My Korean Apartment!

Hi! Welcome to my Korean apartment! Let's go on a tour!

After you come in the door and pass the kitchen this would be your view of my room! 

Last night I bought the comforter and blanket. I was given the pillow, the full length mirror, and the two dressers you see in this picture! On the left are the doors to my clothes closet. 

On the left are the doors to my clothes closet. The full length micro was already in the room. The dresser has items such as socks and underwear, with some candles on top! 

My clothes closet! I was given a drying rack on the bottom in the left hand corner. This is nice because while we are given a washer, there is no dryer. In the middle is my travel suitcase. On the right I was also given a clothes hamper, so nice! On top my pants and shirts are hanging while my bulky sweaters are on the shelf

My clothes closet! I was given a drying rack on the bottom in the left hand corner. This is nice because while we are given a washer, there is no dryer. In the middle is my travel suitcase. On the right I was also given a clothes hamper, so nice! On top my pants and shirts are hanging while my bulky sweaters are on the shelf

Another view of the closet. You can see the kitchen on the left. 

My bed! With two dressers next to it. The dressers were given to me! As well as the chair you see on the left.

My bed! With two dressers next to it. The dressers were given to me! As well as the chair you see on the left.

The couch was already in the room in addition to the table with a fish tank on the left (should I get a fish?) I clipped some butterflies as decoration on the blinds. The door on the right is a small closet where I keep my luggage bags

The couch was already in the room in addition to the table with a fish tank on the left (should I get a fish?) I clipped some butterflies as decoration on the blinds. The door on the right is a small closet where I keep my luggage bags

Another dresser that was in the room along with a bookshelf which I placed on top to create more floor space. Books, games, office supplies, and memory items from home fill this space.

Another dresser that was in the room along with a bookshelf which I placed on top to create more floor space. Books, games, office supplies, and memory items from home fill this space.

 

The small door opens to this small space where I can just fit my luggage bags.

The small door opens to this small space where I can just fit my luggage bags.

 

Phone and heat controller. My room only gets to 19 degrees Celsius. Brrrr

Phone and heat controller. My room only gets to 19 degrees Celsius. Brrrr

View from the front hallway with my coat/dress/scarf closet door open.

View from the front hallway with my coat/dress/scarf closet door open. 

On the left you can see my closet where I'll keep my coats/dresses/scarves. On the right you can see my refrigerator and freezer.

The refrigerator. 

Refrigerator with some items I bought today: baking soda on the right (was already there), yoplait strawberry yogurt, grapes, orange juice, water, and kimbap (much like sushi)

Refrigerator with some items I bought today: baking soda on the right (was already there), yoplait strawberry yogurt, grapes, orange juice, water, and kimbap (much like sushi)

View of the kitchen and my front door.

View of the kitchen and my front door.

Kitchen. Includes a sink and stove. Beth gave me the microwave which I placed up above ^ The room already had plates, cups, silverware etc.  —

Kitchen. Includes a sink and stove. Beth gave me the microwave which I placed up above ^ The room already had plates, cups, silverware etc.

 — 

Here you can see that I have some plates, bowls, silverware, towels, dish soap, and microwave. Almost all of this was already here!

Here you can see that I have some plates, bowls, silverware, towels, dish soap, and microwave. Almost all of this was already here!

Front closet by the front door has quite a few umbrellas...at least 7! 

A front closet. Umbrellas on the bottom and other random things above. All of this was already here

A front closet. Umbrellas on the bottom and other random things above. All of this was already here

Another front closet, right by the front door. It's my shoe closet!

Another front closet, right by the front door. It's my shoe closet!

 

Shoes! 

View of the bathroom from the kitchen. 

Cabinet in the bathroom (not organized yet)

Shower. The water has great pressure and was warm this morning! I could also move up the shower head to my height!

Shower. The water has great pressure and was warm this morning! I could also move up the shower head to my height!

 

View from the toilet :) You can see the kitchen and oh look, toilet paper!

View from the toilet :) You can see the kitchen and oh look, toilet paper!

 

The blinds. I added some butterflies for decoration :) 

Well that's my room! I'm relaxing on my bed now until Beth gets off work!

