Why I Left the Place I Love

” To be without some of the things you want, Is an indispensable part of happiness.” — Bertrand Russell — Contributed by Lori Hard

Eight months ago, I left the Land of Smiles (Thailand) with one suitcase, to visit Las Vegas Nevada and surprise my 60-year-old dad on his birthday. This planned three-week visit turned into an extended stay. I left or lost everything I owned in Thailand. Why?

It’s time to explain what happened, to those who are interested or confused about the move. Well, when Josh and I were living in our dream home in northern Thailand, we had two break-ins occur. You can read the full story about the Thailand break-ins here. After our home was broken into, I moved into a new place. My landlord of the home that was broken into kept a $3000 deposit, and I let it go nicely and moved on. The landlord wasn’t overly concerned about the fact that someone was in the home, that our safety was at risk and that we wanted to move elsewhere.

I packed our stuff up and paid a cleaning lady to clean the house top to bottom, so that it would be left in near-perfect condition for the landlord. All of the landlord’s belongings were nicely stacked up in the storage closet and we moved to another home, which was much safer and a bit smaller. After moving out and getting settled into our new rental home, the landlord of the other place started to contact me. She started to harass me; asking me for more money (than her $3000 deposit, which is a huge chunk of money in Thailand). She said that I put a hole in the wall by hanging up a photo, and didn’t have her permission - and that would be $50 USD. She accused me of stealing her personal items, which were all left and nicely stacked up in her storage room. I would never take anything from her or anyone else. She created a large list of items that she claimed I took (and didn’t) and said I owed her another big chunk of money.

At first I ignored her emails - and then she had a lawyer contact me to try to get more money out of me. I would not go for it. I stood up to her and wrote her back, confronting her on the truth of the situation. As this was happening, I was getting quite stressed out but tried to ignore her as I did not owe her anything. Josh and I had a trip planned to visit the United States (Las Vegas) to surprise my dad for his 60th birthday. I paid for a suite at the Venetian for my dad and siblings and myself and Josh - and we packed our one suitcase and left.

As we were traveling to America, the threats from the lawyer increased in severity. They basically told me they knew where I lived now - where I moved to - and that was their way of threatening me. There was no logical way that they would know where my new home was - but they did and stated the location to me. That left me uneasy - and when we were in the airport in China for a layover it became worse. They told me that I needed to give them more money, deposit it into their account before September 1st (of 2008) or else I would also be reported to the Thai government for working online while living there. For me, that was it.

As a foreigner in Thailand, you are not allowed to work while living there. I was working online and paying taxes to the US Government, and not to the Thai as well. I don’t think I should be double-taxed. But, if they did report me and I was working in Thailand without the work permit issued by their government, I could be in trouble. I don’t know the laws there well enough to say what could have happened. But if I am accountable for that (even though working online I am not taking from the Thai jobs and not selling to the Thai people) - if I were to go back into Thailand I was reported for that, I could be arrested. I know that sounds crazy - it may or may not be possible. I just had enough when all that happened. We went through so much, with having a man break-into the home and be there while it was happening. I was done - couldn’t fight it anymore.

Honestly, my greatest fear was returning to Thailand, entering the country and being arrested upon entering. I’m not trying to be dramatic, but you never know. Sometimes it is who you know or who you can pay off there. I didn’t want to take any more chances with our lives. I love Josh and I couldn’t handle it anymore.

So as we were visiting Las Vegas, and this last threat was received, I prayed about it a lot and decided not to return. I literally left everything there. I had some very expensive electronics (flat screen tv, $2500 sony vaio computer) but I realized that it didn’t matter. The situation pretty much stripped me down to nothing. The only things that I truly were sad about were my cat Tommy and some photos and my camera. My dear Korean friends who lived there sent me the albums and camera and found a good home for my sweet cat Tommy.tommyj-1-small

It’s strange how sometimes doors can open up and things can go smoothly when you are in the right place. It seemed that was happening with Las Vegas because we found a beautiful townhouse to move into almost immediately after deciding to stay here. It was right next door to my aunt’s home, and really incredible how the doors opened and how smooth the transition was. I know some people may think I am stupid for not returning - and others think it is a wise decision.Some people say nothing would have happened and nothing will happen if you return. Only God knows now. I believe He really protected us as absolutely anything could have happened. Maybe if we would have stayed, something worse would have happened. I seemed to be a walking target, as a single mom living in a nice home there.

