I was a little bit of a rebel and was late for work today as I needed one last round of pancakes with the boys. I just realized, I call them “the boys” a lot. They left this morning, and I was actually really bummed to see them go! I only say actually because I really HAVE enjoyed traveling alone, but it is just so great when you meet people you click with. I also realized (as much as I tried to “put myself out there” and immerse myself in the culture), it was a blast hanging out with Americans. So after banana pancakes I had a fun filled day at the orphanage!
I had gotten together a pile of “stuff” that I didn’t want/need to take home (a lot of storage container things, extra hand soap, etc. etc. to bring with me to the orphanage to donate. Granted I don’t think they NEED any of it, but I am happy it WILL get used and not thrown in the trash somewhere.
Krista, Kristina and I have been talking about the orphanage (the lack of need in the room, financially and volunteer wise), and we are beginning to think the baby room might be more of a “show room”. All the volunteers and people who donate are brought to this room and I guess Kristina got to see another room that wasn’t in such good shape. Now, I haven’t seen this firsthand so I’m not sure, but it’s an interesting theory.
Kristina works as a physiotherapist and so after I told her “my story” of what I have been doing for 4 months she responded with, “Wow, have you experienced compassion fatigue?” Now I have NEVER heard of this before but she was saying how she works in a hospital and many people experience this. Basically, she said it’s when you are helping people a lot and you come to a point where you are “compassioned out”. Now I know that sounds awful, also because I often feel guilty -- but I am glad to know it has a name! She said how nurses often take time off to work in retail or something completely away from nursing, just for something different. Now, I am in no way comparing what I have been doing to someone who spends a lifetime doing this, but it was really interesting because I was telling her how if I had to do it again, I would volunteer for a bit, take some time to travel, and then repeat.
After a quick shower we headed off to the dance show. I know I am going to sound like a travel snob but it was exactly like the show I went to in Cambodia. I only say this because I was surprised that even the dances were very similar (if not the same). But, I am glad I went (I always enjoy the cultural things).
Also, I updated my last pictures from Chiang Mai. I wished I had taken more of the kids, but they were so difficult! They NEVER sat still and the second you pulled out your camera they attacked! But, I did manage to get a couple of good ones in!
Hugs and kisses from a terrific Tuesday!
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2 comments:
Isn't kind of funny that when ever you set off solo traveling, you never end up traveling alone? Before I left for Beijing, I was so terrified as I didn't know a single person who I would meet or talk to for the next four months. Luckily, I didn't need to worry. I am so glad you, and the rest, were at the Zhaolong.
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