Saying good by in Bangkok

Well, we took the teens back to Bangkok this week and had a few days to explore the city with them. Why is it when you want to do outdoor sightseeing you get hit with the hottest day so far on our visit? We went to the Royal palace and dripped our way through. But it was a lovely cultural expedience. They require a dress code and two of our ladies pants where showing ankles! Shock! So they actually h ave you where one of their wrap Thai skirts to be more "modest" if you will. It is good to respect one's culture though and the girls laughed it off in good fun. Jean, one of the girls, actually went out after and bought a skirt just like the one she had to where because she liked it so much.
The next day we went to the worlds largest crocodile farm. It was really amazing! We got to watch a show where they put their heads in the crocs mouths and wrestle them about. (why anyone in their right mind would do that is beyond me..) We where able to feed the crocs chicken on a string. Kinda like fishing, except in stead of guppies you get a three hundred pound crock jumping up at you. We pet gibbon monkeys as well who kept trying to steel our glasses. He was a soft as a teddy bear but as clever as a fox.
The highlight was when they brought out a full grown female tiger. For six dollars I was able to sit with her, scratch her back and take pictures! It was one of those life long dreams of mine. Bet you can't do that in the states! Ha ha...It was so soft and warm to touch one. She kept rumbling and purring. Don't worry folks. She was wearing a large collar with chain attached! When we left I looked down at my shirt and realized I had tiger fur on it. Very amazing!
When the time came to say good by to the teens I suddenly began to struggle. I had had such an amazing time with them that I didn't stop to think about what it would be like to not have them around. Each one I felt I was able to get to know and love more as we spent time together. My only prayer was that their time here helped them to grow closer to their God.
As they gave us tearful hugs and jumped on the van I realized my last connection to the states was leaving. We waved long after they had turned a corner and for a second a wild part of me wished I was with them still. But deep in my heart there is a constant knowing that this is where I am meant to be. Along side Drew and with God I can be anywhere.
la kilcup