"And remember, no matter where you go, there you are." -Confucius

Let the games begin. Looks like the gods are already testing me- what was supposed to be an "easy" ride from NYC to Tokyo to Bangkok has now turned into NYC - El Lay - Honolulu - Tokyo - Bangkok. Oh yeah and the airlines lost my bag - it's either on its way to Bangkok or NYC has it now. Other than the minor flight slipups, I am ready: epi-pens abound, copious amounts of linen and every season of Arrested Development. And I suppose getting stuck in Cali ((Cali)) or Hawaii could be worse...

The 24 hour nerves have subsided and it's time to start this adventure. I can't wait to see the kids at the Mercy Centre and to celebrate my "brother's" birthday in Bangkok. ((My parent's sponsor a boy at the Mercy Centre and he is turning 12 just a few days before my 26th.)) Bring on the monsoons, the heat, the stomach bugs and the learning. Like Allie continued to remind me on my last night home, "This trip's a game changer."

If you want a better idea of what I'm up to you can check out the Mercy Centre HDF on facebook, or their website www.mercycentre.org or if you're really committed, pick up "The Gospel of Father Joe: Revolutions and Revelations in the Slums of Bangkok" by Greg Barrett. I promise, this book will not disappoint. Every page lights the fire and reminds me why I am doing what I'm doing.

More to come. I promise this time I will keep up the blog. Buckle your seat belts kids.

((click on all pictures to enlarge))

"Surprise" going away dinner.
Dad, owner of Bella Verona, myself, Jen, Allie and Blake.

Trying to get some zzzzzzz's in El Lay.