New friends and a monk

The Migrant Learning Center has been an amazing opportunity. I've been humbled by the personal stories of sacrifice and courage that the Burmese immigrants have shared with me. The real highlight though has been discovering the amazing sense of humor that the monks have! -Stephen

Last week we went on a rock climbing, caving, and repelling trip and met the CMRCA crew. The climbing and caving was extremely fun, but that was not the surprise. After leaving our beloved volunteer coordinator Chai (from the Elephant Nature Park), I felt as though I wouldn't have such a great relationship with another local again. Oh, I was so wrong! The leaders on our climbing trip were so happy, funny, and they would never stop smiling and cracking jokes. When we left them to return to Chiang Mai I didn't realize I would ever see them again. I was wrong there too! Our group has been in Chiang Mai and I have seen my new Thai friends almost every day because I have been making regular visits to their indoor climbing gym. They have shown me such a great time in this great city. This proves to me that Thai people are always willing to help out a new friend, and show us "falangs" (Thai for foreigner) where to have a great time. -William

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