Chiang Mai GOES Team Celebrates Acts of Service
This year’s Chiang Mai GOES team of 22 students and 5 teachers traveled to Thailand to serve villagers, create lasting bonds with children, and experience Thai culture, food, and nature during an unforgettable spring break adventure. As one of three trips organized this year under the GOES, the Guardians Outreach Education & Service program, students were exposed to a culture and lifestyle that they would have never encountered in Seoul.
Before diving into pure service and challenges, the team spent their first day visiting an elephant sanctuary where they learned about the gentle yet massive creatures, prepared medicine, and even fed and bathed the elephants. In the afternoon, students relaxed by the hotel pool and explored Chiang Mai city landmarks like an ancient pagoda, temple, and Three Kings Monument. At a local night market, they sampled culinary delicacies ranging from fried scorpion to satay skewers.
The rest of the trip focused on serving the welcoming people of Thailand. Students learned to grow seeds in a forest restoration center, harvest coffee beans, plant Chinese kale, and interact with young village kids. The team persevered despite facing fatigue and extreme heat as they put all their physical strength into work. Daily debriefs featured reflections on the rewards of labor – perfect rows of salad leaves and smiles on the children’s faces.
Most students found interacting with the village children to be most memorable and heartwarming. Despite the language barrier, the kids showed constant energy and enthusiasm towards the dances, arts and crafts, and sports lessons that the students had planned ahead of time. In just a few days, genuine friendships were formed, making it all the more difficult to exchange tearful goodbyes when the team had to leave.
In the isolated, rural village, students enjoyed a fun orienteering experience, evening bonfires, and a seemingly endless supply of mango and watermelon to accompany each meal. Team bonding was strengthened through challenges, such as bumpy truck rides and bee infestations, teaching students that collaboration is the best way to overcome difficulties.
On the last day of the trip, the group hiked 8 kilometers down from the village back into the city, where they got the chance to unwind at hot springs. To savor Thai flavors one last time, they participated in a cooking class and made delicious pad thai, spring rolls, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice.
In only five days, students made countless memories that will last them a lifetime. They would like to extend a thank you to the trip’s leaders, Ms. Delisle, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Hawkins, Ms. Shroeder, and Mr. McGrath, for making this extraordinary experience possible. The team is also incredibly grateful to the villagers and children who showed them so much love during their brief stay.
