sawatdee means hello.

BAHHHHH! Sawatdee, Thailand. Sawatdee. The start to my adventure is finally here and I can't help but just smile. Over the course of the past few months, when probed, I've recited a speech on my plans for the spring semester that goes something like this:

"No, I can't go with y'all to see The Vow with Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams when it comes out in February...
I'm studying abroad...
Khon Kaen, Thailand...
Yes, Khon Kaen, Thailand does sounds like I'm saying Pumpkin Pie Land...
No, no one else has ever gone from TCU...
No, I'm not too afraid of not knowing anyone. Walking into a roomful of strangers is fun! (if you know me at all, you know how weird but true this is)...
No, my roommate probably won't know English...
No, I won't be taking any business classes...
The time difference is 12 hours...
Yes, we can Skype when it's your lunch break and I'm getting ready for bed!...
Yes, it's non-profit and community development oriented, which is exactly what I want to do with my life...
Yes I am excited out of my FACE (again, not a surprising phrase if you know me)..."

Y'all, I can't believe it's here. This speech is no longer a speech- it's about to be my reality. I'm currently sitting in my room with a slew of ankle-length skirts and four months supply of toiletries strewn around me. I'm t-minus 55 hours until I get on a plane, fly 24 hours and 10 minutes around the world, and take a left out of Customs to meet the rest of my group. Or was it a right???

Regardless, I want to preface this whole blog thing with the fact that I was placed under extreme persuasion by essentially everyone I know to write one. I was opposed to the whole idea for quite some time and frankly, if you think it's weird or self-centered that I'm writing all of this, please feel free to never read again and we can catch up when I get back in 4 months. I won't be offended at all!

Going to Thailand for 4 months feels crazy and wonderful and scary and exhilarating all at the same time, and I know God has me here for a reason. Nothing is an accident. I am beyond grateful for the people the Lord has placed in my life, and I would deeply appreciate your prayers. God taught me the power of prayer on a missions trip to Latvia last summer, and I will never again doubt his majesty and sovereignty, no matter where in the world I may be. I'll be available throughout the semester via this blog, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and Skype.

Here's to wonderful beginnings for all, whether you're at TCU, back home in Missouri, or anywhere else on this planet. Bring it on 2012. Sawatdee.