This is 27

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

Today I put the finishing touches on a resume and cover letter that I believe represent me and my talents well.

Today I submitted a job application to my dream job in my dream location.

Today I am proud of myself.

And now, on to enjoying a three day weekend.

AND, while I anticipate a number of things, I’m already aching for what we’ll doubtless leave behind should August be the end of our Korea tour.

• ‘Family’ dinners with Aaron, Harris and the occassional straggler
• Conquering my tiny kitchen and oven
• Korean food
• Korean prices for food
• Not tipping
• Friends, especially those who don’t have a clear end in sight for their Korea times or who happen to be Korean
• Cafes, cafes, cafes
• Hilly parks
• The season of fall
• The ease of going to shows and other cultural events
• My sweetest students
• Banana Milk
• Choco-Stars
• Our comfy home
• The Matiz
• Affordable visits to doctors and pharamacies
• Constantly discovering new things

And so much more.

I realize our plans are as uncertain as they ever were - but I have spent no lack of time dreaming about things I can’t wait to welcome back into my life if we are set to return home in August…and I need to get them out of my head…

• Holiday’s with parents, in-laws and friends
• Watching my dad sing in various locations around South Dakota
• Weekends hitting the slots in Deadwood with my folks
• Cheap and widely available Avocados and Cheeses
• Rhubarb
• Canning
• Introducing Lady Annyeong to the great Wyoming outdoors!
• Calling friends in the middle of the day, just because
• Hugs
• Eating out in Laramie
• Microbrews
• Snowshoeing
• Western school calendar (because no matter what happens, I’ll work in education or for myself)
• Re-discovering all that we have in storage
• Thrifting
• Football games
• Baked goods
• Sandwiches
• My recipe box and cook books
• English libraries
• Clean, fresh air EVERYDAY

Just a few things that keep floating through my mind…

We are not re-newing.

And while I am the one who so whole-heartedly claimed that that was the right decision for us…

And while that doesn’t mean our life in Korea is absolutely coming to a close in 3 months…

Regardless.

I’m feeling the weight of leaving this place. this second home. this place where I’ve made memories and friends. where I’ve developed as a teacher. where I’ve fallen in love with Korean cuisine. where I’ve created a home. where I’ve adopted a dog. where my heart beats.

I know, that by not re-newing, we’re only saying we want a new job, a new opportunity. That 8-5 and measly vacation won’t cut it anymore. That less-than-ideal co-teaching relationships, a handful of rude students who suffer no consequences and restrictive policies have finally worn us (me) down. We’re saying we want a new job, that we (I) need something that’s more encouraging and life-giving to my soul.

There are plenty of opportunities that would keep us in Korea (and a few outstanding opportunities that would take us homeward).

For now, however, we move forward in uncertainty. Unsure about what August 27th has in store for us. Unsure about where we will find ourselves taking root.

What I am certain of, however, is that we have at minimum 3 months left in the land of Kimchi. And while I don’t want to one who mourns prematurely or for far too long, I believe I’ll approach these months as if they are my last here and take advantage of the place, the friends, the sights, the smells, the food, the everything that is my second home, the place my heart beats.

All the while, holding on hope that we are soon returning to that other land that I call home and where my heart beats.