Sitting in the Incheon Airport waiting to start my journey home, I thought it only appropriate that I blog about my departure after having spent the last year of my life on this adventure (the reason I started this blog in the first place!)
It's been a whirlwind of emotions, sometimes sad, happy, exciting, depressing, all the above! I have definitely become a different person - both outward and inward. I have a new look on life, different cultures, travelling, meeting new people, and just getting out of my comfort zone. As a wise man said (my father), I have become richer (spiritually). I've actually become richer, both financially and spiritually, but there's no way that someone could even begin to put a price on the latter.
I want to thank Korea- yes, the whole country. I appreciate so much more. I appreciate attempts people make and the kindness, compassion, and patience they have had for me in their country. Leaving today, I still can't speak Korean. I can't even read it (shame on me). I know many words and phrases that have helped me along the way, but still. Most days are a struggle, but I've gotten by on the kindness of strangers who have helped me either translate or guided me with their sign/body language. I feel like I've finally gotten to the point where I can understand a lot based on words I've picked up and situations I've been in. It's a pretty good feeling.
I want to thank my family and friends- both old and new. There are people that I've met here in Korea I'll never forget. My children that I've taught. Not only was this my first official year teaching, but in a foreign land. I will never forget them, how could I?! They are all so beautiful!!~
My new friends/co-workers have been so great. There are some key people that I have fallen in love with, you know who you are- Helping me along the way from being homesick and needing a hug, to needing a partner in crime to cause fun trouble with. Memories I'll never forget.
Thanks to those back home for the postcards, packages, late night phone calls/Skype sessions- all of your love has been appreciated and very much needed this past year. It got me through the times I didn't think I was strong enough to make it through the year!- Now yes, I know, it was "only a year" as so many people have said, however, I dare you to come to the other side of the world, alone, not knowing the language, the country, the people....my year ended up feeling like a couple weeks in the end, I actually don't want to leave! I've fallen in love~
I have travelled, not extensively, but it's been wonderful to venture away from Korea and see other places like Thailand and Indonesia. It's been eye opening to different cultures and ways of life. I've certainly become more tolerable and patient, which I hope sticks when I return home. I've been the minority in a country where it's every man for himself (with millions of people in such a small metropolitan area, either you sink or swim- especially in the crowded subways, shopping complexes, etc.)
I've been in Korea at a time when I didn't know if I was safe. Sure, as so many people have said, the war between North and South has been going on for years, but this last year proved to be different. There was the sinking of the Cheonan and the bombing of Yeonpyeong Island. The environments around me were uneasy. I was getting emails from the Canadian Embassy in Seoul asking to be sure we were prepared to leave in a case of an emergency. I've grown up in Canada which is so peaceful yet now I was in the middle of something I clearly had no control over. I will say this though- what goes on between North and South has NOTHING to do with the fact that Korea is probably the safest place one could ever travel to.
I can easily say this was the most interesting year of my life. I've gotten out of my "box"- the comfort zone so many people are afraid to leave. I have faced some of my fears and feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. As much as this is now the end of my journey here, it's just the beginning of what I hope will be many more years filled with adventure, new places, and experiences. People keep asking me how I feel about leaving. The best I can come up with is bittersweet. I miss my friends and family back home. I miss driving and the little things I took for granted having at my disposal whenever I wanted. However, I will now miss all new things- Kimchi, K.Pop, Soju, my babies, my FRIENDS, running for buses, endless rainy summer nights, ajummas pushing me off the sidewalks, using chopsticks at every meal, chamchi kimbap, chamchi and egg sandwiches, my OWN apartment, $10 purse lady, the list is endless. No doubt in my mind I'll be back here one day, either to vist or teach again. It's just too good to give up yet!!!!~
I love you Korea - DAEHANMINGUK!!! ^^
