Day two of our epic stay in the rural village of Ban Houay-On began much like our first day here with an early session of sunrise yoga (I think we’re getting the hang of it!) and a nutritious breakfast as a means to prepare us for a long, arduous day ahead. While there is no easy way attempting to embrace an early start and the prospect of a challenging day of manual labour, many students were relieved to hear that Mr. Dunn had managed to obtain a large stash of coffee, which ultimately meant that he’d be less of a grouch and much easier to deal with over the course of the day (no easy task in any given situation!). That being said, his and Ms. Lam’s higher degree of caffeine intake also meant more energy, resulting in more unbearably enthusiastic encouragement. Fortunately, having had some degree of experience with the jobs from the day before, the TIS team was able to effectively and efficiently pick up from where they left off, seamlessly running a variety of interrelated tasks with ease. Before long, we were looking like a well-oiled, well-run machine, ready to accomplish anything.

With an extended lunch and opportunity for midday rest (and time for the teachers to have more coffee), the team returned to the work site in the afternoon, continuing to work diligently and pragmatically. However, the teachers did eventually require a pick-me-up themselves, so deployed the best known tactics to get any group of people up and energized – Disney songs, blasting on the Bluetooth speaker AND sung by Ms. Doland and Ms. Lam as well as some intense games of “Categories” and “Twenty Questions.” Between the labour and the mind-exhausting games, the team was very ready to return to their home-stays by the end of the session; however, not before being treated to some well-earned ice creams by the wonderful World Volunteer staff, who have done an exceptional job of keeping us motivated and taken care of.

Following dinner, the students participated in another bonfire, having been tasked with journaling their thoughts on the trip so far. It was so wonderful to hear the students as they waxed philosophical on what the trip meant to them and what they were taking away from it. Again, it’s moments like this, one’s in which individuals are able to be vulnerable and open up about their own meaningful experiences, that we truly can understand the significance of endeavors such as Experience Week. Though, I’m sure the students were just as happy about getting the marshmallows to roast at the bonfire as they were to highlight their personal growth. I think after the grueling day they had, there’s nothing wrong with that in the slightest.