When I look back on the past 8 months of hard work to try and fundraise £1600 for me to go on this LASERio experience I was stunned to think of ALL the people that had supported me. The cost of the trip was raised within 7 months and I still had time to prepare myself for the opportunity. I remember saying to myself ‘58 days to go!’ I then heard myself say ‘I’m leaving tomorrow morning!’
Time went quickly as I settled myself into the culture of Thailand. All the smells, tastes, sights and sounds soon became natural to me as I began to feel at home in this new country and culture I was experiencing.
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After a welcome from the Thailand guides we had two days before we joined the barge where we were to spend the next 4 days. We learnt about how life on the river was linked with the environment, culture and economics. We also learnt that if one was weakened then all of them suffered. This is also where we started one of several service projects. We visited a number of schools where we did lots of singing to help the pupils’ English. The children especially liked the ‘Hokey Cokey’ and it was great fun to see lots of big smiles on little faces. We also did some activities using balloons and latex gloves, which we blew up and drew faces on, then used as a play toy for the children. |  |
We also visited an HIV and AIDs orphanage where we spent a couple of hours just playing with the children. Being able to brighten up these children’s day by just spending time with them made us all feel very privileged.
Our other service project was to help some Thai and Canadian guides to build a toilet block for one of their new guide centres. This taught us how to work together and complete something for the benefit of others.
It was not all hard work as we did have some free time for swimming and shopping. We also rode elephants and buffalo, painted umbrellas, made paper and clay pots and met some wonderful people along the way.
It was an amazing experience, which has changed my view of many things here in England. I think I now appreciate what I have a lot more, especially as I know that others living in places like Thailand can live with very little but live a VERY happy and enjoyable life. This trip is something I will always remember as in my heart I know I changed a lot of people’s lives by just being there for them.
Thank you to all those who supported me in this opportunity, especially my family and friends, my local church, my school and the leaders that made it all possible.
Anna Frost
9th Selsdon Guides