June 2, 2010
Dear Jones-
You have had diarrhea for the past few days, so we took you to see a doctor last night. You didn’t have a fever and it doesn’t seem too serious. We were given some antibiotics, some lactose free formula and a salt solution to replenish your electrolytes. So far you’re still having diarrhea all over me at least once a day. We’re praying that the antibiotics help. Despite the bowel issues, you’re as happy as ever and very playful.
We all took a walk this morning through an “exercise park”. I think that means that it has a walking path. It was beautiful and there was a nice breeze to cool the intense heat. Perhaps there will be more exploring the city tomorrow.
I’m pretty sure your dad thinks I don’t like it here because I get frustrated with the heat, among other things. I think he’s biased about how much one should enjoy Thailand because of the time he has spent here in the past and the friends he can talk and laugh with in Thai. I get along well with all of his friends, but I enjoy my privacy more than he does and sometimes just want some time in the house without visits from the other people who live here. I learned my lesson about locking our door today. You had just fallen asleep for your afternoon nap when Anne opened your door, saw you sleeping and said, “Jone!” Of course this woke you up, you cried and Anne called for me saying, “Jone crying! Hungry.” She had wanted to show me some photos. Thai people don’t have much sense of privacy. I say this not in a mean way, but in a matter of fact way. They just open doors. Fortunately I got you back to sleep. Is this what I signed up for? I guess I did.
It’s probably pretty apparent that I haven’t totally warmed up to Thailand yet. Washing, sterilizing and drying your bottles and toys takes a long time. The heat can be draining. Communication barriers are isolating (this I expected). Ants seem to be everywhere. In fact, I opened a mangosteen fruit for breakfast this morning, took a bite AND THEN realized that it was swarming with ants. I dropped it on the floor and yelped. I’m still up for the experience of being here and I love looking out on the river in our backyard, I just need to remind myself that I’ve only been here 6 days and things will get better.
Thank you for sleeping well and being a fun companion on this trip. You’re my little American friend in this big foreign land.
Love,
Mom
Anne
Trash collectors
The exercise park
6 comments:
Glad to hear from you guys - hope Jones gets over his stuff reall soon. And we also hope the fun part of your adventure starts very soon. We love you!
do you have to put sunblock on jones everyday or what?! looks way fun!!
I'm happy to see all is relatively well. Like the early pioneers, you'll adapt and enjoy your circumstance and the people. Love Dad
Hang in there Shizwit. I guarantee Scott felt homesick and frustrated on many levels during his first week in T-land many years ago. Try freezing some soaking wet clothes an wearing them frozen to beat the heat and humidity. Worked for me in japan. Anyway, it will get better, you'll be sad it ended so soon, and then you'll be starting a new Midwestern adventure before you know it.
Whitney - Sounds like a fun adventure. I like the way you write. You'll be use to everything in Thailand in no time. Hopefully Jones starts feeling better. Is that Bria I see in one of those pics?
Kens-
I usually don't take Jones into the direct sunlight. But if I do, yes, much sunblock.
Denny-
Jones is better and the diarrhea has been gone since yesterday.
Adam-
It's not Bria. However, we see Bria a lot. That photo is of a sort of bizarre friend/neighbor of ours named Anne.
Mike-
Freezing clothes...very good idea. Thanks for the pep talk.
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