the past few days that one may experience Thai culture, see Thai customs and know the beauty of the people. I have experienced warmth and friendship, loving and giving in a way that I have seldom been privileged to see.
However..
To feel the spirit of a people is to truly be moved. To know that one has undergone a very special moment in life is indeed a special event.
For myself and I suspect many others, today was such an event. We were in a small basic tribal hut deep in the hills in western Phayao with a family whose young boy is a PPJ resident. The family had not seen the boy for a long time. We witnessed the love that the family has for their son and the agony of having only a few minutes to spend with him. Love and yet agony... how do you cope with those contradicting emotions? Perhaps the answer is knowing that the young boy will have a better life as a result of his time at PPJ. Perhaps the boy will be the one who makes a difference in his extended family's life. One person can change the world,, whether their world is large or small.
I am unashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears. It was a moment I will never forget and a moment I truly felt God's love even though it was agonising for the family.
Lets put this into perspective.
The Forest people have been relocated by the government as a result of recent logging and deforestation of their natural habitat. The result is that the army controls the area and has to protect the small settlements from raiders. Indeed we witnessed the army outpost with guns ready. Photos will be added tomorrow. Sunday will be a free afternoon so watch out for some very moving scenes.
In the settlement there were many children. Originally five were selected to apply for care at PPJ. Due to financial and space restrictions only one boy was able to make the move. We visited one settlement but passed many more small villages and settlements. Imagine if you will the huge problem that these people face. A wholesale change in their life, a forced move from their native land, and no real hope for many.
Think about our lives in Auckland... what we do have what we complain about and what we strive for. Today we experienced something that one does not see, one does not do, but one feels. Surely... surely that puts our troubles in their true perspective. God is a miracle worker, but we are his channel through which the miracles can happen.
My life will not be the same... and I sincerely doubt anyone who was there today was unmoved. Indeed I believe that lives were changed... for both the so-called rich and the so-called poor.
Here are some of the photos of the trip to see just how they live and who they are. Whilst nothing replaces the experience of being there, these photos tell a story. There are many more photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz , To see larger images please left click on the photo below.
Regards and in God's love
Peter (the blogger) Chatteris
I have found over the past few days that one may experience Thai culture, see Thai customs and know the beauty of the people. I have experienced warmth and friendship, loving and giving in a way that I have seldom been privileged to see.
However..
To feel the spirit of a people is to truly be moved. To know that one has undergone a very special moment in life is indeed a special event.
For myself and I suspect many others, today was such an event. We were in a small basic tribal hut deep in the hills in western Phayao with a family whose young boy is a PPJ resident. The family had not seen the boy for a long time. We witnessed the love that the family has for their son and the agony of having only a few minutes to spend with him. Love and yet agony... how do you cope with those contradicting emotions? Perhaps the answer is knowing that the young boy will have a better life as a result of his time at PPJ. Perhaps the boy will be the one who makes a difference in his extended family's life. One person can change the world,, whether their world is large or small.
I am unashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears. It was a moment I will never forget and a moment I truly felt God's love even though it was agonising for the family.
Lets put this into perspective.
The Forest people have been relocated by the government as a result of recent logging and deforestation of their natural habitat. The result is that the army controls the area and has to protect the small settlements from raiders. Indeed we witnessed the army outpost with guns ready. Photos will be added tomorrow. Sunday will be a free afternoon so watch out for some very moving scenes.
In the settlement there were many children. Originally five were selected to apply for care at PPJ. Due to financial and space restrictions only one boy was able to make the move. We visited one settlement but passed many more small villages and settlements. Imagine if you will the huge problem that these people face. A wholesale change in their life, a forced move from their native land, and no real hope for many.
Think about our lives in Auckland... what we do have what we complain about and what we strive for. Today we experienced something that one does not see, one does not do, but one feels. Surely... surely that puts our troubles in their true perspective. God is a miracle worker, but we are his channel through which the miracles can happen.
My life will not be the same... and I sincerely doubt anyone who was there today was unmoved. Indeed I believe that lives were changed... for both the so-called rich and the so-called poor.
Here are some of the photos of the trip to see just how they live and who they are. Whilst nothing replaces the experience of being there, these photos tell a story. There are many more photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz , To see larger images please left click on the photo below.
Regards and in God's love
Peter (the blogger) Chatteris
Monday 18 January 2010
The Meeting Hall
Click on photos to see larger image...
