#thailand problems

I know... I know... it doesn’t seem like much. But lately, I’ve been having to eat by myself--which I haven’t ever done before. At first, it was really hard. I’m used to meals being the time to talk and fellowship with others. I’ve always grown up that way. All the most interesting things to talk about is during a meal or super late at night. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned how important meals are to me awhile ago.

So having to eat by myself has been very lonely.

I’m also terrified of crossing the street by myself, but I have to cross the street in order to get food. 

Last night, my go-to restaurant was closed. But I had already crossed the street, so I didn’t know what to do. I decided to try the neighboring restaurant. Good choice! It was really good! I had marinated chicken, a salad, and even french fries... all for one dollar! 

So today, I decided I’ll go see if my go-to is open today for lunch. It wasn’t. But the new restaurant was. I admit, I was startled at first because the place was filled with Buddhist monks, and I felt really out of place (being the only foreigner, a girl, and a missionary). They told me to take a seat, so I did. They were finishing up, and left me in the restaurant all by myself.

I had ordered my food and was playing on my phone. Two young Thai men had walked in and sat down. After awhile, I heard, 

“Excuse me.” I looked up. It was one of the young guys. He pointed to a man smoking behind me. “We are switching tables because of the smoke. Do you want to sit with us?” 

I saw his friend already sitting at a table next to a fan that was blowing the smoke away. I looked at a small empty table also next to a fan where I could relocate to alone. I hesitated and finally decided. 

“Sure! Okay!” I picked up my drink and moved to their new table. Their English names were Chris and Paul. 

Apparently, they’ve both been friends since elementary school--even going to the same college. Paul barely spoke to me. Chris told me that he had spent 14 months in Tampa working at Busch Gardens. I nearly spit out my food at the sound of my home state. Oh and get this, they thought I was Vietnamese (I’m not asian!). 

As a thanks, I sneakily paid for their food and left before they did, thanking them for their kindness. 

It was so awesome and refreshing talking to these guys. But even more so, just eating with someone.