We invited Vietnamese seminary ladies to our home for a meal. We had a wonderful time sharing - especially about our experiences in Vietnam. Each of the ladies is from a different part of Vietnam so we were able to clarify ideas we had from our trip.  

I love this picture because you can see that this whole class came together to support this name and Bailey. It is so exciting when a project works this way!  

Boys and girls both enjoyed this activity. The contest was open to all students K-6th grade. We had a run-off because of the number of entries! 

one more with 6th graders - One year does make a difference both in physical size and focus!  

One of our fall projects was to paint the very institution-style doors into something 'library' friendly. Here our students stand in front of the completed project - an open book - story from Alice in Wonderland... 

What is a yard sale without food. This picture gives you a good idea of the size of this sale. Booths took up the entire school yard and the gymnasium. The guy cooking happens to be the school guidance counselor. He is a man of many gifts!!??  

In addition to the puppet show one student did his juggling routine; another did magic tricks. The show brought in good donations and certainly entertained the little ones while parents shopped!  

The 7th grade class decided to put on a puppet show. Guess where they go the puppet stage? The students did a wonderful job of getting it prepared for the event! We have some budding puppeteers!  

Now isn't this creativity in motion. Need a lift? Need help in setting up your booth? We aim to help! 

Parent, Christine Dill is setting up here yard sale items. Simplicity and low pricing is a key to making this work!! She sold all of her linens very easily to the Thais. They swarmed her tarp as soon as the gates opened. 

Each fall and spring GIS sponsors a yard sale. It has become a well known event in the entire community. Teachers, classes, parents, and Thai people rent space and sell whatever! It works. This is my housemate, Beth starting the setup for the 8th grade class. We arrived at 6:30 a.m. and left at 1 p.m. 2,000 people came through the gates! 

I thought you who are following this journey would like to meet our current library team on site. From left to right ~ Juanita Feniak (cataloger) ~ Connie Eckerle (secondary librarian)~ Judy Long (your blogger and head librarian ~ Theresa Jackson (elementary librarian). We have one valuable person off site ~ Janet Matyas (US book buyer) 

One more time. Students came in during lunch to continue adding names to the box. It will be most difficult to sort through all of the great names. 

Name the tiger contest. The boys eagerly were submitting as many names as they could generate. Fun stuff!  

More students - just want to show the reason I am here. I challenge you to guess their ethnicity. (English, Korean, American, Australian) 

Time to show some pictures of our library work. We asked the art students to make our entry doors more friendly. They took the double doors and made them into an open book. Great job!  

Also a part of the holiday is the releasing of a paper balloon. A candle is lit at the bottom of the balloon. As the balloon is filled with warm air, the balloon lifts up to the sky. This symbolizes a release of any misfortune. If the balloon fails to life and falls into the river or gets stuck in an overhanging branch, bad luck can be expected.  

This young lady is a senior at Grace. She is on her way to the river's edge to release her lotus flower float.  

This picture is taken at the restaurant where our staff had a meal. This lady is walking toward the lower deck of the restaurant to release her lotus flower float.  

Vendors along the roads are selling the lotus flower floats. These lotus flowers are selling for 10 baht which is about 25 cents in our currency. 

Chiang Mai, Thailand - We are driving over the Nawarat Bridge. Note the beautiful flowers covering the rails of the bridge. November 4,5 & 6 the Thais celebrate the Loi Krathong Festival. Started centuries ago, the holiday has evolved into a time to honor the water Gods. Lotus flowers and floating balloons are released on the rivers to let go of all misfortunes and hope for better times.