Last Sunday we got together with our Rotary host counselors and the major leaders of Rotary (President Rattakul, VP Noraseth and Professor Saowalak). It was interesting to hear the history of Rotary in Thailand, feel the immense pride they have for their work, and talk about involvement in their communities. Pictured on the right is the president of Rotary in Thailand with my host counselor, Srifa. The 3-month program in Thailand, which runs twice a year, started in 2005 and has graduated 166 people from over 47 countries. My cohort is the 9th class; the number nine, in Thailand, is preferred as the current king is the ninth to rule the Kingdom of Thailand.
On a side note, King Bumibol Adulyadej is revered and loved by ALL of the Thai people. There is absolutely no tolerance for those lacking respect or for “criticizing” the royal family; it is actually against the law!!! Stores, markets, offices and little shops often have a picture of the king as a sign of respect and of admiration for him. It is quite amazing to hear the Thai people talk about the king … their king!!
Here is my class - the ninth!!!!!Pictured above in a beautiful orange-colored sari, Aarti, my classmate from India, (who incidentally is training to be an astronaut with NASA)gave my class this poem by Lao Tzu (570-490 B.C.) which signifies the reason why we are here to begin with … to find peace within our own hearts.
If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.
