Klong Toey Christmas

The American Woman's Club, I belong to, had the oportunity to donate gifts to the Monissary pre-school. The school is in the Klong Toey district, also known as the slums of Bangkok. The school is a mission program put in to help bring up the community's education.

Here are some pictures of the children we saw. We had fun playing with bubbles, stuffed animals, making crafts (jingle bell bracelets), singing and dancing. Santa even stopped in to help pass out toy filled backpacks.

We provided lunches for the school that day. All American Burger king. The kids enjoyed the BBQ dipping sauce on their chicken nuggets and french fries. "Where's the rice?" Everyone wore their crown. It was adorable to watch and interact with the 2-4 year old class. I was even able to practice speaking Thai. It was great to receive so many hugs from the children.

Tilaka

Our Bollywood dance class meet for a holiday luncheon. We were each welcomed with a mark or tilaka. The tilaka symbolize the third eye, or mind's eye, that is associated with many hindu gods and the idea of meditation and spiritual enlightenment. The tilak is a mark created by the smearing of powder or paste on the forehead. For married women it is placed high on the forehead, where the hair line meets.





Following the welcoming ceremony we saw dancing and had a fabulous buffet at Mrs. Balbir's.

Plaza Lights

Bryce's Arts and Crafts

It's Christmas Time in The City

Bryce is loving the holiday season. We are doing many arts and crafts, visiting light displays, singing carols, and visits to Santa and holiday parties. He definitely understands that there is something different about this time of year.

Balloon swords. Bryce borrowed a friends as he was scared (clung to me for dear life) to see the clown for a balloon.

BAMBI (a moms and babies group in BKK) singing Christmas carols with Santa.

Bryce can recognizes a picture of Santa on just about anything. We have been talking about visiting Santa and preparing for his visit. This year there were no tears for Santa. He let Bryce hold his bell for the picture.

A Walk of Wongwian Yai

King Taksin Memorial Traffic Circle

Making MJ coats. High demand, I don't suppose in this heat??

King Rama 9, mother Princess, memorial garden.

Retro Bubble Chair

Just another day in BKK.

Come Back, Cat

In memory of Scoop "Dude", may you eat all the whip cream from the clouds of heaven. You will be missed.

Bryce plays with two kittens.

Come here, cat. I like you, cat.

Oh, you were playing.
Well, you scared me, cat.
That's why I pushed you.

You can come back, cat.

Closer.

Closer.

That's it. Just a little more.

Oh, cat!

I hear your motor.

From the book by Joan Nodset.