Pieces of Home

The handful of cards in this photo represent just a small portion of the cards, emails, Facebook messages and even packages that I've received during my time here in Thailand. My family, friends and home church (Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill, PA) have been so incredibly supportive and encouraging. I wish I could fully verbalize how much these little expressions of love mean to me. When you're halfway around the world, an unexpected card or email from someone back home is like receiving a precious gift. God has blessed me with such wonderful friends and family. I've always known that, but being so far away from them makes me appreciate them even more.

So, thank you to everyone who has sent a little love my way. You probably don't realize the power a few kind words or a funny memory have to completely make my day and lift my spirits if they're low.

And because I've been struggling with exactly how to end this entry for about 15 minutes now, I'll close with a quote that really doesn't pertain to what I've written, but was once said to me by a slightly-crazy older woman I met doing temp work. Probably one of my favorite in-person quotes of all time. Imagine it said with a slightly hoarse, New Jersey accent:

"Oh I love ya and I don't even know ya."

I am a bad blogger.

I recognize that, and if anyone actually still reads this, I apologize.

Every day I experience dozens of little cultural gems that I wish I could capture and replay for all of my friends, family and supporters to live out for themselves. Such good intentions...and yet, so few posts. So here's my attempt to get back on the blogging bandwagon and provide more frequent insights into my year in Thailand.

One of my favorite, albeit less spiritual, parts of being in Thailand is definitely the food. Mmmm. I've stated several times to my Thai coworkers that I will be really sad when I get back to the States and no longer have access to super spicy food everyday at lunch. My taste buds will mourn their loss.

And with a typical Thai lunch costing around $1 U.S., you really can't go wrong...well except for the occasional bout with diarrhea (just keeping it real, people). But believe you me, the food is well worth it.

So here are a few pictures of some of the aroi (delicious) food that's been tantalizing my taste buds and increasing my waistline the past five months.

Hungry? Come to Thailand! There's a plate of khaaw (rice) and a bowl of goydiaw (noodles) waiting for you!