After getting settled in here in Las Vegas, and starting fresh with literally nothing - God really did a great work (and is still doing it) with me and Josh. I believe that God sometimes takes things out of our lives or removes certain people at times, to get you to refocus your life on Him. He wants us to rely on Him, not ourselves. And I was doing that half-way - while living in Thailand. Half-devoted isn’t really enough anymore, especially in the world we live in. So after being stripped of everything, I broke down. I was very emotional when we first moved here, after having some problems with family and pressures. I had an experience with God that maybe I will write about at a later time - if anyone is interested. It profoundly affected me and I gave my life 100% over to Him. Since that time (September) He has done some amazing things and is really opening my eyes.

Life is so short, and although I lost my home in Thailand, I found my home in God again. I still love the Land of Smiles and I do miss it - but I know there are other plans ahead for my life that will be even better!

Thank you all for reading this. I know not everyone shares the same beliefs but thanks for respecting mine and reading my post. Take care.

48 Responses to “Why I Left the Place I Love”

  1. Sarah Gerbers  on May 11th, 2009

    Holly it is amazing where God is taking you in life. You are, and always have been, such a strong person. And with God on your side you are unstoppable! I am so happy that you are letting God do a new work in you. A life lived for him is simply beautiful!

  2. admin  on May 11th, 2009

    Thank you so much Sarah. It is great to hear from you! Your words are very encouraging! I hope we keep in touch. Sorry for not sending the action scripts - I had a problem finding instructions on installing them!!! Thank you again for writing - I am so happy to hear from you!

  3. Dustin Harris  on May 11th, 2009

    Wow, Holly. You know, I wondered what happened that led you to come to the states and stay. I figured it was going to be a short trip, but you’ve been here ever since - and now we know why. I am glad you chose to share, and I am sorry to hear about all that happened. I once heard someone say “People rarely realize that God is all they need until God is all they have”. It kinda puts things in perspective.

    You know, when you said “Maybe if we would have stayed, something worse would have happened” it gave me pause. It certainly is a possibility, but the good news is, now you’ll never find out! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a slow moving freeway when I was already running behind only to find out that the cause of the slow traffic was a pretty bad accident. In those moments I have wondered if I was running behind initially because God was protecting me from being the person that was hit.

    I hope you do post about your experience with God that you mentioned near the end. At least one reader here is definitely interested to read about it :-)

  4. admin  on May 11th, 2009

    Dustin you are right. There are so many close-calls in life. Sometimes we are delayed or kept away from a situation because we are being protected. I am glad you posted a comment here. I will write about the rest of the experience shortly. Thanks for your support and I am happy to have friends like you. :) Take care and keep in touch!

  5. Anna  on May 11th, 2009

    Hi Holly. This might seem like a strange response, but I’m really glad your cat found a good home and that you got your photos back. To be honest, I was really worried about your cat all this time but I was afraid to ask what happened to him.

    I am amazed at what you went through on your own. Dealing with false accusations and threats can be really really rough and the fact that you were able to stay focussed and continue moving ahead is really admirable. Actually over the last couple of days I have been stressed by a similar situation but about 1000 times smaller in scale.

    In this case I was very glad that I always keep records and emails, as the person concerned was contradicting his own earlier statements and agreements, over and over. Some times people get careless about things like that and aren’t prepared. Its important to always be prepared for what could happen, even when it seems unlikely. But sometimes we just have to learn that the hard way.

