First Thoughts from Thailand

Hello friends and family!
After months of eager anticipation, I am finally in Chiang Mai! I arrived the 18th just after midnight and, thanks to the chaotic sleep schedule my body expects from me, I am adjusting ok to switching night and day (Chiang Mai is 12 hours ahead of VA).
I am continuing to be amazed and so thankful for the contacts I have in the city. The Laymans, a family whose father grew up in my home church, live here as missionaries and were so gracious to pick me up from the airport and agree to let me stay with them after my first WFR (Wilderness First Responder) course is done. As I picked up my huge "bodybag" and staggered through customs after more than 20 hours in the air, I was so glad to see friendly faces instead of trying to find a taxi and navigate a new city after 1 AM. It was wonderful to meet their family and attending an international church with them in the morning. They have a 20 year old daughter, Sarah, and we are planning to explore the city together some in the time before my semester classes start Feb 6. I am planning to go with her to the children's home where she works, and I am excited to learn more about Dennis' ministry to Burmese refugees living in the Thai camps. After meeting so many people in Buffalo and hearing their stories this past spring and summer, I want to better understand what life is like for refugees before coming to the US or other countries where they are relocated.
When I first stepped off the plane, Dennis introduced me to a man who I think was the Thailand director for SIL (I can't remember details too well....). His boss flew in from PA on the same plane as me! He goes to the same church as the Laymans ad was encouraging me to intern with SIL in survey work or literacy. That was good to hear because I have not finalized anything for my internship with them, and I am trying to meet with some people in a little over a week to find out more. The internship would not take place until after mid June, so there is time to work out the details (or the whole thing....!). I have also been able to contact a girl who went to school with my brother at Messiah and is now working with SIL here. And, very wonderfully, the Gallmans (my academic advisor and his wife, who have both been my professors) are in Chiang Mai teachig for a few months and we are planning to get together. So it is wonderful to come halfway around the world and not feel completely alone!
So as I am writing to the sounds of motorcycles zipping through the streets and birds waking up, I feel gratitude and so much expectation for the coming 6 months. Tomorrow I will start the WFR course, but today is open and free. Plans include eating the amazing food at the guesthouse (yesterday I had the coconut/lime chicken and mushroom soup just for you, Dad! Only this version had tiny red and green peppers stewing at the bottom, so the fire just grows with time:), buying a map, and exploring the city. I also want to find a place to watch the inauguration, which will be 12 hours ahead of DC.
Ok, thanks to all of you who are reading this wherever you are and for those who have agreed to pray with me during this time. I appreciate it more than I can say, and I would love to hear how you are doing as well whenever you e-mail or write. Goodbye for now-
Melissa