สวัสดีทุกคน from Lampang!
I've been here for four days now and have taken in more than I thought possible in a week. I wish I could talk to everyone of you at home in person and explain everything but this'll have to do! For me, Thailand is extremely unique, wonderfully special, and altogether overwhelming. I never could have guessed how different my life here would be but I am on my way to making the adjustment.

My school is one of the most famous in Thailand, Bunyawat Wittayalai, and has about 5,000 students...so not Red Hook anymore! On my first day I began this crazy cultural journey by learning the school rules: 1. Wai (bow) at every elder wherever you see them. As you can imagine, I spend a lot of time figures to nose looking at my toes. 2. Strict uniform. In Thailand, the main purpose of young people is to study so modesty and an inconspicuous appearance seems to be key. Every girl has her hair cut to her ears..mine will be soon ( maybe a little longer) and they are checked once a month by a teacher with scissors in her hand. It is so hard to tell my friends apart! 3. Shoes may not be worn anywhere indoors. The school has many many buildings and as you walk to each one you must remover your shoes and leave them at the door or carry them with you. Remember the dress code? all the shoes are the same! So i have written on the sides of mine but somehow everyone else can tell theirs apart. For anyone who knows my tendency to forget things.. my shoes have caused a problem many times already!
As I try to remember these and other customs, my Thai friends are always supportive at my side. I cannot say enough about how surprised I am about the kind and helpful these students are. Each grade has multiple "classes" within them which are a group of about 35 students who study together in each class all throughout high school. They are truly like family..each class looks out for each other in a truly astonishing way that I think would be IMPOSSIBLE in American high school. Also, the school puts students from all different grades in small groups of 3 or 4 and they are actually called a family. I have been introduced to many "siblings" that look nothing alike and for the longest time it confused me! I feel like I was adopted into my class on the first day. Both boys and girls look out for me everywhere I go because I am constantly making faux paus. Though the language is sometimes an issue, I have met very intelligent and wonderful students that I think will be lifetime friends! I have been given many gifts  and received a ton of help with the language. I have taken Thai dance class (Thai equivalent to Ms. Hebard teacher) , Thai art class where we did a beautiful folding of banana leaves, Thai music class where I will learn the Thai flute and another beautiful instrument that I don't know the name of. I will also be taking a cooking class, candle making, chinese, english, and probably chemistry and math.

Last night I stayed with a friend of my host family's because my host sister had to go to Bankok to catch a plane to Texas to begin her own exchange experience. I had a great time and met a very prestigious foreign service officer who has met a slew of famous political figures and claims responsibility for solving multiple international conflicts. It was very intriguing to hear what that type of life is like..he showed me a 2,000$ chinese stamp..DAD you would have liked him. I have also been trying a variety of FABULOUS foods! From weird jelly teas to mystery meats, all have been amazing. The word "night market" brings memories of insane smells, colors, and tastes which I truly wish I could share with you all. I will go again tomorrow night with friends! I have also seen a Siamese cat!

My host family is wonderful as well. It is now me, Paw, Meh, and Yai (grandma). They really take care that I learn the language and culture which sometimes can be overwhelming but I really love them for it! Though I can't imagine myself doing it, one day I hope to be able to communicate well with them. I have some hilarious stories of language mistakes I've made already. So far #1 is wearing my uniform to school backwards. The knowledge that both you and I are in God's hand keeps me at peace but I could use a lot of prayer! The language is very difficult for me and exhausting. Certain cultural differences are also hard for me to get used to. For example, two of my Thai friends got into an argument over squishing an ant. Because of the strong influence of Karma in this mainly Buddhist society, this was a huge controversy that spread throughout the school and I was told to stay away from one of the friends. It's all very interesting isn't it?!
Lots of Love and thought goes out to you all, thanks for your support!
Emily