My husband Daniel and I were involved with Expedition Club in 2007 on the Spring trip to Phapang. We were both 27 years old at the time and had been dating for just under a year. I was a former student of Rob's and a long-time friend and jumped at the chance to be a part of the trip when he asked us to go along. As a member of one of Rob's Expedition Club trips when I was in high-school, I knew how meaningful this experience would be, and wanted to help make that experience possible for a younger generation.
For my husband and I, watching the Port Townsend student's experiences interacting with the villagers and one another was very inspiring. As the student's became more comfortable with each other and the village, you could see their mental and emotional barriers start to soften. Witnessing the student's teaching in the village classrooms or playing soccer with the Thai children, you could see their perspective changing, their senses opening in way that just didn't seem likely to happen in their everyday life back home. The student's saw a different way of living and learned that it doesn't take a whole lot of material goods to have fun. As the days went by, we saw the group of students grow closer, more empathetic, and more caring; both for the Thais and for each other. By the end of their time, the student's were helping to do dishes without being asked, spending their free-time sharing language lessons or playing games with the villagers. It was quite an amazing transformation to witness. It showed us how kids really enjoy spending their time when they're given the opportunity to be a part of a community, away from the often isolating conveniences of the more technology-centered modern world.
We also witnessed a transformation within ourselves. While my husband and I both considered ourselves to be open, culturally aware people, our time in the village really solidified and increased our feelings of respect and appreciation for how others live in this world. We came back to Seattle with a new understanding of what it means to be a part of the global community. We became more aware, more open, and more receptive of the cultural differences of those around us; not just of those belonging to another nationality but to fellow Americans who may have a different background other than our own. We learned to focus less on the things that divided us from others and more on the things that we shared with them, such as the common experiences of being human in a complicated world.
Being a part of the trip to Phapang was an experience we'll never forget. It was such a unique experience to really be a part of the day to day lives of children and adults in another part of the world; not as tourists, but as friends and co-educators in each others way of life. Whether sharing meals, wai-ing to each other while walking through the village, or being invited to everything from weddings to funerals, we never felt like outsiders. From the moment we arrived in the village, we were made to feel at home. Sure there were spiders the size of small dogs, but we never felt unsafe or out of place. And yes, the food was amazing!
My husband and I will always look back on it as a very special time of growth that brought us closer together and taught us so many important lessons about how to be in the world. We hope that this program continues to offer future generations the opportunity to have this unique experience, not just because of the chance it provides for the Port Townsend student's growth, or because it gives the Thai children so many benefits, but because any time that people (kids or adults) are able to experience something that builds bridges between their cultures, it makes the whole world a better place to live. This program makes the world a little more cozy, a little more livable, and a lot more likable. Truly it makes for better humanity.
You're very welcome...it was great fun for Daniel and I to reminisce and collaborate on our experiences in the village.
Daniel and I have both recently turned 31. Since our time in Thailand we have done some moving around (Oregon and Colorado) and have spent most of our spare time exploring the West on many long road trips. We are currently back living in Seattle and are...well, just living...doing our part to try to create positive change for our community and finding ways to try to leave something of beauty behind for the future generations. In the near future we hope to continue doing more of the same while finding a way to be involved with working for businesses (possibly our own) that are socially aware, use ethical practices, and make a difference in the lives of others and for our planet. Daniel is currently enrolled in a sustainable business program with the Bainbridge Graduate Institute and is finding lots of opportunity for growth there. The future as always is uncertain, but we're looking forward to doing our part to help it unfold in a better way.
When speaking of a past Expedition Club, yes, I was referring to Neskowin which took place in April of 1998 with a spectacular group of people. It continues to be one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had, undoubtedly a highlight of my high school experience.