The experience of moving to Korea has really unlocked a wonderful journey. I am very grateful to be one of the very few kids to be able to experience something as amazing as moving to a completely different country. I moved here 5 years ago. At first I was confused and overwhelmed but I was also really excited to be somewhere people put on their bucket list. I hated having to leave my old school, as it meant I was leaving all of my friends behind. I also did not want to leave because I was worried I would not be able to stay in contact with my family as much as I used to. It does take courage to just pick up and move, leaving everything behind but it did make me realize that the people I left, even friends from way back, cared about me. I remember first coming to Korea missing my old friends, and one day I went to check the mail with my mom and I had an envelope with a letter from each and every single one of my old classmates, even my teacher. I really appreciated how much they showed they cared by asking me questions on how life was in Korea. It made me feel better knowing that if I can make friends that care about me so much back then I can do it anywhere. Even though it was not much, it was very thoughtful and I loved it. And as for my family they face-timed me every weekend and still do. I just started this new church about a couple of weeks ago, where the people there have been so very nice and we always get about an extra hour of bible study. Even though this church does not go by some of my family’s traditions it still took courage to go out and explore. The church invites us for lunch and even has its own translators so we can understand the sermon and follow along with the songs and prayers.

On the flip side I loved being able to try new food. When I first moved here I was not very convinced that their food was any good until I had some and now my favorite is bibimbap and McDonald’s here is ten times better. There is this one restaurant that my family loves called “SnowPea” which was originally opened in Austin, Texas,but soon they came over to Korea.It is run by a husband and wife and their sushi is amazing as well as all of their sides. There is this one specific food that I remember not wanting to try called kimchi, but after I did it became a must at beef and leaf nights at my house. This is only a couple of ways I have experienced courage. Having lived in Korea for such a long time has made me come to my senses about a lot of things, especially to not be afraid to try new things and get outside my comfort zone. I have loved living here for as long as I have but I am ready to go back to the US for my next journey.