For those of you who are new to my Thailand trip, here is how I ended up choosing to go. My International Development major (which I am completing at the same time as my Social Work major) requires a semester abroad; the choices are Ghana, Honduras, and Thailand. Although the cultural part of Ghana seemed intriguing and very appealing to me, that semester doesn't include home-stays (and students don't learn a new language). I immediately ruled out the Honduras semester because it was too close to home without actually going home; I already knew the language, the culture, and the country, so I didn't think the experience would be as life-changing (not that that is always what I am searching for). The Thailand semester, compared to the other two options, included home-stays, learning Thai, traveling all over the country, meeting other students from across the U.S, and a focus on sustainability and environmental studies. For many reasons, The Thailand semester seemed like a better fit with what I want to do in the future and with what I hope to gain from my college experience. So...I chose Thailand. And now, I am three days away from leaving the country until May.
So, here I am, sitting in my living room with my cousins as they watch Star Wars. So far, it's been a funny evening (seems to be always the case with my cousins). Tonight, I finished packing my bags. My suitcase, in which I was hoping to leave some room, is full, as is my carry-on bag. There is so much to bring! In reality, I probably don't need all of the things I am bringing, but I have never been good at packing lightly. Or.. I still don't have enough and will be forced to deal with it once I get there. I guess we will see, huh? Actually, YOU won't see...but I will. And I will let you know :)
I have two full days left in my house and three four days left in the country...and I feel ready to go. I am ready for this new chapter in my life. I am ready for the experiences I'll live through and the people I will meet along the way. I am ready to begin learning Thai. I am ready to meet my host family and the rest of the students from other colleges. Those are the general things I can be ready for; there is so much I don't even know how to begin getting ready for (not knowing Thai, not liking some food, cultural differences, being away from my family, and other things, I'm sure) except for praying for patience and an open mind.
So, for those of you out there reading this, prayer is all I am asking for. There will be many obstacles in my way and perhaps patience is not my best trait.
Thank you already for reading my blog (follow it, it'll get more exciting than this, with pictures and all!) and for praying for me (I know you will!).
~ Lourdes.