Well that's my room! I'm relaxing on my bed now until Beth gets off work!

 

I made it to KOREA!

Finally!!!

I'm here in Incheon, South Korea in my apartment!

I didn't even have time to create a blog post about how I was leaving for Korea because it happened so fast at the end! Since I was told by the Korean consulate that my visa would take 5 days, I wasn't expecting to get my visa until Thursday, meaning I would then fly out Friday morning. Despite what they told me, I still checked my tracking number (or what I thought was my tracking number) on the Fed Ex website a couple times a day, but nothing ever showed up.

Then Wednesday morning I was sleeping and I hear a knock on the door. I had a feeling it had to be Fed Ex! Who else knocks on the door at 9 AM? I had a feeling it had to be my visa and I was right! My mom yells up, "Lauren it's here!" I woke right up, despite the fact that I slept about 4 hours (I stayed up talking to my friend in Korea all night). It was so exciting--I could now book my flight to Korea. I debated back and forth for awhile if I should leave Thursday, a day earlier than planned, or stick with leaving Friday, even though my visa came early.  OH and by the way, what I thought was the Fed Ex tracking number definitely wasn't, so that's why I didn't know my visa was coming!

My thoughts:

Why I would leave Thursday: Get to Korea a day earlier. It would be nicer for my friend to pick me up because she doesn't work Friday. I could work on my room all day Saturday while my friend is at work. I can fly American Airlines and Korean Air, nicer flights that the Friday option. I get to fly out of Dallas instead of Chicago, which probably means better weather. I wouldn't have to wait in the Incheon airport until my friend gets off work, which would happen if I arrived on Saturday.

Why I wouldn't leave Thursday: I still have a lot to do! Lots of packing and cleaning. I told my friends I would be at Access and I'd like to see them again before I leave.

In the end I decided to leave Thursday!! So then I had to rush around more to get ready to leave the next day. I was able to see a few friends before I left: I met a friend for lunch and some friends came over to my house Wednesday night to see me as I was packing, which was so nice! My parents and I went out to dinner at a nice Italian place Mangia on rangeline. I stayed up until 1 AM packing and I was tired, so I went to sleep.

I woke up at 4:30 AM to shower and finished last minute packing. My parents and I left the house for the airport around 5:30 AM. Once we got to the airport I was anxious about the weight of my bags. Your bags can weigh up to 50 lbs. I had tried weighing my bags the night before on a scale. Two of my bags were extremely close to 50 lbs, one most likely being over 50 lbs. I stuffed my bags as much as I could! I packed 3 bags to check and 2 carry on bags. Luckily, when we go to the American Airlines desk no one else was in line! So we got to go right up and weigh my bags. The first bag was exactly 50 lbs, whew! The second bag was 54 lbs, oh no! Mom and I removed items and stuffed them in one of my carry on bags and the other checked bag. We eventually got the weight down to 50 lbs. The third bag was around 40 lbs--it was a cardboard box that we got from UPS--since we stuffed it with more items from the second bag we had to tape it closed! My dad did a thorough taping job. Now all my checked bags were ready!

I got my ticket and we saw that I still had 50 minutes until boarding.  So we went to McDonalds where I was able to eat a nice breakfast before going through security. I got a picture with my mom and dad and then it was time to say goodbye. Tears were in all of our eyes! After we hugged and said goodbye it took a lot of control to keep from bursting out crying as I went through security. I'm going to miss them so much. Thank God for technology to keep us in touch and see each other on Skype!

Going through security wasn't much of an issue, I just had to take off my big boots and take my laptop out. I had to stand in this cylinder thingy with my hands up while I assume it searched me. Then I was able to sit at my gate for about 20 minutes and Skype with my friend in Korea, as well as email my itinerary to her and my parents. Then I boarded the plane for Dallas! I was the last one to get in line and it was probably a good thing because when I was about to board they told me my carry on suitcase was too big! Oh no! I didn't have any room in my backpack so I didn't know what to do. Luckily, she said I could check the bag for free! This actually ended up being really nice because now I only had to worry about carrying around my backpack!

