Isara Volunteer - Terri

[Ginafish]

I'm glad to see the sun out in the photos, hopefully the rain is done for a bit. Around a couple of places I can see how trash bags will be handy once the waters recede. Lots of brown muck. I did see some pretty flowers that must have enjoyed all the water.

[thartley]

Man, just went out again, and it is crazy out there!  My little road back here that is usually not so busy at all is barely passable at times, even on a bicycle.  But people are busy helping each other move out of their flooded homes and onto higher ground.  I talked with the elderly man who runs/owns  OJ's Cafe and he said that lastnight, he and his wife went driving down Prajak Road and it was already knee deep.  I didnt go as far as Prajak Road today, and I guess its ok, cuz I doubt it was maneuverable.

Anyway, here are some more pics.  I dont know what to say about this first one.   



This is how everyone is moving their stuff from what I can tell.
     


Some furniture prob from someone's porch


And here, for Kitkat, is the view from the parking garage of my building.  It is about two more feet before it'll be over the wall.

[Ming]

wow, it's real bad this year. Pk and I drove around town last night to see the flooding.  And we were very surprised this morning when the water came up all over the low areas. Both 7-11s near us are flooding. Some of our student's houses are flooding a lot. We went there and asked what we can do to help out. Also we went out side of town to check 3 schools that were at risk of flooding. Many schools near the river are flooding and they are announcing around town that they closed the schools for 1 week till the water goes down.

The homes that are flooding a lot, people have to move their things in to a tent on the side walk  that the Government provides for them.
We're all hoping the water will go down soon.

That is an interesting pic of the persons with the helmets, thartley.  Pk and I saw a man wearing his helmet on the boat today too. I think Thai people are confused, they're not wearing helmets when they drive the motorcycle but they do when they're on the boat.

[thartley]

I've seen the tents going up and have wondered what they were for exactly.   I've also been hearing the "talking trucks" going by and I've wondered if they are saying "Run!  Run for your lives!"  Ming, if that's what they are saying, ya'll need to let this farang know!   

Looking at the sun beginning to set over the river, I think I see rain out over the horizon.  It looks like I am out over the water on a big floating condo.


Is the news saying how long they expect the river to keep rising, or when it might peak?

[Ginafish]

That first picture with the helmets on is silly, but when you take into consideration all the photos...

I think the "talking trucks" are saying it's time to stock up on food for a week and stay waaaay up high in your place. But be prepared for your electricity and water to go off. If the news says it's still rising, you should expect it on the parking deck soon.

[KitKat]

   Nong Khai's weather forecast says still more rain this week, this is not good.  Hope the weather man has it wrong this time.  Anyone know the last time Nong Khai was hit with this much rain?   Take care everyone and stay safe.  We're thinking about you and wish we could help.

My thinking about the people wearing their helmets photo is............ The helmets were given to them by Isara and it's one of their possessions.  Why carry it when you can wear it. 

Thanks Terri for the photos.  I pray all will be better very soon. 

[ZeroG]

Terri, if you want me to split these flooding posts into another thread, let me know.

[thartley]

Terri, if you want me to split these flooding posts into another thread, let me know.

Nah, not right now.  I've sent links to a bunch of people the way it is now.  Not sure if they will actually look for them elsewhere on the forum. 

[Ming]

The talking trucks said The water is getting higher every one please prepare for it especially people that the home near the river please move your things up to the tent or they have free place to stay at the provincial hall.
And all the school near the river will be close for 1 week.  That was what it said.   

We don't know the water will come up higher tonight. Everyone pray for it to go down.

[thartley]

The talking trucks said The water is getting higher every one please prepare for it especially people that the home near the river please move your things up to the tent or they have free place to stay at the provincial hall.
And all the school near the river will be close for 1 week.  That was what it said.   

Okay good.  Nothing about "Watch out for the crazy farang on the 8th floor taking your picture every five minutes!"  I feel bad taking their pictures, but really, everyone is helping everyone.  No one is cross or aggravated, but lots of people are speeding very bad down my road out here.  Cars and trucks are parked on both sides of the road, so there is only room for one vehicle in most places.  I am afraid someone (ME) is going to get hurt out there if the automobile drivers dont slow down a little.


I am going to think positive thoughts tonight that the water level will start going down now.  It was pretty hot outside today.  In roughly fifteen minutes on the balcony, I was almost sunburned.  Its very funny to see all the weird ways I have a tan.  My feet are striped sideways because I wear slip-on sandals, and my hands are the funniest to me.  The backs of my hands are quite tan, but my fingers are not.  That is because when I am outside and riding the bike, my fingers are curled around the handlegrips and are not exposed to the direct sunlight.  LOL!!!  So my hands are two-toned.   

[KitKat]

I am going to think positive thoughts tonight that the water level will start going down now. 

Yes Terri, I join you in thinking positive thoughts for Nong Khai tonight.   It's our daytime here, so I can think good thoughts all through your long night.   Sleep well.

