Katie here...

This time next week, we will be en route to Malaysia. I can’t believe how fast this trip it coming up! I had a shopping spree at Target yesterday and now I’m stocked on wet wipes, face wipes, hand sanitizer, and a bunch of other small travel goodies. I’m getting really excited, but of course, also a little bit nervous.

What is it that I’m nervous about? There are a few things- having a bad reaction to food, getting one of my signature anxiety attacks where I cramp up and have to go to the bathroom right away (tmi, I know…) but it all boils down to this:

The squatty potty. I’m so nervous about this. I have a particularly difficult time balancing in the squat position. I have a short Achilles tendon in both feet. It used to be so bad when I was a kid that it hurt to have my feet flat even when standing up. Months of physical therapy got me properly able to walk “heel-toe”, but I cannot squat without balancing on my toes. My fear: losing balance in the middle of my business. ::Shudder:: So you can keep that in your prayers if you are so inclined, “Dear Lord, please help Katie to be able to balance in the squatty potty.”

Moving on… Most of the team is continuing on to Thailand after spending time in Vietnam. Hieu and I, however, decided we want to spend a little more time in Vietnam, so we get a whole week to ourselves to do a little bit of exploration. Hieu asked me last night if there is anything I want to make sure I see or experience or eat. I thought to myself, and surprised him with my answer. I’d like to try…. dog.

(I was going to put up a picture, but I thought I’d spare the faint of heart…)

A whole new meaning to “hot dog.” When I was young, my parents taught me that I can’t say something is gross unless I’ve tried it. So now I’m on a prideful quest to be able to say “Oh, I’ve tried that.” A few years ago I started small; pigs feet, tripe, tongue, squid… After marrying Hieu I stepped up my game- balut (yum!), pigs blood, thousand year old egg (yum!), durian… I’ve also eaten chocolate covered crickets and spicy flavored meal worms. Few things have actually been gag-worthy. But there is still so much out there left to try. Most people shudder at the thought of eating dog. Mentally, it is sad to me, but I have to separate my mind from my taste-buds. So if I get a chance, I’ll let you know how that goes.

One more week! Thanks for following and keeping us in your prayers!