…fellow SAILers! I can’t believe that today is our last day together in the country of Laos. Each of you has contributed so much to my fabulous experience through the SAIL program.  So used to seeing you every day, I am not sure what I am going to do without you! I will be staying in Laos for three more weeks, and I am very sad that I will not have you around!

I am very excited to stay in Laos longer than originally intended. Although I am looking forward to returning to the United States, I am not ready to leave yet! There is still a lot for me to learn, see and experience here!

One significant factor that went into my decision to stay in Laos longer was because I want to study Lao language as much as I can before I go back to the U.S. There are very limited opportunities to study Lao language in the U.S, not to mention it is hard to fit anything in on top of being a full-time student with a part time job! By staying in Laos an extra couple of weeks before school starts, I hope to get a better grasp of the language so that I can study on my own when I return to the States!

Another great thing about staying in Laos is that I will have time to explore the country a little more. Next week I am very excited to travel to Xieng Khouang with Samantha! Seeing the Plain of Jars is something I have wanted to do for a while, and I am very excited to go! I also plan to stay outside of downtown Vientiane.

The most significant factor that contributed to my decision to stay in Laos, however, was to have new experiences. Since all the other SAILers will be leaving tomorrow (except Samantha, who will stay another week), I will be here- alone! This will be very interesting because it will really force me to depend on my own Lao language skills to get around! I will also be staying part of the time at a house with a family, which will be a great Lao immersion experience. This will really help me learn the language even faster!

I just want to thank you SAILers again for the wonderful experience! I am going to have to keep myself very busy for the next three weeks so I don’t get too lonely when I think about you! Good luck, keep in touch, and practice your Lao!