IT’S OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Short-term visa has arrived (long-term visa to come in Thailand)…

Ticket is purchased…

I’m leeeeeeeaving ooon a jet plane…

June 2nd I fly from LAX to Bangkok!!!!!!!!! Can you tell I’m excited?

My life is super busy right now (as always) – finishing up my graduate degree, finishing up itineration responsibilities, finishing up everything – and it’s hard to organize thoughts in my head, especially since I spent all day yesterday writing a paper, and have another one to look forward to this week.  Still, I wanted to share my big news!!!

Last week I went to Springfield, MO, for a farewell trip.  Most of my close friends live in the midwest, and so it was great to see them and spend some quality time before I leave for three years.  I had a great time  with everyone, and hope they all decide to come visit me in Thailand! 🙂

Here are a lot of us after we ate some delicious Thai food, cooked by one of my friends.

I am so thankful for the friendship, support, and encouragement all of my friends have given me over the years and now as I go to Thailand.  I should write more about them someday and how they’ve impacted my life!

top left-right: Charity, Bethany, Derek, Dr. Martindale, Carrie, Heather

bottom left-right: Holly, Kara, yours truly, Emily