I fell in love, with the world in you.

Each day I've been hearing a much quicker tick and tock of the clock in the back of my mind. I can hardly believe I've been living in this place for nearly a year, nor do I accept how fast my departure is approaching. Alas, my mind has wandered into great clouds of nostalgia. Come with me to visit a few of my memories, will you?

I can recall how unsure I was walking upon the uneven streets of Surat Thani for the first time. I couldn't order my lunch, nor could I tell you anything of the people I was working with, less their physical appearance. What have I done? I remember thinking as I lay to sleep one night. My days were void of anything familiar and anything 'normal'. Today I sit thinking, Oh my, what a wonderful thing I have done! I've let Thailand become a friend. It's been the kind of friend that tells you like it is, how the world works, and begs the right kind of questions. It's also been trustworthy and loyal. And it's introduced me to some pretty terrific people, both little and big.

The big ones have been sources of advice, comfort, and comradery. One of my greatest memories is of talking of justice and life over red wine in Cambodia. What beauty there is in being brought to a helpless place, but having the strength to talk about it with friends. I am grateful for my companions here who allow themselves to think on the tough things in life, and process them with me.

And the little ones. Oh, the little ones! I love to think on my interactions with them. This past week I spent a few minutes with my student Smart who wanted nothing but to pull out his front tooth by the end of class. I said, "Smart, it's not going to come out today buddy. No matter how hard you try." He understood me, all the while his vocabulary being limited to shapes and colors. Animals too, on a good day. The little ones have taught me about communication without words, and on the importance of a deep, and easy laugh. I love them for taking on their own little worlds, allowing me to take on mine, too.

I sit here, remembering moments of deep sorrow for 'home', joyful reunions, frustrating misunderstandings, heavy laughter, unwanted goodbyes, and the gentleness of holding the hand of a child. Yes, Thailand has become one of my dearest friends, and may prove to be the most difficult goodbye of all.