At many a job interview, the question ‘What three words would you use to describe yourself?’ is bound to pop up (as it did in my SAIL interview!). If asked the same question to about my feelings for my upcoming trip to Laos, I would only need one: excitement!

I am excited for so many things I can only begin to list them; making new friends, learning Lao language, partaking in anything and everything I can while I am there. More than anything, I am excited to see what it is like in a new place with a different culture than my own. I am excited to see how far I can push myself out of that small little bubble place we call our comfort zone and see how many risks I will take.

Ironically, the thing that is most likely to pose a significant dilemma during my stay in Laos is the one I least remember: the fact that I know very little Lao language. It was only in early May that I began to realize I will be living two months in a country of which I don’t even speak the language! As the trip gets closer, the language issue has become a larger concern, but I since I can’t learn a language overnight, it is best that I don’t fret about it too much. Actually, knowing many people who have come to the U.S. not knowing any English, I want to see what it is like to be in this position and see how I will get through it. Overcoming this will help me to gain a better understanding the process of adapting to different settings and culture and about myself. I am so thankful to be traveling with the other SAILers, but I hope I have the discipline to speak as much Lao as possible!

I am thrilled to know that in just a few days I will be in Laos. This being my first time out of the country, I can’t wait to see everything! I am just so… EXCITED!