From temporary goodbye to forever home

As I reflect on my journey, I remember it all started with a decision that seemed temporary at the time. Back in April 2022, as the pandemic lifted, I decided to embark on what I thought would be a three-month adventure in Thailand. Before this, I was working at the airport, but the global pandemic had led to widespread border closures and, ultimately, redundancy packages from our employers. While this situation was undoubtedly challenging, it unexpectedly paved the way for the life I now cherish.

The borders to Thailand were among the first to reopen, and it quickly became a destination I eagerly chose to visit. After being locked down at home for what felt like an eternity, confinement made me feel like a prisoner in my own space. The prospect of a new adventure in Thailand was incredibly appealing.

I said my farewells in the living room of my house back in Ireland. I remember seeing the worried faces of my parents. My mother, in typical Irish fashion, said, "Don’t go falling in love or get trapped. Please come home to us; you are my baby."

Upon landing, I was greeted by a group of medical officers and an escort to the hospital for our COVID-19 tests before being dropped off at our quarantine hotel. The scene felt a bit like something out of the movie *28 Days Later*, with people in white suits and an imposing atmosphere. Despite the intimidating setup, I wasn’t worried. I was eager for the ordeal to be over so I could get to my room, rest, and wait for my results.

After all was said and done, I remember getting to my room and reflecting on how it was finally over and I was here. I thought, "Let’s get these three days of quarantine over with." Like clockwork, every breakfast, lunch, and dinner at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m., there would be a knock on the door. I’d open it, leave the previous meal, and find a new one waiting for me. It wasn’t a bad experience at all. The staff were very polite, took good care of me, and constantly checked in to make sure everything was well.

What was meant to be a brief escape turned into something much more profound. My temporary farewell transformed into a permanent embrace of a new life. What started as a short-term plan has now become my forever home, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the unexpected journey that has brought me here.

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it’s about to get very interesting soon!