    But these things catch of off guard sometimes, even the most alert of us. The important thing is to learn from it and never let it happen again. I am sure that in the future you will always be prepared of any eventualities, no matter how strange or unexpected they might seem.

  6. TheDavinator  on May 11th, 2009

    Well thank you for posting this Holly. When I heard of your trials and tribulations over in Thailand, then returned, I honestly felt that in some way it was God protecting you.

    Right after you returned, if you recall, was when many of the Thai airports were not letting people out of Thailand as it was stating on the news, and all of that rioting over there broke out.

    Who knows what may have happened if you hadn’t of got out when you did. I’ve often wondered about that, and I think God knew exactly what he was doing with you and Josh…Miss!

    As far as belongings…they will always come and go. The important thing is that you and Josh are safe and sound, and we are still blessed with your presence in our lives…

    Talk soon Holly…

    Dav

  7. admin  on May 11th, 2009

    Thanks Davin and Anna. Anna, you are right that these things can really catch a person off-guard. What happened over there was really unexpected; I mean the events following the break-ins. It seems now that it was pretty much setup. Thanks for the advice and you could have asked about my cat! Aww I miss him more than anything there. I had my friends taking care of him, which made me really happy. And I was going to pay to have him sent over here or come back with my mom (she was visiting and wanting to bring him back) but my friend already gave Tommy to a new home. I know my friend felt horrible but I kept telling him it was fine and I thanked him. Really it was a sad consequence of all of what happened. I have never been so attached to any pet I’ve had in my life - this was like another child to me!

    And Davin, thank you also for your kind words. I appreciate them and agree - God has been keeping us safe - He is in control and knows what the heck is really going on.

  8. Marcus  on May 11th, 2009

    I am confused why you didnt hire your own lawyer and let yourself be bullied?
    Marcus

  9. tmelvin  on May 11th, 2009

    Hi Holly,
    I have been read your post and sorry to hear about you leaving Thailand though I know that you have deep feelings for that beautiful country and its ashame that the landlord did such nasty things.

    I am sure God has a plan for many of us in many unexplainable manners. All these years, I know he is there, its just that mustard seed belief that I need to just accept him which till todate I havent been able to.

    Your story inspires me and I hope all is well and good for both you and Josh.

    Take good care.
    Melvin

  10. admin  on May 11th, 2009

    Hi Marcus,
    Sometimes it’s better to just let it go. I was trying to fight and stand up to them - up until the threats escalated. I guess I had enough. As a foreigner in Thailand, my rights are not the same rights as a Thai persons. It was difficult. I was privileged to have lived there as long as I did. It was tough to even get a visa to stay that long.

  11. admin  on May 11th, 2009

    Hi Melvin,
    Thank you so much for writing. I am happy to hear from you!!! It’s been a while! Thanks for the comment - and I am glad you are keeping the faith - even that of a mustard seed is enough! You are a wonderful friend and I hope we keep in touch. Take care..

  12. josh  on May 11th, 2009

    Hi Holly and to all. I stumbled on your site while searching if another marketing program was a scam, and I’m really glad that I did. I also appreciate your bold declaration of faith specially with where America is going in being politically correct regarding God and faith. I also appreciate that many people share the same convictions and are open to discuss it in a public forum.

    I really apologize for how the third world has treated you and I ask your forgiveness on behalf of the scammers in Thailand. I’m a native of the Philippines with legal ties to the Canadian Government. Been living here(the Philippines) for almost a decade now and I know issues that have been illustrated are common in Asia. Here is a different ball game, but less violent. However there are isolated pockets where people are really taken advantage of - foreigners. I’m really looking at a project of developing a site that primarily caters to such needs as you had Holly in Thailand, but for travels to the Davao City, Philippines for now.

    I really apologize for your dilemma and I know for a fact that the plans of Jesus are to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a bright future. I’m looking forward to see you bloom in the States. Take care.

