Last dinner

Our last night in Bangkok. We were surprised how much we loved it here. It was one of our favorite places.  So much to do, so much culture, amazing food and people.  Fancy living right next to crazy alley ways. And, you can't forget friends.  Our lifelong friend (well, family really) Gary was here and it was so nice to spend 3 months with him (and as a bonus - we got to spend it with Cameron too!). We will miss them and our time in Bangkok, but I imagine we will be back again.

And Pam.  So much to say about Pam.  Ava got it so right the other day when she was talking about how much she loved Pam and was saying "Pam has a huge imagination.  When I want to play horse or dog, she can make up great stories.  And, she makes really good voices for all of my stuffies." Turns out, that is really special.  I don't know any other person with Pam's imagination. Her dedication to Ava was unbelievable.  She worked so hard to make sure she was teaching her everything she needed to know, but not just at a minimum.  Every day was a creative feat. She is meant to be a teacher and she is one of the best. We miss Pam every day.  We knew what we had when she was with us, but now that we are apart, we have grown even fonder.

From our parting card to Pam: 

"Our family has had the unique opportunity to travel and learn more becoming citizens of the world and about each other. You enhanced every aspect by being a companion, teacher, and family member. Your perseverance and professionalism is indisputable. The intensity and attitude that you approached work was always impressive and can be seen in the profound changes that Ava made this year. It is clear that we are stronger family by having you apart of our adventure. Most important, we want you know that this is just the beginning. We will not be together for every day of the coming year but the lessons that we learned together and from each other will remain with us. This experience will become part of who you are and not just something that you did. The opportunities and trials that lay ahead will be enriched by the person you have become. No matter where you are remember to never stop exploring. This life is what you make of it and yours is going to be remarkable. We are sure of that."