Stan talking to the Thai boys and girls as well as the people from St Heliers. This type of meeting is a regular occurrence here. Every second night we gather in the meeting hall to hear some great music from the young Thai musicians who are increasing in confidence and musical attitude with every session. Also these nights include some of our group talking with Samarn interpreting. Samarn can be seen here translating Stan's words into Thai.
This photo shows
our group singing for the PPJ young people. Nicky Kahn plays flute and guitar, and I (Peter) can be seen playing guitar. We are working hard to improve the singing and hope that all will be confident soon!
Church is also held every Sunday at the meeting hall.
In addition to the PPJ young people Villagers attend as well. The services are around 90 minutes long and full of music and praise.
Sunday 17 January 2010
Link to PPJ website
A few days ago one of the boys; Worrapon has created a website for the PPJ project. He is 18 years old and in grade 12 at Thampinwityakom Academy. We will work with him to further develop the website. It is already a fantastic resource for people to find out about the area and the need for a place like Pakpingjai to exist. The site can be found at http://ppjmail.thport.com/ I encourage you to visit it and to ask questions via the pakpingjainz@gmail.com email address.
Peter
Peter
Andrew's perspective
G'day from Andy Sawtell
Pakpingjai has changed little in the past two years. Aside from material things - significant extentions to the area where we are staying and some swing sets - there is a continuation of the sense of family amongst all the PPJ people. More than merely a home for the young people who live here, it is a community centre where children are free to play and members of the village visit on special occasions.
A short walk around Bantham Village and the wider community gives a sense of the struggle of life here. Many homes have no furniture. Thatched roofs are in need of repair, chickens and dogs roam freely in the street during the day. Some families work just once a year during the harvest season and manage the money they receive for the rest of the year, no doubt leaving them with very little towards the end. Imagine having to budget one paycheck for an entire year. Feeding, clothing and educating a family can stretch a poverty-stircken family beyond its limits. Thanks to the dedication and unconditional love of Samarn and the generous donations of our Church and others, the children of many of these families have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Having the opportunity to continue the work of our Church, to interact with and educate the children is a privilege. Being my 2nd visit to Pakpingjai, I knew what to expect. But seeing the reactions of the other members of the group, and how being here is affecting them, is truly moving. I am blessed to have returned to Pakpingjai.
Andrew (Andy) Sawtell
Pakpingjai has changed little in the past two years. Aside from material things - significant extentions to the area where we are staying and some swing sets - there is a continuation of the sense of family amongst all the PPJ people. More than merely a home for the young people who live here, it is a community centre where children are free to play and members of the village visit on special occasions.
A short walk around Bantham Village and the wider community gives a sense of the struggle of life here. Many homes have no furniture. Thatched roofs are in need of repair, chickens and dogs roam freely in the street during the day. Some families work just once a year during the harvest season and manage the money they receive for the rest of the year, no doubt leaving them with very little towards the end. Imagine having to budget one paycheck for an entire year. Feeding, clothing and educating a family can stretch a poverty-stircken family beyond its limits. Thanks to the dedication and unconditional love of Samarn and the generous donations of our Church and others, the children of many of these families have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Having the opportunity to continue the work of our Church, to interact with and educate the children is a privilege. Being my 2nd visit to Pakpingjai, I knew what to expect. But seeing the reactions of the other members of the group, and how being here is affecting them, is truly moving. I am blessed to have returned to Pakpingjai.
Andrew (Andy) Sawtell
Saturday 16 January 2010
Our First School visit!
This video shows our first visit to a primary school. It was made by our video team headed by Stan, and assisted by Darrell and Fraser. They have been doing wonderful work and are to be congratulated on their efforts to date. More videos will be added as well as appearing on our You Tube channel. Further details to follow.
Regards
Peter
Becoming English Teachers
Bahn Bin School Students with PPJ Group
Over the last two days, the members of the PPJ group have evolved into enthusiastic, competent English teachers. It's been incredibly exciting working with everyone to create vibrant, re-usable resources. The past two mornings in the office have been a hive of activity between 6:30 and 8am, with scissors slicing and a "Lazarus" laminator coming back to life in order to bind over 100 sheets of paper into brightly coloured flashcards and visual aides for our visits to a primary and secondary school. We have also overcome the barriers of Google and Word in Thai and come out the other side!!!
In the classroom, groups of individuals have melded together and become teams who build on one another's strengths. After two days of teaching, the members have transformed from being unsure of whether they could teach English, to being confident and excited about engaging with more Thai students in three more schools next week. I have particularly enjoyed seeing the teenagers of the group become leaders of small groups of Thai students, involving them in conversations about their lives.
