Hello Pohang :) Let's be friends

Still back blogging written August 10th - apologize for confusing tenses throughout -

My 1st night in SOUTH KOREA (still seems weird to say!)

I landed in Busan around 9:00pm Monday evening. Brent and Rim were there to pick me up! We had about an hour and a half drive from Busan to Pohang, then went shopping for a few things for my apartment - sheets, utensils, etc. I was pretty amazed we went to HOME PLUS - a store a lot like Wal-Mart. Seeing a store like this was my first indicator I'd overpacked. Rim had her parents help me carry my things up – I def got the feeling that I packed way way way too much when I saw both Rim and her mom struggling to carry my HUGE suitcase up the stairs. (2nd indication of overpacking :) I'd say the most surprising thing is that the shower doesn’t have a booth – which at first made my stomach drop imagining having to practically sponge myself over the sink to get clean, but turns out my floor drains. I just took my first shower here - water spread everywhere but it’s okay, because it drains. I was worried at first, but now realize how awesome it is to have a big open shower!

I met Rim's dog tonight. It's a 4 month old poodle named Yoda (Korean means Sunshine)the dog is really cute, but not as cute as Sadie…...is it pathetic that I miss Sadie like crazy? I wonder if she’ll even remember me after a year. :( Anyway, I know she’s in a good place, and so am I. I’m tired and hopefully just being emotional right now – everything will be fine I’m sure. I get to visit the kiddos tomorrow as a meet and greet – Rim says there are 5 teachers and a little less than 100 students.

Tuesday Morning August 10 8am Korea time (6 pmCST)
I woke up at 6 this morning. Slept well, but it was shorter than I expected to sleep. It’s a little overcast and has been raining off and on. I took the morning to go ahead and get unpacked and organized. Having my bags everywhere was a little stressful. I feel a little better now that I’m unpacked.

I have this uneasy feeling, and I’m not sure why. I knew things would be different, and granted I’ve only been here a little less than 12 hours, I’m just really scared I think of being away for a year. I need to stop thinking about that and take it day by day. I'm a little nervous about meeting the kids today I hope they like me and I really hope I’m able to be a good teacher.

I think I’m going to try to nap for a little bit – haha there’s not really much else to do – Rim (my director) is picking me up at 2:15pm. I’ll start getting ready at noon hah so I’m not a sweaty mess when she gets here. I wouldn’t mind going outside for a bit, but I’m worried I won’t be able to get back in – which would be not good.

Slowly settling in,
Emily