My two week visit at Rainbow school went swiftly packed with fun and enriching experience, just like always. During this stay, I was involved in bamboo shoot hunting, working on the rice field and Yukata project as well as daily lessons, which had me think 1) Women’s power and 2)Importance of challenging various things.

1) Women’s power. This visit gave me an opportunity to witness women’s initiatives and power by meeting experienced female individuals. Although I have known Tomoko for a while, I was reminded by her strength in teaching children at Rainbow school while raising two of her own children, Genso and Haku. It was tough to look after them for two weeks as they grew up and became more insisting and assertive with what they want to do. I imagined how difficult it could be for Tomoko and Yusuke to manage both their business and raising children everyday. Despite the difficulty, I was impressed by Tomoko who was always kind to whoever she dealt with. Thanks to Yusuke’s arrangement, I had an opportunity to meet and talk with Manito and Songshi. Through talking with them, I discovered things that I didn’t know of them such as their diligence, resilience, kindness and many skills, which made me feel that I want be like them. One day, I want to spend more time with them learning the way they live. I also learned lack of opportunities for them to study English, have work that they can do at home while raising children, qualitative education and child care.

2) Importance of challenging various things. I was impressed by various new project that the school is engaging and would like to learn their attitude of keeping challenging. I used to be hesitant in starting something new due to my tendency to think risks first before trying out the ideas. During my study in Belgium, I met many people who try to act if they believe in their ideas, acknowledging the consequent risks. Although it is just my opinion, the reason why Europe is the front runner in many fields is because of their attitudes towards acting and realizing. This attitude to me mirrored that of Rainbow school, which made them special and inspirational. Some children asked me if I can teach French language and stories about Belgium. And I wished I brought some photos to talk about similarities and differences between countries. When I visit next time, I would like to make sure that I stay longer so that I can challenge something new and talk about the world with children.

Every time I visit Rainbow school, I feel recharged and reenergized by spending time engaging with activities with children, which makes me happy. When I moved back to Bangkok, the city seemed empty, making me realize that even if we have so many materials, it doesn’t make me happy without appreciation and gratitude as well as people I can share with. I could also meet new teachers such as teacher Pan and Shi this time. I want to keep developing myself until next visit so that I can share more with children and people around Rainbow school. Thank you very much.