Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Australia to America..
Here is just a little update of the past few weeks, I did have some trouble and confusion on getting back home but all turned out fine and I made it home safe and sound. It was the 2nd of July and my flight from Dubbo to Sydney was scheduled for 6am, so that meant a very early start for us if we had to drive to Dubbo from Gilgandra. The goodbyes were hard, saying goodbye to Stevie probably hurt the most. But anyways there was lots of tears. I was nervous and didn't want to leave. But anyways we got to the airport and some trouble happened. We were about to check in and then the said my name wasnt in the computer and that my flight wasnt scheduled for that day. So I rang home to America and talked to my mom to see what we could do half a world away and there wasnt much, so I was pretty stressed, but also there was a plus to that! I got an extra week in Australia!
We then went back home and to bed, had to explain to many people what happened and why I wasnt back in America already and we were just waiting and waiting for my travel agent to get everything re sorted out. She finally did and confirmed that my flight is on for July 8th, sooo I had 6 more days in my most favourite place on earth! In those 6 days I got to hang out with some friends, I went roo shooting and shot one, went yabbying, and rested up.
My last few weeks in Australia had been filled with farewells and farewell parties. My friends in the bay threw me a huge one and it was such a fun night! Was all a surprise too so that was a blast! My friends in Gil threw me a lil bonfire party after we went to Chinese, it was supposed to be a surprise but that kind of got ruined and I figured it out, haha. Ohh well it was alot of fun still. :)
July 8th, I got on that plane, and was on my way, I had 9,000 miles ahead of me to travel. The goodbyes were hard, once again. The bad thing about living in two completely different places for the year was that I had double the goodbyes which made it really hard on me, alot of tears were shed. Its difficult saying goodbye to people you may never see again.
The flight was so long. I had long layovers and I was just exhausted when I got to my last stop. I went from Dubbo, to Sydney, Sydney to LA, LA to Mineapolis, Mineapolis to Bemidji all by myself, sometimes when I had to get my bags checked into the next check in it took quite some muscle to pile up all my luggage and haul it around but I did manage. My Sydney LA flight was the longest, I tried sleeping but I didnt get to sleep that much, when I did I woke up and I was all confused thinking I was still in Australia while I was in the middle of the pacific ocean! I got to Bemidji Minnesota at 11pm, when I walked off that plane I had so many feelings going through me, I couldnt believe it was finally over. I was finally done being an exchange student, I was in shock by how fast it had happened. I was nervous, nervous to see my family I hadnt seen for a year.But also excited! Once I walked through the door and could see my family through the window I ran to them and my mom had tears in her eyes and so did my sister, I had quite a few family members there to see me. I was happy to be home but also still in shock, I just kept reminding myself that I wasn't even in Australia anymore and that I was back! Still in disbelief, but yup, I made it home. My 2nd day back I invited some friends over and we had a fun day on the lake, got the jetskii out and went tubing and swimming and the lake was so warm. It was really nice catching up with them.
I did come home with an aussie accent, everyone likes it but also thinks its weird haha. I go to australia and get ripped on for my accent, I come home and sitll get ripped on cause of my accent, just cant win! Im excited to start softball up again, and I got a waitressing job to keep me busy this summer. Still nearly 2months left of summer holiday then I will start up grade 11 at Park Rapids HS. Its nice to come back to some hot weather though, I was getting sick of the Aussie cold winter.
But I really do miss Australia, I think about it every day, I think about my friends, family, school, beaches, just plain Australia is what I miss. I'm a a bit homesick. But, hopefully it will pass soon. I skype my friends from there often, and keep in touch. Soon this week or next I will be giving my presentation to my Rotary presentation. Everyone here is glad to have me back, everyone was very welcoming so that helps. In a few weekends I will have a welcome home party for family, and I will have one for friends. So that will be good. Well thats about all I have to say, trying to adjust to life here, thnking about Australia every day. Miss you Aussies! Hope all is well with everyone. Take care!
