The past 2 weeks have seen so many changes here at the Center. Are you ready for the updates? Here we go! Let’s begin with our eyesores

Thatched Roof Huts Are Finally Gone

The two raised Laos thatched roof huts at the Center were purchased 5 years ago as a special hang-out place for the students. I wasn’t present at that time yet I heard they were well-used, even with teachers holding outside classes on cooler days.

But when Covid became an issue, the Center closed down for in-person education. Online teaching ensued and the huts began to fall into disrepair. The sight of them was quite shocking. Khamxay mentioned many times having such an embarrassment on our grounds.

When I arrived last December, they were a true eyesore. I had so many other things to deal with that the huts went onto a “to do” list that stretched onward into infinity, it seemed.

This problem recently flew to the top of my deal-with-it list when our Village Chief stopped in for a visit.

I still remember Khamxay and I watched as his eyes scanned the dilapidated structures. While he said nothing, his facial expression was one which said it all: “What kind of respectable business would keep these national Laos-treasured buildings in such a state?!”

Not a good one, obviously.

At many staff weekly meetings, I had the huts on the agenda. Sell? Give away? Disassemble and give away as firewood?

Last week, I’d had it.

No more discussion. I told Santi, my “get things done” staff member, to advertise on Facebook. Whoever wanted them can have them, to either take away as a whole or cut up in our courtyard for easier removal.

With that announcement in the office, Khamxay (my office manager) brightened.

“Ajan Connie,” he said excitedly, “can I have one? I can put at my new house. My family and I can enjoy outside eating and resting. And I know Nyai (treasurer) also wants one for her home, too. Is it OK?”

“Absolutely OK!” I piped up. “And as a bonus, I’ll pay for the hiring of whomever you choose to haul them away. But I just want them gone by the end of the week. If not, I will advertise for removal immediately.”

Khamxay got on the phone to Nyai and the two of them began discussing how to haul these giant huts away in a hurry. They enlisted the use of our out-of-town Laos church flatbed truck. This is good for use if gas money is paid, with one of the church members driving.

I handed over 300,000 Kip ($14 USD) for transportation. The next day, our male staff members gathered together to hoist first one (Trip 1) and then the second (Trip 2) for delivery to Khamxay and Nyai’s home.

The next day, Nyai sent me photos of why the hut for her was so important. To make extra money, she and her husband have a mushroom farm. She is using the hut as an area to prepare, sort and package her goods for local sellers. Such an ingenious idea! Certainly better needed there than here, and a much more pleasant sight than at our Center

New Students Mean New Purchases

With the recent increase of students (my beginner’s English class for primary school kids) came yet another equipment addition: Two water dispensers. One for near the classroom and one for the small assembly hall, where students hang out playing games while waiting for class.

Laos is hot. Drinking is a must and water is guzzled by all on an hourly basis.

Water sanitation is a concern throughout the country. We all drink bottled water, which is ordered in hefty tanks and delivered to us in the big city. The Center receives 10 jugs a week but we’ve had only 1 dispenser, quite old, which all use.

Due to more donations from so many of you familiar with the Center and my work here, we were able to purchase 2 new dispensers at $90 each for a total of $180. The company brought them over last week and they are now in full use by everyone.

The two taps, boiling water and cold water, allow for numerous uses. For the staff and myself, our energy levels have been boosted with so many boiling hot cups of instant coffee which we guzzle on a daily basis. (Thanks for that!)

For the students, it’s been filling their water bottles to drink from as they dash around the courtyard, playing games before class. Or for the older students, re-hydrating in the classroom as they participate in the lessons which Shaloom and I have been teaching.

Here are some photos. Santi below is unpacking the box and I’m the first to enjoy a nice cup of water, before students arrive. Thank you again for those who have given to our Center’s special funding. We are NOT wasting your thoughtful gifts!

New Classroom Set-up: Blessings from More of Your Funding

Also keeping me busy last week was setting up my classroom for my new students, ages 7 – 9.

There were so many runs on my motorcycle to the D-mart (similar to the Walmart) to load up on folders, markers, pens, paper, bulletin board, containers for better organization and a large whiteboard. When traveling by motorbike, I can only carry so many items. It took me 3 days of navigating the main city road to the store but I picked up all I needed.

Then came the pricey ($400) but spiffy new Epson Projector, to display my necessary PPTs (Power Points) for better educational learning. With Shaloom using the older projector in his class, I was left with none for mine.

Not anymore!

Last Friday, I spent the entire day at the Center preparing my room. Suher, our caretaker for the Center, helped me move in tables, set up the projector, hang the whiteboard and bring in chairs. By 5 p.m., the close of my day, I was ready for my Monday afternoon class. What a feeling of accomplishment, relief and excitement!

Want to see the week’s results of my efforts? See below my new students, some of whom chose fun English nicknames while others stuck with their shortened Laos versions. I have Pizza, Fanta, Phoy, Namwan, Louknam and Fon. (Yes, I’ve got all girls!)

Monday’s Holiday: Teacher’s Day

The 3-day weekend, with Monday celebrating Teacher’s Day (recognizing the Laos educators) had Shaloom and myself preparing the students to thank their teachers.

For the Junior High, we practiced a script in both English and Laos which we recorded and posted on the Center’s Facebook page. It read as follows:

Happy Teacher’s Day!

Dear Teachers, We are thankful for your love. We are thankful for your care. You guide us in our studies. You help us in our lives. Thank you and we love you!

For the elementary school classes, Shaloom and I had our students make cards to give to their teachers on Friday. I certainly didn’t expect to receive any of these but I had a surprise.

Since Shaloom took over my older class of students, two of them decided to gift me with their artwork as a thank you for our time together. That was so thoughtful!

And on that last note, I leave you all with my heart full of gratitude, joy and appreciation in serving here in Laos as a teacher and the director of this amazing educational center.

Happy Teacher’s Day!