Trip of a LifeThai Mmmm... Part II

I now realise I am blessed!!  I've come to the conclusion that no matter what barriers or obstacles are put in my path, I always have someone watching over me, who provides the way forward.  I couldn't have been home more than a couple of weeks from our previous trip to Thailand, when Fred provided me with the funds to purchase a further ticket to see our little family again!  This time alone, I will travel in March, which by all accounts is a lovely time to be in Thailand as the weather is just starting to warm up and enter into the hot season (March to May) and not much rain at all.  Although we travelled in the rainy season last year, we had very little rain and even Lee was surprised at the amount of sunshine we had in the ten days we were there.  What was I saying about being blessed!!

Lee, Poon and Lia in hotel pool in the sunshine

Thailand since our last visit has endured torrential rain and floods that have been unheard of for over 60 years.  After we left Thailand in September, Lee and his little family were supposed to be moving into their new home.  On a beautiful gated community, their home was all they had aspired to, providing both of them and little Lia the best possible standard of living and somewhere truly their own. 

Mother nature had other ideas though, and no sooner had they put down their deposit and made plans to move in at the beginning of November, flooding, like never seen by most, took hold and ravaged Thailand.  Their new home was now under threat and they were unable to move into the property until the floods subsided.  Who knew when that would be!

Ayutthaya under floodwaters

Flood victims moved home, pets and all possessions

The Thai people are resilient to say the least.  They have a get up, brush yourself down, and start all over again attitude.  So as the floods receded, so work began to restore their country to some sort of normality.  At this time Lee and his family were looking forward to moving into their property on 1st December, as flooding receded around that area.  But, once again, fate stepped in and Lee was rushed to hospital with a ruptured appendix.  This was a time I truly felt helpless and called on every ounce of strength and faith to get through the next few days, which eventually turned into weeks.  Poon was beside herself with worry and stayed by Lee's bedside continuously, Lia too!!! This poor little family had had so many setbacks in such a short space of time, but like myself, they are blessed too!  Lee recovered, although slowly, and they moved into their new home just before Christmas.  A beautiful time of year, but even more so because they were all healthy and together. 

Lia's first Christmas was an event both in Thailand and here as Skype made our Christmas that much closer.  She is a treasure to watch on camera and is growing at such a speed, I am conscious that she might even greet me in March, walking!!!

Lia's First Christmas (and first present from her Nanna Sue and Pops)

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For those of you not conversant with Thai, I've been told it's not good to say "Goodbye" lah gorn, as this is meant for those who will possibly not see each other again!  So I say sawatdee ka! which is "Hello" also, but is not dissimilar to Adios, whereby the meaning is "until we meet again!"... so until we do...

Sawatdee ka!