When we arrived in our town, and for a good several months following, we had a semi-host family here in our neighborhood. Por Or Sawat, principal of the biggest elementary school in town, and his wife, Ajaan Warangkana, my other co-teacher, were our landlords and close neighbors. We spent a lot of time with them on weekends and during our first summer break. After the flood, they moved an hour away to the city, but still work here in town and Aj. Warangkana is still one of my closest friends in Thailand, despite the age difference!
Por Or Sawat and Ajaan Warangkana have two daughters, Nong Boi and Nong Bao. Nong Boi is 26 and has been working various jobs in some of Thailand's larger cities for several years. Nong Bao is 21 and will be a senior in college next term. The two of them come home for holidays and breaks regularly.
The big excitement of the last couple of months has been Nong Boi's decision to be an au pair in the U.S.A for a year. She leaves on Monday! She will be living with a family in Westchester County, New York, for one year. We've seen their photos and I've spent many hours giving Aj. Warangkana all kinds of reassurance that America is plenty safe. I've also tried to pass on as much cultural advice as possible. Nong Boi speaks excellent English and has been accepted at an MBA program at Thailand's most prestigious university. She is deferring enrollment for one year to have this experience in a foreign country first.
So, it's been a bit odd to be working here in Thailand and helping someone prepare to go live in our homeland at the same time! I admit to feeling a bit jealous -- I'd like to be heading back to the land of diverse foods, winter, and inescapable Western toilets as well! But I'm also looking forward to spending a year with Aj. Warangkana, hearing about Nong Boi's experiences and perhaps helping with any issues that come up.
So if you're in the neighborhood...Let us know if you'd like to meet the daughter of our landlords and form yet another Thai-American connection!
(Photo shows Nong Boi, Nong Bao, Por Or Sawat, Robert, and Ajaan Warangkana at our nearby national park last year. )
2 comments:
Welcome to the world of blogging! I remember you saying you were thinking of setting one up and I am so glad you did. Cant wait to read more!
On the east coast, you are never 'far away'-I'd be happy to meet her. I might not be free to do so for awhile, but email me her address!
Post a Comment