So long, Suphan!

Things have been quiet on this blog lately and there’s a good reason for it. You might be thinking I’ve had a lot of work to finish up at school, with finals and grading and getting things ready for the new teachers (even though I’m feeling possessive and territorial and want to scratch my name into my desk so they know I was here first). And I’ve had all those things to do, but I’ve also had a lot (so very much) free time at school that finding time to do it all wasn’t much of a problem. I’ve been busy with something else.

I’m planning a kidnapping.

Just go with me on this. It might seem dramatic and ridiculous and, yes, technically illegal, but that’s only because I haven’t explained the situation. You see, I’ve been considering something like this for a while. Thailand has a lot of babies and they are all adorable. They wear little bracelets and anklets with bells on them and baby powder on their faces and arms and they are either amazingly tiny or super chubby. So, I’d always assumed that when the time came, I’d be taking a baby back home with me. But recently, my plans have changed.

I have a handful of favorite students that I love, but none of them had really risen above the others to claim the cherished spot of “The Favorite”. Then, a few weeks ago, one of my M1’s started to show some promise, but she did it so quietly that I didn’t even realize it at first. She started by waiting outside the office to carry my things to class. This is something a few of my students have been doing for a while, but she took it a step further when she started carrying my stuff to other classes. Whenever her schedule seemed to allow it or she saw me walking to a class, she’d split off from her friends, cheerfully take everything out of my hands, and escort me to wherever I was going. We’d talk as much as her very limited English would allow and then she’d leave me with a wave and a nervous giggle. She was one of the students who gave me a learner’s English book for a before-birthday present. The presents didn’t stop there. This whole week, my last week at school, she stopped by periodically to gift me with key chains (Hello Kitty and Winnie the Pooh), sandwiches, and bottles of water. Clearly this was her way of overcoming the language barrier to show me that she can’t bear to parted from me.

So you see, she wants to come with me, even if she doesn't know it yet.

I’m giving her a few weeks to say goodbye to her friends and family while I wander about Southeast Asia. This is my last night in Suphanburi and tomorrow we leave for Laos. Then it’s back to Thailand (I didn’t say I was wandering far). I don’t know what the internet situation will be, so we’ll see if I can manage any updates on my fascinating travels. But know this: when I return I will be bringing a twelve year-old Thai child with me. And possibly a baby to act as her companion.