You Learn More On The Spot

Our first week of work deemed more beneficial for me in understanding this water system problem than much of the work I did back home. As a person who is interested in our perception of the world around us, I find it really interesting how being in a setting, hands on with a problem, greatly increases the level of understanding. Just on our first day alone, when we were taking measurements and drawing barebones sketches, I learned what an aeration system, backwashing, and polishing filter all were.

Having a professional engineer on site is also incredibly helpful, and necessary. When someone has been inputting information into their minds for so many years about the same types of problems, they have a huge database to draw from when it comes to solving new issues. There is just nothing to be said for the knowledge that life experience gives you, and I believe if young people and older people communicated more we would be able to learn and solve so many other problems.

I am also intrigued and impressed with Thai society and customs. Everyone here is always smiling, patient, and helpful. Things tend to operate more slowly and there is not such a rush to be so “on task,” as it is at home. I would think that I would find this lifestyle slow, boring, and frustrating, but I actually think I have taken a lot from it. My “Type A” personality, which usually is trying to handle, and manage a million things at once has realized the mental benefit and relaxation behind slowing down. There is a whole life to fill with things to do, and I should only be doing those things that really matter to me. The rest is just noise and clutter.

The project itself is going smoothly. We spent the first few days evaluating the system and much of what needs to be done. We also have begun collecting samples of water from various locations to be tested once our testing kit arrives. We have met with the government twice and both times have been very successful. I also spent a day in Chiang Mai (the closest city) with Mr. Kilany and Carole (one of our translators from Warm Heart) and we were successful in finding some of the supplies that are necessary for our implementation trip that is coming this January.

We are making great progress with this project, and I am recognizing not only how our newly acquired knowledge will help these people once we are done, but will also help our chapter of Engineers Without Borders grow when we take on new international projects. There are so many things one doesn’t think about until they are actually in the situation, and now that we have been here, we can share this knowledge to future travelers.

Missing home tremendously, and looking forward to an outstanding semester this fall.