Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I was born in Thailand and have lived in so many places that there is not one place that I can genuinely say I am “from.”
At this moment, I live in northern Virginia but it is really only a pit stop until next July when my husband and I, and our two kids, will go live in Vientiane, Laos for two years. And this is after having just lived in Mexico for two years…thus is life in the US Foreign Service.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak Thai like a six year old, English like a native speaker, can recall some Uzbek, trying to retain Spanish, and now learning Lao.
When did you first become a mother?
I gave birth to my twin son and daughter the day before I turned 42 in 2009.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
I have been a stay-at-home mom since my children were born up until three weeks ago when I started Lao language training at the Foreign Service Institute.
Why do you blog/write?
I first started blogging in 2003 when I was experiencing a huge transition in my life. It grew to become a source for sharing my new experiences in the Peace Corps when I was in Uzbekistan, and thereafter I continued blogging to keep family and friends abreast of our lives while working in Sudan and Indonesia. That blog has been idle for several years now, and I currently only keep up a blog where I post mostly pictures of the children for our family and close friends.
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
Funny, I never thought that I would be much ‘like’ other mothers, having had preconceived notions of ‘how’ I would be a mother once I had children. But I realize now that all mothers are very much alike, finding it reassuring, humbling and inspiring at the same time.
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
My biggest fear is raising my children to fear the world. Bad news rules the airwaves and suspicion of others closet our children’s natural curiosity and open hearts. I want my children to be open to the world and the people around them while ensuring that they are safe.
Dee,
Very interesting answer regarding your answer about the challenges in raising children in today’s world. I feel the same. And, I love reading about your international adventures.
I hope Lao language training is going well!
Jen 🙂
Thanks Jen! Lao is going really well. I have a slight head start bc it is very similar to Thai. A lot of the vocabulary is the same. My husband and I are the only 2 ppl in the class so it has been an ‘interesting’ marital experience as well! 😉
I agree with Jen. I guess that’s one of the reasons we’re so particular about media exposure and our kids. Great to learn more about you Dee.
So nice to learn more about you. I completely agree about your opinion on WMB. It’s amazing how far reaching this blog is.
Can’t wait to read more.
I love the photo, btw. It’s really such a cool shot!
Thank you. It is one of my favorite photos from Africa. It was taken at dawn in the Sossusvlei Desert of Nambia and I had never seen a shadow so extended before. I was waiting for the hot air balloon to fill up before going on my first balloon ride!
Hi Dee, sounds like you have such an interesting travel stories to share. Can’t wait to read more 🙂
Hi TatterScoops, I should write more and it’s great that WMB gives me the inspiration to do it!
Great interview, Dee — I love your perspective on things. So glad to have you here! You are an inspiration to me, too and I’m excited to follow the next phase of your adventures. Now we just need to figure out a way for our paths to cross 🙂
Hi Shaula, It would be great to cross paths one day. How long do you plan on staying in SEAsia?
Welcome! It will be fun to share our twin mom experiences. 🙂