Happy

I smile a lot more here.  At the end of the day, I'm happier.  And it's the little things, nothing specific.  From the monks in their varied orange robes, to the family of four on a moto, I'm in awe everywhere I look.  I know that soon I will deal with the darker side of this country, but for now I just enjoy each day.  I'm sure they think I am a crazy white woman, who smiles at everyone, but they smile back, and each time I feel the bitterness and meanness that had been growing in me getting smaller and smaller.  Yesterday on our tour of the city we ran into some of the orphans I will eventually practice teaching.  One ran up, grabbed my leg in a huge hug, and gave me this smile that melted my heart.  I know initially I was scared, but for now, I am simply happy.  And it feels really good.

The problem I am facing is how much to tell other people about why I am really here.  I am excited about teaching, and know I will enjoy it, but it is a means to an end.  I came here to specifically work with human trafficking victims, and I am keeping that to myself for now.  It almost makes me feel like I am lying, but I also don't want to explain it to other people.  So when asked why I am here, I just give the standard answer, I wanted to travel, I wanted something different.  And everyone accepts it.  At the end of the day, it's just not a conversation I want to have with virtual strangers.

I hope you all are well, and even though I love it here, I do miss you guys!