sept 4- day 4

This morning we woke up at 4:30am, our bodies were awake and we were both rolling around. We started talking and chatted for a couple hours. We did our morning routine and had breakfast, this time we had bacon too! In our room, you put the key in a holder right near the door, and when you take it out, it turns off the power to the room. Well we didn't know this, and our Thai bell boy help us learn that after we reported no power. We watched a beautiful sunrise, and spent time resting/personal time/money prep/packing/preparation for our service! 

Our shuttle took us to the airport. We went in to get our boarding passes and I realized that my phone fell out of my pocket. I wasn't sure if it was on the ground or in the shuttle, so I ran out to see if our driver was still there. Meanwhile, mom quickly decided to call my phone thinking the driver would answer if it was in the van. He answered on the second try. Mom tried to tell him to come back and then gave me the phone and said "here you speak to him." He kept saying "sorry, hotel." I said "no, airport, I will pay." I then found a Thai women who spoke English as well to translate. Our driver was saying that he has to return to the hotel to report the lost phone, then could bring it back. Luckily he didn't have to drive all the way back, he just brought us my phone. Whew, our anxiety was pretty darn high.  It all worked out, but I will keep an eye on my phone for sure. We got on a plane to Chiang Rai, which was an hour and twenty minute flight. They fed us a meal, the people here really like to eat! 

Upon arrival to Chiang Rai, we met up with the Mirror Foundation. They put us on these  'buses' (a truck with two benches in the back). There was about 13 volunteers. We stopped at 7-11 to get some water and needs. We drove for about 20 minutes up into the hill country. Again, words can't really describe it. It is like a jungle with its large leaves, green, foliage, bird sounds, crickets, and bamboo huts. It is peaceful. 

We had a tour around to show us the washing location, kitchen, meeting room, volunteer room, and sleeping quarters, etc... we take our shoes off each time we enter a building or room. There is a lot of respect here. The toilets are like the one that we paid for in Bangkok, (I will learn to use them now!) Dinner was yellow curry with rice, and green means with some kind of ground meat. It was spicy, but really really delicious. We also were given some fruit. It's was small and red and hairy, inside was white. (Not sure what it is called, but will learn.) we've had time to explore and look around, talk with different volunteers, and mom isn't the only 64 year old person working the outdoor program. There is a man named Ray from Australia who is 64 also. It is his 3rd week here. Ray's wife passed away last year and he said that he feels better out serving than sitting at home and feeling sad. He said he has more peace here in Thailand. He still currently lives in Australia but it is his goal to move here to retire. 

We look forward to getting to know each of the volunteers better. 

We don't have the best internet service, so we will post photos later (probably the weekend)