Thursday, September 18, 2014

Four Years...

Four YEARS!! 

Four years since I turned 40.
Four years since I turned my life upside-down and moved to the other side of the planet.
Four years since I could walk down the street without seeing a taxi.
Four years since the first time I tasted Kimchi.
Four years since I bought my first scooter.
Four years since I learned my first Korean word.
Four years since I said, "See you later!" to American life

Four YEARS...

Wow. What an amazing adventure it has been! I keep so busy these days, that I often forget to update my blog...well,  I NEVER remember to update it. I post most thing on my facebook, but I figured a four year anniversary should be worth some sort of entry.

What can I say? I have fallen in love with my adoptive country. The people are kind. I have learned to like more and more Korean food. I can even read Korean now, even though I may not have a clue what it means! I understand more than I can speak. There have been more ups and downs than I can even imagine. More "hello's" and even more "see ya later's". 

I think that is the hardest thing of an expat's life. There are always new people coming and going from your life. Some come just for a short while and make a HUGE impact, while others hang around for a bit. I have made some true, lifelong friends while living in Korea. I am certain I could go anywhere in the world and have a sofa or bed or even just a blanket for the night. It's amazing how quickly we bond and share our lives with one another. But there is always the goodbye part that is so hard.

Another thing is the reverse culture shock every time I visit the States. Then I come back to Korea and "this" feels like home. I have amazing friends and family in the USA, but sometimes I just feel like I don't belong there anymore. Everything is the same, yet different. My perspective on life is different. My habits are a bit strange to my American friends, yet seem "normal" to me here. It's difficult to explain to anyone who has never lived overseas. I'm not really sure how to describe it. I mean, I'm American. I have lived in America for most of my life. So, why does it feel so foreign to me? sigh...

My life in Korea is good. I have a great job at a university, a beautiful apartment, and even bought a car last year. Driving in Korea is NOTHING like driving in the States!! I'll be in big trouble if my horn ever stops working! LOL!! 

I started a facebook group called Suwon Newbies in September, 2011, and it has grown to over 2,500 members. This group is a place where people can go and ask questions about daily life or get advice on how to do something in Korea. Basically, it acts as a lifeline to our little community and makes one feel less alone. I'm really proud of the group and how people help each other. A while back, I was dubbed, "Mama Suwon". haha...At first I balked at the title, but then I realized it was an honor and a term of love and respect. It feels good to belong to something that is about the greater good of others and not just myself.

I also recently started traveling as a leader/helper with a local travel company. I love going on the beach trips and meeting new people. It seems I have a knack for organizing a kitchen and cooking for vast amounts of people! Who knew??

My youngest son, Bryan, was here with me for the last three years, but is now in the States. It's strange not having him here and a bit lonely at times. It's funny how you get used to what you deem as "normal", then it changes. That's the one thing about expat life...It is ALWAYS changing. 

I'm currently under contract at my university until February, 2016, so I know I will be here at least that long. After that, who knows? Of course, life has a funny way of moving us in a different direction than we plan, so I have to leave it up to God to direct me wherever I'm supposed to be.

Four years. 
A lot can happen in four years. I have only scratched the surface on my blog. Just know this. I am so very glad I took a leap of faith and jumped into the swirling waters. I have learned to swim on my own. I have learned to swim against the current. I have learned to be me and people actually LIKE me! 
Four years.
Where will you be in four years? Care to join me? We always have room for one more!

~Angela  a,k.a "Mama Suwon"