Journal entry by Al Negstad — 23 minutes ago
It was my second year of teaching in Thailand and I was housed with another American in a very small house on a family compound. The head of the household and his wife had two children. Their daughter, Pear, was in junior high and was very motivated to learn English. We spent time conversing so she could practice. Though it's been ten years since I lived there I've stayed in touch with Pear and her family. Last year I traveled to Chiang Rai, Thailand, to attend her university graduation. At the university all courses are taught in English.
Tonight we went to dinner with Pear and her family which has become a tradition. With her initiative the family has developed a four room bed and breakfast on their compound. Pear and her mother cook breakfast for their guests before leaving for their government jobs. All of the work is done by family members before and after their regular jobs. Their rooms rent for $30. per night.
These relationships honed over time, facilitated by social media and regular contact, are what I find meaningful here. What was once exotic now seems commonplace and sometimes just annoying. As in every context it's the people who matter.
"My" family have become quite adept at leading me to persons in need and that happened today. A neighbor's mother has been hospitalized and that has put financial stress on the family. They asked if I would help. Blessed with generous support from congregations and friends it was easy to say "yes". Then the dance began. Me, "how much would be helpful?" Them "up to you." After about five minutes I did manage to get a suggestion from them. Without that I'm clueless where to begin so I'll do at least what they suggest and maybe more.
So goes life in Thailand and perhaps you've guessed I'm back in Ayutthaya after a weekend in Bangkok. It hasn't been hot yet but the highs next weekend are predicted to be 98, and with dew points around 80, it will be cozy.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: Gift giving with family.
Tonight we went to dinner with Pear and her family which has become a tradition. With her initiative the family has developed a four room bed and breakfast on their compound. Pear and her mother cook breakfast for their guests before leaving for their government jobs. All of the work is done by family members before and after their regular jobs. Their rooms rent for $30. per night.
These relationships honed over time, facilitated by social media and regular contact, are what I find meaningful here. What was once exotic now seems commonplace and sometimes just annoying. As in every context it's the people who matter.
"My" family have become quite adept at leading me to persons in need and that happened today. A neighbor's mother has been hospitalized and that has put financial stress on the family. They asked if I would help. Blessed with generous support from congregations and friends it was easy to say "yes". Then the dance began. Me, "how much would be helpful?" Them "up to you." After about five minutes I did manage to get a suggestion from them. Without that I'm clueless where to begin so I'll do at least what they suggest and maybe more.
So goes life in Thailand and perhaps you've guessed I'm back in Ayutthaya after a weekend in Bangkok. It hasn't been hot yet but the highs next weekend are predicted to be 98, and with dew points around 80, it will be cozy.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: Gift giving with family.
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