Child's Play

I am now officially unemployed. With no job comes no responsibility. I have complete freedom. I don’t quite know what to do with myself. Well that’s a lie. I have a long list of things I need to do before I go but I’m trying not to think about it as I start to freak out. That, coupled with the fact that I’ve had 2 jobs for the past 7 months, has resulted in my lazy disposition. In my head I’m already on the plane. In reality, I have shopping to do, hostels to book, itineraries to figure out and finances to put in order. Oh, and I best tidy my room too or my mum won’t let me leave the house!

Whilst thinking about Thailand, my second stop on my round-the-world trip, it suddenly dawned on me that I have no idea what I’m going to do when I land in Bangkok. I booked and paid for a voluntary work placement at a Thai hill tribe community back in January. Since then I asked my advisor once or twice for an update but was told I’d be sent further information nearer the time. This never happened. Oops! Frustratingly, I was then told that I have to seek this information myself. Several back-and-forth emails later, I have my transfer organised and know where I’m staying for my first night in Bangkok. Lovely.

All was seemingly well. I carefully chose this placement from the company’s brochure. Each placement was handily organised into categories. Conservation, communities and children. Now we all know which one I hoped to avoid! The hill tribe hands on project sounded perfect. The project wasn’t focused on one particular activity. I could choose between working on their website, proof reading and writing articles as well as other media related tasks. This sounded perfect. I would get a true insight into the hill tribe culture whilst utilising my skills to aid the community. Everyone’s happy…right?

Maybe not. After confirming my flight times for the transfer I was asked to provide my insurance details and a CRB check. The latter was necessary because of the proximity of working with children. Say what now? Children? Ok, ok. The project was labelled as working with communities so I expected to be working with children in some capacity so I didn’t panic too much. My CRB form is just a technicality right? I then received an email asking me to choose either the indoor or outdoor program. I asked for more information.

Outdoor program - construction work, installing toilets, painting etc etc

Indoor program - teaching English to children, caring for children, singing lullabies, playing games, caring for children in the local hospitals.

…aaaaaand? No, that’s it. Aww crap. Someone definitely doesn’t like me. The fact that you only need a CRB check to be left to look after children is rather strange. They should do the carry test. Place the child in a person’s arms. Embrace child - you’re in. Run away screaming “geddit away from meeee!” - get out now. I do think I have gotten better with children. I worked at a family restaurant so had direct contact with children and babies. I did alright. Oi! I did! This is a bit of a leap though. It doesn’t help that each time I think of children I play this Family Guy clip in my head.

It’s all been booked and paid so there’s no going back now. I’ve submitted some feedback to the booking agent as they need to change the listing in their brochure. I read it numerous times and it doesn’t mention children once. Rubbish.

I’m going to remain optimistic. What will be, will be. I plan on taking lots of distractions. A ball - look, ball, fetch! No…wait, that’s dogs *facepalm* I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Sheesh. It’s all part of the adventure and the uncertainty of it all. This will be good practice for me. I’ve already told a few people about this and each one burst out laughing. Ladies and gentleman...challenge accepted.