[thartley]

Thanks for everyone's positive thoughts and well wishes.  Good news and a quick photo I got from the balcony this morning.  The water level dropped about a foot or more overnight right here where I am.  Here you can see how they carry on with business as usual.  I think they are having to wash their clothes and hang them out to dry from getting wet from the floodwaters.  This young boy made his way up and down the clothesline via raft to do his part in getting things done.

[Ming]

Glad that water went down a lot.  The market is back to normal and people start to clean up around. Everyone is helping each other and go through this together.
Good shot Terri!   

[KitKat]

Terri are there any after photos you can share with us now?   Maybe of people helping their neighbors, like Ming just said.

[PK]

Wanted to let everyone know that Terri left Nong Khai, yesterday, on the night train and has arrived in Bangkok. She will rest for a day and then leave tomorrow morning to go back to Florida.

Terri left many nice things for Isara (two bicycles, table, dvd player, microwave, modem, etc.) to keep or to give to families who are in need. Her generosity during her 6 months stay was overwhelming and we all wish her much success with her new life back in Florida ...or wherever she decides to call home.

Thank you, Terri. We'll miss you.

[Nick Lane]

Terri! Have a safe trip, and remember to frequent Isara (even more than you have as of late if possible).

[thartley]

We are splurging in what will prob be our final act of blatant consumerism, staying in a supernice hotel at the airport.  The beds are soft, pillows fluffy, bubble bath was wonderful, breakfast buffet was incredible, there are even men standing at the ready to push the elevator button for you before giving you a wai as you enter it.  I couldnt get the wireless internet to connect and I called downstairs and in less than two minutes (no kidding), they had a man up here who bowed as he entered, got us connected, and bowed on his way out.  Poor guy waited at the door for a bit because our phone kept ringing.  I didn't know that it was actually him at my door pushing a button.  Guess they dont knock.  I'm not used to all that kind of high tech stuff.  Just knock. haha!  Also couldn't figure out how to get the lights to turn on.  But the man who materialized out of nowhere with our luggage showed us how to work that, too.   

It is strange to see so many falang walking around here. 

I am going to miss my bike there at the ILC.  It has been a trusty steed indeed.    I hope the next volunteers put many more miles on it.  They  might want to have the nuts and bolts checked and tightened on the wheels.

Wes started us all out on the ILC kitchen supplies, I ended up using some things Sean had gotten while he was there, and I've added to the arsenal a little bit for anyone else who might stay off the ILC grounds.  (Kirk--that sandwich press I left is better than the ones they use at 7-11)     There is plenty of OFF Bugspray and lotions, sunblock sent over from America (I had a hard time finding sunblock without skin bleachening agents added), laundry tub and all the fixins to handwash anything, portable clothesline thingy, just tons of stuff.  Kirk will prob hate dealing with it all, but lots of it can be stored "as is" in the nifty new storage room at the ILC.  I tried to pack it all in related bundles.

I want to go exploring downstairs some more, but my partner in crime is passed out and sleeping like a baby.  I'll wake her up in a few hours and drag her out.

Thanks everyone for everything.  Nong Khai feels like a second home, but I think if I ever come back, it will be for the wintertime! 

[Nick Lane]

Thanks for checking in, Terri! Good to hear things are going well. Oh, by the way, that seems like my kind of hotel. Have a good trip!

[Ming]

Yes, the hotel at the airport. They service you like you are an angel. hahaha Glad to hear that. Have a safe trip back home Terri and Laurie. Thank you very much for everything.
Wish you success in everything you will do back home.
We'll miss you.
Good luck!

[Ginafish]

Back in the states soon! Can't believe the 6 month journey in Nong Khai has ended. Feels like I just met you and KitKat last month in Texas! Safe Travels! Hope you get to post pictures of the hotel soon, sounds super nice!

[KitKat]

Back in the states soon! Can't believe the 6 month journey in Nong Khai has ended. Feels like I just met you and KitKat last month in Texas! Safe Travels! Hope you get to post pictures of the hotel soon, sounds super nice!

Yes, Ginafish, I agree,  Terri and Laurie's  time in Nong Khai went by so quickly.   Your stay at the airport hotel sounds amazing, hope you can share some photos with us.   
Have a safe trip back home.     

[thartley]

I didnt want to make an independent  thread for this as its pretty personal just to me, and if I am still not thinking clearly by posting it here, the mods can remove it. 

They night after I returned home from Thailand, my precious baby niece passed away.  My family is reeling from the shock and sorrow, and we are finding strength in holding tight to the bonds of love we all have for Cheyenne and for each other.  I am posting the link to their online obituary which has a guestbook and I would appreciate anyone who feels moved to post their condolences there.  It can sometimes help to see how far the love reaches that we each have a hold of helping them to stay propped up and getting through this particular tragedy.

Thanks.

http://www.legacy.com/Tim...ry&PersonID=118807393