I was saddened today when my cousin told me her and her 2 daughters were heading off to cut sugar cane.
The reason was she wanted to make enough money to buy her daughter a cake for her birthday in 3 days.
It was a reminder that I am surrounded by relatives and friends here in rural Isaan that live on the poverty line.
With no education or jobs, money is hard to come by here.
Only during harvesting season can people here earn any money at all and it is very small amounts.
Often this money is used to pay passed due bills, loans or anything else more important that material goods.
I feel so fortunate to have married a very generous American that loves me and my family.
We do what we can to help all my family.
My husband has assured me, she will have a wonderful party.
It is hard to believe in 2025 there are still large areas in rural Thailand where people earn less than US $2,000 per year and still manage to survive.
It is true, though.
People here never complain about what they don’t have, only try to be friendly and helpful.