FWFCC Debrief

With a twinge of sadness, I am aboard the 8-hour bus back to Bangkok. I said my farewells to Surin, a happy goodbye after an eye-opening few weeks of volunteering in the jungle. What a privilege to spend time with a man of such humility and generosity. I'm continually amazed by the beauty around me in the souls of those I meet. Life is certainly more beautiful than we often credit it.

For such a high standard for education, Americans are certainly naive to complain about the world–our world. We are grossly privileged, complaining about salaries while living in the most expensive cities in the world, drinking overpriced alcohol on the weekends, expecting life handed to us on a glittering platter. From our safe little bubbles, it is tempting to wish our lives were like those we romanticize in foreign countries.

You might say many Americans have their lives laid out for them. The people I have met in Thailand have their lives laid out for them, too. Many live and work in their family shophouse with no expectations or aspirations to do anything else. They make a negligible wage cooking and serving the most delicious food. Back home, we pay a premium for cheap imitations. These people have simple shelter and food. Beyond a knockoff pair of Nikes from the market, they own no luxury. They own nothing beyond what is necessary. And yet, their smiles are eternal. They are peaceful, loving, good humored. We could learn a thing or two from Buddhism. Rather than wanting more, and more, and more, and complaining, complaining complaining, why not live with simple happiness?

I worry not about others. I can only maintain control over myself and my thoughts and feelings. And I choose to be happy.

So goodbye for now, Pie Jiap, Pie Mon, Pie Surin, Pie Deer. The wonderful people of Western Thailand will not be forgotten.

I anticipate seeing my friends back home. Our time will come, but it is not yet. For now, until mid April, with an intentional smile on my face, I wander.