Yes, that's right, here is my "looking back on the time in Korea, how it is that I am doing now and looking ahead to what is next" post. Let's just see if I can shed a tear while I do it......it has been a great year.
362 days ago I hopped on a plane, which was possibly the scariest part about coming over here. I knew when I checked in I could still turn back, after passing through security I could still turn back, but once the door to the plane shut, I was going to some far off land for an entire year and a year to work (although I did other things too). I didn't even know where exactly I was going and who would pick me up. That on top of not seeing people for a while and having no idea what to expect when I arrived, was all a bit nerve wracking. Those first few months here I was simply in a strange space where everything was new, I had little control and I was feeling crazy. Strange enough I would find myself teaching people with the exact same outlook on life!!!
So I went from counting a year to months to weeks and I am finally counting the days (although I have been counting the day for the last few months.......) until I am finished in Asia, and I'm looking forward to closing up shop in Seoul and getting back to life in Canada (hardly a looking back on Korea update.......I know). This isn't because I want to leave and get out of here that bad, I think it has to do more so with the sense of accomplishment. There were times when the year looked far to long and painful that I didn't think I would even be able to see the end of road. This has mostly been from the kids at the school. Needless to say, I'm glad I stuck it out. I would say this about my time in Korea, I have absolutely loved living in this culture and with these people, so much so that in the future I would consider doing this again. I love this place. However, I'd be more than happy to take a different job or at least teach kids of a different age in order to do it.
So what is next. On Monday or Tuesday night (I can't remember, I'm sure I'll be reminded), I've asked some people out here to get together just before I leave. It should be fun and I'm actually expecting a lot of people. What were are all gonna do is get together at City Hall, sing some songs, hug, embrace one another and yell just to name a few things. In fact, if your lucky or able to, you may even be able to see us on TV, even in N. America. If you look for me, I'll be wearing a red T-Shirt.
Oh, Korea will also be playing it's first World Cup of Soccer match against Togo that night too!
Anyway, I am looking forward to taking a couple months off when I get home. It will be nice and refreshing to see friends and family, enjoy the outdoors get on my bike, do some running, go on a few road trips, have a few weddings (none of which are mine of course) and look back on my time out with what I anticipate will be a new hobby of mine..................scrapbooking!!!!!!! This will clearly require my sisters help.
With that in mind, I'm looking forward to seeing many of you back home, yet at the same time I will surly miss Korea and the people and times I have had out here. It has been a great year.
Kev
PS - no tear, just not in the mood
