So, it is rainy season here in Thailand. There has been some flooding and people around here are crazy. I don't know why it surprises me, but I'm just as crazy. I have been running around all week trying to get ready for a flood that may or may not come. So far, 260something people have died because of the flooding in Thailand. As you all know how smart I am, you will understand that even if I watched the news and could understand anything they were saying, I know nothing of geography and the names of the towns, villages, and cities that have been flooded mean absolutely nothing to me. I only know that I am in Thailand and the waters are a comin'. I also know that even though some of my friends have poo pooed the flood and say that it won't happen, the truth is there are no eggs or bread on the shelves and you see the motorcycle taxi's making runs all around with gas tanks on them for people who have gas stoves. Also, as I drove up (on my orange bicycle, named Nanny McFee), I see four dump trucks full of sand. Ladies at the shop in my hood are handing out bags and it's a free for all. The sad thing is, as I sit there thinking how fast I can peddle home and get the bags, the cold hard truth is---I cannot get the bags home on Nanny McFee! So, what do I do instead? Lose my ever lovin' mind! I go home, start doing laundry like my family is naked and we've happened upon free clothes, and what's that? CLEANING? It's almost like I'm a pregnant woman nesting before giving birth. How I would know that is only because all my friends who've given birth get crazy when pregnant. Each at different months of pregnancy. Anyway-I digress.
So, my laundry is on, clothes rack drug inside the house with fans blowing on it, the miniature lawn mower, miniature weed eater and you got it, mini grill is all drug upstairs. I have swept the driveway (crazy I know), charged all my electronics, taken everything I can lift upstairs, taken the dogs on a walk and there is nothing left to do but eat. So, I take myself in and start eating the food rations that I have stocked up for the flood. Popcorn, gone, pop tarts, gone. I even broke into the coke that I have threatened to kill if anyone snuck in and had one. In my food induced, flood crazed out of my mind experience, I totally forgot to take something out for dinner, so my crazy husband makes me ride two miles to McDonald's for dinner. Talk about preventative medicine! Exercise like a maniac BEFORE you eat! I am pretty sure I worked off all the food I ate, like a whole box of pop tarts, and such. That's my story and I am stickin' to it. I am pretty sure if Chris has to eat at the market one more time he might vomit. And he didn't want noodle lady or chicken lady either (vendors in our neighborhood). So, I (slightly) feel the obligation to cook something tomorrow. So, now I am exhausted and I start writing in the new Bible I bought Chris (old one drove off in a taxi). Our neighbor, Dave Ketchum, graciously came over and boarded up and caulked our back door and bolted something over the drain in our downstairs bathroom. For those of you who are too delicate, look away at this next sentence. Poop comes up out of the toilets and drains! Thank goodness he has tools and knows how to use them! And has lived through this and knows what to do. Thank you Dave!
So, I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Rain, floods, eggs, bread and maybe some self control where me and the kitchen are concerned. I just know that so far, we have been so blessed with friends who are ready to help, to over look my craziness, to offer advice, to pray with, to borrow eggs, bread and milk. And still, in the face of this storm, I know that God is with us. I know He will provide. And if you don't mind, send up an extra prayer for all the people here in Thailand. Those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost their homes, those who are in need and for those of us getting ready for all of the above. I miss you all, and know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Stay tuned for more adventures!
