Laughter

Life in Laos is laughable quite often. I’m sure it is in most of Asia but I can only speak for Laos. After a tough trip to get here I laugh I’m not even in my apartment yet. I’m thankful to have conscious discipline tools in my back pocket as I STAR a stop take a deep breath and relax quite often. You see first I had baggage problems, then I couldn’t move into my house and today I went to a cafe where in another part of the city they had green tea latte but here they don’t so I settled for ice cream. It’s rough sometimes but it’s good to have to readjust my expectations and find joy in what is available instead. Below are some pictures of things so far. Ironically I’m in love with the night bus I rode it so I would have someplace to stay after traveling for a week I hope Friday to be officially home for awhile.He night bus was so much better than flying! Ha I not want to fly for awhile! But I have a choice to make do I get angry and frustrated or just take a deep breath and laugh!

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream!

I don't like that many sweets. I've always been more of a salty person but I cannot resist ice cream. Right before I left, when I was down to a week it hit me hard. I finished a good portion of my task like paying bills, cancelling things and I was visiting a friend.

A different friend had told me that although I was excited it was hard for her and to be gracious to my friends. I had something to look forward too but they were loosing something they loved. I smiled thankful for her kindness. In my exhaustion I didn't really know what to think. I loved them but knew I needed to go to my other home.

However, 3 days later as I held one of my friends in my hands and felt her body tremble and shake through the tears the sadness hit me. It was like unintentionally she was starting a river inside of me too. Her words were "It's hard to say goodbye to good friends, but I'll see you next year." In my heart of hearts I don't know if I'll come to NWA next year. I will miss my friends but so much will happen in a year. It's unrealistic for me to expect them to stop their worlds for a week or two while I'm home.

I'm not sure if it was sadness or fear that overtook me or grief and loss for us both but all I wanted was ICE CREAM. Just like in every chick flick. I probably gained 10 lbs in two weeks but none on vacation only preparing. ICE CREAM at first was my go to until I remembered wait my fathers words are way sweeter than any ice cream could be and spent more time with him instead.

Life is funny, you know!

As I left Laos last March due to unexplained circumstances my heart dropped. Those who know me well know Laos is my home. I spent the next few months in various peoples houses, using several different cars, recovering from the pain of loss and trying to figure out my next steps when out of the blue I received an email from Heathfield International School in Laos.

I had sent an email months earlier but had kind of moved on trying to figure out my next steps. It read something along the lines of "Dear Kathryn, We have a Yr1 position (Kindergarten) open and would like to interview you for it if that's something you desire at the time." A week later I interviewed. They told me to wait 4 or 5 days for a second interview but then told me I had the job.

If I had been a nail biter I would have been biting them like crazy! You see this is my calling. I have been loved so much I need to love on Lao people. Not that I'm all sacrificial they are quite kind and loving to me too. But I was going to have to miss my best friends wedding among other milestones.
Whoever said "You can have your cake and eat it to" must not have lived very many places. I can't have all my cake. I have to share it but I must not let that diminish the joy of the slices I have.

You see this morning I knew I had made the right choice when I received this picture. What? You're probably saying? I wanted to go back but I still wanted to be able to hangout and reach out to some of the same Lao friends. 

I guess I had called her the other day and she said"Sorry, I was busy in a meeting so I couldn't answer." and sent this picture. Lao people are funny. I'm not sure if she was joking or serious but it gave me a good laugh.

I replied"ha ha it's okay." She then began to ask me questions. When do you come back? Where will you be staying? I answered them " August 15th. At the school I am teaching at." I could hear the underscored squeals in her voice as she texted me in Lao"Oh good so close to me. We can visit often. " I told her " I liked that and hoped so."

You see even when we can't see it he gives us reminders that we are taken care of. I can't wait to tell you all stories of what I learn and what my father teaches me in this next chapter.