When talking to people here and back home I find myself being asked a variation of the same question repeatedly.
"What's your favorite thing about Thailand?"
The wording of the question may vary, but this is by far the question I am asked most frequently. I'm not sure what answer people are expecting when they ask me this. Maybe my favorite place I've visited in Thailand (Ko Samet), my favorite Thai food, mode of transportation, thing to do, etc. The list of what could be my favorite thing about Thailand is never ending. Upon being asked this question my mind usually blanks and I end up saying something rather generic like, "all of it," or "the people." I have the privilege of being surrounded by amazing people here, it's a beautiful nation, the food is good, public transportation is pretty awesome, and I never run out of things to do. So, these answers are true. I do love the people here and I enjoy most of the aspects of living in Thailand. How do I pick a favorite thing?
As the end of my first trip to Thailand draws to a close I know that this question will be asked of me even more than it is now. I have been thinking about this question in attempt to come up with a more eloquent answer than, "all of it."
Friday I went on outreach and was able to visit a group of ladies that I hadn't seen since we handed out Christmas goodies. I was excited to see them, particularly the Mamasan here. I have been fortunate enough to form a relationship with this woman and seeing her is one of the highlights of my week. Usually our interactions are brief. She'll hug me when I come in, I'll ask her how she is and vice versa, and then she gets back to work and I don't talk to her again until she comes over to tell us goodbye, and it's then that she'll sometimes come outside with us for a few minutes to talk. This week instead of welcoming us and flitting away like normal she actually sat down beside and began to talk. To be able to actually sit and have a conversation with this woman without her running off every few seconds and being distracted by her work was awesome. I was thrilled to be able to sit and maintain communication with her. We talked about numerous things; the new year, her family, my family, and then she did reprimand me not having been in to see her for a few weeks. As our evening drew to a close I grabbed an invite to one of the programs that we as an organization offer to the women out of my pocket and handed it to her. I just told her I wanted to let her know and asked her if she would mind making sure all of the girls that worked under her had a chance to see it. As she looked at the invitation she began to tear up. She leaned over and hugged me, "thank you for caring about me and my girls. I love you." I hugged her back and did my best to not tear up as well. As I rode the bts home I thought to myself, "this is my favorite thing about Thailand."
Being able to make these connections, to be given the opportunity to love well, to see God work small miracles like this on a daily basis and to be a part of them; this is my favorite thing about Thailand.
"What's your favorite thing about Thailand?"
The wording of the question may vary, but this is by far the question I am asked most frequently. I'm not sure what answer people are expecting when they ask me this. Maybe my favorite place I've visited in Thailand (Ko Samet), my favorite Thai food, mode of transportation, thing to do, etc. The list of what could be my favorite thing about Thailand is never ending. Upon being asked this question my mind usually blanks and I end up saying something rather generic like, "all of it," or "the people." I have the privilege of being surrounded by amazing people here, it's a beautiful nation, the food is good, public transportation is pretty awesome, and I never run out of things to do. So, these answers are true. I do love the people here and I enjoy most of the aspects of living in Thailand. How do I pick a favorite thing?
As the end of my first trip to Thailand draws to a close I know that this question will be asked of me even more than it is now. I have been thinking about this question in attempt to come up with a more eloquent answer than, "all of it."
Friday I went on outreach and was able to visit a group of ladies that I hadn't seen since we handed out Christmas goodies. I was excited to see them, particularly the Mamasan here. I have been fortunate enough to form a relationship with this woman and seeing her is one of the highlights of my week. Usually our interactions are brief. She'll hug me when I come in, I'll ask her how she is and vice versa, and then she gets back to work and I don't talk to her again until she comes over to tell us goodbye, and it's then that she'll sometimes come outside with us for a few minutes to talk. This week instead of welcoming us and flitting away like normal she actually sat down beside and began to talk. To be able to actually sit and have a conversation with this woman without her running off every few seconds and being distracted by her work was awesome. I was thrilled to be able to sit and maintain communication with her. We talked about numerous things; the new year, her family, my family, and then she did reprimand me not having been in to see her for a few weeks. As our evening drew to a close I grabbed an invite to one of the programs that we as an organization offer to the women out of my pocket and handed it to her. I just told her I wanted to let her know and asked her if she would mind making sure all of the girls that worked under her had a chance to see it. As she looked at the invitation she began to tear up. She leaned over and hugged me, "thank you for caring about me and my girls. I love you." I hugged her back and did my best to not tear up as well. As I rode the bts home I thought to myself, "this is my favorite thing about Thailand."
Being able to make these connections, to be given the opportunity to love well, to see God work small miracles like this on a daily basis and to be a part of them; this is my favorite thing about Thailand.
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