Wait, you're going where?! WTF?!

So, Paige and I are going to Thailand to volunteer at an orphanage in Pattaya known as the Father Ray Foundation (http://www.fr-ray.org/).  

How the hell did you come up with that?

Well, one of my residents in the dorm I was an RA at informed me that he was from Hong Kong and we struck up many conversations about how I would love it if I went to Hong Kong in the summer.  With Hong Kong having one of the highest costs of living in the world, I knew I couldn't afford to live there for a summer unless I found an internship.  Unfortunately, I started the internship search too late and I was unsuccessful in finding something.

Not having any luck with finding summer work opportunities in the states either, I looked at volunteer opportunities to bolster the resume, earn desperately needed brownie points for getting into heaven, and promote the common good.  I was thinking of going to India and teaching basic finance, but that was a huge stretch.  I told my resident this, and he told me I should consider Thailand.  Then he told me about this organization that he and his family supported and how they want volunteers.  I did some research, saw that room and board were free at the orphanage, looked at the price of plane tickets, and was almost set until I realized I didn't want to go by myself.  Well my resident asked me if I knew anyone who would be willing to go with me, which was when I asked myself "Who in the hell would have the mind to go on such a random trip?"  At that exact moment I pulled out my phone and texted Paige and the rest is history...

So how long will you be gone for/what are you doing?

We'll leave San Francisco May 19th at 1:30 p.m. and arrive in Thailand May 20th at 11:40 p.m. and we will be staying at the orphanage until June 17th or so, and then head up to Bangkok for one or two days before flying home late June 18th.  As for what we'll be doing, that is not completely for sure.  What we do know is that we will be working with blind and/or disabled children.

What did your parents say when you told them you were going to Thailand?

My mom: "I don't know about this.  We'll talk about it."

My dad: "Thailand?!  Okay, but don't be stupid.  I'm serious Anil, don't be stupid."

So, are you ready for the adventure?

For the 17-hour flight?  No.  For the chance to make a difference in the world?  Yes.

-A.T.L.