Experiences in Thailand
By Leslie Welshimer

Traveling to unfamiliar places can be daunting or delightful. Getting answers to important questions in advance increases the odds that one won’t miss out on amazing experiences or unknowingly offend someone.

Before visiting a new place, I’ve found it to be immensely helpful to read and study up on topics like the culture, geography, local holidays and weather. Otherwise, you may travel six hours to visit a place, like the Surin Islands, only to learn it’s closed for the rainy season.

I came to Thailand in February 2009. In an effort to minimize my footprint on the Thai culture, I was determined to gain as much of an understanding as possible of Thailand. My goal was to arm myself with an arsenal of literature to educate myself before departure and along the way. I made a pact to only read books related to Thailand while in the country.

When I departed Seattle, my luggage contained four books:

- A History of Thailand by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit

- Buddhism for Beginners by Thubten Chodron

- Lonely Planet Thailand guidebook

Labels: Kelly May, Thai culture, Thailand

Creating Lifetime Humanitarians

I returned to the energy of Andaman Discoveries after a seven-month absence, eager to resume the role of translator and guide. My first assignment was to help a group of YouthLINC volunteers, varying in age from 17 to over 80, organize in-village workshops.

In Ban Talae Nok, we conducted a health fair and first aid training with more than 40 villagers. Led by YouthLINC members, the events provided information on dental care, hygiene issues, family planning, and emergency medical care.

A personal highlight for me was translating during a cross-cultural ladies chatting session. After a delicious dinner, our time with the homestay ladies turned into an enlightening and amusing conversation – I’m glad the men weren’t present!

YouthLINC, a U.S.-based organization, aspires to create lifetime humanitarians through a strategic Service Year program, and participants contribute through community service projects in the U.S. and abroad.

Villagers recognized the value of the education shared, stating, “As homestay host families, it’s important we know basic first aid. Everyone should know what to do in an emergency.”

Megan Dennehy, a YouthLINC participant, said, “My visit to BTN was simply inspiring. I learned so much about the wonderful people and their lovely culture. I came with the intention of teaching the villagers and left being the one who had been taught by the villagers. They are beautiful people with the most tender hearts. I can’t wait to come back!”

Heather Bagley, a YouthLINC participant, said, “The village was an excellent opportunity to show the cultural differences of the Thai/Muslim people and Americans. Everyone in this village was kind, generous and very flexible. I wouldn’t change a thing about the homestay experience. I was completely comfortable and happy. Thanks for a fantastic adventure!”

Thank you to all the YouthLINC volunteers for your dedication and effort, in the United States and in Thailand. I hope to work with you again on your next journey.

Best Wishes,
Miss Kelly May

Labels: Ban Talae Nok, cross-cultural, humanitarians, Kelly May, service projects, YouthLINC

The Return of Kelly May and Karen Spackman

Kelly May was christened “The Angel of the Andaman” in 2005 for her heroic relief work in the turbulent days following the tsunami. She joined Andaman Discoveries while the organization was still in its infancy, and led the charge in cultivating North Andaman community-based tourism from a concept into an Internationally-lauded reality. The team said a difficult farewell to their matron saint in late 2008; hungry for new challenges, Kelly then went on to manage an eco-resort in Koh Lanta for the high season, and is now focusing her long-term sights on teaching English.

In the meantime, Kelly has returned to Andaman Discoveries to facilitate several upcoming study trips and tackle some critical administrative work. “Kelly May is very special to the organization, and to have her back at this important time is like a gift,” said director Thamrong Chomphusri, who had no apparent qualms about sharing some of her responsibilities for a couple months with her former co-director. "It's great to be back. The progress that has been made during the past seven months is a testament to the hard work of staff and the villagers. A truly sustainable project shouldn't be dependent on an individual or outside assistance,” said Kelly of the organization.

We couldn’t be more grateful to Kelly for helping us out and sharing her observations. “During my time with guests in village I witnessed the progress the villagers have made. Hearing the host families welcome guests in English without any prompting and seeing all the homestay houses meeting the standard without AD having to assist is really inspiring. It might seem like little things, but it's taken four years to get here. Well done team, I've missed you!”

Karen Spackman also returned from a two-month leave in her native Scotland this month. Karen joined Andaman Discoveries as a volunteer last year, and quickly ascended to a full-time member of staff. When she’s not illuminating students from the front of a classroom, she’s responsible for volunteer coordination and community relations for Andaman Discoveries. “The Kuraburi community and the AD team made me feel at home from day one. My hope is to stay a year or more. I’d love to become fluent in the Thai language.” Karen said. We’re confident Karen will have little trouble achieving this.

Welcome home, Kelly and Karen! We’re fortunate to have you both.

Labels: Karen Spackman, Kelly May, staff