GOODBYE KOREA

I've been contemplating what to write in my last Korea post for some time now. I've thought of writing of our favorite memories, and even some of the hardest ones. I've thought of comparing and contrasting our year in Korea with everyday life in the U.S. I've thought of writing all the pros of living here along withe the cons. But lets be real - as much as you enjoy reading this blog (seriously, don't kid yourself, you worship it) I'm betting you aren't all that interested in reading an almost novel right about now. I see you. You can't even sit still in your seat for more than 5 minutes, giddy with anticipation of our arrival home.

[ I have been toying with the idea of combining posts and writing passages of "in between posts." There were many things I mindfully omitted from my writing the past year. Certain opinions, truths, and observations were left out as to not rock the boat. I wanted to keep this light and informative- and let us not forget, this is a public page :). So if I ever decide to mush the good, bad and ugly all together for sport, I'll be sure to let you know.]

Instead of babbling on about a year of living in Korea, I'd prefer to enlighten you with some spark notes. Here goes nothin.

There's No Place Like Home. No matter how gorgeous the mountains, or how sparkly and lengthy the newness and adventure, home was always on my mind.

Living In A Small Apartment In Korea Is Tricky. It can be rather challenging and uncomfortable to adapt to a brand new lifestyle. Even more so to adapt and realize you have to hold that stamina for another eleven months. But this can also be very humbling and rewarding.

I'm Unafraid. Few people I've met and imagine will meet have done anything like this. I am proud of us for having the kahonies to come here, and even more proud for sticking with it, when at times all I could think of was getting on the next plane to Detroit.

Leave. Now. It is an absolute must to get out of the U.S. for a while. And I'm not talkin a week on the beach. I'm talking running in the streets, getting lost, meeting people from all ends of the world, visiting landmarks, climbing mountains, exploring, exploring, exploring. Sounds kind of tiring doesn't it? Maybe, but also totally worth it. And I'm betting something you'll never forget. By experiencing the aforementioned I not only had great adventures but developed a fresh, passionate appreciation for the country I was born in. 

Brendan Is The Ultimate Best. I am beyond grateful for him taking this journey with me. We have grown and learned so much together and I couldn't imagine doing this without him. 

We Love You. We Love You. We Love You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Mom, Dad, Angela, Annie, Jarod, Eric, Evan, Jarod, Grandma, Papa, Nonna, Nonno, our Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends. We appreciate you more than words can say. There were times our hearts ached more than ever before. There isn't a way we could have made it this year without your skype calls, emails, text messages, care packages and love.

I'll leave you with an excerpt from a book called Horrace and Morris but Mostly Dolores. I read this with my level 5 kids sometime when the weather was hot. As soon as we came to this part part, I knew it belonged here. This resonates with our year rather nicely, and I'd like to believe I will carry this spirit the rest of my life.

"Horrace and Morris but mostly Dolores never said, "This is something we shouldn't do." They said, "This is something we've got to do." And so there was almost nothing they didn't do." 

Thanks for virtually tagging along with us the past twelve months. And, as always, we really really miss you. An obnoxious amount. Come on now, this is getting ridiculous. Ok really, we'll be home from Australia the 12th of January. And of course, we'll post photos and stories of adventures here. BRIMMING WITH EXCITEMENT! 

See you soon, so so soon!

L+B

Oh So, Oh So Close

It's been a few weeks since our last post. I'm fairly certain..let's make that almost one hundred percent certain..the next post will be to say goodbye to Korea. So, I figured it would be good to have one last regular post before the goodbye one. 
We almost can't contain our excitement. We are leaving in less than 2 weeks. AH! Can you believe it?  We are ready to get out of here, emotionally speaking. Physically so, we are not even close to ready, as our first sock has yet to be packed. We did our last grocery shop at Home Plus today and it felt weird and great all at the same time. 
In school, we're trying to busy ourselves with Christmas crafts and songs. Not.Really.Working. Ok, well maybe kind of but it's hard to pretend these are just normal weeks! We feel like little kids peeing our pants in anticipation. Don't worry..no pee yet, but I can't make any promises. Ew. Ok. That was gross. 
Anyway, here are some photos of life lately. Next time you read this, our dupas will be on a plane to Sydney, Australia!!!!! 
We beyond miss you. 

Brendan's Birthday! Look at all those sweeties!

December/countdown to Christmas calendar. I secretly made it for my own selfish pleasure. Countdown to us leaving. :)

I have a photo of Smile wearing this coat from when we first got to Korea. I know I posted it because I loved it as much as this one. His cuteness is so decieving. What a little monster. :) 

Brendan's student Sophia made this for us. It says, "Thank you for teach us." 

Photo booth in Daegu for Brendan's Birthday. 

There is a kid's character called Pororo here and I really like him. Too much I think. There he is on my head.

 Oknow I will explain the sweatshirts. I told you about how couple and family clothes are all the rage here. Well, I just had to get us some. We forgot to have the server take a photo of us together, but I will post one soon. You should see the backs of them. Ah, I'll post those too. Soon.