January Times

Coming back to Korea brought an interesting realization... Korea is home. You never feel more at home than when you go away. There were such stark differences between the two Asian countries. China takes great pride in their history, while Korea is constantly turning their back to theirs. China has little desire to Westernize, while that seems to be one of Korea's greatest goals. Korean architecture is based on functionality, i.e. concrete buildings built into the sky. China's is a direct reflection of their "pride" again - beautiful colors and elaborate designs that say, "We were once a world power! Don't forget that!" Even the people were different, beyond their appearances (which I am starting to be able to differentiate between Chatch), Korean's seem to be a softer, more trustworthy people. I have never felt unsafe or even on edge here. There, people attempted to scam us at least three times a day, you have to watch your purse and the streets are not safe at night, like they are here. China was a great place to visit, but for now, I am happy to be teaching in Korea :)

Returning to school has been a fine adjustment. In fact, I missed my kids to death! I went to all my classes five minutes early, just to hangout with them. I am really loving my school, my kids and my co-workers. I don't think I could have found a better match. Unfortunately, change is on the horizon. The new semester starts in March and four of my favorite teachers are leaving, two of them being males, only to be replaced by more females. It isn't that the full female staff scares me, as much as the change itself does. If I am perfectly happy now, it means things can only go downhill, right?! I am being a pessimist. Don't worry, these thoughts are minor. 

Speaking of work, I was staying late the other night, resulting in forced awkwardness all the way down the elevator with my two bosses. They started the conversation with compliments on my child-dealing skills, followed with a "Would you like to take one of the new kindy classes starting in March?" These would be five year olds with no English background. Excited, I agreed. At which point my director dropped the bomb. They would need me to stay another two plus months, which would turn into five. Do not despair, although I have not declined the offer yet, I will. I made some promises that I will stick to! Plus, this girl wants to do some traveling!

Other than work, my personal life has taken a surprising turn. Aaron, the southern gentleman I mentioned in my China blog, had a couple weeks off in the month of January and yet to leave China. 

Considering the brilliant time we had in Beijing, I eagerly invited him to Seoul. Prior to him leaving last Tuesday, I had the best two weeks in Korea/life :) We spent our times indulging in awesome cuisine, dancing the nights away, hiking our days away and talking every second in between. Kind of seems like a dream now. As of now, February third was not the end of the Kelsey Aaron saga. Wish us luck as he is now back teaching in Shanghai with no end date in mind. 

My apologies for being so distant for the last month. I promise to stay on top of my communication for the next year. I love you all, and with recent events back home am missing you all terribly. Know that you are in my prayers.