changing lives

I was recently given the wonderful gift of a few days’ stay at a five-star hotel in Hua Hin. As I made my way there, the long ride became a journey through my memories. I found myself reflecting on who I once was, and how life has changed over the years—especially those precious moments spent with my family.

Many years ago, my cousins came to visit me here in Thailand. Both of them had flown in from Taiwan, and we decided to have a little adventure together by the sea in Hua Hin. Back then, we didn’t have the luxury of private cars—so we took the public bus, the three of us squeezed into a seat, chatting and laughing as the landscape rolled by. It took us about two and a half hours to get there, but it felt like no time at all in such good company. We found a triple room to share (we all wanted to stay together, of course), then made a beeline for the beach. We treated ourselves to a delicious local lunch and fresh coconuts—a real treat, since coconuts are quite expensive in Taiwan.

Some details of that trip have faded, but a few moments stand out vividly. I remember hopping on the back of a motorcycle taxi, hugging the driver and joking that it was nice to hug someone chubby. My cousins took separate bikes, and we zipped around town, feeling so free. We wandered through the night market, sampling food after food, eating with the kind of enthusiasm that only comes from being together.

Now, so much has changed. It’s been years since I last saw my cousins. I used to visit them in Taiwan, but life pulled us all in different directions. One cousin, who is a doctor, lives in the United States, and my older cousin, a nutritionist, has settled in New Zealand. As for me, I’m still here in Thailand, working as an educator and living a comfortable life. My cousin in New Zealand keeps urging me to join her and has even offered me a place to stay. We’ve always been especially close, and I can’t help but consider her offer.

Looking back, I truly believe that if you work hard and keep striving for a better life, you can achieve it. My cousins are living proof—both of them worked tirelessly for their dreams, and now they’re happy and fulfilled, especially since getting married. I love seeing their posts about new places they visit and their excitement at every new experience.

For my part, I used to rely on motorbike taxis to get around, until I finally learned to drive one myself. Eventually, I got tired of the limits of public transport and decided to buy a car. These days, I’m able to travel where I want, enjoy good food, and am blessed to be surrounded by kind people. 

My cousins and I may have started with humble beginnings, but we’ve all done our best to build meaningful, happy lives. We live simply, but with so much contentment. Most importantly, our hearts are full of gratitude and love for the Lord.