The Transition Part 3: Hua Hin
The van ride to Hua Hin was brief, only four hours. But my mind raced the entire time. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All of my friends were gone, my family was gone, it was just me now. What was the school going to look like? What was my new host family going to think of me? Did I just spill iced coffee on my shirt?
My co-teacher was sitting next to me, and my principal was in the front seat. Both had been incredibly warm to me in the past three days during the counterpart conference. They were visibly nervous, but I'm sure I was too. We made light chit chat along the way, and eventually became more and more comfortable with each other. Eventually, farms turned into mountains, and mountains soared above the water. The closer we got, the more beautiful it became. I thought "there is no way this is going to be my home." Then suddenly, my co-teacher (Cru Tok), said "we're here."
I looked up to see the most stunning temple. It was the Huaymonkol temple, which is a large statue of a Buddha. The detail on his large face is incredible. We drove past him and parked at the school, which is nothing but colorful and cheerful looking. I got out of the car and was greeted by our school dogs, Aranya and Louis. My second co-teacher, Cru Oh, was there to greet me as well. We walked up and down the street getting to know one another while I was waiting for my host family to get home from work. We drove to see the dam and took pictures there. Everything was stunning. And still, I was nervous. These people are so lovely, I thought, I don't want to let them down.
The past few days have been filled with ups and downs. Meeting my wonderful co-teachers, not being able to track down my bike in the post offices, talking with my wonderful, adorable little host sisters, crying in my room because I miss my Don Chedi family. But I continue to tell myself that this is all part of this giant transition. Connections will be made, just like they were made in Don Chedi. Hell, they're already being made. I just have to have the confidence in myself that I am meant to do this job, and this is meant to be my home.
I deserve this. And I will not let you down, Hua Hin, I can promise you that.
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