May 11, 2014

Dear Bangkok... You were wonderful, but now this family is off to Shanghai.

For me, Mondays in Bangkok meant an afternoon spent with a wonderful family. Cordelia, introduced us when she heard they were looking for an English tutor. My weekly visits were focused on tutoring  Maëlysa, 16 year-old and Quitterie, an 11 year-old girl. In addition to tutoring English, I became a friend and, sometimes during long French conversations, I felt like part of their family. I found both parents and all four girls absolutely genuine, sweet, brilliant, and eager to learn. After a few lessons I learned that these girls and their mother had moved to Bangkok to support their father in his career. All of them missed France, their friends, family, and life back home, but the sacrifices they made in order to stay together as a happy family is beyond words. Best of luck to Maëlys, Oriane, Quitterie, and Soline. This tight-knit family's next stop? Shanghai!"