Why I'm dropping out of life for 4 months

As many of you know, finally making the decision to go to Thailand, was a process to say the least. I first made the decision a year ago, literally an entire year. I have since gone back and forth, making pros and cons lists to no end, and almost withdrew my acceptance on more than one occasion. On one particular night when I was confused and questioning my decision, through tears and frustration, a friend gave me some great advice that has gotten me to the point of packing my bags. He asked me how I felt when I first decided to go, and I told him I felt good. "Then stop second guessing yourself. Take that good feeling you had and cleave to it, no matter what. If it felt good when you first asked, then that is your answer." And so that is what I've done. Each time I get scared, nervous, or find reasons not to go, I think of that good feeling I had, and somewhere inside I know it'll be worth it.

The question you may be asking at this point is, Why? Why are you going, what are you doing, have you seen the movie taken, did you hear about that girls who was imprisoned in a foreign country, have you considered the fact that you may be sold as a sex slave? Well the answer is Yes. Yes to is all. Yes I'm going, and among the countless disasters that could happen, I know I'll be fine. So, onto some more clear answers onto what i'll be doing- the fun part. I am departing my life for 4 months and going to live in the rural town of Phichit, Thailand. I have decided to do this because:

1. The idea of continuing my education and going to school makes me want to puke at this point in my life.
2. I want to travel somewhere
3. I want to meet new people
4. I need a break from my life
5. I want to have some good old "life experience"

And so Thailand won the battle quite easily- surprise surprise. I will be going with International Language Programs aka ILP. They are an organization based out of Happy Valley and they send volunteers each semester to China, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Lithuania, and Thailand. Volunteers who go to countries other than Thailand are in larger groups due to bigger schools and the program has been there comparably longer than the small school in Thailand. The school there is rather new and I will be part of the 5th group to ever go, so there will be 5 of us going. Our purpose while there is to teach English to Thai children. No, I do not know a lick of Thai. The good news is, the little kiddies aren't allowed to speak it. Yes, I win! The girls and I (whom I have yet to meet, but keep praying they aren't weirdys) will live in an apartment above the school we teach at. We teach for 20 hours a weeks, have weekends off, and some sort of vacation time at one point. Our free time may be spent how we choose, lounging by the pool, in the park, traveling to amazing beaches, parading around on elephants, and having exciting adventures. Sounds excruciating right?

So, I leave in 5 days. 5 days of preparing and packing over and over again. 5 days of anxiety, and trouble sleeping. 5 days of nerves and tummy churning. But mostly, 5 days closer to an adventure that I'm sure will impact my life and maybe someone else's along the way.

P.S: I did not take the above picture. I googled Thailand. I needed something to actually show you what I'm going into. Isn't she a beaut?

XOXO
Gossip Girl..just kidding, but seriously i've been hooked on that show lately

- Hope you find a way to wander,
Kelsey