Hayley- Arrival in Japan

Arrival in Japan

I often read in books about people waking up and suddenly remembering that they're in a new place. I was always rather skeptical of such an experience . . . until today. This morning I woke up and lay in bed. Without opening my eyes, I knew where I was (in my room in Wisconsin) and just what I would see when I opened my eyes. Just as quickly as the thought came, it left as I realized, "I'm in Japan!!!"

I arrived yesterday and am now settling into life with my host family. I just returned from biking to the park with my host mom. It was about a 10 minute bike ride and very fun. The weather here is chilly (my hands are still warming up, should have worn gloves!), but it is much, much warmer than Wisconsin. While the trees are bare, some of the hedges are flowering, and I even noticed some pansies in a window box.

This afternoon my family is having a welcome party for me, and I will be able to meet members of their Hippo Family Club. I'll be sure to take pictures. Now I'm off to study some Japanese and spend time getting to know my host family.

Hello!

Hello! My name is Hayley Schoeppler, and I am a 19-year-old home schooled graduate from Wisconsin. For the past 8 years I have been an active member of 4-H, and it was through 4-H that I became aware of LEX. My family has enjoyed hosting one LEX delegate from Japan and two junior chaperones from Korea as well as two other youth from Japan and an exchange student from Norway. My experience has not been limited to hosting though. After spending a wonderful 2 1/2 months as a LEX intern in Korea last summer, I am very excited about my upcoming internship in Japan.

I love traveling, and I look forward to learning more about Japanese culture. I am also excited about learning Japanese, not to mention lots of other languages through LEX/ Hippo Family Clubs. When I am in Japan, I hope to share American culture with lots of new friends by sharing photos, American food (I love cooking!), and even some American folk music. There will be so much to learn and so much to share!

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Hayley- Looking back

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