It's my birthday!

No but seriously it's my birthday. Today is my "Thai" birthday according to the girls. We all live in the same house and they are in the kitchen trying to pretend like they aren't making a birthday cake for me...I'm in the next room with glass doors...to say the least I can hear everything they are saying. literally everything. Today school was good, you can tell the kids know it's Friday and there is something more fun waiting for them at home. It's going to be a fun weekend! I can't wait!

Yes it's true my friends...

Yes yes it is true...I deleted my facebook! haha For those of you who can't breath right now try to make it to a phone to call my uncle whom is a male nurse. Just a shout out to Lexi BLUTH, you suck at emailing me back. Anyway. We recieved three new kids so far this past week and two of the girls names are Fern, they are both in my class. It's very confusing.  Tomorrow is my fake birthday in Thailand, it's suppose to be a surprise but of course I know because I always find out surprises. So I'm working on my surprised face as we speak. I can't decide if crying would be to much? Thoughts? The flooding is really bad here still so the family is staying here with us. It's weird haha Hannah even stunk up the bathroom this morning only to find Ton (our brotha) waiting outside the door to shower. haha Needless to say she ran  away secertly laughing to herself haha Nothing really new here. Conference is this weekend but we won't get it tell next week so regualr old church this weekend and maybe some crazy event (doubt it). For now that is all folks!

All is Well

You know, all is well! For those of you who are actually reading this please know that I did get rid of Facebook so just email me for updates or read this boring old thing. It's to hard to keep pictures and everything uploaded on both. Sunday was just a relax day because the church had it's district conference 11 hours away, which really takes longer because the flooding is horrible. The flooding is so bad here that Mom and Dad had to spend the night here at our home instead of theirs because the road is completely flooded and they are expecting that their home will flood. Today they are working on getting stuff out and preparing as needed. Yesterday was my first day of Drama, I think it went okay. I was switched to drama because gym was really hard on my back with the kids leaping on me and running around. But lets face it, drama needs to be dramatic! So I was making everything over done and standing up and sitting down. So needless to say I got a pinched nerve in my back and yes yes it does hurt really bad. They want me to rest but I can't help but think this is something I'm going to live with for the rest of my life so why not just suck it up now and deal with it? I'm frustrated with it. I don't want to offend them by not obeying when they say lay down but I also don't want to not teach. The kids are so darling and make me so happy. They make you feel as if you are home, back pain is the last thing I worry about when I am around them. It's hard to think this Thursday we will have been here a month and 1/2! That means only two and 1/2 more months to go. I wish time would stop flying by. The days go by so fast here even if your doing nothing. But for now all is well.

Hannah and I

Howdy Ya'll!! Me and the Hannah Banana are going to blog together this evening. Whats up? Whats new? Nice to meet ya. We are currently lying in bed in a dark room comtemplating our eventful weekend. To start off, can anyone say....BUDDHA BLESS!!!! Best concert of our adult lives. To start off the merriment we arrived fashionably late, just in time to let our ears enjoy the musical talent of the opening band (whose name we aren't sure of).  If that wasn't perfect enough our eyes were soon graced by sexy bodies of Thai Hookers. Suddenly we found the urge to use the restroom far far away from them. As we scrounged our way to the hoards of drunk Thai's we found ourself turning down drinks and kisses, against our will we refused. :( We arrived back at our covetied spot at the front of the stage, just in time for the DJ to break out some sweet tunage. After a little anticipation dance, the crowd went wildey insane, as we looked up are dreams came true all in one moment as BUDDHA BLESS took the stage.  OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG. Can anyone say fire, fire? To say they rocked the house would be the largest understatement of all time. To say that we rocked the stage with our dancing, would be a huger understatement. That is right! That is right my fellow ladies and gents we were on stage shakin what our mama's gave us with BUDDHA BLESS. Can I get a heck ya? Heck ya!! The next the part is not for the faint of heart. WE ALL GOT FREE BASE BALL CAPS, with the words of Crocrodile Rock engravin on them. Everyone, including BUDDHA BLESS, was dying to have their picture taken with us. How I love being a whitey.  We eventually made our way home to the saftey of our own home, where we crashed hard.  The next day we awoke to the Tangster telling us to shower so she could take us to ice cream.  The moment we walked into Swensons we immedialty are reconized a boy standing from across the stage from the crazy night before. We were then informed we were well behaved and I quote "Cute Dancers".  We had ice cream from heaven, complete with an American flag.  As we arrived home we had to rush on the tuk tuk to the Phichit sports park where we watched some good old fashion FUTBOL. Where are black soccer star friend, named Omar, got us our front row seats for free. Needless to say Phichit one! Me (Gabi) was told that the opposing team was from my great home land of South Korea. So naturally I needed a picture, as we approached the team I couldn't help but get some butterflies. As Hannah and I asked "Oh your from Korea?" We were soon given the tragic news they were from Thailand :( but alas we still got pictures with the sexy soccer player beasts. After feeling like traitors we went back to join the Phichit team  to celebrate the vitory, where we were invited to attend dinner with the team. Sadly we rejected because dinner was already prepared and on the table at home. All in all, thus far the weekend has been straight ecstasy, Keep in mind I didn't even mention gossip girl or friends or the Jerseys we both got to wear!!!

