Sunday, June 20, 2010

Goodbye Korea- With Love

Dearest Korea,

I'm flying out today. And leaving you. I'm not sure if I'll be back, but I have a feeling I just might. You have given me so much these last 8 years living in your lands. And I'm grateful--no, more than that. I'm changed and I know I'll never be the same.

I've been thinking a lot about these 8 years. 

The Snapshots
  • Chusok Moon
  • Jagged Peaks
  • Mud flats
  • Tiled roofs
  • Rice paper lanterns
  • Colorful palaces
  • Rice patties

The Moments
  • Hearing my child's first cries
  • Writing my first book
  • Standing on the DMZ line
  • My first belt test
  • My students' smiles

The Memories
  • Teaching at an amazing international school
  • Letting my boys grow up in an international setting
  • Watching World Cup Game in the throngs of thousands in downtown Seoul
  • Holidays with friends
  • Hiking to the top of Soeraksan
  • Building friends for life
  • Winning my first writing award
  • Hanging out in the backyard of F
  • Growing as a teacher in ways I never thought I would
Through all these experiences, you have shown me the heart of your people. I hope I can take away from all of this the same zest for life, the work ethnic, and the willingness to help others that I've learned here.

Annyonghi kaysayo.

With love,
Chin-ah (Christina)

14 comments:

Meg said...

Beautiful.

Caroline Starr Rose said...

Godspeed. May you return with your family someday!

Angela Ackerman said...

I've been thinking about your trip and hoping the move goes well. :)

Marcia said...

Beautiful!

lisa and laura said...

Such a touching post.

Unknown said...

This was such a beautiful shout-out to Korea! I'm sure that would be extremely difficult to leave behind so what an experience you have gone through.

Cheers to the next 8 years! Where are you headed next?

Julie Musil said...

What an amazing post, and that had to have been an wonderful experience. Beautiful photos, too.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Sounds like our kids are kindred spirits with the mac and cheese.

I wish you much luck as you settle back into the states. I'll chat with you more!

Christina Farley said...

Jen- We're in Florida now. Nice and hot. :-)

Julie- totally! Mac and cheese buds. And thanks for the wishes. We are already loving it here.

Ann Best said...

What stunning pictures! And what wonderful memories you have to take with you as you depart such a beautiful land.

Anonymous said...

You're carrying amazing memories of Korea. And I'm sure you'll build wonderful new ones in Florida. :)

PJ Hoover said...

What a wonderful post. I hope you do go back!

J.A. Palermo said...

Lovely post. And I wish you the best in every new adventure!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

aw - must be sad but we are happy to have you closer to us :)

Unknown said...

This is so beautiful and sad. I know you'll miss it!