  13. admin  on May 11th, 2009

    Hi Josh,
    Thank YOU for also boldly sharing your beliefs just through your comment. I like to not be politically correct in that area. :) I am glad there are others who can talk about their faith too. It helps. Thanks for the kind words about Asia - it is ok. If you do that website let me know - I am curious to see it. I’ve noticed there are a lot of websites for foreigner expats but most of them are geared towards how to be in relationships with the Thai women, how to conduct business, etc. but don’t always cover other topics of issues that may arise. It could help people if there was a website about this. Thanks so much for your post and I Hope you comment again! Keep in touch. Thanks Josh. And you are right - what others have intended for harm, God will make it into something good!

  14. mhart0101  on May 11th, 2009

    Wow thats nuts. Welcome back to the states :)

  15. stoneyhollow  on May 12th, 2009

    Hi Holly -

    I’ve been kind of lurking on your forum for a couple of years now, after I bought your book, and I’ve ben following how things have been going for you on the blog.I am so proud of you that you could go through all that you did, and that you are now able to declare your faith with such boldness!

    You did entirely the right thing by leaving Thailand. And really, it sounds like if you had paid these people, they would have still continued to blackmail you. No one should live a life like that. Look at all the Americans in jail in differnt countries for far less than you were accused of. People forget that here in the United States, we can be assurred of due process of the law. In other countries (and sadly, I will admit sometimes even here) due process entails who you know and how much $$ you have - and are you a member of the clicque. There was nothing in Thailand more important than the personal survival of yourself and your son. It is wonderful that you have friends that could send your camera and take care of your cat - that is great closure for you.

    Here’s another reader that would love to hear your story of you experience with the Lord! Keep at it, Holly - He’s got some amazing plans for you! (Galatians 6:9)

  16. Rodney  on May 12th, 2009

    Hi,

    I was in Thailand this year myself, from December to March. I had been to Thailand two year before and the Thailand I found this year was not the Thailand I met the first time.

    Last year when all those people were stranded in Thailand because of the “democracy blockade” of the airports was because the Thai people did not care about not only the 600,000 people stranded but of the value of business that was lost, Thai business. Many businesses including Thai Airways lost heavily in that time, many went broke. Why? Well the situation was that the Thai High Court had been sitting on conclusive evidence that vote buying had occurred in the election of Taksin and the succeeding proTaksin governments. The High Court just sat on it. The democracy movement besieged the Parliament in bypass of the court. They were there for quite some time. Their final blow was the airport. Then the King intervened and order the High Court to do their job, and they did and it was all over, but for the loss of the tourist repute of Thailand and the masses of revenue lost in the embargo.

    I the two and half months I was there an average of two foreigners were murdurred every day, that’s right every day. For what? Their possessions and their property. On one day a foreigner’s head was found in plastic bag hanging under a bridge in Bangkok. The Coroner ruled the death to be suicide. Did you get that? The foreigner cut off his own head, put in in a plastic bag, hung from a Bridge and then disposed of his body. A pair of Italian made trousers were found nearby, so the official details were announced that an Italian committed suicide. Just prior to that an elder American was found dead at Pattaya. He had been tied to his wheelchair with electrical cable, he was a paraplegic. He had committed suicide by jumping, in his wheelchair from a 10 story building; the official story.

    The justice situation in Thailand is coming to be like Chile was when the US bombed there and Columbia is today. That was created by Taksin and is being perpetuated by the current government.

    The Thais had become addicted to tourist income, and suddenly it vanished, and we are to blame for that. That is the attitude I found in Bangkok and in country cities also.

    It is a situation of lawlessness, of moral degradation toward any one for any reason but, we foreigners, are particularly at risk there. Because we stopped going there then we withdrew our finances so we deserved the harshest possible treatment, so the Thais believe.

    I left as soon as my duties had been completed but I had never experienced so many petty ripoffs as I had in Thailand. Now I am in Vietnam in the former Saigon and it’s worse! Cambodia is very similar.