This is the South Korean soccer team...Oh wait...No it's not. Don't worry I asked  them all trying to be excited cause I'm Korean and they were from Thailand.

Desire

Today I read an awesome conference talked entitled DESIRE, by Elder Oaks.  He spoke about having a desire to marry, to have kids, and to walk in Christ footsteps. He said:

       We should remember that righteous desires cannot be superficial, impulsive, or temporary. They must be heartfelt, unwavering, and permanent. So motivated, we will seek for that condition described by the Prophet Joseph Smith, where we have “overcome the evils of [our lives] and lost every desire for sin.”⁵ That is a very personal decision. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell said:

“When people are described as ‘having lost their desire for sin,’ it is they, and they only, who deliberately decided to lose those wrong desires by being willing to ‘give away all [their] sins’ in order to know God.”Therefore, what we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity.”⁶

I just thought I'd share that cause I found it to be really great. Today at school was awesome! It is Friday and the kids are worn out from the week but everyone was speaking great English today and participating. The five of us always have children songs stuck in our head and I always catch myself singing "5 little ducks went out to play over the hills and far away and when the momma duck went; quack quack quack..4 little ducks come waddling back" haha I feel like I need to talk to adults more now haha My desire today has been to be the best teacher, I really worked on it and I was really nervous for my lesson cause I didn't know how well it would go but it went great. The other girls and I have improved so much on teaching it's crazy! We switch to different subjects here really soon so I know we'll all do so good.This was my favorite part in the talk because it pertains to what we are doing here:

        "Let us remember that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our     choices, and choices determine our actions. In addition, it is our actions and our desires that cause us to become something, whether a true friend, a gifted teacher, or one who has qualified for eternal life."

Also yesterday me and Hannah went on this really long bike ride to just explore. We got about an hour away and Hannah was like "I bike at home but it is never this hard" So we kept riding and I heard this terrible noise so I looked down to see Hannah's bike tire be completely flat!! bhahahahah I was like Hannah no wonder it's hard look, well turns out both tires we're flat. So we are about 8 miles out and we decide we should turn around. The sun was starting to show through the clouds and was just beating down on us. So every now again I look back to check on Hannah who is slowly getting farther behind and when we meet at the stop sign when we both realize we were dumb and didn't bring water!! So Hannah is sweating but can't decide if she is crying or sweating into her eyes and her bike is making the worst noise ever haha I'm dying from heat and we pull up to this road and we realize we aren't exactly sure where we were haha so we took a bunch of different roads and 1 1/2 hours later we are finally home haha We were hot and had road 16 miles...needless to say I can't walk today haha 

Que

Que is are newest little boy and has the longest prettiest eyelashes! haha He is the one that bit me and clawed me trying to hang on while teacher Jay took him upstairs. Today he was the only one in the last rotation so we played and when it was time to do store I walked outside the classrooms to sit at the Japanese tables and right when I sat down I felt a little body pushing me over to squeeze under the table to sit next to me. I helped the quiz pick a prise and every now and again would feel little Que rubbing my leg. When their lunch time came about I started walking up the stairs when I heard a screaming and crying I walked back down to see Que crying his eyes out reaching for me. It seemed so tragic me walking up the stairs and not taking him with me haha He is awesome! We have been changing things up at the school a bit to run more sufficiently and make sure they are really learning. I'm excited about the changes and wish the time wasn't passing so fast.

Learning to be me

With the last couples days there has been tention between the girls we live with. I've been really trying to work on being caring about peoples feelings and being considerate of how they are feeling. I've been praying really hard and reading my scriptures for guidance. This is one of the ways I've been trying to grow and one of my goals. We all talked last night about what we are feeling and how we need to improve. It was a good time to let people know it's okay to not be okay. And to make sure everyone understands that we are here to support eachother. The new semster began monday so we recieved a few new kids! Que came in crying his little eyes out and half choking because he was crying so much. I picked him up to rub his back and comfort him. When it was time to go to classes I tried handing him over to Hillary and he scraped my arm and bit me trying to hold on. It broke my heart. Seeing the kids run around and play with the other teachers makes you feel so good. Even when I'm tired from running around and my throat is dry from screaming with laughter, you still get burst of happiness that feels so good!It's such a good time right now and I wouldn't want to be anyother place.

