Laos & Thailand 2006

In the remotest of places, people welcome me. They welcome me with a smile. I could be approaching a small hut and have a piece of food bestowed to me, or a precious cup of water but that token is always presented...first, by a smile.

It is with great gratitude that I accept their genorosity and welcoming spirit even when I realize the water provided is from the river that flows outside. It is a sense of politeness that as their privileged guest, I am honored by their welcome.

On several occassions the silliest of acts have delighted these kind hosts and as they pull one item out after another and show me their life belongings and photos, I feel like a guest of royalty to their openess.

With the Yao in Laos, it took a village to welcome me. They welcomed me by having me dress in their traditional wardrobe. The assembly was quite a task, it took two women, a handful of children gigglng with each passing moment, a fussy red rimmed coat, cross-stitched pants, a towel to place under the hat, the 10 yards of material that became the hat....and a belt.

What they didn't provide is a head strong enough to hold the heavy hat..or ventilation to limit my sweating under the fussy red rimmed coat and cross stitched pants that were made out of wool. It's summer here, what are they thinking?

In another village they welcomed me by presenting me in a banana leave covered meal. I'm not sure what it was, but it was fabulous. I was also escorted to their home-made ferris wheel for entry. After surveying the contraption I was sure that the small sticks wouldn't hold me.....and I graciously declined.

It takes a Village...with three old women stitched, I sat talking....they listened and within no time, they giggled themselves to tears. I'm not if it what I said, although I am quite sure they did not understand a word. But giggles are contagious...even for a village.

In a small village in Thailand, the same kindness was bestowed my way as a little woman took her belt off...and gave it to me. I bought it but only after trying on the hat, and jacket that made the full alfit. I'm not sure what's underneath these small heads but I am sure they are filled with "Wisdom of Steel".

So much time has passed since I started this journey but one thing is true, It Has Taken A Village to open my heart even further and for this, I am thankful.