    I have lived in Asia for 8 years continuously and the moral and security reduction here in the past 12 months has been shocking to say the least.

    So Holly, for what ever reason you got it, what ever reason you ascribe for your fortune you are not alone. Thailand is not God’s country any more, and not any Gods’ country, not even Buddha!

    I suggest you post your story on the Thai Blogs, it will be very well received.

    By the way, I found out why Thais smile so much; it’s the way they use their mouth to pronounce words! Nothing at all to with their attitude.

  17. admin  on May 12th, 2009

    Thank you all for the comments. Stoneyhollow - thank you for your support. You are right in saying that the laws over there are so different from in the states and many other countries. When I was living there, I did hear about numerous suicides (it seemed they were rarely called murders) of foreigners. Some of them were very chilling gruesome accidents that happened right near where I lived in Chiang Mai. Many of those stories don’t get into the newspapers and the stories from the police are usually just stating that it was “suicide,” like Rodney said.

    Thank you Rodney for sharing your insights and experiences. I appreciate the perspective of someone else who has been there, as not many people I’ve spoken with here can understand why I even left. For anyone interested, I just found this site: http://www.cdnn.info/news/destinations/thailand.html and it has a lot of updated news sources about the current crimes happening in Thailand - the ones reaching the newspapers anyway. Rodney, when I have time I would like to post some of the stories or experiences on some blogs - like you suggested. I really appreciate your advice and insight on the situation over there. Thank you.

  18. Normal Joe  on May 12th, 2009

    Holly,

    I remember talking to you while all this was going on, I wanted you to leave…period lol. I did not want you to return, I know you didn’t do anything wrong but I just felt uncomfortable with you and Josh alone over there…especially with what they were trying to do.

    I also know about what happened when you got back and all I can say is God is good! Continue to move forward and allow you light to shine…

    glad to have ya back in the states!

  19. spenan  on May 12th, 2009

    well it is good to know that you are safe ,back with family & friends and best of all you know the love of the lord. i too had an experiance just as yours . i lived in mexico then now i’m safe back in the USA in arizona .seemed like the police were more interested in how much $$ that they can get from me ,then trying to catch the person or persons who were trying to extort $$ from me . i had a good business there and i paid well ( compare to mexicos standards ) a nice home . i was told that kiddnappings are very common there and in most cases don’t turn out good .i had some break in’s into my home & business . for me my safety was more important , i left most everything there . went to the bank took out my passport closed my accounts and left the country that very same day . weeks later i was told that the break in’s were done by some of my employees .i’m starting over again , i thank god every day for my safety and to give me the chance to start my business over again .

  20. Jen  on May 13th, 2009

    Holly you are so strong! You have to be the strongest woman I know. I’m sorry to hear you went through all of that alone with Josh…But I’m so glad you are in the States now and a lot closer to us. We all miss you and wish you would come back for a visit this summer. If you read this soon, the triplets birthday is going to be July 11th at Aunt Elayne’s, just in case you will be around at that time, I know everyone would love to see you! I wish you the best in life. God truly is powerful. Thank you for sharing your story, I had no idea, im sorry for what you had to go through, I know you loved it there. I wish you and Josh well.
    Love you
    Sista

  21. Doug  on May 13th, 2009

    Holly,
    I am a firm believer in that everything happens for a reason. We may not recognize the reason immediately, but eventually it comes into light. I am sure you are better off here and that God has his reasons for bringing you back to the States…..”To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose, under the heaven”……
    take care, stay focused, and keep looking up.

  22. ivan  on May 13th, 2009

    Sorry to hear about your ordeal but glad to know you are safe. I purchased your e-book some time ago, but like many others, I have yet to put it fully into action. However, your material did stand out from the other and has been with the small collection that I carry with the true of intention of implementing. Which brings me to my question. What is the status of your Internet busines? Is it still healthy enough to support you? I ask this because this could be a good opportunity to rebuild it from scratch - step-by-step and teach it as you go along. I would be the first to sign up. This may be the mission you are being given since so many of us are finding ourselves rebuilding from varios mishaps. Just a thought. Whatever you decide to do, I sense your spirit will not let you fail.

