One of many future trips to the airport

Driving back into Bangkok from the airport last night flooded me with memories of when Jodie and I first arrived in Thailand. This was Si Jie’s moms first time in Bangkok and she was seeing everything for the first time and she was staring out her window making comments on the smallest things. I was flooded with memories and feelings about how our time here is almost done and what a beautiful experience that it has been so far. Sometimes I get so use to being here that I forget to appreciate the unique culture that surrounds me. Being at the airport reminded me the Thailand adventure is finishing and that this chapter is on its final pages. The saddest part of saying goodbye is knowing that I will probably never see these people again and all I will have is treasured pictures and memories. There is a much more permanent conclusion to this chapter because of the distance and language challenges which makes it harder.

I have this feeling that returning to Canada will be emotionally straining. I can picture myself calling Jodie hours after I returned to chat and maybe cry with her. I can picture myself trying to replicate simple daily things that I experience here just to help me readjust. Of course I am excited to return home and reunite with loved ones but I am also dreading the loss of purpose that I foresee feeling when I return home. Everyday here is like a mystery waiting to be discovered. At home, everything is comfortable and predictable which is going to take time to get use to again.

I am incredibly grateful to have been given this opportunity. My experience is unique to me and my eyes and my heart have been opened up in a very meaningful way. I have come to share laughs, shed tears, celebrate and mourn with a group of amazing people here in Thailand.

All this emotion is spilling out and I still have a month left. Anyways, make sure you read Jodie’s blog today she had a really interesting conversation about slum life with her students in class and I only caught the last bit of it so I trust that you will read her blog to get the full account.

Sending love from Thailand,

Misty