Yesterday was my last day at the Donkoi Children Development Center (DCDC) so I will finally have my mornings free to do anything I haven’t done yet before it is time to head back to the States. My final day at DCDC consisted of a lot of hugs and a send off baci ceremony. The kids were eager to tie a string around my wrists and share many wishes. Although I won’t miss the morning commute, I will miss the kids immensely. With the pre-baci speech and the many gifts (cards and handicrafts done by the kids) that were given to me, I am positive that my presence there was not a waste. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction that only comes with knowing that I impacted many wonderful kids.

I have had many wonderful opportunities here to explore and be a part of this wonderful country. I’ve made some amazing deep connections that will definitely make my departure much harder than it would have been many weeks ago.

This week I started volunteering at the National Library. I had wanted to work with the Lao Manuscript Preservation program (Laomanuscripts.net) but I realized I did not have any skills that would contribute. The director of the Library, Aachaan Bounleut did offer me access however, so I am feverishly trying to find a teacher for the Lao tham script in order to read the palm leaf manuscripts.

For me, it is very interesting to see the intellectual life of Vieng Chan. I understand that the country needs so much and some may think it is frivolous of me to work in a library instead of offering more pragmatic help, but I believe in what I’m doing. In a way I think the country can’t help itself until it knows itself. Many at LAC and elsewhere are studying other languages and reading other literature, but I haven’t found anyone who can name their favorite Lao author. Studying other societies is a noble occupation, but not before yourselves! Only Lao will ever understand Lao the way its authors and artists can, so I hope that my work at the Library will be a small contribution to this goal. Next week I hope to travel to the National University, until then – Xok Dee Der!

That Dam stupa in Vientaine, Laos.

Today I ventured out on my own to explore more of the city.  I took a tuk tuk to Nam Phou (the fountain located in what you would call downtown of Vientiane).  This area is where you would find most of the tourists hanging out.  The first place I stopped at was at the Lao Airlines office, where I bought my ticket to fly out to see my family next week.  No words can explain the excitement and emotion that fills my heart.  I cannot wait to meet all my aunts and uncles, especially my grandmother.  I am looking forward to hearing them tell me stories of when I was just a toddler and of course I can’t wait to have a home cooked meal.  Although I think Vientiane is a beautiful place, I feel I have not really seen Laos until I travel out of the city.  As always, I am going into every situation with an open heart and mind, with no expectations, because I feel this is the only way to really enjoy whatever comes your way.

After I purchased my plane ticket, I walked around the area for a while then I headed towards Talat Sao (Morning Market).  You can find practically anything at this market.  On my walk, I strolled through That Dam and although I had seen it prior, this time I was really able to admire it and see its beauty even more.  Once I reached Talat Sao, I headed across the street to Khuadin Market.  To me, Khuadin Market is just as good a place to shop as Talat Sao because you can find the same things being sold here and sometimes a little cheaper.  At Khuadin Market, my bargaining skill was put to the test.  I purchased a new school shirt and a belt for my sinh (Lao traditional tube skirt), of which I have bought two and already had tailored.  I would like to say that I did a pretty good job bargaining because I was able to get everything I bought for almost half the starting bid price.  After exploring for a while, I made my way back to the area where we are staying via the bus.

I can’t believe we are at the end of our third week already.  Time is just flying by once again.  School has been great and I am meeting more new friends who I can exchange conversations with.  I feel I am blending in a little more as my conversation skills are improving.  I also officially started my volunteering at Settathirath Hospital in the Pediatric Ward.  Everyone at the hospital has been very nice and accommodating and I feel I am learning a lot.  I can’t wait to tell you all about my visit up north, but more than anything, I wish you all could be here yourself.