Snapshot of Service is an ongoing series dedicated to showcasing the reality of a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand. Featuring the small moments, captured in a single image or a series of photos, that may make up the routine and mundane in our daily lives, but are also the essence of what it means to serve.
Mia Buffington, 135 YinD
The rainy season has officially begun, and Mother Nature is not holding back. One minute, the sun is beating down, making me feel like I’m melting. Next, the downpour is so heavy it’s impossible to see three feet in front of me. Today was no exception. The rain and sun took turns overpowering the day, and I decided to bike home during a moment of stillness.
From my house to my school is about a 3 km journey, taking me only 15 minutes to get from one location to the next. I buckled my helmet, waved goodbye to my students, and was on my way. About halfway through, as I was soaking up the view of the palm fields surrounding me, I felt the first drop of rain, and I knew I was in trouble. I began to pedal faster, but knew I was no match for the heavy rain that was coming. Thirty seconds later, I was drenched.
I still had about five minutes until I would reach my home, but I had my backpack with me, containing my computer and lots of papers. I decided that if I came across a covering I could stop under, I would take advantage of it.
I spotted the small drink booth selling coffee and tea that I pass every day on my way to this school, and pulled off under the awning as fast as I could. Under the open shelter sat a family of five—twin two-year-olds wearing a school uniform I recognized from one of my other schools, their mom, and their grandparents. They saw me cut across the road toward their house and immediately began moving chairs around, motioning for me to come sit and get out of the rain, all while sporting the biggest smiles on their faces. I immediately knew I had made the right decision.
I sat down with my bag and began talking to them about who I was and what I do here. We talked, played with the children, and snacked on crispy coconut sticks together. As I sat with this family, listening to the rain and laughing with the kids, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. How lucky am I to feel safe and comfortable enough to stop at any home in my community, knowing I will be accepted with open arms?
This is what I will miss most about Thai culture when I go back to America in just nine short months. It doesn’t matter if they know someone or can even speak with them—Thai people will always gladly help someone in need.
After about an hour, the rain still hadn’t let up, so the mom offered to drive me home in her truck. A piece of my heart is now at that house—and I don’t just mean my bike, which is still waiting there for me to pick up.
Now, every coming Wednesday, I’ll stop for a sweet, delicious Thai tea from my new friends on my way home from school.
Sticky Rice 
Share your thoughts