Fortunately we have been able to offer Doy a better life and she has now lived with us for almost a year here in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. In that year Doy has come on leaps and bounds. She is much more healthy and happy now, she even speaks a little English and certainly understands most of what I say to her in that language. In turn she has tried to teach me Thai, since its to her advantage that I understand Thai words like sweets, ice cream and the like.
Last night was the school concert at the private Christian school I send her too. Lots of nerves, lots of proud and excited parents, including myself and Duen in our surrogate role. Doy had never experienced anything like this before and I guess she was very excited too. Well the concert was a great success, albeit accompanied by a large helping of Thai "Mai Pen Rai." Doy duly danced a traditional Thai dance along with about 20 of her classmates.
For me the concert was notable for a couple of other things too. Firstly I was surprised to find both an English and Thai speaking comperes, although I have to admit I reckon I understood the Thai speaking girl better, nonetheless it was a nice touch considering there are not that many English speaking parents at the school.
Secondly and for me more interesting was the theme of the show, very Western and Christmas orientated. All my favourite Christmas jingles somehow found their way into the performance topped for me by the sight of 20 or so Thai kids dressed as Santa and singing Jingle Bells! Quite what the kids and the vast majority of the audience made of it I don't know. Anyway the food was excellent, the company good and importantly Doy had a great time.
What a difference a year has made in her life.
If I live long enough I might just write a book about her growing up with a grumpy old Englishman. Now there's a thought, at least it might have a slightly different focus than the normal books on Thailand. Of course the title is already in my head, A Thai Girl Named Doy.
Watch out Andrew Hicks!
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8 comments:
Mike I have followed the development of Doy with great interest, you and Duen can feel very proud of her progress to date. She is now in the years which will shape her character and future life so it's great you are both giving her so much support.
Twenty little santas singing Jingle Bells, what a great moment for you in the Land of Smiles. I bet you never thought you'd ever see that when you first upped and moved there.
@Martyn-now I wonder where you are? Given the times and your travel plans. My guess Dubai?
Thanks for the kind words, we do our bit and in all honesty Duen bears the brunt of it. I'm a bit long in the tooth for handling a six year old.
Doy is developing nicely and I am sure we can make a difference.
Mike, Doy is adorable!
It sounds like she is in very good hands and of course that will come back to you tenfold in just her smiles.
Sounds Like the concert was a good time and gave you a little of home as well.
Dubai ain't this cold. Current time is 8:19 GMT and I'm still in Swindon, my flight leaves 20:40 tonight. A few last things to do.
Aaaah.... so this is Doy. Hi Doy. :)
Always nice to know a childs life is in good hands. I have no doubt that in time she will learn to understand the nuances that come with being an 'adopted' or 'sponsored' child with multilingual 'gaurdians'. She will learn when to ask you for treats in English, that Duen will likely not understand, and to when to ask Duen for the same using some colloquial phrase you are yet to learn. My wifes 5 y/o nephew has its pretty much down to an art form after only 18 months!
Hi Mike - great to hear everything is going well for Doy, interesting that you found a (somewhat) Western school for her. Am sure she will become a skilled English speaker with time and your influence.
@talen the concert was fun, lots of smiles all round too.
@Martyn you must have been burning the midnight oil on original comment then-safe journey
@Lina-yes a right charmer at 6 years old!
@Lloyd, you are spot on with that. Just how manipulative can a 6 year old get!!
@Jon yes its a good school. Typical private establishment though, money for this money for that, but overall good value when compared to UK.
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