I had the pleasure of volunteering with Camillian Social Center Chiang Rai for just about five weeks and let me tell you it was the experience of a life time. I loved every second that I was here. Although the language barrier can be a bit difficult at times, the staff and children make it all worth while. These kids loved me and each other more than I could have ever expected. Just the simple act of saying "Good Morning" or "Good Night" made me smile from ear to ear. I just cannot express how much these kids truly mean to me.I had the pleasure of volunteering with Camillian Social Center Chiang Rai for just about five weeks and let me tell you it was the experience of a life time.

I loved every second that I was here. Although the language barrier can be a bit difficult at times, the staff and children make it all worth while. These kids loved me and each other more than I could have ever expected. Just the simple act of saying "Good Morning" or "Good Night" made me smile from ear to ear. I just cannot express how much these kids truly mean to me.

Class time is always an experience to remember with these kiddos. First coming in we were not sure exactly what the children would know and how much we could teach them, but boy did they surprise us. All of them knew more English then we could have imagined and were willing to learn something new. Then if they started to get distracted or uninterested we could just hand them a pencil and they would draw us whatever we were talking about. Oh how these kids have changed my life in so many ways.

 

I do want to say that some of my greatest memories come from outside the classroom. One of my favorite things to do was swim with the kids, because of how much they loved it. You cannot beat the smile of these children's faces when they are in a pool. It's so awesome! After dinner was always a treat from getting to sing karaoke or just going on night walks with some of the kids, it's unforgettable. The list could literally go on and on

I also wanted to mention the Staff and how grateful I am for their hospitality and kindness throughout my stay at Camillian. These people work all day and night with these children and never stop loving them, it's amazing. I want to thank everyone from the teachers, care givers, and cooks to making this place feel like my home away from home over the last month and I will never forget the experiences I have had here.

   Love and Kindness, Summer *-*