Cc for the love of boys

Saturday marked the start of something new for me, my bike, and several young boys. I took my longest ride yet, from Surat to Khanom beach, a little over an hour ride.  I volunteered for an annual event sponsored by a small beach resort in Khanom, CC Beach Restaurant and Bar. Me and several volunteers met in the beach area, where we formed into color-coded teams. Soon enough we walked to the road, awaiting some eager faces.

 

The start of the event was sounded by several motorcycles wheeling towards the resort. What followed was what everyone was waiting for, the buses.

It's not often that you see this many motorcycles at one time.

As the buses stopped, hesitant little boys walked off the buses unsure about all of the excitement. I was on the white team. There were about 8 boys that jumped off. I found a little boy, maybe 2.5 years old. He was shy and wouldn't speak. He seemed a little uncertain and hesitant. I held out my hand and he just starred at me a bit. He looked around, then took hold of my hand. I walked him to the beach where the food and fun was to take place.

Before making it too far to the beach he was handed some Fanta soda. He seemed rather neutral about it all. He took the cup and just held on to it.

Next, I guided him slowly to the beach where food was abundant. The boys were given pizza, hotdogs, and chicken sandwiches..followed by curries, som tum, fried rice, fries, shrimp, grilled chicken skewers, fried chicken, watermelon, guava, coconut ice cream, and so much more. All the food was brought to them. The boys really took to the food. As for the little 2.5 year old I as looking after, I have never seen a little boy eat so much.

Festivities broke with boards as Muay Thai fighters hit the morning with some kicks and throws. The sport excitement ended with loud fireworks.

Kids split to the color-coded locations. Positions were dictated, but naturally the boys found water most welcoming, right from the start.

At one point, the moment was all about getting the right fitting mask.

The little tiger cub.

Yes, he's double masked. Even superheros need to blend in.

Volunteers, tubes, a banana boat, bouncy-houses, water toys, beach balls, and lots of excitement. At one point my kids mixed in with other groups. I took that moment to take in the amazing volunteers, mostly English teachers from Nakhom and Surat Thani. I was amazed. There were so many individuals determined to make the day extra special for these boys.

Ready to longtail.

Heading out for a longtail boat ride.

The endless food spread, replenished faster than I could track. Available food as seen, Western and Thai food. Rule of thumb, if you're a Westerner, stick to Thai food.

Green curry, steamed rice, and Massaman curry.

Pizza, fries, fried chicken. I love food, unique food, but not sure I'll every fully understand mayo on each of these items. Mayo may even be more popular than ketchup on pizza.

Shrimp and Thai noodle dish.

Funky colored salapao buns with pork and guava.

The day ended late after noon, but not til after several group games. The kids and volunteers sang, danced, wheel-barrow raced, three-legged raced, etc. Prices were awarded to all the teams.

So what does a day like this mean to a volunteer looking in? For me it is a silent emotional pull that continues to put me in my place. I don't know the stories of these children nor those of the amazing of volunteers. In no way can I compare my life to theirs, but I know that when I left the beach that day I was both grateful and hopeful. I put on my helmet and looked by at the beach hopeful for those boys and grateful for a home and family. Some left the beach with new clean dry clothes, toys, full bellies, memories, and their family of friends. I left with perspective and a pull on my heart. A day worth experiencing, what an amazing group of volunteers.