The flight for Dallas left right on time: 7:45 AM. I was sitting in between two people which wasn't bad for a 2 hour flight. I read for awhile until we were served drinks. After I had a drink, I closed my eyes and rested. We landed in Dallas early, I think it was around 9 AM. My next flight left at 10:50 AM from Terminal D. I landed in Terminal C. At first I was totally confused about where to go after I landed. I walked around and realized I was in Terminal C and to get to other Terminals I had to take the SkyLink, an air train. Once on the SkyLink I saw that to get to Terminal D I had to stay in the SkyLink all the way around. But then I noticed that there were two Terminal D exits with different numbers. I had no idea what number I was supposed to go to. I got out on the first Terminal D exit and of course it was the wrong one. I found a map on the wall and found the correct number for Korean Air. I got back on the air train and got off at the next exit. On the map it gave a range of numbers for Korean Air, so I still had to find the one for my flight...and once again I go the wrong way. I go left when I should have gone right :) I'm not finding my flight so I finally go up to another flight desk and ask. As soon as I'm directed to D14 I hear my name over the loud speaker in a Korean accent: "Wright Lauren Michelle please report to D14". I'm on my way! I finally get up to the desk at 9:50 AM and receive my ticket. I have 20 minutes until they begin boarding. I cut it close for sure! But I had time to go to a pretzel stand and get a pepperoni pizza pretzel (my friend told me there is a shortage of pepperoni in Korea!).

At about 10:20 AM I board my flight to Korea. My friend told me that Korean Air is a nice airline and I believed her as soon as I got on the plane. The plane crew were nice and dressed very nicely! The girls wore skirts, heels, teal silk button up tops, with their hair in buns with big ribbons. Their make-up was silver and shiny. They looked great! I was also happy to see that I had an aisle seat. I like having an aisle seat, especially on a flight that is this long, so I can stretch out my legs into the aisle and get up whenever I want without disturbing others. On my seat were a blanket, pillow, slippers, and a water COOL! I sat next to a Korean mother and daughter. They didn't really speak English but were sweet to me throughout the flight...such as consistently helping me get my tray up, haha.

Unfortunately, our flight did not leave on time. I was waiting in my seat as 10:50, our time of take-off, came and went. An announcement came over the speakers...first in Korean and then in English...that we were having technical difficulties and would have to go back to the hanger. The estimated time of maintenance was 40 minutes. The staff came around with drinks and peanuts as this time, which was nice. I was anxious to get going! This was making an already long flight even longer! I was able to text my parents and have them email my friend to let her know I'd be late. We finally left around ONE! Thus, our flight was delayed about 2 hours. I was glad to finally be in the air.

The flight was sooo long! I think the flight went as well as I could have though! Everyone had their own tv screen on the seat in front of them. On the TVs were movies, tv episodes, and music. I was able to stay entertained! I watched 3 movies and listened to a lot of music as I rested. The food was good Korean food. I had Bibimbop the first time and pork the second time. We were given fruit and dessert too! mmm. One snack we received was this incredible warm bun with stuff inside. At one point we were given hot towels, which felt nice to put on my face. I stretched my legs often, I honestly was quite uncomfortable and it was difficult to sleep. The time just seemed to go on forever and I thought are we ever going to get there! But we finally hear the announcement that we would arrive in Incheon in 40 minutes!

Pizza pretzel before I leave Dallas! 

On the SkyLink

View from the SkyLink

View in the SkyLink. Waiting for my Terminal. 

On Korean Air. This is the device on which I watched movies and listened to music.  

I was given a purple blanket, slippers, water bottle that you can see here. 

The remote comes out! 

My heart started beating so fast. I was 40 minutes away from Korea. I would be seeing my friend soon who I haven't seen since May. Just hard to believe it was finally happening. I got my boots back on, which of course I took off, and got everything together. We all got off the plane and went through immigration.  THe airport was nice and quiet. We were the only flight of people around. I got right up to the immigration desk. I gave the woman working my passport and some card that I filled out on the plane. Then I went to baggage. I had four bags to find! I got a cart and waited. Two of my bags were the first to come out! I got up laptop out while waiting for the others, hoping to text my friend that I arrived. I had trouble with the internet though and my other two bags came quickly.