-Bailee Jo xx
We then went back home and to bed, had to explain to many people what happened and why I wasnt back in America already and we were just waiting and waiting for my travel agent to get everything re sorted out. She finally did and confirmed that my flight is on for July 8th, sooo I had 6 more days in my most favourite place on earth! In those 6 days I got to hang out with some friends, I went roo shooting and shot one, went yabbying, and rested up.
My last few weeks in Australia had been filled with farewells and farewell parties. My friends in the bay threw me a huge one and it was such a fun night! Was all a surprise too so that was a blast! My friends in Gil threw me a lil bonfire party after we went to Chinese, it was supposed to be a surprise but that kind of got ruined and I figured it out, haha. Ohh well it was alot of fun still. :)
July 8th, I got on that plane, and was on my way, I had 9,000 miles ahead of me to travel. The goodbyes were hard, once again. The bad thing about living in two completely different places for the year was that I had double the goodbyes which made it really hard on me, alot of tears were shed. Its difficult saying goodbye to people you may never see again.
The flight was so long. I had long layovers and I was just exhausted when I got to my last stop. I went from Dubbo, to Sydney, Sydney to LA, LA to Mineapolis, Mineapolis to Bemidji all by myself, sometimes when I had to get my bags checked into the next check in it took quite some muscle to pile up all my luggage and haul it around but I did manage. My Sydney LA flight was the longest, I tried sleeping but I didnt get to sleep that much, when I did I woke up and I was all confused thinking I was still in Australia while I was in the middle of the pacific ocean! I got to Bemidji Minnesota at 11pm, when I walked off that plane I had so many feelings going through me, I couldnt believe it was finally over. I was finally done being an exchange student, I was in shock by how fast it had happened. I was nervous, nervous to see my family I hadnt seen for a year.But also excited! Once I walked through the door and could see my family through the window I ran to them and my mom had tears in her eyes and so did my sister, I had quite a few family members there to see me. I was happy to be home but also still in shock, I just kept reminding myself that I wasn't even in Australia anymore and that I was back! Still in disbelief, but yup, I made it home. My 2nd day back I invited some friends over and we had a fun day on the lake, got the jetskii out and went tubing and swimming and the lake was so warm. It was really nice catching up with them.
I did come home with an aussie accent, everyone likes it but also thinks its weird haha. I go to australia and get ripped on for my accent, I come home and sitll get ripped on cause of my accent, just cant win! Im excited to start softball up again, and I got a waitressing job to keep me busy this summer. Still nearly 2months left of summer holiday then I will start up grade 11 at Park Rapids HS. Its nice to come back to some hot weather though, I was getting sick of the Aussie cold winter.
But I really do miss Australia, I think about it every day, I think about my friends, family, school, beaches, just plain Australia is what I miss. I'm a a bit homesick. But, hopefully it will pass soon. I skype my friends from there often, and keep in touch. Soon this week or next I will be giving my presentation to my Rotary presentation. Everyone here is glad to have me back, everyone was very welcoming so that helps. In a few weekends I will have a welcome home party for family, and I will have one for friends. So that will be good. Well thats about all I have to say, trying to adjust to life here, thnking about Australia every day. Miss you Aussies! Hope all is well with everyone. Take care!
-Bailee Jo xx
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Homeward bound..
Well here it is, my last few days in my favourite country in the whole world. It feels as if it were only just yesterday that I was getting on the plane in Bemidji Minnesota with tears filled in my eyes and at the age of 15 entering a world fully unknown to me. I thought I was crazy for wanting to leave everything and everyone behind for a whole year so young. But I now realise that it was the best decision I have ever made in my enitre life. Doing this exchange has completely changed me. My cultural horizons are broadened. I have grown up. I have seen the world from different perspectives. I never really realised how big this planet was untill I set foot in a different place other than my hometown. I have learned how to make friendships and I have learned how to keep them. Things that were once so important to me back home dont seem to bother me much anymore. I have become a social butterfly. That shy little Bailee is no longer. This exchange has been a life changing opportunity, I have seen more of Australia and done more activities than more Aussies have. I have made lifetime friends which I will treasure in my heart forever. I have become a better person, all thanks to Rotary Youth Exchange.
