My High School And Other Things

Hi!

I visited my high school today! It takes about an hour by subway to get there. If you don't know, I'm going to Busan Jungang Girl's High School. I met the principal, vice principal, and my classmates. When I introduced myself, everyone clapped and giggled. When I said I was from America, they all went "Oooooh." It was very different. I start school on September 2nd, while everyone else started today. I won't start until next month, because I don't have a uniform or backpack.

I was very sad to find out that there is only one music class at my high school and it's for first grade (I'm in second). As most of you all know, music is the biggest influence in my life. Hopefully, I will find a band to play trumpet in. If not, I was told that I could be found a place to practice trumpet. It was honestly very upsetting news, because band would have made making friends easier.

I have to do a 30 minute presentation about myself, Independence, Oregon, and the USA for each of the 12 classes at my high school. I am very excited because I get to do the presentation in English!

It is very hot in S. Korea. It is about 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit). I am NOT used to the heat and sweating so much; it's very gross. But it is beautiful and I love it here.

I love and miss you all!

Madison

Guess Where I Am...

Hi everyone!

Right now it's about 11:30 am on August 16th. I'm sitting in my room in Haeundae. I'm in South Korea guys. For real. Last night I think I went to bed early, since my host family was still awake and spending time together. The only reason I went to bed was because it was 1 am and I had been awake for about 24 hours straight.

My family is very, very nice. I've been in their home for less than 12 hours and I already feel like I'm part of the family. My host dad is very kind and speaks English pretty well. He told me that if I need anything, I ask him or mom and that I am his daughter. I feel very loved and very safe. And last night when my Appa (dad) picked me up at the airport, he gave me three roses. I'm very glad that they're my family.

I have pictures of the inside of my house (I can't leave because I don't remember the code to get back in the apartment.) and I wanted to share them with you all. I'm on the 12th floor and I can see the ocean from my bedroom window.My home is very comfortable and, just like the rest of Busan, is very beautiful.

Thank you all for helping me get here! I couldn't have done it without your help and support.

Love,

Madison

One Day

Hi all,

Last night I stayed up until 3 am packing. I'm not really sure why I did; I mean I could have just packed the rest of my things today, right? It's really weird knowing that by tomorrow I'll be half way across the world. It's kind of scary.

But I know I'll be fine and all of this hard work will be worth it. I'm both excited and terrified about leaving, but I guess that's normal.

Next time I update my blog, I'll be in South Korea. See you then.

Madison

4 Days and Saying My Goodbyes

Hi Guys,

I leave for S. Korea in four days. How insane is that? 10 months ago I found out I was going on exchange, and now I leave in four days. Crazy how time flies.


Yesterday was my Send-Off Party. I can honestly say that I've never been more emotionally exhausted than I was last night. It was a lot of fun and great to see everyone one last time before I leave. But knowing that I won't get to see everyone for almost a year was really sad. But a good kind of sad. I can't explain it, but it was really fun and happy and sad.

Well, that's it for now! More updates to come.

Madison

7 Days and A Very Important Request

Hello everyone,

I have a week left until my exchange begins! I am more than excited than I can express!

Also, I am in desperate need of work or donations. Things have turned out to be a little more expensive than originally thought, and I am reaching out to all of you. I would be more than grateful to have an extra job to work to earn my funds, or a simple donation.

If you can help me, please contact me. My e-mail address is madisonmccammon@hotmail.com. Or message me on Facebook.

Thank you all for everything you have already done!

Madison

Eight Days!

Hi everyone!

I leave for South Korea in 8 days! I will be leaving from the PDX airport at 11:30 am on August 14th. That's next Wednesday! I cannot believe that this is actually happening!

For everyone who has donated their time, money, and/or energy to help me get to S. Korea, I am eternally grateful. Without all of your support and kindness, this far-off dream probably never would have become a reality.

Thank you all so much! Updates soon to follow.

Madison

Possible Leaving Date

Hi guys!

So I finally have an idea of when I'll leave for Korea! I'm probably going to leave on 24th of August. I'm so very excited! I'll keep you all updated as more information comes my way.

Lots of love,
Madison