What thoughts do you have about the people that live there, their way of life, challenges they face, their level of happiness despite these challenges, etc.?
I feel that against all odds, the groups who live in Noh Bo and Mae Sot keep an open mind and have a very positive attitude about every thing we talked about. Although their way of life differs from what we are accustomed to, they make the most of it. They not only have troubles with weather from what I've seen, with the monsoon season and dry season and all. But they all face their own struggle in their every day lives. Where they live can also be a factor. A small town or village is not easily noticed. But against it all, they smile in the face of their troubles and keep going! I believe that they are happy despite the challenges they faced.
What surprised you?
What surprised me was how happy they are. In the United States, it seems all anyone does is complain. Yet lots live in homes with all the essentials and materials they wanted or needed. The people here live in a society with out street cleaners or in most places, without indoor plumbing. Stuff that we take for granted. Some don't have drinkable water in their sinks. They have to buy bottled water instead. Yet, the smiles never ceased.
How did it make you feel?
It made me feel selfish. Like every thing I owned was too much. Those kids lived with very little. Yet here I am sitting in a house. Not an apartment or a girls home. With clean water and toilets and electronics. And lights and electricity and clean animals for pets. I took so much for granted before this trip! I realize that now. I should be thankful for everything I own. I should be thankful that everyone I love is safe and healthy. I want to feel the same happiness and friendliness that they share so openly with one another. I wish to be able to walk down the street and smile at someone and have them smile back! Instead of looking at me as if I'm a stranger who's out to get them. I made many friends there. Even people that I drove past waved to me and smiled with warmth. Their smiles were real smiles. And I hope to smile like that from now on.
Does it make you want to help in some way?
Yes. It makes me want to give them more to smile about. I want to see those smiles more often while feeling like I'm doing something good as well.
How might you help - any specific ideas?
There is so much I could be doing. Such as coming up with ideas to make the houses safer and more secure. Or get rid of the street dogs and cats (giving them homes, vaccines, etc.) I want to create more jobs to better the economy. I want to create sterile hospitals and a medical school to fit more then just 40 students in a room. Nobody should have to lay on a wooden board and mat when they're ill or dying or having children. I want them to have the tools to fix a broken arm instead of having no choice but to cut it off! There's so much I could be doing. The odds are against me. It all costs money and time and effort. But none of that matters to me because I want to help. I want to make a difference in Thailand. I want to make a change to an ever-changing world.
- What was your favorite group to meet with and why? What was your favorite part of the trainings and why?
I liked both groups equally. It's really hard to choose between two amazing groups of people who both have dreams of helping the world become a better place. My favorite parts of training would probably be the part about making a movement that was taught to the kids at blessed homes. It was very inspiring for me and I hope it was for them too.
- How has this changed you and your perspectives on life, if any? Do you feel more grateful? Fortunate to live and grow up where you do? Do you have empathy towards the people there that don't have the same opportunities?
Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes! My perspective was changed greatly and how I live my life was hopefully influenced. I certainly feel more grateful to be living this life I have been given. And I am very fortunate and blessed that my parents have chosen this life for my sisters and I. I have empathy for the children there. Even though they don't have the same opportunities, I'm sure they will make a difference. And I hope my father has somewhat guided them on what they need to do to get there and live a happy fulfilling life.
