Thailand Was Everything I Hoped for, and More!
A Dream-Years in the Making
On this trip, I accomplished something I’ve dreamed about for decades- feeding the people of the village where I grew up.
It had always been in my heart, but I never acted on it during previous visits. I assumed it would be too hard to organize, that my Thai family would be too busy, or that the idea might feel too big to carry out. Still, I knew, rain or shine, with or without help. I was going to do it.
Pitching the Idea
When I first shared my idea with my Thai family, I was nervous. We had never done anything like this together, and I wasn’t sure how they’d respond. I expected hesitation. Maybe even resistance. But to my surprise, they listened quietly, intently and then nodded. Just like that, they were all in.
I knew I was asking a lot. They don’t have much. Time, money, energy, and resources are limited. That’s why I hesitated to even bring it up. But I shouldn’t have been surprised.
Their hearts have always been bigger than their circumstances. Their willingness to give, to serve, and to show up for others far outweighs their own needs for comfort or convenience. And once again, they reminded me of the strength, generosity, and quiet power that raised me.
In that moment, I realized I had underestimated them. Not out of doubt, but out of distance. Maybe I had let the time and space between us convince me they were too busy with life to help. But they were ready. They had always been ready. And I was deeply moved.
Coming Together
What happened next blew me away.
Twelve members of my family came together seamlessly. No micromanaging, no confusion. Everyone knew what needed to be done.
Cousins, neighbors, even a Facebook friend showed up to help. We made lists, counted heads, prepped food, shopped for ingredients and small gifts, and planned how to distribute it all to the elderly and families in need across the village.
We cooked together, laughed, cried, shared stories, and washed dishes side by side. Neighbors showed up to help prep and deliver food and of course, to eat. The joy was contagious.
Feeding the Village
We initially planned to help 20 families, but ended up having enough food to feed the entire village. Anyone we saw was invited to come eat or take food to go. It didn’t stop there.
We even had enough leftovers to keep feeding people for the next two days.
A Full Heart
My heart was (and still is) overflowing with love, gratitude, and deep joy. This experience reminded me that sometimes, the biggest dreams are more possible than we think and the people who love us are just waiting for us to speak them out loud.
I only wish I had done it sooner.
But this much I know: It won’t be the last time I feed my village.
Feeding My Village in Photos
Warapond says
Thank you so much. We appreciated
You are amazing 💕😊God bless you and your family.
Suwanee says
Hi Sherrill!
Thank you for your lovely words! How wonderful that you spent two months in Thailand! It never seems long enough, no matter how long! To me, at least. (:
I have the simpler shrimp cakes, not the fish cakes with curry paste. That recipe is not yet posted, but I can put in on the cue for you if you'd like that? Here is the shrimp cake recipe in the meantime. https://www.simplysuwanee.com/thai-shrimp-cakes-with-sweet-chili-sauce-tod-mun-goong/
Sherrill says
I love your recipes and the stories you share! I spent Dec and Jan. In Thailand...loved every minute..I ate so many things! Especially loved the shrimp cakes from " One Beach" in Laem Mae Phim...o you have a recipe for them? I tried...was not sucessful!!
Suwanee says
Thank you so much, Heather!
Suwanee says
Thank you Heidi! Sounds good!
Heidi Miller says
this is amazing. i love love love that you did it!!! i am coming with you next time. 🙂
Heather says
You are incredible. It’s a completely beautiful thing to see you join your heart and passion with your talents in both photography and food. Breathtaking!! I can’t wait to hear more!!