Category: Uncategorized

When our Lao friends mentioned a going away gift for Camilo, I was not the least surprised. They love to show their admiration for him and a missing parting gift would be something neither party could endure. But what they pulled from the bag left me near to shock. A thick grey and red winter… Read more

Am I really still this naive? After living abroad for seven years now, it should be more obvious to me. But it´s like playing a game of BS and I keep ending up with the stack of cards. Same game and same mistakes in different contexts. I give myself the excuse that I grew up… Read more

In November the news came. The men´s soccer league was postponed until next summer, after our two year commitment had ended and our second child would be born. This meant no official work for Misa for eight months or so. Of course payment would continue for our act of presence in random meetings where we… Read more

The first time I put on a pair of soccer cleats I was 28 years old. They were already well worn and served me best with double pairs of socks on each foot. Being as they had endured several years of wear upon my husband’s feet, they felt incredibly comfortable and I really did not… Read more

He beats on his chest proudly speaking his name as I suggest the need to chop watermelon or to turn the lights on. In this new stage of toddlerhood, Camilo wants to do everything on his own. He stops me from opening the gate and from pouring water saying that he will do it. He… Read more

The look of horror, surprise, and disgust on his face when I offered $4000 is forever etched into my mind. In the moment, I felt shame and frustration and wanted to just flee. Negotiation has never been exciting to me. I generally avoid it. Or ask my husband to step in and allow him to… Read more

Camilo is carried onto the field in the arms of his adult high energy friend. When Papá releases the soccer ball from his hands, Camilo is almost dropped before he makes his way directly to the target.  Our friends X and S yell for Camilo´s attention before they punt the ball in his direction. He… Read more

After a measly three months of life in Mexico, I was languishing in my inability to speak the language. Agony poured over me as I felt I would never be able to communicate effectively. Only nine months later, I was conversing in Spanish with ease. I heard questions and responded in the correct language without… Read more

After an exhausting walk to the end of our street with Camilo in and out of his Flintstones car, we made it to the driveway leading its way to the back of the new café. The green gate was pushed open, creating a welcome invitation for a two year old on an adventure.  Camilo propelled… Read more

A typical Lao family pulls out in front of our car. Four people on the motorcycle with a 20 gallon jug of water up front. Dad is driving, the smallest member, maybe two years old, is standing on the vehicle seat sandwiched between dad and his mom behind him. The sister, maybe six years old,… Read more