As my time in Thailand winds down Gai's daughters were concerned that they wouldn't get to say goodbye. They were out of school this afternoon so I took them to KFC, their choice, and then clothes shopping. Hearing someone say "no one has ever bought anything for me before", Poy's response when I bought her a phone, makes it easy to take her shopping. Poy is Gai's foster daughter, for whom the Thai government is supposed to give Gai $15. a week but in 2 months Gai hasn't received anything. We began shopping in a small shopping center but the girls soon led me outside to a market saying the shopping center was too expensive.
Poy and Mai, the 16 year old, seem to get along very well. I'm very impressed with Poy who shows real leadership initiative. Mai is more passive and that could be because her mother is hugely overbearing. With Poy's family's disintegration she probably had to fend for herself. Poy doesn't have a 'hard edge' that kids from those situations often have.
It was a rich afternoon with the three, the youngest, Pearwa, was also along. When it came time to say goodbye the girls got very teary...not that my eyes were dry.
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| Students using the common drinking can where they use cups used by others and dip out water, pouing back any left in their cup. |
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| Toon & Milk happened to be nearby so the teachers told them to wash the teacher's dishes. This sort of thing happens all the time and the students never show any sign of frustration. |
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| At KFC, Mai next to me, Poy and Pearwa. |
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| Poy and Pearwa shopping. |
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