Waiting and Packing in Lake Forest

I only have 3 days now until I leave for South Korea. Stressed out? Not at all. I should be running around like a chicken with its head cut off but for some reason I am completely calm. I think it is because I have been mentally preparing for this trip the entire summer and because I could not be happier and more excited to start this amazing experience.

I have been talking to a couple friends of friends who are in South Korea right now pretty much doing the same thing I am about to head there to do, teach ESL to Korean children. They gave me some advice on what to bring and expect but the most reassuring thing was that all of them said they have been having the time of their life. I can't wait to join them.

Packing for a year is fairly daunting, especially when you know that you will not be able to purchase a single pair of shoes or pants for the entire year. (Since I am 5'10 there are no shoes or pants in Korea that will fit me, so I have to bring enough to last me the entire time I am there!) I am starting to get everything put together and figuring out how my life is going to fit into two 50 pound suitcases. (Pictures of packing to come!)

I recently purchased my first SLR digital camera (Canon Rebel T1i). I have been waiting to get a new camera for a long time now and this trip was my perfect opportunity. Photography has been a passion of my since high school; however, I have not had the time to fully pursue it. I am looking forward to my time in Korea to explore my new camera and what Asia has to offer as my new muse.

I will leave you with a couple of my first photos on my new camera. Playing around our house and garden in Lake Forest with Katie (my youngest sister) and Chappy (our family dog).