August before vacation

August of this year was unlike any other I've had. At this time last year, I was getting excited for my journey to Thailand, saying goodbye to my family, my friends and the simple Harbor life. Now this August, I am already thousands of miles away from home, another year older, and a college graduate. Life will never be the same... and though its not always easy, it is a wonderful adventure.

August marked the beginning of my 3rd month in Korea. After three months you would think something would have changed yet I still feel quite disconnected here. (I say this knowing that many people have had entirely different experences then I have had here.) The Korean people are quite welcoming but you're on your own after that. For Korean Americans, it is a different sort of experience. Having the look and the language are sure advantages, but for a blonde, curly haired, blue-eyed gal ...well lets just say, its not so easy to blend in. Therefore I have began calling Korea my "halfway house." Here I am halfway between childhood and filling this unwanted and unwarranted role of adulthood. Here I am halfway between the Western world of "home" and the grit and grime of the Southeast Asian countries that have stolen my heart. Halfway fitting in with the expats here and halfway making the shell of a "real life" (meaning I have an apartment, job, and friends here). My halfway point...

Possibly its the culture shock that is still set in that has made this place feel so strange, that I'm "half in, half out." Or maybe its simply not knowing how to say the correct phrases or how to act in a given circumstance. One thing is certain, the daily oddity of a this land has given my heart a frost of isolation. (It could also be the rapid pace, the pursuit of beauty, and the surface level conversations that have left me with a glimpse of winter weather this summer.)

The deepest connections here are phone calls from family, letters from handsome people, skype calls from soul friends across the Pacific, packages (that make it feel like Christmas) and yes I hate to say this, but facebook updates. These things have kept me sane here. I write this not to inspire pity, for I chose this Korean journey for myself, but I write it to remind you all that home is a simple comfort we often overlook. Sometimes it may seem dull or get boring in its "daily grind" (Seattle coffee drinkers yes, there is a slight hint at that morning roast) nevertheless it is home sweet home. Its comforts will always help you to relax after you have been away for awhile. So thank you all who pursue contact with me from miles away. Your love is what helps me endure. :)

A simple and pleasant memory of home. Photo by Julie Siemens Pace, edit by Tj Drew.