So, now what?

Hi everyone.

Well, I'd say this is the end of my blog.

I've been back in the States for 17 days already. It's been quite busy.

As soon as my family picked me up from the airport, we started moving into our new apartment in Jacksonville, Florida. We were doing this with very little sleep (I had about 6 hrs. in the last 30+ hrs., Dad didn't sleep at all the previous night--like me--and step-mom was able to nap a bit). It was a challenge, but we got everything in that day. Now, we didn't finish arranging everything until the following Monday.

From then on, I've been working on getting everything ready for my Euro-trip in Dec. I'll be gone for a month to visit friends in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Sweden. There are others I'd like to see, but money and time are against me.

Also, I've got a close friend who's getting married in January 18. I'll be a bridesmaid and we've got most of our things ready for going to her wedding in the Bahamas.

Still need to see a few more relatives and friends, then I'll be ready to return to Korea in mid-February--if it's God's will.

I have 1 question: Do you want me to continue sharing pictures with you in the future? I need to know how many of you actually care and want to keep up with what I'm doing and how I am. If you want me to continue sharing pictures or continue blogging like this, I need you to write a comment on this post and tell me how you feel.

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

-Old Irish Blessing

The day I left (8. November, 2011)

The dreaded day has come.

After 14.5 months in Korea, the time has come to leave.

I didn't want to go.

Sure, seeing dad again would be wonderful, but it seemed so far away at that moment.

I'm surrounded by wonderful people, and they're making this moment harder than ever.

I would've spent more time with them . . . that was my plan; but then there was an emergency and I had to substitute as a full-time teacher. At least I earned some extra cash, but my plans to relax with my students/friends had to be dashed. Oh well, there's a reason why.

Let me take you to the Cheonan City Bus Terminal, where I waited for the bus that would take me to Incheon International Airport, and back to the States . . . away from here . . .

Our last group picture.

I was doing everything I could to not cry. It was extremely difficult.

A penny for your thoughts, gentlemen?

I caught 1 in thought, whereas the other saw me.








As soon as the bus rolled away and they were hidden from sight, the tears burst out. I couldn't hold them any more. I cried bitterly, but silently. I'm so grateful the bus was almost empty and I was alone in the back, far from everyone else.





Traditional musicians. A nice distraction.

The lantern and colors caught my eye, just before I went to my gate.

This is it.

The moment has come.

I boarded the plane.

I found my seat and buckled my seatbelt.

I started looking through the magazines, trying to think about anything but what was happening.

I would've cried again when the plane took off, but there were more people around. I let a few tears escape.

Lunch.

Choice: Western or Korean?

Naturally, I'd order Korean. Let me have 1 last taste of Korea before returning to a place where it would be difficult for me to find Korean food.

This is it.

Back to the States.

Now I'm looking forward to seeing dad again . . .

. . . and getting internet to communicate back to Korea.

I must return to Korea . . .

2 Weddings ^.~

For this post, I'm going to show you pictures of 2 weddings: my roommate's and . . . well, mine.

Yes, that's right, I got married in Korea. In the Asan Folk Village, no less.

GOTCHA!!!

It was some activity they have for foreigners, where they can dress up in traditional Korean clothes . . . just that the students who brought me wanted to dress me up as a traditional Korean bride. Hey, when will I get another chance like this again?

At the entrance to Asan Folk Village. These pictures are courtesy of Leah, one of my witnesses--ugh, I mean students.

I had no idea what I was in for.

The traditional wedding scene.

I was told to bow, so I bowed according to how I've seen some brides do.

Uh oh, now we're gonna make it official.

Wow, these brides had to put on so much stuff!

Red stickers as blush? Really?

Now I can fit in this scene; well, at least a little better.

So many other people started coming out and taking pictures of me.

I wasn't impressed with them.

My "ride."

I didn't try getting into it; but it looked really small from the window.

Group picture!

Hmmm, supposedly this is my husband's house.

I guess he's rich . . . hmmm . . .

Okay, now on to a REAL wedding: my roommate's (Ellie)

Groom just checking that everything is okay back there.

The aisle, alter, live music, and other random people.

Here comes the bride with dad!

wonder what's going through her mind.

Celebrity moment.

Ooo! I like the sword arch!

Outside, some pre-wedding studio pics.

More engagement pics.

Now, back to the ceremony.

Now, the bride and groom are paying their respects to his parents. They do this to both sets of parents.

See how each one bows?

Bride and Groom + parents from each.

Thanking their guests for attending.

IRENE!!! I haven't seen you in months! I've missed you!

These are my 2 favorite SeoCheonan secretaries.

The new Mr. and Mrs. receiving a celebratory congratulations.

Major group picture.

His friends and co-workers on his side, same with her on her side.

Can you find me? Yeah, I was moved there 'cause of my height. Sheesh.

Yay, roommates!

Now that everyone is gone, the hall really does look lovely.

Melody, Joshua, and their little girl. (sorry Joshua)

They were going to give me ride back to my apartment (I took a taxi there).

The newly-wed's getaway car.

Hmm, a little something to look forward to when it really is my turn. We'll see how long it's gonna take and how exactly it will be.

Last hang out times with friends before leaving Korea

This post has pictures from 2 evenings spent in Fabrice's apartment with students and friends. You know, it seemed that the line between the two has blurred. Sure, they're my students, but I feel as though they're really my friends.

Let me show you some of them.

What's up, Charlie?

'sup

An epic, "ugh, I ate too much!"

Ready for the fun to begin, eh?

Thula and her very able bodyguards.

Diana showing us a video and explaining it to us, image by image.

You can find it too. It's called "In the Words of Satan" by The Arrows. You should check it out. I highly recommend it.

Another night, another card game.

This photographer is ready with her clever photo printer.

Diana taking on a Jenga immitation.

Group picture!

Awww, I love you guys!

My last Party Day in SDALI 2011

Sheesh, you know things have been crazy for me when the next chance I get to update my blog is around a month after my last post.

I'm really sorry, and I'll let you know what has happened so far, little by little.

For now, let me share with you the few pictures I have of my last Party Day as a teacher in SeoCheonan.

First, 7am Level 1 class:

Even at 7am, I have students who want to come. Yay!

They all brought tons of snacks, even a cake!
Well, at least we all had breakfast.



Watching how carefully Kurt handled the cake was like watching a surgery being performed.

My class before they left.

A really nice bunch that made me happy whenever I saw them.

Next, 10am Level 1:

Our party day was in a student's (utterly gorgeous) home. she made a few things, the others brought something, and they also ordered chicken. It was by far my best class party ever.

Crystal, excited for the chicken Grace is ordering.

Let's eat!

Hi Meg, hi Allia.

Okay, now you can eat.

Ugh . . . hi, Zayden. Is everything okay?

Last, 8pm Level 3 & 4 combo class:

Thula and her class joined us as we went to a nice Korean restaurant. As a few of us had beef, the others had pork and duck.

Good times had by all.

Most of my students (and 2 of Thula's) and I.

Husband and wife with their great friend.

Quiet Thomas and Energetic Charlie.

Sooway, how can we ever dare to forget you?

Jimmy and his special guest!

Thank you all for coming and for making this Party Day the best one of my time in SeoCheonan. May God bless you all and help you improve your English. I hope to see you and talk with you again some time soon!