Happy Wai Kruu Day!

My day began with kids coming up to me asking for forgiveness. Two days ago, I had to take up 2 cell phones and have some kids stay after class for talking repeatedly. So, why did they ask for forgiveness? Well, today at school was "Wai Kruu" Day which means it's Teacher Respect Day. Isn't that a great idea?! The entire school participates, but since there's over 6,000 kids total on campus, we divide up and use different venues on campus. Over 2,000 middle school kids assembled in the (unairconditioned) gym for nearly 2 hours to honor their teachers. All the teachers walked in together and sat on the stage facing the kids. I actually choked up as the kids sang "Come Thou Fount" in Thai. It was beautiful! The kids bowed flat on the floor and prayed asking for God to bless their teachers. It was moving. Then, the students presented these hand-decorated bowls that the kids worked on for 2 days straight! This was a sweet ceremony. I've never seen anything like it in my life. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to be an English teacher here in Chiang Mai!