Adventurous Seoul: Peace out, Hanguk!

Dear mom, remember when you moved us to Honduras back in the early 90s and you enrolled us in an international bilingual school? Remember how my teachers were from the US, Canada, the UK, and other countries? Remember how I said I wanted to teach abroad someday and have adventures just like my teachers? Thanks, mom!

Yes, thanks to my mom and to the LORD for making this happen. The time has come to say 안녕히 가세요 or see ya to DAE HAN MIN GUK (the Republic of Korea). What an incredible two years this adventure has been. I can't even begin to explain how much I fell in love with this country, the culture and the people that He brought into my life while being here. Kamsahamnida Hannanim.

As I look back and reflect on the last two years (some may call this contemplating), I cannot help but think of the following lyrics:
"How majestic Your whispers....with a strength like no other, and the heart of a Father." He ALWAYS has my back and knows what's best. He KNOWS the desires of my heart. He is a PERSONAL God. During the past couple of years, many lessons were learned or reconfirmed.
Some of them included learning to trust the LORD more, seeing How personal He is with me, the importance of family and friendship, how wonderful my namja chingu is, more appreciation for other cultures and customs, realizing that I am meant to be working with adolescents and how He placed people in my life when I least expected it. Again, kamsahamnida Hannanim for making a reality out of my tenured dream.

Saying see ya to the Land of the Morning Calm and Bright Neon Lights has not been easy. My kiddos made me cry, my chingus made me cry and my departing Delta flight made me cry. Of course, they were happy tears, too. I went to Korea thinking my adventure would just be something short, temporary and something to share with my future grandkids. It was so much more. It was deep, meaningful, life-changing and eye-opening. I worked hard and I played hard. I was immersed in the culture. I explored. I lost a lot of sleep. I lived in the moment. I was impacted by my students. My colleagues were inspiring. My faith grew. I gained new stamps in my passports. My appreciation for my bicultural life increased. My relationships at home grew stronger. I made wonderful friendships.

So what did I do my last weekend in Korea? I went midnight shopping, had chicken feet, met up with some of my kiddos for lunch, bought gifts, took Stash to the airport (and I ton of my luggage), had quality time with some pretty amazing chingus, cleaned/packed/moved, got eyelash extensions (cultural immersion!), went to my wonderful church, OEM and stayed up late having meaningful conversations with amazing chingus that are now a major part of my life.

I am excited to see the adventures that He has in store for me back in The Land of the free, Home of the Brave--USA all the way! I know the adventures will include a lot of 13 year old moments, reunions, silly posing, and my passion for being an advocate for kiddos . My first adventure will begin with vacationing in my 26th state, Hawaii, with my sister, Kristen and Misty! WOOT (and we just got bumped to first class--nice-uh!).

Thank you to all my Hanguk people for making the past two years a fantastic and memorable experience. I got attached and I don't plan on letting go. Sarangheyo.

Just scratched off from the Bucket List:

~~85. Teach abroad: Teach in a foreign country (South Korea 2010-2012)~~

Just added to the Bucket List:

130. Counsel and teach in multiple foreign countries: More international schools and adventures

(South America--I have my eye on you next!)....