October 19, 2003

Dear Friends,

School at Chiang Mai Coeducational Center began August 14. It is now time for a first-quarter break and an update on my work here in Thailand.

Until the beginning of October, rain was an everyday event. The playground where soccer, basketball, and running games are played became too muddy to use and students had to move from outdoor areas to underneath the buildings for play. It is nice to have a dry stretch and again be able to use the outdoor areas. This should last until May when the rains begin again. Also a change in temperature begins and we cool down a bit for the next three months—maybe to 70 degrees at midday during the coolest time.

New teachers arrived on schedule from England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Settling in is a challenge for them, not only in work but also in adjusting to Thai culture. Since few people here speak English, if you don’t speak Thai setting up an apartment or finding food and basic needs can be overwhelming. I've been able to help the new teachers a little in this area because four of them live close to my apartment. Where to shop and what substitutes for what is part of their learning process. Now, two months into the school year, all the new teachers seem settled and happy to be here. New input comes from these folks each year for the best ideas in curriculum and all that we do. Hopefully, that input keeps us flexible and always questioning what we are about.

There is always a large student turnover, too. I would estimate about 40 percent. That makes it difficult for both new and continuing students—all miss their friends from the previous year.

I began the year with 14 students, a dream for most teachers. They come from many countries and backgrounds. All but two knew some English before coming, and three are native English speakers. My greatest challenge is Jasmin. She has Downs Syndrome. She knows more about the layout of the school than most of the teachers because she explores at any opportunity. She has disappeared from the group many times and is often found by an older student on the top floor. (Our room is on the first.) A few weeks ago she escaped at recess time out the back gate as the garbage truck entered and made it out to the main road. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in Thailand, but fortunately she was found and brought back by one of our office staff before anything terrible happened.

At the beginning of the school year I watched the other students react to Jasmin. Some were sensitive, some weren’t. One little boy obviously didn’t want to have anything to do with her. He found her non-cooperation and her inabilities difficult to handle. I waited. After about three weeks we were singing a song where one student calls another up and we add on numbers one at a time. After this boy was chosen, it was his turn to choose someone, and he chose Jasmin. For the last week she has been very sick and in the hospital part of that time. I mentioned this to the class and their reaction was of a caring nature. Little by little they are beginning to come around to the kindness that is in them.

On a personal note, my new grandson, Aran, is now four months old and is a home entertainment system for his parents, 4-year-old sister Siree, and for me. It is wonderful to have them all nearby and share time together.

My best to all of you,

Michal Dobson

The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 184