Non Sequitur

I’ve reached the point in Thailand that I both hate and love. Everything here seems ordinary again. That means two things: Thailand is another place I can call home, but also I can’t think of much to write about.

I love it here. It feels like the part of my childhood I loved the most—riding in truck beds, being outside all the time, running around in shorts playing soccer with anybody who feels like kicking a ball. I can eat everything I want and not gain weight, and I don’t have to cook. I’m sleepy when I go to bed every night around 9 or 10, and I’m ready to get up every morning around 6. There’s rhythm and freedom side by side.

Life’s a little simpler here. And I don’t mean that as any sort of pejorative on village life or people who are poorer than I am. I think there’s a tendency to equate “simplicity” with “simple-minded” which is unfair and inaccurate. Simpler is simpler and the reason isn’t a lack of brain cells, but a lack of funds and necessity. I don’t spend money because there’s no reason to. I have food—rice, rice, vegetables, and more rice—and a bed and things to do with my brain and time.

I still watch t.v. (Korean dramas are addictive; don’t judge) and read obsessively on my kindle. I use my netbook every day and my ipod if I go for a run. The camera I borrowed for this trip (thank you, thank you) is invaluable.

Yesterday I saw a butterfly and I’m still thinking about it. Last night was indoor soccer/balloon  and tickle fights/silliness of child variety. I spent today’s afternoon talking life with one of the new interns, never minding the time or the writing (my apologies for spotty posting) on which I’m days behind. I will not edit this post. Horrors.

I think I’m still competitive, driven, aggressive. But I am so very thankful that God’s given me a low-paying job that allows for huge trips of itinerate teaching/learning (it’s a fuzzy line), not to mention time to go home and see weddings and friends.

I am very blessed.