Military Coup

Yesterday, the Thai military declared a state of military coup.  The current government has been disbanded, the protesters have been sent home or jailed (and the streets they've occupied for months open), a curfew is in place, and schools across the country are closed for the next few days.

Thanks to everyone who has reached out to our family to check if we are OK.  We're doing fine and being smart about where we go and what we say.  The curfew and closed schools has made things interesting at work as we manage family challenges and balance work demands, but overall, things are going ok and Thais in general are optimistic.

We're hopeful this interim step will bring some stability and long-term governance to Thailand.  The Thai people are generally very kind and warm and it's been sad to see them so divided over the current political issues.

Here's a photo from last night as folks hit the street trying to beat the 10pm curfew. Some of the worst traffic jams in Thai history.

Wrapping Up Our First Year

I just returned from a long (3.5 week) business trip to Houston and it's really good to be back home (meaning Thailand).  Over the last year we've had a lot of changes, trials, trips, and fun and made a lot of memories in this new home of ours.  It definitely feels like home.  Wasn't sure I'd ever say that, but here we are.

We're preparing for our summer return to the States as a family (will be the first time the kids have returned to the US since we arrived in June 2013).  We're excited to spend time as a family together, with family, and enjoy the good food, ease of life, and great weather Washington offers.

That being said, there is much about Thailand that we love and will miss during the summer: the plants, trees, flowers, smiles, smells, and our beautiful home and pool.  :-)

I was recently told that this assignment will most likely be just 2 years, so we're already looking at our half-way done mark.  Wow.  Time is sure going fast.  We love our exPat life and are trying to soak up every drop of exotic, wonderful Asia while we can.

Also, NOT looking forward to the craziness that ensues moving your family around the world.  It was tramatic at times...but we'll hold that thought for another 9 months.

Here's to the adventures of the last 12 months and to the grand adventures of the next 12!