And Away We Go

Before I say anything about Thailand, today is my sister's 15th birthday, and I would like to wish her a wonderful day. I would also offer a word of warning to all registered drivers planning to commute anywhere in the Denver area this summer.

That being said, Facebook has just informed me that three of the interns who I'll be traveling with this summer have already made it to Chiang Mai, and another is set to leave tomorrow. Facebook will also inform you that I'm leaving on Sunday--in about 31 hours, actually. Next time you hear from me, I'll be about 14 hours ahead of you and probably a bit jet lagged, but hopefully doing fine otherwise and ready to spend the summer in Thailand.

I've had no idea what to expect or how to prepare for ten weeks in Chiang Mai. Apparently we're in the tropics, so after much prompting from individuals concerned with my well-being this summer, I'm stocked with enough bug spray to ward off a jungle, enough medicine to ward off the most irksome of intestinal concerns and general health issues, and the most lightweight clothes I've been able to find. So the challenge really is packing these "necessary" supplies into a suitcase and backpack. Which is, of course, a more fitting activity for more like 8 hours before I leave.

But prepared or not, I would mostly like to thank everyone again for all the support you've already given us. I can't begin to thank all of you who encouraged us in this process, donated money to fund our trip, and prayed so sincerely. I was asked the other day how it made me feel that so many people have given so generously and been so supportive, and quite honestly I'm not entirely sure. The word that comes to mind is humbling. I suppose there is a sense of responsibility as well. Really, though, all I know to say is thank you. Khop kun mak ka.

And thank you to my family who is 1) letting me spend the summer away from home and 2) trying not to worry too much, or at least not showing it. I love you, and I promise to be very careful.

I'll be posting more as soon as I recover from jet lag--and excitement--and gain a basic orientation with the places and people in Chiang Mai. These posts will, I hope, become substantially more interesting in just a few days.

Until then, blessings.

Juliana