Good Ole US of A! :)

Time has flown since Mudfest! I knew July would be busy, but it's gone by faster than I thought.  I've had my '# of teaching days left before going home' countdown going on for about 5 or so weeks.  My director Rim and I have been apartment shopping ( I wanted to change apartments for my 2nd year) And now, after packing up my first apartment that's been my home for the last year - I leave for America tomorrow!  I leave on August 1st in Korea time, but thanks to traveling backwards through time, I will arrive on my mom's Birthday! :) I used some of my vacation days to end my contract a few days early - and negotiated a full 3 1/2 weeks (full airfare paid) visit home! :) At first my school suggested a 7-9 day visit, but thinking about being away from loved ones for a total of 2+ years - I didn't think 7-9 days was sufficient. So I'm happy with the longer (and paid for) visit!

I'm so excited to be going home! :) Honestly, I can't believe it's already been a year! I can't wait for face to face catch up time with friends and family - hugs, home cooked meals, AMERICAN shopping! I think I'll probably eat Mexican food everyday! and macaroni and cheese. and hummus and pita chips! :)
This visit home stirs up a lot of emotions - I've had some time to reflect, and think back to where I was a year ago - embarking on this journey, uprooting my life - leaving a job, selling my car, and making a decision which at the time seemed crazy, picking up everything I knew and changing it, leaving my dog at home, friends and family at home, and moving to South Korea - a place I knew very little about - and knew a grand total of 1 person! :)

And now, a year later, Pohang has truly become my home.  I've made amazing friends that have become like family here - that I know I'll stay friends with even after Korea. I've learned a tremendous amount about myself.  I've grown.  I've seen and experienced things I never could have back home. I got 2 new stamps in my passport.  I've embraced a new culture, learned a little bit of Korean.  Dove into a new career - having a business background and transitioning to teaching has been quite eye opening for me! :)  I've maintained and grown friendships from home thanks to Skype, email, and facebook.  I'm still amazingly close with my family.  And even met the man of my dreams :) Who would've thought I'd have to come all the way to Korea to meet a curly blond hair'd, blue eyed, camouflage scooter driving Canadian.

And with all that reflection about the last few years, the corporate job I didn't enjoy and moving to Korea - I can honestly say - I. would. not. change.a. thing.   I wouldn't trade having that job I didn't fully enjoy - because had I not done that, I wouldn't have had the courage to move to Korea. Had I done it reverse - traveled first, then gotten a job. Maybe I would have cut this experience in Korea short, feeling like I needed to get back to the "real world". But, now I'm okay with living abroad because the "real world" and real world stresses are always going to be there.  I quite enjoy this no strings attached lifestyle at the moment, not forever, but for now it's just what I need :)

August 12th 2010 - First weekend in Korea: tried live octopus

Leigh and I at the airport - pre USA trip! :) 8/1/11

 What an incredible year! :) I am so thankful for the courage to go on this adventure and for amazingly supportive friends and family! Excited to see what's in store for Korea Year 2!

:) Next time you hear from me - I will have eaten enough Mexican food to last me a year, have an all new American wardrobe! Be bubbling over from quality time with friends and family AND have Sadie (my adorable terrier mix rescue puppy) with me!!!

xoxo Em!