LAST POST

Whelp. Here is goes... This is the last post about my blissful and unforgettable experience in Korea (that was really painful to type). 

My first week back in the States was extremely difficult. All I could do was think about Korea. Literally, every single thought was about that country... to the point I curled into the fetal position and cried hysterically on three separate occasions (with a lot of little fits in between). Leaving high school was hard. Graduating university was harder. Saying good-bye to Oak Run after student teaching was terrible. Leaving Kid's Club was crazy difficult. However, NOTHING could have prepared me to leave a culture and place I had grown to love immensely. 

Being back in the States has gotten easier... and surprisingly, I'm much happier than I expected. I've realized how much I've missed my family and how essential they are to my happiness. I've also enjoyed catching up with old friends. I still don't want to settle in the States for quite some while, but for the time being.. it's exactly what I need. 

Also, for those of you who don't know, I've accepted a new job. Originally, I wanted to go back to Korea. I still do. I love that place so much. However, I want to be able to experience as much as I can with the time I've been given. So, I've taken up a job in Kuwait. I will be teaching 7th grade Science at an international school. Ever since I went to Dubai, the Middle East has been pulling on my heartstrings. It's a two year contract, but with proper vacations in between (unlike Korea), so I will have more time to visit home! 

Without further ado, here is a brief relapse of everything I didn't post on Facebook prior to leaving Korea. Things might get rather personal, so bare with me. 

Kat and I went through a Mealigram craze. Those platters were the BEST. 

Free OB night at Cocky Bar. These girls made many nights unforgettable. 

I'm so lucky to know such pretty people, inside and out!

My sweetie pie! I went through a massive "I'm obsessed with Daniel and will miss him sooo much" phase. 

All I wanted to do was be a creeper and take pictures of him. 

Katie was always there to comfort me and my crying episodes. 

Seeing Daniel off at the Ramada.

Can't wait to see you again, Danny boy! Soon!

Whoa. Solid group. 

Back to school... I found some pins my parents had brought over when cleaning out my desk. I pinned one on a Canadian. Thomas will always know to "Click It or Ticket" in Texas... which is great because he has to come visit someday!

Same-same! Teacher Justin and Kyle were accidental twinkies.

Desk before. 

Desk after. :(

Last day of work. I guess this is how I looked when I realized I was unemployed and clueless about my future. 

Always my darts and pool buddy... I would never be able to win a game without him. 

Noribang festivities! 

I thought we were capable of taking a decent picture. 

That assumption quickly changed.

My love!

Last weekend to see Jin. I had to try on his hat!

Happy Birthday Egypt! You are fully awesome and these people are beautiful. 

After church Starbucks with these cool cats. 

My sweet Liezel!

Movie night in UJB at Justin's apartment. Lots of people... and snacks!

Tech-savvy Josh saving the day.

Hanging with the boys, Justin and Josh. 

And Joe. I just noticed all the 'J'-names. 

Morning view of Uijeongbu. 

Out with MH, Thomas, and Kat for some raw fish. Green jacket club. 

I finally tried silk worms. I was NOT impressed. 

Sooo yummy! Especially the octopus!

I told Thomas he couldn't shave until I left Korea because I really liked his beard. He was so sweet to agree. However, it got a little out of control and I had to trim it twice. 

Look at that face! Is it trust? Or fear? ;)

One of many enjoyable Pomme Frites nights. 

Kat and I just want to be cute and Korean. 

Thomas did not approve. 

A perfect day in the park! First, pizza. Then, Starbucks and ukulele. Getting some much needed sun on ,my pasty, winter legs!

This was awesome. A kid was on roller blades... maneuvering a remote controlled car... which was pulling a wagon...with a CHILD in it! 

Dinner at Mapo after chilling on the rooftop. The best day.

SUCH JOY. I really miss them. 

Before school brunch with my love, Kat. This was an EARLY morning! Had to take Dad to the airport shuttle at 4:30 a.m.!

All I wanted to do was to go bowling! So, this little gal went with me. 

And these two lovely people. 

Sweet shoes and a bowling ball that looked like a basketball. Nothing could go wrong!

Alas, it could!

Daniel lost a leg!

Daniel, why did it take us so long to become friends? This boy is such a sweetie pie. I was cold one night and he put his jacket on me. Not only that, but then he let me keep it! (It's the black jacket in above pictures. I love it.)

We moved over to the party side of the bowling alley. It was pretty awesome: lasers, fog machines, music videos, etc. 

MH and John. MH treated us to an AMAZING oyster dinner in Yeongtong. One of my favorite meals in Korea. 

And Thomas could eat almost everything! Yay!

I enjoy taking pictures... with food :D

The next night, girls at Green's house. I love chatting with these ladies. 