The past few weeks have been very hard on me, it's almost like I don't realise that this whole beautiful experiance is coming to an end. I dont know where my year went. Time flies when your having fun aye. But anyways I have been quite emotional these few weeks. My mind keeps wondering what it will be like when I go home. My heart aches thinking I wont see my bestfriends every day. And my eyes water not knowning when I will back. Not knowing when I will be back in the country that I call my home, Australia. <3
I have the best friends in the whole world. I was so scared when I first moved to the bay. I was worried that no one would like me or no one would notice me and that I was just nervous about starting over again, I honestly never should have worried one bit about that. It took a few weeks but once I met, Georgia, Bronte, Kirra, Eden, Bridget, Sharla, Lisa, Kiarne and Sigrid it was as if we were bestfriends our whole lives. They have all touched my heart and will never forget them. We have had so many memories together, so many laughs, so many up and not many downs. I love those girls. Leaving them will be so hard. Last weekend they did something for me that was completely unexpected. They told me we were going to have a girls night at Georgia's house. So I was thinking alright this should be alright, a good weekend with my girls before I leave. But as soon as I got out of the car at Georgia's i heard so many whispers coming from the back yard, and people sayin shh be quiet. I started questioning the girls and was asking them what was going on, and as I stepped through the back gate nearly 50 people jumped out and yelled SURPRISE! They threw me the best going away surprise party in party history! I was so so happy I didnt wipe that smile off my face all night! There were so many people there. Friends from school friends from around the area. Couldnt believe how many people that I had actually made an impression on. It was the best night ever and I wish I could go back to that night, we danced, there was a bonfire, my friends made me this huge awesome picture frame with pictures of all our group on it. They made me the most awesome cake ever! It was shaped as a suitcase with "bon Voyage" on it. It was the best night ever! :):)
Thursday night was my farewell for Rotary. Bronte and Georgia were asked to come along and make a presentation on me to show the club. Lisa came along as well. I had put together a 20 minute video of my whole Australian Exchange. And wrote out a long speech. The girls made me a poem and read it out to Rotary that night this was it..
"Bailee you are the best friend we have ever met,
One so beautiful we will never forget!
The many memories we have made,
Ones I know will never fade!
I remember the first time we all hung together
We always knew this friendship would last forever!
we have stuck by eachother through thick and thin
Alot of people called you my American twin.
One day we will all be house mates again,
Although we would probably drive eachother insane!
So many laughs and crazy times we've had,
The airport is unimaginable, it will be really sad!
Your loveable laugh and smiling face,
Nothing will ever take your place!
You are special to us in every single way.
I bet you'' never forget the time you spent in the bay!" -Georgia Waugh <3
The club loved it, I loved it. I couldnt help but break down into tears cause I will miss them so much. My speech was also hard to get through, when I started talking about the lifechanging friends I have made the tears were rolling down my face and the whole room was filled with emotions. The told me it was very touching although I was embarassed. The Rotary Club gave me an Australian diggers hat from the army and they said that it was very rare. They also gave me a wonderful picture book of my ramble put together by george koncz. The Nelson Bay Rotary told me I touched all their hearts and their faith was back in American exchange students because they tend to have a bad reputation. All in all a good night, I will miss them. I am so thankful for what they have done for me.
Friday was my last day at Tomaree High School, the wonderful friends I have threw me another little party at school with streamers in the trees and party hats, lollies, cupcakes, fairy bread, and presents. Second break was really emotional, I handed out some letters that I wrote the girls and there were more tears. I wish I didnt have to leave them..But at least I know our friendship wont break through distance, they have made plans to come visit me. They mean so much to me now. I know what a true friendship is. <3
So this will be my last blog probably cause I will be back on American soil in 9 days.. Scary to think how fast that year went. If I had the choice I would be an exchange student for life. Its that amazing. I have gotten the most out of my exchange as I possibly could, hope I made my country and Rotary Club proud. I will never ever forget my life changing year in the land down under. Thanks again to everyone who has supported me through the good and hard times.
See you in 9 days America.
Farewell Australia, I will be back no matter what..
These last few days will be very hard on me, keep me in your prayers..
