Laos….It allmakes perfect sense!!

I finally understand everything Chua has done to raise Ari for the past 11 years. Seeing the mountain tribe people in Vietnam and being here in Luang Prabang in Laos, her country, has really made it all so clear just how lucky we have been to have Chua in our lives for so long. Yes, Lao people are slow, and a t times lazy,but I wouldn’t change that for anything. The way she bundled him up in 90 degree weather now makes so much sense. In her village, where they literally had NOTHING, the slightest fever would most certainly mean potential death. The love and patience she has had for him is abundantly clear. She truly raised him as her own child. Some parents where we live couldn’t handle this. They put waaay too many restrictions on their Nannies. I am so happy I gave Chua free reign. Even though I haven’t been to her village, I have been to enough villages in Vietnam and here in Laos to see just how happy these people truly are. Their The material things we have mean shit. Yes, they all (or at least most) have tv and cell phones. But they don’t have land lines. And they have nothing else. And when I say nothing, I mean nothing. Their homes are built on stilts with bamboo or teak, and have grass and palm thatched roofs. They have dirt floors, minimal electricity, and no real bathroom. You go in a hole on the ground…..The kids don’t have Xbox, 3DS, computers, or anything electronic. They play soccer barefoot on dirt. Many don’t even go to school, even though it is free for them. They work in the rice fields, or the jungle helping their families to survive. The conditions are extreme, however, they are the HAPPIEST children you will ever see. My hope is that some of this will rub off on Ari. I know marc and I will be making a more conserved effort to limit screen time so that we can continue to connect as a family. I know this trip is hardhard for an 11 year old, who truly has never experienced anything like this. Yes, he loves a very privileged life, which is why this trip was so important. He is at that age where he can understand and make those changes. To see what is really important in life. We al have learned so much so far. I think I am the only one though who truly has this travel bug. Somehow, I am goi g to take a year and travel the world. They can join in for as long and they can and want to. Ari cannot learn this shit in school or from a book. He is getting life lessons that can only be learned from living life. It’s not all Fisher Island or the Hamptons…Or Lafayette for that matter. This shit is REAL. We have all unplugged and reconnected in a way that I don’t think we have ever done. For that and for many many many other reasons, I am so thankful to have had Sakai enter into my life. I know it is mutual. Some of you may have and still question it, but I am here to tell you that when someone like this enters into your life, take it all in and don’t question a minute. It’s real and it’s the most amazing friendship you can ever have. 
Time to unplug and enjoy Laos…Drinks by the pool are up next…And maybe a massage. (I’m not giving up everything. I’m not that crazy. Especially when they are $6 USD!!!!!!!!!!!