Klai taa klȃI jai...
This expression is the opposite of the English version ‘Out of sight, out of mind’. The proverb literally says even if it’s too far to see (each other), the hearts are close together. It implies that someone important is not easily forgotten even if s/he is not in one’s direct view.
I learned this proverb my second week here in Bangkok and how fitting it has been relative to my experiences here. Had you asked me if I’d ever work/live in Asia two years ago, I may have laughed in your face. I mean, what in the world would bring me to Asia? I don’t speak any of the official languages, didn’t concentrate in Asian studies, actually don’t even like Asian food (except Thai, I love Thai) … And look where I am two years later.
It all started the Fall 2013 semester when I was studying abroad in Jordan. A notification was sent to my e-mail about a new DoS internship program called the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program. I mean, why not apply? I was an IS major, traveled a good bit, spoke a few different languages – I seemed fairly eligible and qualified. What was an application that I compiled in under two weeks actually turned into one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Floating Village Boy (at Kampong Thom, Cambodia)
Now here I am, two summers later at my overseas assignment at U.S. Embassy Bangkok. Laying in this bed in my apartment as I write this post still feels just as surreal as it did the first night I moved in. Walking down Lang Suan to get to work still gives me butterflies because I’ve been privileged enough to work at one of the U.S.’s largest embassies worldwide. I feel so honored to have worked in the same office with some of the most brilliant minds that are trailblazers in foreign policy.
I’m asked almost every other day, “What have you enjoyed most about Bangkok?” And while my overall response fluctuates between the social/night life or the food or shopping, there’s been one constant: the people. You’ve all left a mark on my heart in some form. Thank you for the fellowshipping; thank you for your friendships; thank you for the intellectual debates; thank you for the adventures through the jungles of Thailand and streets of Cambodia; thank you to the embassy community that welcomed me with open arms; thank you for trying new foods with me (never eating Durian again); thank you for hanging until sunrise with me; thank you for watching out for my well-being; thank you for loving me. God, there’s so much to be thankful for. Oh, and but a special thank you to Bangkok for introducing me to Lily, my Chinese twin. We are so different but “same-same” teehee. I love you. Thank you for just getting me.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The Land of Smiles did so much for my mind, body, and soul. I’ll miss you until I see you again.
Klai taa klȃI jai.