Nearing The End

Wow. It's been almost 51 weeks since I first arrived in Korea. I only have seven more days of teaching before I am done forever. This has been a strange year. I've grown a lot and realized many things about myself. As was to be expected. But I am not regretful about leaving in the slightest and I am more than ready to get back to California. This may be because I know I'll only be in the US for 5 months before I leave again; I may not be so excited if I were heading back to the US indefinitely. Still, at this moment in time, I am ready.

It's not that I am desperate to leave Korea per se. There are so many things I love and will miss about this country. I will miss the food, the cost of living, the general demeanor of Korean people, the level of safety, and the amazing public transit system. It has been no secret, though, that I have not enjoyed my job or the house I've been stuck in or my ugly podunk little village. Or the weather!! Before Jen left Korea for good last month, she told me that she wished I could have had a different experience in Korea, one more similar to hers, so that I would have enjoyed my year more fully. I certainly echo this wish, but I also understand that everything happens for a reason and I'm positive that this experience has taught me many things, some of which I may not even be aware of yet.

I will not miss you, 하성.