goodbye my lover, goodbye my friend

I have fallen in love with Thailand. When my roommate, Stacie, first told me about the organization out here, I wasn't too keen on it. I had my heart set on spending a few weeks with Judd and Annika in Peru. But for some reason, I felt like I was supposed to go here. I think I made the right choice. The culture here is like none other. Sexuality is something comfortable here. It's not uncommon to see two high school boys walking hand in hand past two girls sitting with their feet intertwined. It's friendly affection. It's not uncommon to sit next to a "ladyboy" on a bus ride. It's acceptable. It's not uncommon to see farongs (foreigners) eating with the locals. It's welcome.
Khao Lak is a special place. The locals here call it the town of ghosts because so many people were killed here during the tsunami. David and I were hanging out the other day with his volunteer leader. He pointed to a wide ditch next to where we were and told us that during the tsunami, the ditch was filled with three busloads of dead passengers. It's a very somber feeling to stare a ditch that was once a mass gravesite. The road between town and our hotel becomes very dark and quiet at night. I have often taken that road when it's pitch black. Normally, I would be a little scared that a scorpion might attack my toe or that a gang of thieves would come and rob my bag. But here, it’s a different feeling. It’s somber. I can only imaging this road leading to the beach must have been lined with people attacked by the water.
During my travels, I’ve visited many places ruined by attacks from mankind. At such places I get frustrated, angry, and begin lose my faith in humanity. But this event is different. Hearing the stories of how one night took the lives of so many people makes me stop to really appreciate the moment. A few emails ago I wrote about how difficult the turns on my motorbike had been. I really wasn’t trying to be metaphorical, but I received an email in response from my Aunt Sandy. She compared them the turns in our lives and how much easier they are when we look ahead. So true. Her response and feeling of this place resonate in my head these last few days.
My one-month stint is coming to an end tomorrow. Thank you to all who kept me in touch with your lives. If you ever get a chance to travel, I’ve can recommend a great nook to rest to your feet. Also, if any of your or anyone you know is looking for a genuine volunteer experience either teaching or building playgrounds, please email me. This organization is top notch.

Love you all,
Jesicah