As a TESSOL-trained teacher, it has been especially exciting to use the techniques in a full immersion situation. The standard of lessons has been exceptional and it has been a pleasure working with Andrew to plan for our visits to the Thai schools.
See you next time,
Summer (Stice) Staples - from the Teaching Team
Friday 15 January 2010
Latest News from PPJ
Hello everyone back in NZ and hi to all our wonderful friends in Thailand.
The past two days have really been a daze! We have walked around a market with wonderful delicacies such as baby calfs head sausages, fried insects, jumping Carp, and hundreds of different of potions concoctions and drinks. We have taught in two schools, walked around the local village purchasing delicious (I think) baby coconut and a drink yet to be consumed... Today (Thursday) some people went to a lake and then to another market. Yesterday a group of us went to Phayao to barter for items as diverse as food and medicine. We are getting used to the early morning "political broadcast" on the village loudspeaker system and heard it all the time in Phayao. Whilst there we purchased a number of musical items to upgrade the instruments here. Much of the money for this was thanks to the wonderful kids who worked hard on the Potpourri CD. Also some more finances have been made available through the group. So the music programme is going to be well funded and ongoing. Nicky and myself form the music team and are working hard to ensure music is a core subject in our work. The teaching has been made easy because of the hard work put in by Summer and Andrew. They have worked tirelessly to ensure the outcome is effective and well planned. It has also been enjoyable engaging in conversation with the school children. Today a soccer match was held at the Academy (secondary school). It was all concrete and the result was a 4 all draw... a few blisters were gained by our soft St Heliers feet!
From my own point of view the group is working and bonding extremely well together. Stan is pleased with the group and is leading us very well. Our hosts here are just amazing. Food is everywhere. Bottled water by the gallon and the willingness to serve any need is a great example to our privileged society.
Photos will be added tonight along with a movie... Thanks for following us and don't forget to email us at pakpingjainz@gmail.com .
Thanks and regards
Peter "the blogger" Chatteris
Our first day at PPJ
We were welcomed by the amazing mini Thai dancers!
These pictures are of the local Buddhist village park. It is a belief that this is a haven for people's spirits. Various offerings are made for the dead and departed to assist them in the afterlife.
Thursday 14 January 2010
The trip and photos
At the departure lounge
The skymap showing us flying over Indonesia and approaching 4 more countries
Stan, Frann and Andrew on plane over Vietnam
Tes and Fabian... nearly there!
Stan's Challenge for PPJ group
I am hoping you will all meet someone in PPJ. The person I want you to meet is yourself. By this I mean that I am hoping you will see your self in a new light.
We are suggesting that for our time in Thailand we should be "unplugged". Switch off your ipods. Turn off the phone. Put away the 3g games, and don't use the hours looking at screens big or small.
What you then see may surprise you. You will see young people that do not have a cent to bless themselves with brimming with happiness. It may dawn on you that happiness is not about having.
We in NZ are conditioned to think that our toys are the conduits through which pleasure and happiness comes. We assume that the person with the most or the latest toys must be supremely happy.
The community at PPJ puts the lie into the notions. We are forced to wonder, "have I been going in the wrong directions?". The PPJ experience gives us the opportunity to ask "Who am I?", "Where am I going?", and "Who could I be?"
Profile for Stephanie
STEPHANIE TANNER
17 Years old
Attends St Mary's College in Ponsonby
This year is a year 13, last year of school
I'm super excited for the trip, its been a long time coming with lots of hard work and organisation from all the member involved. Early in 2009 my Dad and older Sister travelled to Cambodia and the Philippines, and they said their trip was life changing. I want my Thailand experience to be that for me; I want to meet heaps of cool people; take up every opportunity that comes my way so I can fully embrace the whole experience to get the most out of it.
I think it will be a very humbling and refreshing way to start 2010, with experiences and lessons I can carry with me for the rest of my life, and as Stan said I wouldn't mind meeting my self over in Thailand either.
Summers Profile
Hi! I'm Summer Stice, actually, Summer Staples - as of the 23rd of December! I have been a member of St. Heliers Presbyterian Church for about three years and I am going to Pakpingjai because every time the trip was mentioned in church, I had this feeling inside that I should go. I've never done anything like this and I am really looking forward to getting to know the members of the group and the kids at Pakpingjai hostel. It's going to be an amazing experience and, even though I'll miss my husband and family, I'm sure, as Stan said, I will learn a lot about myself and this will be a life-changing time. Bye for now. :)
Trip and arrival.
