We've lived in Indonesia for 2 years and now here in Korea for 8 which makes it 10 years living away from home. That's a long time.
I sit here and think of the person I was before all this and I can hardly recognize myself. I've changed in so many ways. I've learned new languages and understood new cultures only in a way that you can living in a place rather than visiting it. I've become and mom, grown as a teacher and started writing. When I move back to the States, I really won't be the same professionally and individually.But I was also thinking about the bizarre things that I learned how to do like:
1. Wash my clothes in a plunger washing machine (it's one step better than by hand--well, maybe!)
2. Go without electricity for days at a time
3. No Internet
4. No cable
5. No car
6. Got a tough stomach
7. Going without peppermint patties and Twizzlers (I think that was my biggest sacrifice)
Most of those were from my time in Indonesia, but the experiences I had along the way make every hardship worth it.So lately I've been saying my goodbyes. To our little bamboo grove, to my running trail, to my favorite kalbi restaurant and my favorite mountain. The hardest will be the goodbyes to friends of course. But I can't think about that right now because I still have 19 more days.
19 days to be with those that have become like family. 19 days to capture in a memory.
19 days of Korea.
13 comments:
Oh my gosh! Why are you leaving? I don't know why, but I'd come to think of you as a person afixed to Korea. Ten years is a long time. Have you been to the states for visits? Where will you be when you come back? Sorry for the twenty questions. ;D
Christina,
This makes me sad! I will soooo miss you next year. My life in Korea will not be the same without you. You were a blast to have on praise team, such a good attitude about life, and always willing to give a smile. I will be praying for you over the next coming months. Transitions are HARD I know I've experienced a few myself. Oh, my who will I have craft night with??? I am sad but happy! I am glad you will be back home with your family. America is really "great". Call me when you get to Florida. My number is 812-219-3316. Praying for your family.
Love,
Crystal
You were there a long time. I'm full of questions, too but I'll restrain myself for now. My sister and her husband lived in Europe for quite a few years, and when they moved back to the States she said what shocked her the most was how fat everyone was. Must be all those Twizzlers and peppermint patties we're getting here!
Christy,
How lucky you are to have the experience of living in more than one country! I think if everyone did that, people in our world would be much more tolerant of each other and situations.
Let's hope you'll get many opportunities to visit Korea again. I know that even though it will be hard to say goodbye, you'll thrive on the challenge of a new situation!
10 years IS a long time! I hope your 19 days left in Korea are the most blessed you've ever had there, and that your move back goes smoothly.
Wow, what a big transition in your life. Best wishes for it. It's funny all the time we spend wishing to be somewhere else and all of sudden we're there... and we're missing the place we left. Take care.
Anne- My hubby and I were JUST talking about that!
It's a very exciting time and very hard time for us right now. We've known that this will be our last school year for a while. It's just time to get back to the States and be near family.
:( ... so glad you got to have this time, but the transition will be hard. I'll be thinking about you! Korea is an amazing place.
All the best to you. I so understand feeling like a stranger in your own country, if you ever need to talk.
Awwwww, Christy!!! This must be so hard. I'm here if you need another person to talk to. What state are you returning to?
I'll be thinking of you and your family a lot in the next few weeks. I'm sure it will be hard to move across the world again. But now that you're returning to the States, maybe we'll get to meet in person someday!
Hey, girl. I've been thinking about you and wondering how this transition has been going. It must be a mix of emotions. We're looking forward to having you back in the States, though. I hope all goes well. :-)
It's time for a new adventure! Saying goodbye is always hard. I wish for you a lovely 19 days, a safe trip home, and a smooth transition back into American culture. (((hugs!)))
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