Then I went through customs and gave them another paper that I filled out on the plane. Then I was free! I came out the doors and saw people waiting and there was Beth! Ahhh! So good to see her! We had fun trying to get my luggage around, I did have a lot...I got some currency exchanged and then we had an adventure trying to find the subway. Beth had gotten me a transportation card with some money on it, so I was good to go through to the subway. We had to take plenty of elevators with all my stuff! We got on the subway and had a nice little ride. We got off at one point and took a taxi to our apartments because its cheaper and we can get right to our apartment. Our taxi driver was crazy! He drove fast and ran two red lights. Beth said they aren't usually like that. One interesting thing in the taxi...there was a TV in the front! So the driver can watch TV! How is that allowed? haha.

We got up to my room, I'm on the eighth floor and she is on the ninth. She showed me around my room and explained different things. I have plenty of space! I will be organizing and post some pictures later :)

I needed bedding to sleep last night so first thing we went to get me a comforter and blanket. There is basically a mall right across the street! It's awesome! It's all one store...but I'd call it a mall. Pretty much anything I'll need I can get there. One floor is a grocery store. We went up to the third floor and looked at bedding. I got a comforter and blanket for a good price! We dropped it off at the apartment and then went to get some food! We just walked down our street to find a place. I think the restaurant we ended up going to is called Kimbap Heaven. Kimbap is much like sushi. The restaurant was very narrow and small, I'd say about 8 tables. The menu was all in Korean. I could read Kimbap and that was about it :) Beth ordered for us. She got me some kimbap and dumplings. I couldn't eat it all! Water we went and got ourselves from what looked like a water cooler in the wall. Korean drama was on a TV, which is typical. Then I felt tired, so we went back to the apartment. I set up the bed and then we cuddled and listened to music. Then went to sleep around 12:30.

I woke up at 8AM this morning. I got toast from Beth before she headed off for work. I'm alone for the day while she's at work. I'm going to work on my room and venture out to find food. Should be fun! We are meeting at 7 PM to get dinner and met some of her friends!

So far I haven't had a "culture shock". It really is not much different than a big city in the United States. From what I've seen it is very westernized. The only major difference for me for is words in Korean! I love it so far...I love being in a city and close to everything! I love my room, except it is super cold.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! I am safe and happy!

Sorry no pictures! I haven't unpacked camera yet!

Hiring/Visa Process Timeline

I'm going to start this post with a timeline. I'm one of those people who like to learn things in chronological order. So partially for my own benefit, and also for those who think this way and/or who are interested, this has been my journey so far, in order of course :)

Hiring Process
June 1: My best friend moved and began teaching in South Korea. She tried to get me to come with her. I honestly wasn't ready at the time to go so far out of my comfort zone. I liked being comfortable in Indiana.
October 10: My friend and I stay up late talking about her job in Korea and I become really interested. I think, "I could do this". I was ready to go on an adventure and go out my comfort zone.
October 12: I create my resume and email it to a contact at my friend's school in South Korea.
October 17: I receive a response email from the regional director asking to do a Skype interview.
October 20: Skype interview with the regional director. An easy, initial interview.
October 23: Phone call interview with the head master of the school. Best interview I've ever had.
October 25: I was formally offered a teaching job at the school in South Korea by email.

Visa Process
I knew I got the job from my friend before I was formally offered the job. Thus I started the visa process early, before the official email of acceptance. I knew the FBI background check took the longest so I started with that.

This is how I was told to go about the process:

1. Collect all the documents including

1) Two original copies of the contract with your signature on

2) E-2 Applicant’s Health Statement (This is just a questionaire. An actual physical will be performed after your arrival)

3) A copy of your diploma or graduation certificate or certificate of obtain degree which has a Apostille certificate.

4) 4 passport size photos. (3.5cm * 4.5cm) - Color photograph of face, front view, on white background, taken within the past six months.

