"Mai Pen Rai," My Pen Writes: We are Family

Here in Thailand I have a wonderful family who hold an incredibly special place in my heart. Perhaps one of my favorite things about Thai culture is that almost immediately upon meeting someone, a family-like relation is established based on age. We use the word "Pi" to indicate an older sibling, and the word "Nong" for a younger sibling. The line between actual family and close friend is too blurry to differentiate between the two. And the way Thai people take care of everyone, it seems as though the community as a whole is the family, which is a little confusing, but so amazing to see and experience. I have more wonderful Pis in my life than I could ever ask for: There's Pi Nok of the office who's 5 year old son calls me Na (Aunt) Malee, solely based on the fact that his mother and I have established the sibling relationship. There's Pi Pornchai, WorldTeach's liason to the school district, a wonderful man who will stop at nothing to make sure all of our needs are met. There's Pi Louis, a new friend who suggests fun evening activities and enjoys tagging along and introducing us to his friends (even more Pis and Nongs there!). There's Pi Mem of my laundry shop who is just a pleasure to visit. On my last laundry day, she gave me a bunch of bananas and offered me a ride on her motorcy to the center of town. When I picked up my laundry today, she asked for my phone number so she could invite me to have dinner with her family.

Last, but certainly not least, there's Pi Nok, my roommate and the greatest older sister in the world. When my life turned upside down, she so graciously welcomed me into her home and her life without a moment's hesitation. There are not enough words in the English language to express my deep love and respect for this woman, nor for the heartbreak I will feel when it comes time to leave Thailand and her behind (although we are hopeful that she will be able to get a Visa to come home with me for a few weeks in November). She is the epitome of "jai dee" (good heart) and is so generous to all the people in her life. She anticipates mine and others' needs and makes sure everyone is well cared for. Not only that, but she can read people's feelings and emotions so well that it amazes me how she's got all the volunteers' down. She also tells the funniest stories of her embarrassing moments, but she has no shame at all. We laugh together all the time as we are both "ding dongs" more often than we are geniuses (example: nearly blowing up our bathroom when we lit candles during a power outage). We have deep conversations about current topics in Thailand and about her past - despite the language barrier we truly understand each other.

About a month or so ago I traveled to Pi Nok's hometown of Chaiyapum with her and Rita. She'd been looking forward to this trip all year and was so excited for us to see the home she's built and meet her extended family. We toured her rice field and her village, and stopped at nearly every home to be introduced to yet another member of the "family." Pi Nok is obviously the fun, cool aunt that everybody loves and looks forward to visits from. I don't know if I've ever seen Pi Nok so happy as she was in Chaiyapum and it was a joy to see.