1 year ago, I arrived in this beautiful country known as the "Land of the Morning Calm." I was feeling anything but calm that day. Nervous, anxious, excited, and a extremely tired--all of those things I was definitely feeling. I was embarking on a new point in my life; my first step into an actual career (not just a job to pay the bills) and a journey that would take me away from my family and friends who have been my support for years.
One thing you may or may not know about me: I don't like change.
And more than just the normal desire to stay in a comfort zone. I run from change, cringe at its inevitability, and breakdown if its drastic enough. When I moved from Indiana to Florida (back in 2003), I was so stressed over the change that it was impossible for me cry for a whole week. And I knew that I needed that cry, to be able to move on. But I couldn't. My mind didn't want me to move on, and it was preventing me from having that necessary cry.
So the fact that I hate change made my whole move to Korea even more significant. I almost backed out of it actually, at the end of last summer. I considered applying for a job which I knew I would love and could easily obtain, only so I wouldn't have to face the change that came from moving across the world. I told myself that my hesitance was other reasons (I wasn't sure if it was where God wanted me, maybe it was better to wait another year, I don't think I'll find a good position there) but the fact was, I was scared of the change. Thankfully, my parents were able to help me see that this trip was exactly what I needed to do. No one had ever suggested to me that I teach in S.Korea, I had never even thought about it before my senior year in university, and everything I had done since deciding to apply had all been my doing. There were no outside influences with my decision to teach here. So, it must be something that God had for me, since I so willingly dove into the situation on my own. They were right. So, I stopped pushing it off and I got things together to come here.
And I don't regret it at all.
If I would have stayed in the States for the past year, I would have enjoyed my job, and been around my friends, but I wouldn't have been as happy as I could have been. Since coming to Korea, I have absolutely loved my life and the path that I'm taking. That's not to say that it's all been roses and daisies since I've been here; I have definitely gone though my fair share of trials. But overall, the experience has been great. Not once have I had the "I want to go home cause I hate my job and hate Korea" thought. My only times of wanting to go home had to do with the normal homesickness that comes with being so far away.
It's definitely been a journey here. I've cried, laughed, frowned, smiled, given into temptations, conquered fears, been pushed in every way, and pushed myself out of my comfort box. God has been taking me through a mighty transformation while here, one that I know isn't far from over. But I keep trekking on, knowing that I'm on the path He has for my life.
I look forward to my next year here with great anticipation. And if this past year has been any indication, I'm going to love it as well.
Maybe I'll be able to keep up more with blogging, maybe not. I'm not sure. But I will try as much as possible. Thanks for reading and keeping up with my journeys as I experience all I can here in South Korea. I miss my family and friends dearly, but I know that this is not forever and I will be visiting and such as much as possible. Or, you could come and visit me. :P
Also, send me letters, packages, whatever! It gets kinda lonely at times and it's good to have those little reminders from home. :)
Until next time, see ya!
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