Working Hard or Hardly Working?

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
-Buddha

This morning was another early one! We gathered at Mahidol at 8:00 AM to go back to Sirindtorn, this time to work with children with special needs. Mats covered the room and several children sat in a circle with the help of their caregivers. As soon as the music started the clients were more engaged. The session was led by Haley, Kara, Kolby, Becca and Lily and they did a wonderful job. Each song involved a lot of patient participation, which kept them focused and most of all having fun!

 Dr. Register with Matthew! 

The session lasted an HOUR AND A HALF (that's a really long session, especially here in Thailand). The best part is that even with the long session the kids actually became more involved as the the time went on. They opened up and were able to try new things and practice motor skills and social skills. It was so much fun!

After the session we left Sirindtorn, we went straight to Sirirod to have lunch with Dr Montri, a surgeon who greatly supports music therapy. Then it was time to do our session with the short term chemotherapy patients. We met up with the Thai students and made our way to the Chemotherapy ward. Many people were getting short term treatment today, and though many were asleep, there were quite a few that attentively listened to us sing. One woman tapped her foot to the beat of the music, and her neighbor would clap after every song. There was also a very smiley gentleman who requested the song "Country Road" several times. Overall, a very good session. It is sad to think that we won't be going back to Sirirod anymore.

 SPeak, Julia and I... The Short term chemotherapy group! 

Top row (from left to right): Me, Ploi, Christine, Julia, Jamie, and Link

Lower row (from left to right): Karn, SPeak, Pim, and Bo

Our Chemotherapy group! Ploi, Christine, Julia and Link do the long term session and Karn, Pim and Bo observe/help where needed. 

I have absolutely LOVED working with these amazing people. Getting to know not only the people from KU (and Haley) but also the Thai students has been fun but also a huge learning experience. I will never forget the miracles we have seen together and the laughs we shared. This day concludes our second week of clinical work and I wish more than anything we could have done more! Next week we will finish up our experience with the Thai students when we return to Ban Fung Fa and do a session altogether. It will definitely be bitter sweet!