Wow you made it out of Suriname!
You have just reminded me of a trip we took when I was a kid and passed through Indiana. Gary to be exact. Not a fan of these parts of 'merica.
It must have been surreal to see your folks again. Hopefully it won't be too long before you can get the flip flops back on and to the ladies for a tuk tuk ride.
I have purchased cars in my past only from someone like your dad. The last one died before the payments were complete but I got good use from it. It's the only way in my opinion unless you're wealthy.
As sad as the separation is, it's a step forward. Congratulations on that leg of the game.
I've been to Gary once, that's on the far opposite side of the state. I'm almost closet to Atlanta, Georgia, than Gary, but Gary's industrial wasteland makes Evansville look like a nice place. Gary used to have the highest murder rate per capita in the US for many years.
I am already jealous of the things I see my Khmer family eating in Cambodia. We'll be together soon one way or another.