Hugs and Tears

"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end."
-Ursula K Le Guin

Our last day in Thailand has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Class this morning was insightful and interesting, and then we spent some time as a class practicing music. We ate at the Canteen for the last time and said goodbye to the Thai students, which was REALLY hard. Getting to know them and hanging out together has been so fun! I will miss them all dearly.

At 3:00 we gathered to return to the College of Music Spirit House and made an offering. It was the perfect full circle ending. We went to the spirit house on our first day, and returned on the last.

Afterwards we took the van to Princess Ajanmam Dusadee's house. The most adorable ninety-one year old woman greeted us at her beautiful home. We sat down for dinner and she asked us many questions about our last few weeks in Thailand and we were able to reminisce on all the wonderful memories we created here. Princess Ajanmam also told us stories, about her life and her teaching career. She greatly appreciates music and also dance.

When we had finished dinner, we gathered to sing for the princess. First, we sang "What a Wonderful World," and Kolby played the guitar. Christine and Jamie signed the song in American Sign Language and Ajanmam was very pleased. Then, I accompanied the group singing "Colors of the Wind." That was my favorite part of the night, because when I was playing the guitar I was able to look Princess Ajanmam in the eyes while singing. She teared up during that song, and you could see the power of the music on her face.

The 12 of us had only prepared the two songs, but she eagerly requested we also sing a Thai song! So, obviously, we went with "Gep Tawan." It didn't sound that great, but when we finished the princess smiled the cutest squintiest smile. Being able to have dinner with her, and just be in her presence and hear her stories was amazing.

Karn helped us get taxis after dinner to go to Vertigo, the roof top bar. We went to the 59th floor, and then climbed up a few flights of stairs in order to get to the beautiful view!

I finally got my virgin Pina Colada 

Late into the night we divided up and took taxis back to Bundit. We got together in the hallway and wrote notes in each others journals and hung out for one last time. Slowly but surely however, people started to go to bed. Since my flight is at 4:00 AM tomorrow this would be the last time I see all these wonderful Kansas people for who knows when. There were lots of hugs and some tears (mostly from Kara). I am going to miss my new friends and our adventures in Thailand. It has been such a blessing to be here and learn together.