Bam

If you are wondering "how the heck is Dana teaching Thai students without knowing how to speak Thai?"

Well, that is a very good question with a very important answer.  The answer is "Bam."

Bam is the name of my teaching assistant.  She actually lives in Bangkok with Drs. Tony and Achara, since her mother works in their house she has lived their most of her life.  In Bangkok, she is about to start her third year of college, where she is studying business English.  

Here, in Ban Kam Pia, she helps me with everything.  She makes sure I understand what the schedule is for the  day and then acts as my translator in class, which is incredibly helpful.  She also helps make sure that I am (more than) well fed, my laundry is done and I am as comfortable as possible.

It is also nice because her dad lives near Ban Kam Pia and she getting a chance to spend more time with him while she is here at the school.

Sometimes Bam and I go for walks through the ponds in the back of the school and we sing-song "Adventure with Bam and Nu Dee!" 

I believe Bam is headed back to Bangkok a few days before I leave--and I am already not sure how I am going to function without her here!