Getting Going

I have never done this before; any of this. I am hoping my body will join them in this special venture while I search for a font and for pretty much everything else I will need as well. My family is apprehensive. I am apprehensive, too, but mostly excited. I feel called to this journey and I am not one to use poor language. Any tips? Is 99% DEET really more effective than 34%? Do the mosquitoes know the difference? Will all the preventive stuff I'm supposed to wear and take weigh me down? I want to travel light. Is this possible? Wise? Where do I find potable water? How does one survive a seventeen hour flight? Speaking Lao would be so wonderful, but if I wait to learn I'll probably never get there. I have a feeling the Laotians will be helpful--with everything. Good thoughts and determined work will have to be sufficient for the rest.