Love: Bailee Jo
xoxo
The past few weeks have been very hard on me, it's almost like I don't realise that this whole beautiful experiance is coming to an end. I dont know where my year went. Time flies when your having fun aye. But anyways I have been quite emotional these few weeks. My mind keeps wondering what it will be like when I go home. My heart aches thinking I wont see my bestfriends every day. And my eyes water not knowning when I will back. Not knowing when I will be back in the country that I call my home, Australia. <3
I have the best friends in the whole world. I was so scared when I first moved to the bay. I was worried that no one would like me or no one would notice me and that I was just nervous about starting over again, I honestly never should have worried one bit about that. It took a few weeks but once I met, Georgia, Bronte, Kirra, Eden, Bridget, Sharla, Lisa, Kiarne and Sigrid it was as if we were bestfriends our whole lives. They have all touched my heart and will never forget them. We have had so many memories together, so many laughs, so many up and not many downs. I love those girls. Leaving them will be so hard. Last weekend they did something for me that was completely unexpected. They told me we were going to have a girls night at Georgia's house. So I was thinking alright this should be alright, a good weekend with my girls before I leave. But as soon as I got out of the car at Georgia's i heard so many whispers coming from the back yard, and people sayin shh be quiet. I started questioning the girls and was asking them what was going on, and as I stepped through the back gate nearly 50 people jumped out and yelled SURPRISE! They threw me the best going away surprise party in party history! I was so so happy I didnt wipe that smile off my face all night! There were so many people there. Friends from school friends from around the area. Couldnt believe how many people that I had actually made an impression on. It was the best night ever and I wish I could go back to that night, we danced, there was a bonfire, my friends made me this huge awesome picture frame with pictures of all our group on it. They made me the most awesome cake ever! It was shaped as a suitcase with "bon Voyage" on it. It was the best night ever! :):)
Thursday night was my farewell for Rotary. Bronte and Georgia were asked to come along and make a presentation on me to show the club. Lisa came along as well. I had put together a 20 minute video of my whole Australian Exchange. And wrote out a long speech. The girls made me a poem and read it out to Rotary that night this was it..
"Bailee you are the best friend we have ever met,
One so beautiful we will never forget!
The many memories we have made,
Ones I know will never fade!
I remember the first time we all hung together
We always knew this friendship would last forever!
we have stuck by eachother through thick and thin
Alot of people called you my American twin.
One day we will all be house mates again,
Although we would probably drive eachother insane!
So many laughs and crazy times we've had,
The airport is unimaginable, it will be really sad!
Your loveable laugh and smiling face,
Nothing will ever take your place!
You are special to us in every single way.
I bet you'' never forget the time you spent in the bay!" -Georgia Waugh <3
The club loved it, I loved it. I couldnt help but break down into tears cause I will miss them so much. My speech was also hard to get through, when I started talking about the lifechanging friends I have made the tears were rolling down my face and the whole room was filled with emotions. The told me it was very touching although I was embarassed. The Rotary Club gave me an Australian diggers hat from the army and they said that it was very rare. They also gave me a wonderful picture book of my ramble put together by george koncz. The Nelson Bay Rotary told me I touched all their hearts and their faith was back in American exchange students because they tend to have a bad reputation. All in all a good night, I will miss them. I am so thankful for what they have done for me.
Friday was my last day at Tomaree High School, the wonderful friends I have threw me another little party at school with streamers in the trees and party hats, lollies, cupcakes, fairy bread, and presents. Second break was really emotional, I handed out some letters that I wrote the girls and there were more tears. I wish I didnt have to leave them..But at least I know our friendship wont break through distance, they have made plans to come visit me. They mean so much to me now. I know what a true friendship is. <3
So this will be my last blog probably cause I will be back on American soil in 9 days.. Scary to think how fast that year went. If I had the choice I would be an exchange student for life. Its that amazing. I have gotten the most out of my exchange as I possibly could, hope I made my country and Rotary Club proud. I will never ever forget my life changing year in the land down under. Thanks again to everyone who has supported me through the good and hard times.
See you in 9 days America.
Farewell Australia, I will be back no matter what..
These last few days will be very hard on me, keep me in your prayers..
Love: Bailee Jo
xoxo
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
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