[2024-11] Juhye (18)

When I first arrived in Canada, I felt something was definitely wrong. The intense, snowy wind hitting my face as I stepped out of the airport completely threw me off. But it wasn’t just the cold weather that was making things hard for me. During the ride home, the difficult-to-understand English sentences coming from the eldest child sitting next to me made my mind spin even more.

The first month in Canada was tough. Unfamiliar food, new people, new environment, and a language I didn’t understand constantly tested me. The food didn’t suit my taste, the language felt awkward, and the house was noisy. Back in Korea, it was quiet once my younger brother went to daycare, but in Canada, such peace seemed impossible to find. Unlike the quietness in Korea where my younger brother would play quietly alone, assembling robots, it was always lively in Canada. The constant noise kept my ears busy.

However, after a month, I found myself adapting. I played with the kids, studied with them, and spent joyful moments together. The 1:1 tutoring session with Erika, in particular, was a great help. She taught me English diligently, having a one-hour conversation every day, and if we missed a session, she made sure to catch up on the weekend.

Of course, there were tough moments. The retainer kept falling off and poking my mouth, causing mouth ulcers. But thanks to Coordinator Hyunsu, I was able to get quick dental treatment. Due to cultural differences, both big and small incidents occurred during the homestay, but now, they’ve all become meaningful memories. Most importantly, my hesitation with English disappeared, and it naturally began to come up in my daily life.

I sincerely thank Coordinator Hyunu and Praise, who visited every two weeks to share Korean food and snacks. I also deeply appreciate my parents, who supported me financially, spiritually, and emotionally so that I could come to Canada. Finally, I am grateful to everyone who prayed for my safe return. With that, I’ll end this review.

February 21, 2025

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