my new journey...

I leave tomorrow morning for Thailand. As the land of smiles awaits me, I catch myself thinking about the path that is leading me there. If you know me, you must be aware that I love to travel. My heart is set on exploring the world and the people in it. When I told a good friend that I was planning on volunteering abroad this summer she said that I am full of wanderlust. As I reflected, I realized how true that was. Beyond wanderlust, however, I find myself struck with wonder upon the beauty and ugliness I see around me.

I know that many of you have concerns and fears about this upcoming trip, and I understand. The world can be a scary place full of danger and evil, but from my travels abroad that's not what I have seen. I have seen that people are genuinely good at heart. If you are lost or in need, strangers will lend a hand. I am not reckless; I will still approach this adventure cautiously. William Shedd, a famous theologian once noted that while "a ship in a harbor is safe, that's not what ships are built for." I believe that is true about people. I think it's my purpose and my duty to follow Mark Twain's advice to "throw off the bowlines; sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in [my] sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Thailand is my new journey, my new adventure to explore, dream, and discover. I hope that I am able to serve the community surrounding Chiang Rai, as its beauty, culture, and people teach me new and incredible things. I hope that their perspectives enlighten me and show me how they interpret their purpose and role in the global community. My wish is that through this blog, I can give anyone and everyone a glimpse at the world through my wanderlust and wonderment.