Through Their Eyes… is an ongoing series of articles and videos showcasing the unique experience each volunteer has at their site through a visitors’ eyes.
Emily Hoffmeister, 135 YinD
Volunteer Visited: Mia Buffington, 135 YinD
Volunteer’s Site: Lam Thap, Krabi
Why did you visit?
For the New Year! Mia and I enjoyed a few days in stunning Ao Nang ringing in the New Year, island hopping, and pool partying before going back to her site (an hour long bus ride away). We figured since I was already in Krabi (a long journey from Mukdahan), I might as well check out her site!
What did you do in their community while visiting?
While visiting Mia’s community I was able to go to one of her schools, Lamthapprachanukhro School, otherwise known as School of Happiness.
This is a mattayom school where we taught M.1 – M.5. We discussed different American states sharing fun facts that led to a Jeopardy game with candy prizes! My favorite fun fact was teaching them how to pronounce the Hawiian state fish, humuhumunukunukuapua (almost as hard as learning their school name hahaha).
I was able to have dinner with Mia’s Thai family, their restaurant is only a short walk from Mia’s house. Alan and Alisa kept us very well entertained as they brought out the tom yum goong.
We were invited to attend a funeral one afternoon, and here I was able to meet Mia’s Nayok and other Tessaban counterparts. While eating lunch together, I made one comment on how tasty their fresh papaya was, and the next moment Mia and I were Thai-napped; whisked away to the most beautiful papaya farm. Surrounded by the lush cliffs, we were given a bag full of papayas and of course, some to eat on our way out. It was a dream come true.
The Thai-napping doesn’t stop there. I was also taken to see two remarkable landmarks. With Mia’s main counterpart P. Dan, we were taken to Khong Thom Nura Hot Stream Waterfall. We went at sunset so it wasn’t too hot out. The area was also technically “closed” but the locals consider that as the perfect time to go and avoid the crowds of foreigners. After hopping the fence and a short hike into the jungle, we came upon a wondrous waterfall. The falls poured over a smooth rock surface, which had many craters perfect for sitting in and soaking up the ethereal vibes. But it got better, because the waterfall is a thermal pool!!! So the water was hot and full of healing energies.
Our next escapade was with Mia’s co-teacher, P. Dee. She took us to the renowned Emerald and Blue Pools. These pools are located in a Wildlife Sanctuary and look unreal. The Emerald pool is a natural turquoise blue pond fed via freshwater streams and was truly enchanting to swim in. The blue pool sits on a hot underground spring, but we only gazed longingly as no swimming is allowed. We galevanted between the pools and I felt like I was in a fairy land.
What is Mia’s community like?
Mia’s community is located in the district center of Lam Thap. There are plenty of restaurants, 7/11s, cafes, and other amenities. Her community mainly farms rubber and palm trees. These massive fields are also home to cows and chickens. Her community seemed to have a lot of love and pride for Lam Thap and I can see why!
Where does Mia live?
Mia has her own place! She lives just off the main road in a cluster of homes. She has neighbors, lots of street dogs, and chickens in the area. Mia’s habitat is colorful just like her 🙂 Draped in tapestries, mood lighting, nick-nacks, lots of pictures of loved ones, puzzles, and artwork the space was radiating good vibes. My favorite detail was her stuffed animals, which all have lore. There is air conditioning in the bedroom, and she has a Western-style bathroom, with hot water!! Every shower felt like a spa. She also has a small kitchen with a single stove burner, sink, and fridge. No laundry machine, but she has a laundromat only a short bike ride away.
How are Mia’s schools, teachers, and students?
Mia’s schools are large with two out of her four having roughly 1,000 students. At the school I went to, she didn’t have a designated co-teacher as the teacher changed class to class. Mia teaches full school days working with kindergarten up to M.5. She definitely has her hands full! But the hard work is worth it when the students are sweet. Her students were so inviting to me and engaged in our activity. I can tell they love Mia and appreciate her work. Some of her past classes’ Christmas posters were still hung up at the school!
What were some highlights from your trip?
I loved playing mermaids and exploring so many different kinds of bodies of water. I also loved meeting the people who matter most to Mia. Her lovely Thai family lent me a bike and helmet so I could explore. Her wonderful counterparts P. Dan and P. Dee were very “dan-dee” at showing me the wonders of Lam Tamp. And her Nayok P. Joy kindly offered to drive me to the airport and gave us cool matching biker shirts 😎. The people and places were awe-inspiring.
What surprised you about Mia’s community?
Something that surprised me about Mia’s community was how different the southern dialect is from Esaan. I had a hard time understanding some people even though I speak confidently at my own site. To me, it seems the Southern dialect uses different words, shorter phrases, and quicker speech.
What are some similarities and differences between your site and Mia’s?
One of the biggest differences between our sites is the location. Mia is in Southern Thailand while I am in Esaan. Both our sites have rubber tree farms, but mine has many more rice fields while Mia’s has palm fields. We both have bodies of water nearby, but I have the Mekong River and Mia has the ocean. Another big difference is the size of our communities. Mia lives in her district capital city, while I live in a subdistrict. My site has fewer amenities available within a bike ride and feels a bit more rural. The biggest similarity I noticed was the Thai culture of naam jai. This seems to be the common thread across the tapestry of Thailand. I had so much fun visiting Mia’s site and seeing a glimpse into her own Peace Corps experience!
Sticky Rice 
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