5) Copy of your passport  (Include signature page and photo page…2 Whole pages)

6) Criminal record check – Immigration office requires only FBI criminal background check(Nation Wide Version). State Wide or Local background check is not acceptable.(You need to obtain a notarized criminal background check with an Apostille certificate. For more information on this process, please contact your local government officials.)

2. Send those(1~6) to South Korea

3. ICEV will submit all of your documents to the immigration office and get you a VISA ISSUANCE NUMBER.

4. Once you receive the Visa Issuance Number bring the number to the nearest Korean consulate around your area.

 5. You'll be able to receive your visa in about a week.

6. Book your flight for Incheon International Airport as soon as you get your visa.

October 24: I went to the local police station and got my fingerprints taken after work around 7PM. I then got all my documents together for the FBI background check including: fingerprints, applicant form, and 18 dollars by credit card number.
October 25: My mom goes to the post office while I'm at work and sends out all my documents to the FBI.
October 27: My documents arrive at the FBI in West Virginia.

While I wait for the FBI criminal record to come back, I get passport photos taken at FedEX, I print out and sign my contract, I fill out the health form, and copy my passport. I wait and wait for FBI record to come.

December 23: I check my Fed Ex tracking number and finally see that the FBI check is finally on its way to Indiana after 2 months of waiting! Unfortunately, even though my mom and I were home all day, somehow we missed the delivery of the package that afternoon. We found a sticker on our door saying I could pick it up at the post office.
December 24: I go to the post office and pick up my FBI background check and, of course, I have no record! Then I spend the day getting a copy of my degree notarized (which I did at Chase bank) and everything I needed to send the degree and FBI background check to get apostille certificates. I take them to Fed Ex. Unfortunately with the holidays, they won't go out in the mail until Tuesday.
December 27: My notarized degree is sent out to Indianapolis to get an apostille certificate. MY FBI background check is sent to Washington DC to get an apostille certificate.
December 29: I get my degree back with apostille certificate.
January 7: I get my FBI background check back with apostille certificate. I get together all the documents I need to send to Korea to get my visa issuance number: fbi background check with apostille, degree with apostille, signed contracts, health form, copy of passport, and 4 passport photos.
January 9: My dad sends my documents to South Korea via FedEx fast shipping.
January 13: My documents arrive to school in South Korea
January 16: My documents are taken to immigration office in South Korea
January 26 3:30 AM: I receive visa issuance number by email.
January 26 5:30 AM: I leave to go to the Korean consulate office in Chicago. I take the visa application form, 45 dollars in cash, and my passport. I hoped that going to the office in person would get me my visa faster, but alas they told me it would still take 5 days (the same amount of days if I would have sent by mail). They will send me my passport with a visa page on Wednesday at the latest. So I will get my visa on Thursday.
January 27: The day I will fly to Korea! (provided my visa comes on time)
January 28: The day I will arrive in Korea!
February 1: My first day to report to work at the school.


Through the timeline you can see that it takes long time from start to finish, from getting hired to arriving in Korea. It takes a lot of money to pay for the various documents and sending documents via FedEx/mail. It takes a lot of patience to wait for documents to arrive. But I have faith that it is all going to be worth it! It won't be long until I'm actually there! Less than a week!

A quick thank you to all of you who have been supporting me throughout this process. I've had family and friends praying for me since the beginning, since my initial interview. I've talked to family and friends about my frustrations with getting documents and waiting, as well as sharing my feelings of excitement and nervousness. Many people have been there for me and I truly appreciate it. Thank you! How blessed I am to have so many people supporting me. This blog is for you :)

Going Away Party

A couple of weeks ago I decided to have a going away party. My dad had just celebrated his 50th birthday with a party at our house and I thought, "That was fun, I could do something like that." My mom made delicious desserts and food for his party and hey, I'd have a party anytime if that meant my mom would made such wonderful goodies! So I said I wanted to have a going away party, which my parents readily agreed to. I think my dad wanted more desserts :)

At first we were thinking of having similar fare as my dad's party, such as wings and parfaits. But then I thought it would be fun to have people try something new. Thus, we ended up having a Korean themed party with our attempt at making Korean food! My mom and I tried out a Korean restaurant, Cafe Korea (see previous post), and decided on what food to make for the party.

