Semester over!

So after some somewhat stressful finals (most of which were worth half of my grade) my time as a student in Thailand has ended. It's really hard to think that not so long ago everything here was foreign to me. Over the last 4 months I feel like Ive actually adjusted. I could live here without difficulty of getting around, speaking basic thai, knowing what food I want and making thai friends. It's wierd thinking that I am saying goodbye to so many memories. But this is why mai pen rai (no worries in thai) is tattooed on my left arm and adaptability in Mandarin on my right. A new chapter begins and I'm looking forward to it. I am currently writting this post from phnom penh cambodia, the capital.  I am specifically here to help out with a program I was recommended called tiny toones. It's a program devoted to youth development in Cambodia, something they desperately need. It was started by a man known as kk. After being deported from the US, after 25 years of residency, KK started to teach a couple kids how to bboy. This grew into what I consider one of the most important NGO's in Cambodia. It has focuses in education (including English, hygiene, math, and Khmer), and also the creative program which lets kids explore different forms of expression like art but also through the elements of hip hop like bboying, graffiti writing, MCing, and DJing. Why I think it's so important is that it is open to all kids not just ones with problems (HIV, drugs, gangs, orphans, etc). This program prevents the problems before they happen. I've never been in such an environment where kids are so driven to learn, whether it be through the creative or education program. They are simply glad to have a chance, something many Khmer don't. I've only spent two days here and I already think that I will return at some point in my life. While I can help the little ones out, the big ones are helping me. They are seriously good, probably due to the fact that they practice all day every day. From what I can gather, they are the best in Cambodia. On top of this they are all great guys. Despite their minimal English skills they always offer me food and always want to know how I'm doing. On the 16th I head to Vietnam, then on the 23 back to Bangkok and down to Kho Pi Pi until I return home on the 29th. I feel a sense of indifference knowing that Ill be home in a few weeks. Well maybe not indifference. I feel that it is going to be the right amount of time. Would I stay here longer, probably, but I am really excited to get home as well. Things I'm craving; a big juicy cheeseburger and an all out American breakfast.