  23. sitianah  on May 13th, 2009

    hope everything can be nice for you and josh in USA.

    God be with you always Holly

  24. admin  on May 13th, 2009

    Oh Jenell you are sweet. You are the only one in the family besides my mom who knows what we went through now. Thank you for your support! I miss you so much. I do really want to visit for the triplets bdays and Aunt Elaynes. If I do - I think maybe we should just make it a surprise and not tell anyone else - not even Kerry. I don’t think he’ll read this post - so we may be ok! Let me know what you think. Is this your personal email? I will write to you ok or email me! Thank you Jenell!!!

  25. admin  on May 13th, 2009

    Doug,
    I agree with you - and you are right that everything happens for a reason - someday I will know all the behind-the-scenes stuff of what was happening and what could have happened. It’s been a little rough but it’s getting much better. I am living in a really odd city right now and finally getting to know all my neighbors and that is very nice. Thank you for your kind advice - I will keep looking up. :)

  26. Stefano Ashbridge  on May 14th, 2009

    Holly,

    I found your page from Twitter. Sorry to hear about all that you’ve been through.

    God Bless,

    Stefano.

  27. Doiron  on May 16th, 2009

    I would say God bless you Holly, but I’m sure he already has. Thanks for sharing this. You may have lost some things but you have your spirit and strength which cannot be taken away. Keep the faith.

  28. danielmitchell  on May 18th, 2009

    Sorry to hear about how difficult Thailand was on you…

  29. Irish Tom  on May 22nd, 2009

    Hi Holly
    I have been only aboard on your site for about a week and bought your book. This is now my Internet Bible!
    Having followed your background I have been so impressed and fulfilled. You are an amazing young lady.
    You know, the Thailand thing is behind you. I know how hard it is to leave a country and people you love.
    I left Ireland in Dec 2004 to settle in California with my beautiful American wife Cheryl.
    I miss Ireland, and I miss my kids and also my GrandKids.Haven’t been able to get home since, but now I have the tools to do that.
    But you know what, with the faith in the Lord and determination I feel I can achieve anything.
    My goal is to set up Internet sites which will give me a living and then Guess What? I come upon Holly Mann and her book Honest Riches..Thank you so much..you have so much to offer..For anyone starting in the internnet business, THIS IS A MUST BUY..Best I have ever seen..
    Our big project is to put together an “Irish American” cook book which will be also humourous.
    Holly, I am glad you are back home and to be honest you are Thailands BIG LOSS.
    You are a beautiful young honest woman with AMAZING EXPERIENCE and a fantastic young son Josh. He is a sweetie!!
    Now it is time for you to spread your wings and continue with your work…do your job..enjoy it..help others..let others help you…share your experiences, they are inspirational…
    Holly, you are someone special no matter where you settle..From a selfish point of view, I am glad you are back in the USA.
    Any help or advice you need, you have a captive audience.Please us us.
    You are my Hero.
    Kind regards
    Tom

  30. Bonnie Holscher  on May 27th, 2009

    Hi Holly

    I know you more on a personal and business level than most and am happy that you have shared that story with so many others. Yes, sometimes it is better to let go and let God, a lesson I have learned on many occassions. In His infinite wisdom and power, yet His tender mercy, God will take us to places we could have only dreamed of and bring into our lives very special people. I am blessed to have you as a friend and worked with you on a business level. You are an amzaing young lady with massive courage, a generous heart but most importantly with true faith.

    Heartfelt
    Bonnie

  31. Karry  on June 21st, 2009

    Thank You Holly, for the touching true life story
    you shared with world, you are very brave. I am glad
    you found God and have developed such a beautiful
    relationship.

