Something Disappointing
Fi and Maew didn’t show up to work today. (They’re the 14 and 16 year old I wrote about here .) We had a short meeting last Friday morning before work. I noticed Maew had been very distant, even abrupt, for a few days. And they did some sloppy work the afternoon before. I asked them how they were feeling about the cards. They didn't say much, nor really even look at me. I thought maybe they were frustrated with my lack of organization with the cards. So I asked them if they were upset with me. They still didn’t say much and were looking down in their laps. (In Thailand, it’s usually considered rude to look at superior when being corrected. Though I waited to bring up the sloppy work, they probably knew what was coming.) Prang and I ended up asking them if they still wanted to work with us. They still wouldn’t answer.
After more time of not talking much, and then going back to Fi’s to watch TV, they came to work. Prang and I thought it was a small misunderstanding that would blow over. She talked with them over the weekend and they seemed okay. But neither came to work today, and we’re clueless as to what they're thinking. I feel very helpless with my limited language ability and with cultural differences that may have already caused hurt feelings.
I've been surprised at our lack of disappointments and complicated issues. Jim and Judy are constantly dealing with complicated issues down in Bangkok; sometimes Center 4 feels way too healthy. I'm feeling so disappointed right now. Disappointed and completely confused. Completely confused and very grateful for my mom's patience during my early teen years.
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Posts: 1
Reply #1 on : Mon April 28, 2008, 09:41:50