Food:

• We set up a station for people to make what we called a "rice bowl". You grab a bowl, fill it with rice, and then add meat and vegetables. My parents and my brother cooked beef and chicken Korean style. Then we had vegetables we experienced at the Korean restaurant, such as bean sprouts, spinach, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini. 
• Asian salad with ginger dressing.
• Green tea ice cream
• Mango ice cream
• Fruit cups with apple, orange, grape, and melon

Drink:

• Lemonade
• Sodas
• Bubble tea! This was a last minute idea. We were just going to make hot tea. But last week I tried making bubble tea on my own so we had all the ingredients to make bubble tea. We even had a ton of large straws. We thought it would be a fun thing to have, especially for those who have never had it! It was popular at the party! Fun!

Decorations (which were last minute):

• Toothpicks with korean flag at the end. My mom made these as stickers on the computer. 
• Children's library books in Korean. If you didn't know I love going to the library and I love children's books. So I went to the library where there is a whole "World Languages" section with books in different languages. There was an entire shelf of books in Korean. I checked out about 12 books and set them around the living room. 
• Streamers. I put some red, white, and blue streamers around the house. Very sloppily. My talent is not putting up streamers. 
• One table had a red tablecloth and a fun skirt around it. Turns out it was Chinese. I got it at the party store and liked that it had dragons on it. 

Anyway, the day of the party was a little chaotic. We didn't do much getting ready before the day of the party. I'm a procrastinator by nature so this made sense. After church on Sunday we were rushing to get things done. Thankfully we had some help in the form of my siblings and a family friend come around 4. The nice thing about rushing around and getting ready is that I didn't have time to stop and be nervous! I don't like being the center of attention, so usually these type of things would make me really nervous/anxious. At my high school open house I was so nervous I thought I was going to be sick and didn't eat at all. I'm pleased to say though I wasn't nervous during my going away party and I had a wonderful time! I was comfortable, relaxed, and having fun. That just shows you how much I've grown in the past 5 years! 

So yes, I had a wonderful time at my party. It was fun to talk to everyone and have them try the Korean food. People seemed to be enjoying themselves. I really appreciate all of you who could make it. I felt very loved and supported. I could not have imagined the night going any better than it did. 

The best part of the party was the when my family and friends laid hands on me and prayed for me. How amazingly awesome! I was surprised that almost every single person came down to the basement to pray for me. So many people! All for me! Everyone was standing in a circle and then someone brought over a bar stool for me to sit on. I'm not used to such attention, but it was very special. I will cherish that moment forever. Everyone came in close and put hands on me. I even had a friend hold my hand which was nice. Someone started the prayer and then others chimed in as they wanted, with my dad finishing up the prayer. The tears started forming in my eyes as everyone surrounded me. I'm starting to tear up as I think about it. People prayed some very kind words, words of encouragement, affirmation, and love. For safety, for community. God has blessed me so much with my community of friends and family. Thank you so much for your prayers. So yes, best part of the night and one of the coolest moments of my life! I had some friends crying more than I was! 

Then came some presents. So thoughtful and sweet! I have great friends. I will miss you all so much! We took some pictures together which I will cherish. I will post some for you to see :) 

One funny thing that happened after the party...all the food was gone! That doesn't usually happen, we usually have lots of leftovers after parties. I was actually counting on eating leftovers after the party ended, so I didn't eat much during the party. Anyway, I was hungry! So my brother and I went to Kroger and got a frozen pizza! It was great :) 

Again, thanks to you who could make it to the party! I had a great time and will cherish the night in my heart. I love you all! 

My wonderful small group who all were at the party! They made me a nice memory book to take with me to Korea :)

Me with the small group boys! 

The My <3 is in Indiana poster that people signed, along with my business card that has my blog, email, Skype name, and address on it. 

Yummy dessert table with mango ice cream, green tea ice cream,  Korean crackers, fruit cups, and sweet buns. 

Small group girls making happy llamas and sad llamas. Inside joke :)

My beautiful small group girl friends! 

Sad faces! :(