After enjoying a long and successful career in the financial markets, coming to Thailand allowed me to relive an old dream. Having missed out on the Peace Corps because of conflicting interests, Dragonfly gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and in the process affect the lives of young children in a positive way.
Thai children are quick to smile and easily enjoy the simple pleasures of friendship.Although they are silly at times, they have a deep and abiding respect for their teachers. With some encouragement and creative teaching methods, they are able and willing to develop new skills. I have learned first hand of the pleasures that come from helping children discover a new language.
An important part of this experience has been the new relationships formed with the other teachers. They are good natured and eager to include new friends as a part of their extended family. We have relaxed together by the remote waterfalls in Koa Yai National Park , enjoyed late night dinners at authentic country inns and rummaged through night markets during our spare time.
While in Thailand , I have never felt like a tourist. I quickly became familiar with the routine of the Thai people and willingly made it part of mine as well. I have been moved by the daily recitation of their National Anthem and respect deeply their devotion to the Buddhist Religion. My familiarity with the language is continually improving and has given me a comfort level not otherwise obtained as a tourist.
It has been refreshing to leave behind many of the comforts I enjoyed in the States and to eliminate some of the non-essential "clutter". Life in this country is certainly different and sometimes challenging but with flexibility or as the Thais says "mai pen rai" it makes it all ok. It is easy to become intoxicated with the idea of pending time abroad in a strange land. To fully benefit from the experience however, one needs to be adaptable, willing to put in some long hard days of work under challenging conditions and willingly embrace a new culture without comparing it to their own. When put all together, this has been a moment in time that I would not exchange for any other.
Edward Goldberg