THANK YOU, GREEN!

And the NEXT night, I met with Josh and Liezel. Josh and I went to an (almost) Kakao Talk Cafe.

Dak galbi for dinner! Yum-yum!

I adore these cutie patooties!

Afterwards, drinks with my Liezel!

I spent the night in Seoul with the Whitten's. Their going away present to me? This amazing pillow with a picture of  my favorite city (if you haven't caught on yet, it's Seoul) on it. 

Completely awesome!

Friday nights and big, southern hair.  Yes, yes, yes. 

My last Saturday was WEDDING DAY!

My girl, Kelsey! 

Wedding dinner. 

The happy couple... Congrats, Chi! We are all ecstatic for you! :)

After wedding date with Liezel and Kelsey. We enjoy pulling out the Korean poses. 

And breaking out the selfie stick. 

Kelsey, your smile is stunning!

My loves. (also, bubble caramel macchiato... wowza!)

Last Sunday at church was such a special day. Goodbye, sweet Egypt! 

Christine gave me macaroons and the most thoughtful card. SO, SO NICE! 

I'll never forget your love and kindness!

After church lunch with Jino, Warner, Kelsey, and Christine!

Newcomers, with Monica, Chunan, Lena, Josh, and HoDong!

Christine! <3

Kimbop picnic! I was so honored to have had these people give up their afternoons for me. 

Ahhh, their smiles melt my heart. Especially... Justin's. :D

This special little guy called me every other weekend to see if we could meet up before I left. I taught him for a year and his little sister just started at SLP. We got her to choose the English name... SARAH! So cool. Anyways, he and his mom came and met me in Central Park. He even gave me a letter and chocolates. I was so touched!

Last dinner in Korea? Mapo, of course!

And with who else but the fabulous Katie and Thomas?

She was my rock! I still can't believe we got to teach at SLP together. 

My room, destroyed. Thank you Katie, Kat, and Thomas for your help and motivation. Kat, you really were a champ. 

My life in boxes. They are on a boat to America now. That was one HECK of a morning. Apparently, these boxes were too big and heavy. So, Green and I unpacked and put everything five smaller boxes. It was brutal. If I didn't have Green... I would have been massively screwed. We barely got done at the post office 30 minutes before my bus left for the airport. 

The classic goodbye at the Ramada. Thanks for seeing me off guys!

Funny story. The entire time I was on the bus to the airport, I sobbed hysterically. Honestly, I don't think I've ever cried so hard in my life. Even staying in Korea weeks after my last day of work... it just didn't feel like enough! I got to Incheon red faced, snot nosed, and with the puffiest eyes. I walked up to the departure board and a devious smiled crept on my face. All flights to Dallas: CANCELLED! To this day, I really don't understand why. They had a sign that said "connection malfunction" at the check-in counter... whatever that means? The attendant was so surprised how understanding I was. She offered a complimentary night in a hotel, but I turned it down and proudly said, "That's alright, I live here." :) 

How did I cope with such a stressful and emotional day? A Big Mac, of course. I ate it on the bus back to Dongtan. 

I got to see this clean-shaven, baby face one more time. I was happy... I'm not sure if the feeling was mutual. ;)

He sure is something special :D

So, it turns out that my last dinner in Korea was actually donkasu and tuna kimbap. Happy dinner with happy people. 

The next morning, I had goodbye breakfast with T. 

Wow... I'm really glad I got to be around for the cherry blossoms. 

Bus ride #2, I did MUCH better. I only teared up a couple times. I took a picture of my Alien Registration Card because I knew they would take it away at Immigration :( When the woman asked if I was coming back, it broke my heart to say no... 

The weather happened to reflect my mood. 

My last couple of won went towards a Paris Baguette caramel macchiato and a shrimp sandwich. 

I even had enough to buy my favorite Pepero, chocolate and almond!

I was truly wowed by this shot.

I gave out my Kakao ID to students before I left and I have been getting the best messages ever since. Julie and John (brother and sister) sending their love. 

Leo thanking me for bringing his class fried chicken. 

Bella's mom sending me pictures from our year together. These were from graduation. 

Halloween and open class. :)

Tiffany and James. James was MY Korean child. He chose to give me some sound advice. 

I also get little life updates. Gloria "falled" off her bicycle and broke her arm. I promise she knows the past tense of "fall".

I also get videos of math equations that turn into ... well, you'll see :D

Now, it's time for a farewell. I'm truly honored and flattered by all who took the time to browse through my posts. Not only have I been able to share my experiences with you, but I've been able to relive them myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your little words of encouragement and thoughts about my adventures. Maybe next it'll be, "Kickin' it in Kuwait"? If you have any better ideas, please feel free to send them my way. I love you all so much!