Sorry I've Been MIA!

Hey everyone!

Wow, has it really been two weeks since my last post? I'm so sorry! Time really does fly when you're having fun. Let's see if I can remember everything that's happened in the past couple weeks.

Chosuk, which is the Korean Thanksgiving, was wonderful. My host family took me up to my Dad's Mom's house, which was really nice. My host Grandmother and host Aunt are very, very kind. They kept trying to give me food, even if I said I was full. Seeing them really made me feel like family.

The next day we spent 7 hours driving home; it usually only takes 3. Traffic was definitely horrible. The day after that, my host Mom took me to a public bath house. It was very different. I was really hesitant to go at first, but I'm really glad I did. I really think that it's something everyone should experience at least once. The next day, my host Dad took me and my friend, Nick, up to a temple.

I really love going to temples. I may not be a religious person, but I feel very in-tune with all that is going on around me when I'm at a temple. It really gives me a nice perspective of "there's always a different way of life than your own."

Last week all of the Inbounds started Taekwondo classes. And oh my, that is some really difficult stuff. I'm really glad I only have it 2 days a week, otherwise I think I'd be dead. School is really nice, as are all of the people there. Language school is tough for me, but I'm learning and getting better.

Well, that's all for right now. I'll be sure to post more frequently from now on! Love you all!

Madison

1 Month

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, things got busy. As of today, I have been in South Korea for one month. It simultaneously feels like I've been here for much longer and so much less. It's funny how time works.

I started my Korean language classes last Monday. It's really hard and it makes me feel kind of stupid, but I know that by the end of my exchange I'll be fluent. I haven't started my Taekwondo classes yet, kind of dissapointed by that. But we start next week on the 24th.

My host family is so amazing. From what my host sister has told me, they have no complaints about me. They bought an oven and a toaster just so I can cook American food. They're really nice to me and are really flexible with my schedule.

Now for some America-related news! After much contemplation, I have decided that graduating this year with the class of 2014 is what's best for me. I had been getting very homesick a lot and I now know that it was because I knew I may never see my friends again. So, my Mom and the wonderful staff at Central High School worked to re-enroll me as a student. I am now taking three online classes so that I can graduate.

Everything is going really well and I'm really happy. I hope all is well in your lives!

Lots of love,

Madison

An Update

Hi everyone.

Sorry it's been a few days since my last post, the last couple days have been kind of rough. I had a pretty crummy first day of school, a decent day yesterday, and today was really hard.

I know that I shouldn't pay attention to it, but the fact that all of the people I know and love are back in school without me is rather heartbreaking. Almost all of my friends graduate this year without me. I didn't know that I would find it that hard. Plus, I woke up at six and got really excited to go to jazz band. My heart sunk at the true realization that I have to live without my other family for a year.

And to make things worse, I still haven't gotten my trumpet yet. Turns out customs needs 2 papers that I have to rely on someone else getting for me before they will mail me my trumpet. Oh, and did I mention that customs can keep my trumpet for up to 45 days? Lovely.

I hope all of you are well! And don't worry about me, just a tiny rough patch.

Love,

Madison

School

Hi all!

Well, tomorrow is my first day of school. As always, I have the first day of school jitters, meaning I won't be able to sleep very well tonight. But that's okay, it's always been that way for me.

I have to start my presentations tomorrow, which I'm not as excited for. I don't usually get nervous about presenting things, but this time it's different. It's in front of people who will be judging me the second I walk through the doors, deciding if I'm good enough to converse with. At least I get to presnt in English.

That's all for now, updates to come soon!

Madison