Sometimes it’s a struggle to get a few people together for a few hours during Saturday’s English Teaching Program. So I’m still a bit stunned that one volunteer donated her last weekend in Bangkok to helping me. You may remember Pam from the recent guest post, well she showed back up in Bangkok last weekend for four final days before returning to Canada.

Sometimes people complain that they don’t volunteer because they weren’t invited or explicitly asked for help. This was not the case with Pam. She hit the ground running, not at all remorseful about what other things she could have been doing with her final time in Asia. She also committed to updating her blog on each day of giving. Follow her as she follows my project. Here are a few excerpts from a weekend full of impacting people’s lives, whether it was with the families we’re caring for or our Saturday kids. I encourage you to read more and send Pam your feedback.

[Last Thursday] At first, I thought 3.5 days would be enough time in Bangkok. However, as 1:30 a.m. approaches (and I am writing this post), I am beginning to think that I should have come sooner. I should have made myself available to do more. Continue reading The Pick Me Up That I Needed…

[Last Friday] As I write this post, I still don’t know what I can do to help her. I’ve set some money aside to give her for food, but I worry about their safety. I called her this evening to check on her, and she said someone gave her a place to sleep for tonight. That is good news. Continue reading They Call Me Auntie…

[Last Saturday] As we made our way down the tracks, the smell of garbage lingered in the air. Up ahead I could see children laughing and playing, and parents were busy working or sitting by their doors. Then, out of nowhere, a woman and child approached us. They were running and overjoyed to see us. High fives ensued, along with greetings. Continue reading ABC’s in Bangkok…

[Last Sunday] These families rarely have visitors -other than family members and friends- so when a volunteer does visit, they are over-the-moon happy. They offer you the best seat, their best food and their best beverages. They want to honor you and thank-you for coming to see them. They open up their hearts and their lives and it’s hard to leave. Each family member has become a part of me. Each person has made a difference in the way I view the world and interact with the people around me. Continue reading Who Knew My Last Day Would Be My Best Day…

Pam showed up while I was feeling pretty overwhelmed in the lead up to this week. For Christmas I’ll be delivering all the aid you have sent via donations, food, books, and clothing to nine families. I can’t wait. It will be exhausting, but I can’t imagine a better way to spend Christmas.

Thank you for your outpouring of compassion for these families. In the last update I asked for messages from people to share with the families. I want to give you some more time to send them in, so I’m extending the deadline until Jan 1st, 2011. Write to me with a picture of your family (dwight@insearchofsanuk.com).

Happy Holidays,

-Dwight