Thursday, November 12, 2009
Would you?
So I think we've almost decided that we're going to go to Thailand and live for a year. Anton will get a job teaching and I'll keep up my scoping. But since deciding this, I've been getting flack from people about how stupid I am to take my kids overseas. So what do you guys think? Would you live overseas in a foreign country where none of you speak the language and it's a bit dirty and crowded and traffic and driving is a nightmare (which I wouldn't drive)? I know some of you have lived abroad with the military, but we won't have that support group behind us. Although, there is an English speaking LDS ward in Bangkok, so we will have them. I guess I want reassurance that I'm not going to win the worst mom of the year award by doing this. Either that or you guys will all tell me I'm nuts and we'll change our plans.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
13 comments:
Go!!!! Go!!!!! GO!!!!!
Seriously, go. It might be hard, but so very worth it.
We lived in Germany for 5 years. Yes, it was military and yes, Germany is easier than Thailand might be, but the experience of being completely immersed in a different culture and language was one of the best things I've experienced in my life. My oldest son was little (we lived there from age 1 through 6), but he still has great memories of our travels abroad.
And, in my opinion, it would be better to go and end up hating it than to not go and always wonder and regret not going. Also, if you got there and were truly miserable you could always come back to your parents' basement. So, that's a plus you don't get in the military. You're not stuck there until someone says you can leave.
Please go, so I can live vicariously through you.
I think that it would be a great experience! It will teach your children more about the world than they could ever learn here, give them a more "global" perspective. It will be an experience you, as a family, will always cherish. And I think it is amazing that you taking your kids at an age where they will always remember it.
There will always be those who object to any decision you make, but as long as it is what is right for your family and you have discussed it with the Lord, that is ALL that matters! Enjoy your year, I can't wait to see pictures!!
I would say YES, go! I think you're more likely to win the best mom of the year for doing it. It is going to be a bit scary going somewhere you have never been before and don't speak the language, but you will probably be surprised at how many people speak a version of English. And you and Anton are good at languages, so you'll probably pick up some Thai phrases really quick.
We lived overseas without the support of the military, but the church was fabulous. It is the best support group anyway and most people overseas are SO excited to see new families move in - you will probably have instant friends. And I think living overseas is so much easier on kids when they are young. They get the benefits of learning a new culture and experiencing life there without the challenges and difficulties of being a teenager. So now is a great time, when else will you get this opportunity?
I think my parents went to Bangkok when we lived overseas and we knew an LDS family that lived over in Bangkok probably about 10-12 years ago. I can probably put you in touch with them if you are interested . . .
I would be scared. But I am a dork. But you know what I think!!
One of my best friends just came from Thailand and they LOVED it!! Yes, they were embassy, but they didn't have the church community that you would have. A WARD?? That's amazing. We have a dinky Branch. Not that it's bad, but a ward would be really nice.
I have learned enough of the language so I don't get screwed, but even my friend said that too many people speak English in Thailand so she couldn't practice a lot.
ALSO, you can get a maid for DANG CHEAP!! You wouldn't have to clean bathrooms for a year!! Just imagine... Oh, that and Thai food is deeeeelicious! I would consider going there in a heartbeat if B could work there.
Bottom line, pray about it. I was nervous about this over seas assignment for about a week and I asked Heavenly Father if this was an answer to prayer, or if this was just me being nervous. I got almost an immediate feeling of calm and I never felt nervous again. This was just MY experience, but there might be something else BETTER for you. who knows?
On a side note and this may be a silly question but... what is "scoping"?
Orange has always wanted a motorcyle ever since he sold his before leaving for his mission. Shortly after we were married I found a sweet one at a YARD SALE!! It was such a good price and looked so very pretty. Orange came down and looked at it and we thought and thought and then decided we couldn't afford a couple thousand bucks. Now that we can and we think about the fun alone, free dates we could have on it...we have 5 kids!! Can't fit them on and babysitters are hard to find. Oh, the adventures we could have had:( There's a time and place for everything. Sometimes you just have to take that leap and don't let the opportunity pass you by. Hope that personal story makes any sense at all??? If you have a year of waiting, sounds like nows the perfect time.
personally I'm a big wimp and probably wouldn't but I have lots of friends who have/want to do that. And remember the Packs did it
I learned while there with David who was 9 and Erin who was 18 that as blondes they do stand out in a crowd and are vulnerable. Thailand has a high crime rate, so be smart, hold on to your kids in the city. Just like you would here only a little more so. The people in Thailand are benevolent and you will also be cared for. It would be a shame to let fear keep you from such an opportunity. Common sense will be your biggest asset.
I would absolutely jump at the chance to live in Thailand, what a fantastic adventure! Pray about it for sure, but wow what a cool opportunity!
Do it. Everyone needs an adventure. Even kids need new intersting experiences.
This is SO cool--I'm excited you've decided to go. Did you ever read Me Ra Koh's blog? She's a photographer and she and her kids spent a month in Thailand.
http://www.merakohblog.com/category/thailand-adventures/
My parents moved us to Pakistan for 4 years when I was 6 years old. I loved it! WE had so many adventures. It will be a challenge to figure out medical insurance though, but you probably know people you can talk to about that. Hey, I am TESL certified. You can take me with you. :)
Post a Comment