Power of the mind or just good karma?

I remember thinking back when I was in Wisconsin about how I pictured my soon-to-be new life in Thailand. I remember deciding that I wanted to be north, but near a city. A smaller town, but not too rural. I pictured myself getting to know the locals, having a favorite restaurant to visit, all of that. Of course, when it came time to tell the program, I said I was pretty much up for anything that wasn't Bangkok. But this was what I pictured.  I also remember thinking, man, if I could arrange a home stay type thing, where I could learn the culture first hand, learn to cook, maybe pick up some of the language, teach them some English in the process, I would be set.  I had no idea how the work out that last part, but I wanted to figure out a way for sure!

And now here I am, just over six weeks in, and I have all of this!  I got placed in exactly the town I had pictured. I am just over two hours from BKK, which makes doing anything really easy. I live in a train town, so I can get anywhere I want to go for cheap as hell.  And as of this weekend, I will be living with a woman who was born and raised in Ban Mi, but lived the last 40 years of her life in America.

Today I went to visit with her after school and we worked out the details.  For 5,000 baht a month I get a private place to stay that includes a nice, hot, real shower, a flushing toilet, a real bed, reasonably good internet (and if I find it isn't good enough, she is willing to work with me to get something better), all of my lunches and dinners, a maid to clean my room, laundry service... you name it.  And of course, she is excited to show me around town, introduce me to people, teach me anything she can, including how to cook Thai dishes!

My day started with a little disappointment, I wasn't going to be able to meet the dog show people and make those connections I have been trying to make for over 4 weeks. That will have to wait another month. But to have this new opportunity handed to me, I am speechless. So blessed, so lucky, so whatever. The day couldn't have ended any better! I love it!