G'day all
It is fantastic to finally be here in Pakpinjai after 16 hours of traveling and crossing 9 countries. We are settling in to life here and have been privileged in witnessing an amazing welcome from the children and the local villagers. The trip has been fantastic with everyone fitting in and making new friends... Photos and videos will be posted tomorrow. Look and see some wonderful scenes.
Stan says hi and believes we have made a great start with a wonderful team.
We will see you tomorrow
Peter your blogger
It is fantastic to finally be here in Pakpinjai after 16 hours of traveling and crossing 9 countries. We are settling in to life here and have been privileged in witnessing an amazing welcome from the children and the local villagers. The trip has been fantastic with everyone fitting in and making new friends... Photos and videos will be posted tomorrow. Look and see some wonderful scenes.
Stan says hi and believes we have made a great start with a wonderful team.
We will see you tomorrow
Peter your blogger
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Amy's profile
Hello my name Amy Caspersonn
I am 25 years old and I am a teacher aid at Marshwood Montessori Preschool. I have two sisters and a brother and a pet dog called Bella. I love to sing, dance, act and work with young children. I am a singer in the church youth band.
This is my third trip to Thailand and Pakpingjai. The first time for me was very exciting but also a bit scary because I didn’t know very much of what to expect but when you go back it feels as if you are going back to see friends and you relax a lot more and you feel more at home.
My reason for going a third time is to visit friends from the other trips and to help them out some more and to have new experiences. Also I love Thailand, Pakpingjai and the Thai food so much. The pace of life in Thailand brings peace to my soul.
For those of you going Thailand and Pakpingjai for the first time you will have the time of your life and learn a lot from everyone you meet and they will learn a lot from you too.
Remember don’t be scared be prepared to try new things and give everything a go.
I am 25 years old and I am a teacher aid at Marshwood Montessori Preschool. I have two sisters and a brother and a pet dog called Bella. I love to sing, dance, act and work with young children. I am a singer in the church youth band.
This is my third trip to Thailand and Pakpingjai. The first time for me was very exciting but also a bit scary because I didn’t know very much of what to expect but when you go back it feels as if you are going back to see friends and you relax a lot more and you feel more at home.
My reason for going a third time is to visit friends from the other trips and to help them out some more and to have new experiences. Also I love Thailand, Pakpingjai and the Thai food so much. The pace of life in Thailand brings peace to my soul.
For those of you going Thailand and Pakpingjai for the first time you will have the time of your life and learn a lot from everyone you meet and they will learn a lot from you too.
Remember don’t be scared be prepared to try new things and give everything a go.
Robin's profile
Hi, I’m Robin and I’m from Saint Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Ponsonby. I got interested in going to Pakpingjai last year when my cousin John Hallet mentioned it to my daughter Angela. He said they were looking for some more young people to go on the trip and I thought… well I’m young!
Unfortunately John can’t go on the trip anymore due to an injured knee, but I’m sure we will have a great time anyway, and we hope John will be able to go on the next trip.
I’m looking forward to making friends within the group and Pakpingjai and all the new experiences that this trip is going to offer!
Unfortunately John can’t go on the trip anymore due to an injured knee, but I’m sure we will have a great time anyway, and we hope John will be able to go on the next trip.
I’m looking forward to making friends within the group and Pakpingjai and all the new experiences that this trip is going to offer!
Angela's profile
Hello, my name is Angela and I’m seventeen years old. 2010 brings my last year at St Mary’s College, in Ponsonby. For most of my life I attended Saint Stephens Presbyterian in Ponsonby with my family and over the last few years I have been going to Mount Albert Baptist Church.
I am very excited about going to Thailand (only 2 sleeps left!) and am extremely grateful that I am able to receive this opportunity. I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture and being immersed in a completely different environment. I hope to develop as a person through these experiences, form some lasting friendships and do my best to support and work at all tasks given to us at Pakpingjai.
I am very excited about going to Thailand (only 2 sleeps left!) and am extremely grateful that I am able to receive this opportunity. I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture and being immersed in a completely different environment. I hope to develop as a person through these experiences, form some lasting friendships and do my best to support and work at all tasks given to us at Pakpingjai.
Monday 11 January 2010
Hello to all in Pakpingjai
To all the boys and girls in Pakpingjai... a HUGE Kiwi G'day to you... we are all looking forward to meeting you and being with you. Its only a day away... more profiles added before we leave... may God keep his eye on you.. and his hand on both your people and ours..
