So this week has been busy, busy. I’ve felt a little overwhelmed at times this week because I couldn’t see myself getting everything done. But I made it to the end of week 5 and I’m ready to rest and prepare for another busy week.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend International Camp + which is a student interaction program sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Korean Youth Work Agency. It pushes korean and international students to work together on a presentation project over a topic. This weekend was the camps overnighter. We had the opportunity to attend the Hyundai Motor Factory and see the biggest car manufacturing plant in South Korea. It was also the largest producing Hyundai plant in the world. We also got to go to Gyeongju, which is a historical area in South Korea where they have traced back origins to the Silla Dynasty. We got to walk amongst the tombs of the noble family of one of the first dynasties in South Korea.

Today we concluded our trip by visiting Bulguksa. It is a Buddhist temple and is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It was incredible to walk around the complex and see services being conducted by Buddhist priests. There were several walkways and areas marked by hanging lanterns as well that had laminated cards attached to them that were peoples prayers that had come to visit the temple. In one area there were rock stacking. My friend and I had discussed what the starlings could have meant, if it was a representation of prayers and blessings or the things in a persons life one my be trying to balance. I like to think it’s both. It was a great weekend and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity I had to meet even more student from around the world and see some South Korea’s most historic sites.

Looking forward into this next week I am a little anxious about what it will hold. I have my first korean language test and it’s taking me a bit longer than one of the students in my class to grasp and I’m worried about falling behind. My studio class has also begun to pick up and we have had a more defined schedule given to us with deadlines that are coming up pretty quickly. It’s challenging having two professors (one speaks English and korean and the other only korean) that it seems like want different things and are giving out different assignments. I really appreciate all the effort those in my studio have made to try and translate for me and help me understand what one professor wants.

I received another package today and for those that asked for my address I’m gonna get it to you ASAP. I’m still working on trying to find the post office around my university and the time to go, so I can start mailing out some postcards! Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, and love. Check out my Facebook post and pictures!