    God Bless,
    Larry

  32. fannystice  on July 5th, 2009

    I am glad u are in the U.S.A. and safe, to be quite honest when i read your ebook, i was scared for you to be living in Thailand, i check your blog all the time to see if you are alright. You will make the money back, and be bigger and better than ever.

  33. admin  on July 6th, 2009

    Thank you so much! I am glad to be back and safer than when we were there. :) Thanks for your support.

  34. cesteele7  on July 20th, 2009

    So sorry to hear you about that, but I am glad you are safe now! I don’t blame you for not going back, your life is more valuable than possessions.
    It’s hard when you get smacked but it seems that God always makes a way. My son is almost 8 now but I was 5 1/2 months pregnant, got fired and lost my insurance. That was not a fun experience, but it all worked out. I got an apology from that employerer a year later with tears streaming down his face and could go back to work for him at anytime. I chose not to be bitter and forgive and God worked it all out. I enjoyed staying at home for 6 years and had that not happened, I never would have taken the step to be at home. I would not trade it for anything!! God knew what He was doing, even when we can’t see the whole picture!!!
    God bless!!

  35. Isis  on July 24th, 2009

    Holly, I’m so sorry that things didn’t work out for you in Thailand.

    I’m glad that you and Josh are safe and sound. And I want you to know that I admire your courage and the way you have opened up about your life here in this blog.

    I also read about your desire to help the less fortunate in Africa and for me that is a very inspiring thing.

    May God bless you in all your endeavors.

  36. Lawrence  on July 29th, 2009

    I hate to say it Holly, but I’m surprised it took you that long to be run out of Thailand. - Many Americans are treated horribly once we venture outside Bangkok proper.

    I spend the month of February in BKK and I couldn’t shake the feeling that even in places like the chain grocery stores (Tesco/Lotus, for instance) I was a 2nd-class citizen.

    Now that their financial shape is much worse I don’t think it will be too much longer before the resort to behaving like Myanmar or Cambodia.

    It’s a real shame, but at least you got out in time. Best of luck in your new home.

  37. admin  on August 4th, 2009

    Thank you Lawrence. Somehow that makes me feel better about our move! It seems to have become so dangerous for foreigners there…although some may disagree. I am grateful that we are ok after all that happened and I am sick of feeling so unsafe. I am happy we’re in the states.

  38. throthove  on August 7th, 2009

    We spoke many years ago (via email) and then again a few months ago. I mentioned in the forum that you were one of the most inspiring people that has ever come into my life and failed again to take up the guanlet and being this business. Not anymore. Creator is ever present and like mentioned earlier he knows his plans for us - it is just a matter of us stopping and listening.

    I am so happy to hear that you are safe and well, but I have to tell you my concern has been about Josh. How has he taken all of this? He is such a little one and we never know what little traumas go on inside of them. I know he must be happy to be out of a place that wished him and his mom harm. Possessions are things thats all, them may seem important at the time, but they are only things - and if they are that important you will replace them. Probably with better things.lol

    Again, glad you are well and safe - keep up the good work.

  39. jopper11  on August 8th, 2009

    Dear Holly,
    I am Thai and I am one of your member. I bought your Book last year and nothing is happened yet for working from home yet. Computer stuffs is kind of being complicated and difficult for me until today. The reason why I still hold on tightly in your program because you love Thailand and my country is like your second home! Your story always catch my heart until now. Today I have time enough to read all many subscribtions from you and came across one of your issue that why you are not coming back to Thailand no more! I am so sad to read your story. I am so sorry that some of the worst Thai people did bad things to you. Please don’t be worried much about those things. If you want to go back to Thailand, I think you can! You didn’t do anything wrong. But I beg you one thing Don’t feel bad about Thailand and Thai people but those worst Thai people. You always remind me to think of Thailand ( Now I am in LA, USA). Thailand is always your home and I am so sorry for bad things from those people and sad about that! I hope you’re o.k. now and GOD BLESS YOU! I never lose faith on you
    jinny or jopper11

