Today we slept in a bit, much needed, and enjoyed the nice breakfast buffet at the Empress. Then I got caught up on some computer work and e-mail. We had another long talk with Leon and made arrangements for the teachers to have transport to the Riverside Restaurant, one of my favorites in Chiang Mai - right on the river, for dinner. They were to arrive at 18:30 at the Empress, but didn't arrive until after 19:00.

We took the hotel shuttle over to the Riverside and got a table for eight. Most of the voluteer teachers at the Legacy school this year were provided under the auspices of the United Youth Corps - a volunteer organization for young adults in UCG. This present group volunteered for nearly a year to teach at the Legacy school which Leon set up to teach fundamental work skills and Bible classes to interested Thais, as well as Burmese from repressed tribes (like the Karen and Kachin) along the Thai border

We had a frank discussion about their participation in the Legacy Institute school, so far from home and in such a different cultural environment. When I was 19, Dave Baker and I as part of the Ambassador College project in Thailand, taught English in several refugee camps in the golden triangle(around Chiang Khong and Chiang Kham), and we knew how interesting but also how frustrating such work can be. After several months, when the newness and the excitement wears off, it can become very challenging to keep motivated and to keep the "big picture" in mind.

We discussed all this very openly and Dave and I tried to help them have a wider perspective on their work. They're all doing great job, and Leon and the students are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers to work with them. Dave and I were impressed by their committment and their maturity. What an amazing opportunity for growth!

Dinner was delicious, and the converstation stimulating. We were back at the Empress at 21:30 and we had the hotel shuttle take them back to the school.