On making things that last

Sometimes people ask us how long we're going to be here. This question usually comes after we have exchanged a few sentences in Thai, and they've asked when we got here. Eight months ago, we say. Explaining that before we came to this town, we were in another town, learning Thai 4 days a week, 4 hours a day. This is by way of explanation of the question that always comes (or at least that we anticipate is coming): Why do you speak Thai?

So, how long will we be here? Two years, we say. And then correct ourselves. Well, in total, two years, but we've been here 6 months, so only another year and a half, we explain. Most people nod and take this in. Then they ask us if we miss our family. We go through variations of this dance several times a week with different people. Sometimes the same people who have asked us before ask us again, like our host mother did just a few weeks ago. When we said "2 years" she started laughing. Oh, "Bap diao!" she said, chuckling to herself. Just a moment. No time at all.

And tomorrow, that's how long we'll have been married. Bap diao. Just a moment. No time at all. Sure am happy to have many more moments ahead with my wonderful husband.