My year in Korea is really wrapping up today!
I’m falling
so behind on all the things I want to share, but if don’t give a quick update
now it might never happen. My sleep level over the past week is at an all time
low…this could get sloppy.
I tried my
hardest to enjoy my last month in Korea, though this month/summer has not been
without anxiety. Change was coming and I couldn’t help but fixate on my
uncertain future. I’m in love with Korea but I need a break/change from
teaching. What do I do next!? I won’t give up an adventurous lifestyle anytime
soon. Opportunities abound if they are sought after, yet seeking and committing
is daunting. I’m looking forward to recuperating back in Arlington/America a bit while trying to find peace with the stagnant time between whatever
comes next.
Robin arrived
in Korea tens days ago to spend my last week with me. Bethany had moved out to
the countryside for her new job the week before. New roommate! I did my best to
give her a good taste of Korean culture (and food!) without stressing myself
out about it. All my “lasts” were Robin’s “firsts”…how symmetrical. She led
productive sight-seeing days while I worked. It was nice to have those hours
without the pressures of hosting. More on this beautiful and exhausting week
later.
Aside from
hosting I also finished my last week of teaching, gave many farewells, packed
up my life in Korea, helped the new girl move into the apartment, and prepared
for our backpacking trip. My thoughts and emotions have never been stretched so
many ways at once. The more my body demanded sleep, the less willing it was to
sleep past 5:30am…
I’ve exerted
a lot of mental energy thinking about packing this month yet didn’t actually
start until last minute. In theory I should have had plenty of time to
take care of business (Robin ventured outside Seoul to visit another friend) but
I could only pack in small doses before becoming completely overwhelmed.
When I return to America and regain my mental energy and clarity I will continue reflecting on this amazing year. But today Robin and I set off to Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia! I will probably be perpetually sweaty and dirty and smelly this coming month. Resigning myself to this ended up making packing a lot simpler. I have no idea how prepared I am for this…here’s to figuring it out along the way!
