Back to Asia...Thailand that is

Yep. I've been job hunting for the past couple of months. I knew I wanted to go back & teach abroad again (until I hopefully start school in Norway in Aug 2011), but I just wasn't sure where. I was hoping to go to the Middle East or even Europe. Since I had spent the past 1.5 years in Asia I didn't really want to go back, wanted to do something different. But I have to say, Asia truly fascinates me! And oh how I miss the food! Plus, for most continents you have to be a certified teacher, and I'm not, so Asia seems to be the best fit for the next 10 months.
So, here's what's in store for me. I'm so excited! For the past 2 months I've applied to SOOO many jobs all over asia. I had never really considered Thailand, even though I love the the country, because they don't pay much. I got spoiled by teaching in Korea. But people don't go teach in Thailand to make money, they go for the experience! And that's exactly what I plan on doing. The school I'm going to be working for is AWESOME! I've had so much contact with the owner, Peter. It seems like such a positive, supportive, organic environment to work in! So I'll be teaching 2nd graders, only 5 teaching hours a day (unless I want to work more). There's so much room to be creative and Peter seems super flexible. He's open for the teachers to try new things in the classroom and most of all make it FUN! So, this will be totally different than my school in korea.

I'll be living in a town called Surat Thani. If you've heard of it, that's because it's a town on the east coast of southern Thailand. People only go there because it's the town you go to to get out to Ko Phanang (Full Moon Party island), Ko Tao, and Ko Samui. So, I could go out to islands any weekend I want! It's not a touristy town at all. Suppose to be super cheap! Meals for under $1!! I've already had contact with my co-teachers and they have nothing but good things to say about the town and school. One even said in all of Thailand, Surat has the best and cheapest food! I'll be living with a couple of teachers so that should be fun. The teachers are from USA, Canada, UK, Australia...good mix! I plan on doing lots of yoga and everyone rides their bike everywhere. I have a 10 month contract, will be finished in April. Oh...I forgot to mention. We have like 2.5-3 months of vacation! SWEET! Plenty of time to travel the region! Although I won't be getting paid much, the money I do make should go a long way.
So, if anyone wants to come visit, you are MORE than welcome! Or, if you want to travel around the region, my vacation times are Feb-April and all of October. I know my bro and his girlfriend, Nicole, are going to come. And Jana even said she wants to come. All you have to pay for is the flight, once you get there, it's SOOOOOO cheap! So think about it!!
So, I'm going to make the most of the rest of my time here. I want to hang out with friends/fam as much as possible. I've really been praying about what to do next. Bri & I even fasted for 2 days. She's going to China and I was trying to decide if I should take the job or not. And God made it clear and I'm so glad I'm going! I'm praying that it will be a time of rest, adventure, productivity, and to build lasting relationships with the people I know. LOVE YOU GUYS!
xoxo