In a few weeks, I will be leaving for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to work with the grassroots organization eHomemakers. As with all long plane trips, I am excited. Studying development issues at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, this trip will provide a fantastic opportunity to apply what I have learned, while learning about an entirely new culture.

I feel like there is still so much to do before I leave. In addition to buying the requisite bug spray and appropriate clothing, I have made pathetic headway in achieving my goal of mastering basic Malay before I arrive.

So far, I know itu and ini , the equivalent of this/these and that/those. So, I guess I can point to things, but I should probably at least learn the words “how much” or “I would like”…I’m sure I’ll have plenty of time to study my book on the plane.

I’m really interested in learning as much as I can about the people of Malaysia and the mix of cultures that makes the country so rich.