The RADION Journals: Finding David : Chapter 5

On the cab, David was obviously excited and chatty, which is aside from his normal quiet self. Hundreds of thoughts raced through our minds while we sat in the cab. Why did he choose to work specifically in that family, why is he so jittery since we left ? was it because he was afraid for the owner’s daughter ? or was he feeling uncomfortable with us ? Why is he afraid of making a simple decision of where to eat ? Despite the hundreds of ideas, something was still amiss and it just did not add up.

It was only when we arrived in the mall that it all became clear. Our little David was in love with the owner’s daughter. Her name is Derh. We spared no effort to tease the boy till his face was flushed. Finally we realized that the decision of where to eat was in the hands of Derh.

Both of them were terribly shy and was pushing the decision to each other and they were almost at the point of deciding to go to a road stall so as to save some money but eventually settled for MK Restaurant- A place where David had never had the opportunity to dine in.

David was visibly nervous, he confessed that he is not prepared for the occasion and hopes he does not embarrass anyone. It was interesting to see how David tried to behave and made every effort to “get it right” Of course there were a couple of fumbles, such as him putting the soup ladle’s handle on the edge of the plate and the scoop itself on the table. He made such a determined effort that I couldn’t bear to tell him it was wrongly placed for the fear of embarrassing him further. He was warming up and really in high spirits as he sat there eating this steamboat for the very first time.

There was quite a bit of catching up and it was a wonderful meal with lots of laughter as we reminisce the old days. Beyond the smiles and chatter, deep inside I knew that this may be the last time I get to meet David. My mind entertained the thoughts of him going back into the streets broke my heart.

After dinner, we took a little stroll and I was bursting inside to ask if David wants a second chance in his life, to come back into the STREETKIDS! Program. However I ended up asking him “David, do you want to study again?” The boy knew what I was asking and immediately got my hint.

He thought for a while and replied. “Yes, I would like to study…. “

The rough 3 years living in the streets of Bangkok must have caused him to realize the importance of education. In his conversation, he seems to have matured quite a bit and jested “with a primary 6 certificate, he will always be frying chickens for someone else.”

Though David replied a big “Yes”, experience working with Thais and especially streetkids is that sometimes, they are shy to turn your offer down, so they just say “yes”.

In David’s case, as much as I would loved to pull him away into safety. I knew deep inside me that he has to make his own decisions. Serious decisions. Is he really willing be apart from Derh ? Does he really want to study at 17? These are important questions that he needs to process. Before we said goodbye, I gave David my number and told him. “David, whenever you’re ready, give me a call. You’re always welcomed back home.”

The next few days is going to be a painful journey as I wait for a call, just a call to say he’s ready to come home.

p/s : here is a picture of David & Derh !