Month One: September

Well ...it hasn't even been two weeks yet since we have gotten here, but already I am feeling like it's been a million years since we started this journey. Perhaps that is because it took about 900,000 of those years before we actually got on a plane. Perhaps it's because there is so much to see and learn here that every second can feel like sensory overload.

I have to admit - for the weeks leading up to us leaving, I was constantly being asked, "Are you excited?" Over and over again, and over and over again I answered honestly, "No." It was a simple answer and it was completely the truth. I couldn't understand how I could get excited about leaving my life for an entire year, a life that I absolutely loved and had worked hard for. Albeit, a life without a job ...hence, the decision to come to Korea.

For me, it was completely a financial decision that lead me on this path, but for Wayne it was a love of travelling, and a love for the country that he enjoyed a couple years ago. He was ecstatic as the day to leave drew nearer, whereas my apprehension grew more and more each day. I think part of the reason that I couldn't feel much excitment (if any) was because I couldn't let myself feel much for fear that fear itself would take over. And that I would lose my nerve to get onto that plane.

And I swear I almost did. When I said goodbye to my mom and dad at that airport, it was all I could do not to run back and tell me to take me home. I couldn't even talk for about an hour, and I almost cried through customs.

But, as hard as it was to leave behind family & friends, and a Godson that I am absolutely in love with (who has the most amazing mom) and fun 'Friday nights' ...and just about everything ...I have to admit now, that I am happy.

I love it here. I love the fact that when I walk down the street there are tons of smiling faces looking at me, I love that people are constantly reaching out to us here, trying to speak English to make us feel more comfortable. And most of all I love the kids, every day I am so excited at the end of the day with what my classes were like.

I'm not a traveller (or at least, I wasn't) ...maybe a litle afraid of the world out there, maybe just a little geographically challenged ...but I think I have grown just a little bit this month. And maybe, just maybe ...I will grow to the point that I may even be able to speak to people here and not simply be a mute! Haha ...for anyone that knows my abilities with languages, they will understand what a challenge this is, but I have learned to say "Thank You" and I keep claiming to Wayne that a smile is the universal language. Pathetic, I know - but at this point, it's all I got!

And guess what ...I ate something spicey today and so far am not dying!!

But I'm still homesick:)

xoxo