So I've already been in Thailand over a week. It's crazy how much time has passed and how much I've learned and experienced already. It's a good thing my BFF (Lauren Anders) bought me a journal to write down some thoughts, and then I can transfer some of those here.
Kendra was able to come with me for a few days, and the time spent with her was awesome. I felt bad because much of the time she was here was spent going to stores and setting up my apartment and life here. She also missed her flight home, so that was extremely nerve-racking. Eventually, she was able to get home, but had to fly with a different airline and pay for a new ticket. I'm just glad she was able to get home safely. Thank goodness for Mutarica, the HR person at ICS. She went to the airport with us and helped us work through all the details and stress.
I am starting to build a life here. I've found some "western" comforts: a lot of American food places in the mall, an IKEA-like home furnishings store, a quiet cafe to grade papers, etc. But I've also enjoyed a lot of very Thai things. So far the food is absolutely great - I might gain a bit of weight here but it will be worth it. :)
New teacher orientation began today, and I really enjoyed it. We discussed culture shock - also called "cultural transition." It was really great to know that EVERYONE struggles through this, and ICS provides all the support I might need. It was interesting to me how they said that the first part of cultural transition (after the honeymoon phase) is loss. It's a grieving process. You are losing connections to your own culture, to some people from home, and to the comforts of home.
I think the most difficult thing for me is learning to immerse myself in the culture, not become an American living in Thailand. It is much too easy to still eat American food, still go to American movies, and never really learn the language or practices here. One practical tip they gave was to refrain from checking your email and Facebook in the morning before school. This will be difficult for me because I am so addicted to both of these things, but I think it is wise, especially for me. I've found that I can be the most emotionally vulnerable early in the morning, and if I am at all homesick, checking Facebook and realizing that I might have missed out on something at home or wasn't able to talk to someone would be tough.
I was also able to work in my classroom again today. Kendra worked with me a bit last week, and she saw me freak out when I saw all the stuff I had to go through and figure out, but I'm feeling much better now. The room is decorated, now I just have to think about the logistics of where to put things and the procedures that go along with that. For me, it is absolutely crazy to just be starting on my classroom now with school starting in 10 days. (Yeah....10 days.....) But, I know it will come together. Only two preps will limit my work load, and three years of experience REALLY helps.
Overall, I'm having a really good time here so far. The other new teachers are great, and we seem to have a sort of "we're in this together" attitude, which is really nice. I can't wait for school to start!