Peter
Peter
Sunday 10 January 2010
Tessa's profile
Haay everyone, Tes here ! I'm 16 and just entering into year 12 (6th form) this year at Glendowie College. I'm really looking forward to going to Thailand, particually to experience their culture such as different foods, languages and riding elephants of course! The photo is of my friend and I just before going out (Alana left, Me right).
Christine and Nikki 's Profile
Hello my name is Christine Kahn and this is my second trip to Pakpingjai . This time I am being joined by my daughter Nikki Kahn so that she can come and see and experience for herself that Pakpingjai is truly a" home for the heart". What a special privilege and opportunity this trip offers for us to go and spend time with these children and Samarn and hopefully it will make a small difference to their lives as well as enrich ours greatly.
Nikki is keen to be involved in the musical side of this group as well as do an over-view of the water pumping and filtration system so that we can improve the delivery of water to the hostels and adjoining facilities. She has just completed a conjoint degree in law and mechanical engineering and so hopes some of her knowledge may be of benefit.
I enjoyed in sharing and teaching the children in English lessons and look forward to doing so again.I hope and pray that this trip will be life changing and enhancing for our group,as we work and travel together.
Christine and Nikki
Saturday 9 January 2010
Three Sleeps!
Folks... only three sleeps to go... tommorrow is the commissioning by the church... lets all be there... a great opportunity to show our unity of purpose... Also please... more profiles needed... thanks and regards
Your blogger.. Peter Chatteris
Your blogger.. Peter Chatteris
Frann's profile
Hi from Frann...
This will be my second trip to Pakpingjai. To officially open the Girl’s Hostel was one of the purposes of our trip in 2008. Since then, 17 young girls age 6 – 13 have been welcomed into the community of Pakpingjai where they are receiving Christian care and a sound education. Visiting the Hill Tribes from where some of these girls have come puts their plight into perspective. We take treats such as lollies and balloons and essentials such as basic medicines. To see the delight in the eyes of the children as they play with the balloons and taste the treats - to see the tears in the eyes of an old man when told the medicines will bring relief from the pain in his arthritic knees – it personifies the words of Christ “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me” Matthew 25: 40. I don’t go to relive my experience of 2008, but I go with the expectation that we will return satisfied that we have made a difference to those whose lives we touch.
Friday 8 January 2010
Stan's Profile
Friends, this is my third visit to Pakpingjai. I count myself very blessed to have had hese opportunities. It is like going to the other side of the moon. Forget about cheeky children and bored teens. In the gentle atmosphere of the Hostel and the communities that surround it unwinding is easy. The picture shows me doing something we all will do - engaging high school students in conversational English. My hope is that our group will become lasting friends and that we all will feel the love of God and be personally challenged.
Thursday 7 January 2010
Pete's photo and "counting"
Five days to go... music for the group sorted... not long now folks... already packing.. a first for me... usually its the last minute (literally!) If you have any general questions re the trip please post here... also hit the follow button to keep updated.. The above photo is of myself... if you see me at church and have any questions about the blog... just ask away!
Thats all folks!
Peter
Wednesday 6 January 2010
St Heliers Pakpingjai trip 2010
Hello!
Firstly allow me to introduce the group. There are 21 of us travelling to Pakpingjai in 2010. Our task is to do anything that assists the project as a whole and also specialise in certain areas. We also aim to enjoy the experience!A little about my background and specific tasks... My name is Peter Chatteris, and I was baptised into St Heliers Church in 1959. After 19 years in Australia I returned to NZ and the church in 2002 and live with my partner Sharyn and 2 of her 3 children. I am a musician and music educator. I also sing, songwrite, play drums, guitar, produce, and a few other bits and pieces.
It is a special privilige for me to go on this trip and travel with such an amazing group. My role in the trip concentrates on music however as official photographer and blogger, I am also charged with the task of keeping you all up to date with what is happening. Over the time away I am hoping several of our group will contribute to the blog, and tell you all about themselves and their stories. A trip like this will change people. We are indeed fortunate in having the opportunity to live in an affluent society. The trip will be an eye opener and show us perspective in the way we live. It will also teach compassion for people that whilst having very little, strive to better themselves. We do indeed live in paradise and the tragedy is that some of us don't know it.
If you are new to blogging... no matter! Its merely a modern way to keep people up to date with a person's life... or in this case a group. As the world shrinks it has become possible to let anyone interested know what is happening in their life. Some photos and movies will be posted here however I will also create a space where photos may be viewed in a higher reolution and in greater depth. Comments may also be left for each post so e would love to hear from you or answer any questions.
Thats about it for now... only 6 days to go... I'm excited! ...
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