BAMBI News April 2016
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Dear Members,This is an odd and touchy moment – I am writing my last Chairwoman’s letter to you. Starting next month you will see a different face here.I've been writing this column since I became the Chairwoman in January 2013. Thirty-four letters in total, sharing my thoughts, insights and BAMBI excitements with you.BAMBI was a good 'keeping-me-busy' friend since I arrived in Thailand 8 years ago, and my expat life here was influenced very much by my BAMBI life. I joined as a member in my first month in town, and then volunteered on the Committee a few months later, taking the position of the BAMBI News magazine Editor; after 4.5 years in the Editor's position – I was called to the flag for the Chairwoman role.Every day was seasoned by BAMBI in some way. Eight years is a LONG time indeed. But this is the moment to step down, move on and hand over the wand to a new leader.I am happy to find someone as talented as Triin Kassis to replace me as the next BAMBI Chairwoman, knowing BAMBI will be in good hands. I am sure the other Committee members will help her keep BAMBI as the most supportive, welcoming, vibrant and colorful social group of parents in Bangkok and Pattaya.We have a new Committee you've elected at the recent AGM. Many of the newly-elected committee members are not new faces, as they will continue in their old position they filled last year; some not-new faces just changed shoes – took on a different role for the coming year. And some are new faces we wish to welcome and greet.I wish to thank all the volunteers I had the pleasure to work with over the years; with some, I developed close relationships too. The list is long so I would rather not start.A big thank you also to Mel Habanananda & Dr. Tanit Habanananda, who founded BAMBI and the CBFT (the mother-foundation of BAMBI). A unique couple whom I was delighted to be working with and was inspired by. They are like a family to me.Thank you also to Meena Sobsamai from the CBFT - her calm and smiling face, along with her passion for BAMBI values, are things I appreciate.I had great pleasure in leading this group as the Chair. I will not be totally off-BAMBI. I will keep helping and give a hand, and will contribute some material for this magazine too, on different pages. So I'm sure I will see you now and then again.Many people ask what awaits me next. Frankly, I didn't give it too much thought yet. I've decided to think about that only once it really happens – only once I wake up one morning and don’t check my Chairwoman's email account for a change...interesting ideas are most welcome though!So this is it – my very last letter to you as the Chair.Will miss you and this column, guys! Ravit El-Bachar Daniel View PDF
Dear Members,This is an odd and touchy moment – I am writing my last Chairwoman’s letter to you. Starting next month you will see a different face here.I've been writing this column since I became the Chairwoman in January 2013. Thirty-four letters in total, sharing my thoughts, insights and BAMBI excitements with you.BAMBI was a good 'keeping-me-busy' friend since I arrived in Thailand 8 years ago, and my expat life here was influenced very much by my BAMBI life. I joined as a member in my first month in town, and then volunteered on the Committee a few months later, taking the position of the BAMBI News magazine Editor; after 4.5 years in the Editor's position – I was called to the flag for the Chairwoman role.Every day was seasoned by BAMBI in some way. Eight years is a LONG time indeed. But this is the moment to step down, move on and hand over the wand to a new leader.I am happy to find someone as talented as Triin Kassis to replace me as the next BAMBI Chairwoman, knowing BAMBI will be in good hands. I am sure the other Committee members will help her keep BAMBI as the most supportive, welcoming, vibrant and colorful social group of parents in Bangkok and Pattaya.We have a new Committee you've elected at the recent AGM. Many of the newly-elected committee members are not new faces, as they will continue in their old position they filled last year; some not-new faces just changed shoes – took on a different role for the coming year. And some are new faces we wish to welcome and greet.I wish to thank all the volunteers I had the pleasure to work with over the years; with some, I developed close relationships too. The list is long so I would rather not start.A big thank you also to Mel Habanananda & Dr. Tanit Habanananda, who founded BAMBI and the CBFT (the mother-foundation of BAMBI). A unique couple whom I was delighted to be working with and was inspired by. They are like a family to me.Thank you also to Meena Sobsamai from the CBFT - her calm and smiling face, along with her passion for BAMBI values, are things I appreciate.I had great pleasure in leading this group as the Chair. I will not be totally off-BAMBI. I will keep helping and give a hand, and will contribute some material for this magazine too, on different pages. So I'm sure I will see you now and then again.Many people ask what awaits me next. Frankly, I didn't give it too much thought yet. I've decided to think about that only once it really happens – only once I wake up one morning and don’t check my Chairwoman's email account for a change...interesting ideas are most welcome though!So this is it – my very last letter to you as the Chair.Will miss you and this column, guys! Ravit El-Bachar Daniel View PDF