  40. admin  on August 8th, 2009

    Jinny Sawadee Kah!
    Thank you so much for this incredibly sweet comment. I really, really appreciate it. I wanted you to know that it’s ok and I will ALWAYS love Thailand. It’s not the easiest place to live as a foreigner - but it’s worth the difficulties. I will always, always love Thailand deeply - the people, the culture, the respect the people have for the King (wish I still had the yellow T-shirt) and the natural beauty. Things happen for a reason - I believe anyway - and I think it was time for a change. Josh also needed to be closer to the family he has hardly seen - so that is a great benefit of being in the states. How are you liking CA? Do you visit thailand often? Someday I will return to Thailand…it is definitely a second home. Thanks again Jinny….Holly (aka - Nampung - honey)

  41. tamsinstead  on August 31st, 2009

    Were you the poster on tv who’d a year’s rent on a house in cm and was then being badgered by the landlady to get out? I think I might’ve posted back it’s a common scam and the more us ‘farang’ get intimidated by it and give into them, the worse it gets. The other poster was right, you should have gotten your own lawyer to see her off they’re a baht a dozen here lol!, that or taken your contract to the local cop shop - paper everything in Asia. And no, you won’t get arrested on attempting re-entry - you’re just not big enough. Now Taksin …

  42. nice_prguy  on September 7th, 2009

    It sounds like you had some interesting experiences over there. To bad it had to end that way. Welcome back to this side of the pond. I am north of you in British Columbia, and am contemplating buying your book. I am kind of tired doing the 9-5 routine, ( I will do it until I see how this online stuff works out) I am looking for the best system to make money without all the strain on my body. I want to save the hard work for hiking, hockey, stuff like that. Gary

  43. freedom2choose  on September 19th, 2009

    Dear Holly,

    A couple of reasons for me seeking your blog and writing a comment.

    Firstly, your story is simply inspirational, how you managed to raise a kid and create success for yourself is incredible and your son will one day understand all the hard work, sacrifice and foresight that is inevitable when taking on such a project. And he’ll thank you for it, I’m certain.

    Secondly, you did the right thing. Too many times I’ve seen people get so caught up in fighting, whether it be in the court room or just stupid stuff with neighbours, that they lose sight of what’s actually important. Once again you put your son and family first, you rose above it all and now you can get on with life without the hassle.

    I saw your honest riches video (from animoto) and it made me smile. I’m kinda doing the opposite to you….I’m the kid in the family (well, not exactly, I’m 24!) trying to give my parents financial freedom because they’ve been working too hard for too long, as opposed to being the proud father doing it for his kid.

    I’ll be reading Honest Riches soon, looking forward to it.

    Take care and best of luck to you in Nevada,
    Paul

  44. Richard Miller  on September 24th, 2009

    Holly! This is weird, or Awesome? I keep running across you name all of the sudden? Just now noticed you were up in St george not too long ago!looks like you Guys had alot of fun! Just wanted wanted to say that Your “following” Is Incredible!
    Not so much the numbers but the sincere,honest and helpful energy you share!Im sure the experiences you have had a far more rewarding than the financials! All I can say is Wow! Your Awesome! Take care Richard

  45. lockch  on January 16th, 2010

    Hi Holly
    I stumbled upon your website while browsing for Internet marketing opportunities. Saw that you were in Singapore for the Internet summit. Any chance of you coming back to attend them again? I am based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and travel to Bangkok for work sometimes. Like the culture and the people there. Pity you had to leave Thailand in such circumstances…

  46. admin  on January 18th, 2010

    Hi there :) I definitely plan to return to that area in the near future. I will let you know. :)

  47. lockch  on February 15th, 2010

    Hi Holly…speaking of Thailand…do you like the local food there? I love spicy food and am wondering if you managed to get used to the local delicacies there…
    BTW I will be in Chengmai from 17-23 March for an IM workshop hosted at the Shangri- La Hotel, do you have any places that you can recommend me to visit while I am there?
    Appreciate your kind comments..

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