A new place to call home

I am amazed at how quickly my new apartment felt like home. I really lucked out with finding a place that allows me to diplay my things and that complements my personality well. Everything from all the windows and the door leading to the roof, to the large bedroom with its open closet space that displays my clothes so well to the cute built-in and the large black radiator all suit me so well.

Moving day went smoothly. My dad and I loaded the truck in Oconomowoc and got to Waukesha about 10:15 a.m. I had three friends help to haul the furniture and boxes up the steep stairs to my apartment, which is located above an antique store in a building from 1929. It's a very cute building located pretty much right on the Carroll College campus, which is where I went to school.

It only took us about 30 minutes to get everything unloaded. I thought I had more stuff! I wish that I would have brought my big sofa instead of the loveseat. I do like the extra space to move around in.

Within three days, I had my boxes unpacked and had started to hang pictures. My friend, Kaitlin, and I hung all my clothes and organized small details.

I hope to do some hosting next month. I have had a few friends and family members over, but it would be fun to do something a little bigger. I certainly have enough space for people to hang out here.

I have found myself anxious to leave work at the end of the day and to return to my apartment. It has been a good adjustment so far.

Simple moments = happy times

It is amazing how the simple things in life can mean so much to a person and bring them the purest of joys. This past week has been really stressful and busy, but during the times of great stress I have also discovered great moments of joy. There are the on-going joys like the support and love of my family and friends. Then there are the little joys that occur unexpectantly and last only briefly, but bring you the purest of joys that help to carry you through the day.

I have had several such joys over the past week and a couple of them had one thing in common: they were because of South Koreans.

I had my second tutoring session on Wednesday with my South Korean pupil. I am going to help her with her English writing and all around English skills. I am volunteering with the Literacy Council of Waukesha County and they matched me with Sujeong. She is new to the USA, but is married to an American man that she met in Seoul. Spending time with her brings so much happiness to my life. Her caring nature, eagerness and generosity in turn make me feel wonderful. On Wednesday, she made me chamchi kimbap and it was so delicious. Her friend, Yoon, also came for lunch. It was such an enjoyable lunch for me to be able to talk about Seoul with these two very kind people. Just thinking about it now makes me feel so happy.

The other little joy that occurred this week because of a South Korean friend just happened a few minutes ago. A former student of mine, Gyoung Dong just wrote me an e-mail telling me of his recent recognition for his poetry. He also sent me photos of his family. It is a great honor to be told of his literary success. He also shared some very kind words with me.

These simple human elements of our lives are really the best. They have extra meaning for me when I feel overwhelmed by stress. I do find the most joy in my life from human relationships and my relationship with nature.

The past two years has taught me something so important. And that is how wonderful Korean people are. I think that they have to be the most caring and generous of any nationality I have ever met. Their culture and approach to life is very different from Americans' in many ways, but there are many similarities too. The aspect that I like the most is how they welcome people into their lives so openly and will give of themselves so readily.

I feel so blessed tonight because of all my friends, who are from so many backgrounds and live in so many places, and for the unconditional love and support from them and my wonderful family.

Thank you all who have been there for me recently during my week of stress.


Quote:
"Patience and perserverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."
--John Quincy Adams

The First Scary Posting

As my time in Korea is nearing completion, I am in a reflective mood. There are many things to say about Korea. My year in Korea has been one of the best experiences of my life; I have learned so much about myself and about Korean culture. I have grown as a person and like the personal changes that I have gone through. I now feel confident to travel all around the world. I wouldn't change my time in Korea at all.

I have gotten to know so many wonderful people from all around the world and I want to keep in touch with them; that is why I have created this blog. I hope that you will read it and comment. To all of my Korean friends: thank you for welcoming me to Korea and helping me to understand Korean culture and traditions. You have been such a valuable resource. I hope that you will all visit me in USA someday. (Just let me know when you are coming!)

To all of my non-Korean friends: thank you for sharing the wonders of Korea with me. You were there during the great, the good, the bad and the ugly. We shared so many laughs and smiles.

I was talking with Paul on the subway today about Korea (as we often do). I was talking about if I have any regrets about my time in Korea. I don't so much have regrets as I have some wishes.

*I wish that I would have traveled to Busan and Kyungju.
*I wish that I would have learned more Korean (mostly to impress family and friends back home)
*I wish that I would have traveled on the pink and yellow subway lines.
*I wish that I would have taken more pictures.
*I wish that I would have listened to more Korean music and seen more movies.
*I wish that I would have explored most of the stops on the subway system (I have an unfulfilled plan)
*I wish that I had a few more months here

I am sad to leave Korea, but I am excited to see family and friends that I have not seen in a year. This has been the first time living away from home, so it is time for me to reconnect with everyone and everything that I have left behind. I am filled with bittersweet emotions. Korea is home. USA is home. I will miss Korea with all its color, noise, crowds and energy. I am never bored here. Thank you friends!

Quote: I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
-from Albert Einstein