Entering the MOB zone

Sunday is a day of rest. It's a day some of us hurrily go to church and ask God for forgiveness... it's a day some of us sit around all day in our pyjamas.... it's a day we clean out the closets... its a day we are slaving over the stove... it's a day to take our ritual relaxation bath and spoil ourselves silly.... it's a day we listen and appreciate the laughter of our kids.

Then there are a few of us who live abroad and look forward to meeting our closest friends from our country on Sunday. Today, I had lunch at a Thai restaurant and met up with the Thai-Belgian community - Thai women married to Belgian men. I watched as the wives got together and spoke thai whilst the husbands gathered with other husbands and shared about their adventures in Thailand. The endless chatter went on as the women talked and bantered about their day, their week or their month - and life in Belgium in general. All, missed their lives in Thailand but do not miss the hardship there. There is a quiet and mutual respect amongst couples and they are just happy.

"Life is not perfect but perfect enough for me." says Som-si

Som-Si arrived in Belgium 25 years ago. A lady who doesn't look her age and is always smiling, Som-Si runs a Thai restaurant-catering business as well as an aquarium.

In her lovely gracious manner she whispers the her secrets of her long lasting relationship into my ears.

"Always have a sense of humour"
"Learn to enjoy each others company even when you are not talking"
"Keep busy"
"Don't ask too many questions"
"Look after yourself and then each other."
"It's good to add some spice in your cooking sometimes."

Khob-Kun-Ka!