Summer Holidays at Baan Unrak – Full of Laughter, Colors, and Love!

We know that these days, a lot of our attention is focused on our neighbors in Myanmar – and yes, we’re doing all we can to support them. But don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten our children here at Baan Unrak! In fact, this summer has been buzzing with joy, learning, and heartwarming moments.

Let’s start with Songkran Festival – our favorite time of the year!

For us, it’s incredibly important that children experience festivities within the community. These shared moments foster a deep sense of belonging and help them understand their roots and cultural identity. Celebrating together strengthens bonds, teaches traditions, and creates memories that shape who they are. Festivals like Songkran are not just about fun—they’re a living connection to heritage, passed down through laughter, play, and collective joy.

The kids loaded up into a pickup truck armed with water guns and perfumed powder and headed straight to Thong Pha Phum. Splashing water, laughing, shouting – it was pure joy! They even joined the community at the Fun Mon celebration and had a blast soaking everyone in sight (and being soaked too, of course).

Meanwhile, the mothers had a gentler celebration – they visited Waymalay Temple with the little ones and had a peaceful, beautiful picnic. Quiet moments, sharing food, and gentle laughter.

Back at home, Pavitra and Padhma kept things rolling with all kinds of brain-sharpening games. The children played and learned at the same time—teamwork, responsibility, and, most importantly, fun!

And oh, the river! On those super hot days, there was nothing better than jumping in the cool water with friends. Splashing, swimming, and just being together helped everyone feel fresh and connected. And while we were at it, we also took the chance to give our little yoga mats a good clean—nothing like fresh water and sunshine to keep them fresh and ready for the next practice!

But it wasn’t all play—our kids also rolled up their sleeves. They helped prepare butterfly pea flowers for our sustainability projects—removing the white parts to get them ready for teas and other natural products. They also learned to dry fresh vegetables and herbs, preserving them for future use in cooking and herbal remedies. Through these activities, they’re not just having fun—they’re discovering the value of self-sufficiency and the importance of sustainable living.

And let’s not forget the art explosion we had! The children created beautiful murals on our walls—full of color, dreams, and joy. Some even started painting cloth to make unique bags for our visitors. It’s their way to say “thank you” and share a piece of their creativity. Our university students, before heading back to their campuses, left behind something very special—their final gift: paintings that carry their spirit and their memories.

So yes, it’s been a full-on summer at Baan Unrak! We’re so proud of how everyone came together—with love, care, creativity, and a lot of water splashes.

Stay tuned—there’s always something beautiful happening here.

With love,

 Your Baan Unrak Family