One night in Bangkok and the Worlds your Oyster

We are finally back!! YAY!!! Our nine day vacation went well, spending way to much money when we didn't think we were but having the experience of a life time. Where to start...We got to visit the Grand Palace, it was breath taking. There was golden temples and so much history. We had to wear long wrap around skirts and shirts that covered 3/4 of our arm. You could tell how holy it was to them. The beauty of that place was unbelievable.  Next we went to the floating market! It's exactly what it sounds. You get on a boat that takes you back and other people float past you trying to sell you everything and anything. This was are first time seeing "white people" and it was kinda exciting haha Then we were off to dinner..remember how I said I wanted a hamburger? Well I got one haha I ate it so fast I made myself sick. Bangkok has a lot of MC and Burger Kings and Pizza Huts so all was taken care of in the aspect. The next day we went to church..in ENGLISH! It was really exciting haha The next day we went to Pattaya! It was this beautiful beach but is called Sin city of Thailand so we didn't leave much at night. We mainly went to the next island over where we got to play with monkeys, swim in clear blue water, read under beach chairs and basically be lazy. After two days of sunburns and sandy feet we went ...wait for it..... Para sailing!! It was amazing! It only cost 10 American dollars!They dipped me down in the water and took awesome pictures! In all of the pictures I look so happy..mainly cause  I was haha. Later in the week we headed back to Bangkok and saw more markets and just enjoyed being outside. We had forgotten our phones at the hotel and of course on the day we did we had 14 missed calls from Tang and one from Casy the ILP director in Utah..We knew it was urgent and all Tang said was the something was wrong with a family with the last name starting will G. The connection was bad and she couldn't hear so we needed to get to a computer immediately. I suddenly started breathing heavy and my heart was pounding. Lucky when I came the computer it wasn't me..But that left Hannah. She found out that her house burnt down from a chemical explosion. She lived in the House her whole life but she had the best positive attitude. Try to remember to keep them in your prayers. We are finally home and all is well. The experience was the best.

quack quack

You got it I tried Duck today! It was so good, it's a lot like chicken. We ate a big family dinner and everyone was there. It was really nice, it's like sunday dinners at home. We leave for Bangkok tomorrow and I'm really excited. I feel grown up for the first time because I'm budgeting my money, I mean writing all down and saying this amount is for this and this amount is for that. Who knew I'd be learning some money skills while here :)  I realize that I need to be able to come back home to reality and still have money haha Not to much is going on here. Some of us haven't been feeling good so it's been a lot of sleeping to try to get better as soon as possible. After reading my friend Des's blog I know now what I miss most...The temple. Even if I could just see one I'd be so happy! But that is okay, I know I'd attend it if it were here.

Forever

Well it happened..My first time being sick in Thailand. :( boooooo! I got the whole nine yards. The cough, the headache, the soar throat, the hurting ears, and the stuffy nose. They won't let me teach cause here they all are terrified of getting sick because they can't afford to go to the doctor. So I'm stuck in my room. It has been okay though because it rains pretty much everyday and it's hard to go outside because of the flooding. We got our tentative schedule for our vacation this week:
Friday 9thMidnight bus to Bangkok.
Saturday 10th
6:00am Watermarket
Visit temples, eat lunch, sight see
5:00pm Thai dinner with a great view!
Thai Massage? If people are interested.
Hotel at 8:00 or 9:00pm
Sunday 11th
Take a taxi to church. Leave hotel by 8:00am
Church from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Shop and/or explore
Monday 12th
Leave the hotel by 9:00am.
Catch 10:00am bus to Pattaya Beach.
12:00 arrive to Pattaya.
Go to hotel and check in.
Have the afternoon at the beach!
Tuesday 13th through Thursday 15th
Pattaya! Beach bumming, explore, etc. Look up activities to do!
Friday 16thSometime in the afternoon we leave back for Bangkok
Hang out at the hotel or wherever (there will be bowling and a cinema and stuff at the hotel)
Saturday 17th
Full day in Bangkok
Jutajuk Market
Sunday 18th
Church
1:00-3:00pm bus back to Phichit (4-5 hour ride)
5:00-7:00pm arrive
Dinner at home
Rest and prepare for teaching
We heard where we are going has a lot of tourist so we will be able to communicate okay. A few of the girls are really worried about our safety but I know we'll be okay..We just have to use common sense.  I would like to say Congrats to Carrie and Paul Graham! I think they are getting married this weekend and so Congrats you two! love you both!  And Grandma and Grandpa be safe driving there.  Yesterday I was down stairs after a long day and we were talking to the family after we had this delicious cake, when Mom came up to me and asked if I missed home (while hugging me) I said "Nope not so far" and She said "It's because of me? I take good care of you" haha I told her that was exactly the reason! haha She then told me that she never wanted me to leave and that I could stay there forever. But if I wanted to return home that she wanted to come with and she wants me to show her around and take her to Vegas haha Sometimes I think I don't miss home but I've kept myself so busy so that I don't. But being sick is hard not to miss home, usually I hear my wonderful mom asking if I'm okay and seeing if she can do anything for me. But in the back ground I hear my dad saying "suck it up" it's the wonderful things like that I miss. I was saying this morning "I miss my mom's homemade jam, My mom does everything, she cans, cooks, goes to school, works, takes care of us." Sometimes I don't thing I appreciated her thoughts and feelings enough but Truth is I hope to be just like her one day. Everyone I know thinks she is amazing, and they are all right. She is. She is married to my papa, who is equally amazing. He can fix anything, accomplish anything, and even in struggling times he tries to be brave. I love them both. So I guess I can say "yes I miss home" but this place is amazing. It's amazing to see something new everyday and grow everyday. I may not stay forever but I'll cherish the last 3 months here.

