We ran to Bangkok for an overnight trip. When Dan travels he doesn't really make plans to have dinner with or meet up with others. It's usually all business and then back on the plane to get home. This weekend was different. I went along so I could meet with friends and Dan actually ran by the Wood's house to say "Hi."
For two days I visited with refugee families that are STILL in Bangkok. I don't think some of them will ever leave, and they had to sacrifice an entire generation in their family to make their lives better than what they left behind. That is a huge sacrifice. No work, little or no material possessions, no school for children, very real hunger or malnutrition, no money for doctors or dentists- small maladies become serious, it is a very isolated and dreary life. In talking with the mothers, they cry and wish for something better, but they also know that life will be better for their children, and even better for their grandchildren so they quickly wipe the tears and try to smile and have hope. It is a hard life and families are separated, some by the travel, others because it is too difficult to keep children, husbands abandon wives and children and start new families (possibly with a local woman so visas can be acquired sooner).
I visited with the Casendos. The Thapas are still there. So is Mojgan and Peter John. I also saw K Lek and Nita, Chrissy, Nicole and Lily Berry. Do you remember her? She and the Bishop moved there in 2010 and it's been like a 7 year humanitarian mission- they just signed another 2 year contract. She is tutoring Veronica 22 hours a week to help her catch up from the school she missed when her family arrived. Veronica turns 18 Monday and will take the GED this fall. In order to take the GED she needs a passport, and to get a passport she needs to return to the Congo.
These women are brave. I don't think all of them chose to leave their homes and move, but that is the situation they find themselves in now. I spent the most time with Veronica. She is frank about her situation, she doesn't dwell on it. She knows she won't get the same opportunities as other YSAs and yet she is diligent about her studies and she attends her church meetings faithfully. I couldn't believe how much she had grown up in just the two years since I last saw her. She has dreams. Like the ones you read about in books. And she's going to chase them. I left feeling the same hope she expressed, I felt like I could do anything compared to what she was trying to accomplish in the next few years. I left feeling empowered.
Add that to conference and the 20 pounds of mangos and sticky rice from Khun Lek...
I've been stuck on this idea of desire for months. So much about our own progress begins with desire. It is something easily lost to complacency, and it is something I have felt grateful for. Desire can be used to motivate us to do good. To draw us closer to the Savior. To study diligently and daily. To seek after the Spirit and to help us look for the good in others. When I make the Lord a priority I find my desires are strengthened and more aligned with the work He needs me to do.
We have just finished conference and so many of the talks focused on the Holy Ghost, recognising the Holy Ghost and acting on the promptings we receive. I know if we desire the companionship of the Spirit we will have it and we will learn to act quickly on that first prompting. (Read Elder Rasband's talk!)
A walk with Abe.
Oh Mercy.
Every one loves Mangos and Sticky Rice.
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