The last few days

When I asked Hannah what I should call this blog post about the last few days she said call it "The last few days" very original and well thought out. We have been teaching and just getting prepared for our vacation. The children's semester is ending so we get a week vacation! We will be taking a bus to Bangkok and going to hangout at some beaches...It should be fun! We were trying to go to the Phi-Phi islands down south but they are closed do to some major storms and flooding..There was some debate but our safety comes first so we are staying inland! I'm excited! It's a good chance to see Thailand and experience the different culture of the south. Today I got to teach again..I didn't teach a few days cause of my back..when my three little boys were asked do you want to go with Teacher Gabi today? They all let out little girl screams and gave me a big hug haha It's weird how I thought about Thailand and always being busy and exploring and having this place be like a hotel. But it's just like home, sometimes we just sit and watch movies or go for a walk around town. We always eat here and we all feel very at home. Hannah is probably the funniest one here! She is always knocking things over and thinking of the most clever things to say. So the other day grandma brought us home some coconut to drink. She cut of the top, stuck a bendy straw in it and smiled while she gave it to me. The next thing I know my eyes are huge and I have this bitter yucky taste in my mouth. She stands there until we drink all of it, of course. She thought we liked it so much she brought us all more and set them in the family room to drink. Hannah then stood up to grab her computer and knocked all the of the coconut milk everywhere! haha It smelt horrible but she truly saved us from having to offend grandma by not drinking it. We eat lot of veg and rice here..I guess it's good for me haha I have already stated I would like some American food, that statement still stands.

The races!

This is the elephant we got to pet! They have these things at carnivals!

we're in love :) hahahha love ya hannah banana

Family

Good morning! First thing first...LEXI BLUTH if you're reading this it's because I can't get a hold of you and I want to haha so email me..gabriellagraham33@hotmail.com. Anywho. I got to skype with my family today for the first time since I've been gone. I hadn't realized that I'd been gone for three weeks already. It feels like home here already. It was good to talk to you guys though. I guess you are actually reading my blog haha I would just like to say that I love my grandma and grandpa a lot. They are such amazing people and always make me feel really loved.  It was great to see you guys, make sure you take care of yourselves and get me a really good christmas present for when I come home :) haha I also want to tell my family how much I love them and seeing their faces made me realize I miss them more than I thought I did. Sam said that I would cry myself to sleep every night for two weeks because I missed home but I am proud to say I haven't cried once~not even falling down the stairs..that I just felt so dumb I couldn't help but laugh. We are heading to Bangkok on saturday and I am so excited! We get to attend an English speaking branch and GET SOME AMERICAN FOOD!!!!!!!!! haha I told my parents that it's the one thing I am dying for. I want a big juicey hamburger, wrapped in nice fattening bread, with real cheese and some french fries! haha Eating more health isn't by choice, it's all they have haha I feel good and hope my adventure continues.

One day he jumped off a boat for me

This is the most wonderful time in Phichit! There are boat races here and we got to experience it! It's amazing how we stand out like nobodies business. All the row teams were staring at us and trying to take our pictures! When it came to get into the carnival part they let us in for free, for free! We got to go under any VIP area and then we came across a group of students. They knew little english and were suppose to be having people sign there papers in english and take pictures with them. We all signed the paper and took pictures. Then a monk came out and said he wanted pictures with us so then the team behind them wanted pictures haha it was hilarious. The best part of the day was when a boat was passing us and they all waved. Next thing we knew the guy in the  back jumped into the water swam a long ways and got out and posed for a picture with us haha he then jumped back into the water and swam back while his team cheered...so funny haha I can't help but wonder when I see foreigners...do I stare or do I not notice them at all. Once I read a conference talk that said learn something from every new person you meet...In a place I don't speak their language or look like them I can't but help wanting to know more about them..I want to know their story. I want to know what caused the scares on their hands or smiles on their faces. It's a curious culture. I. love. it. here.