I will leave Korea in a few days. After two years of
teaching English in a rural mountain town in the middle of the country, I will
be setting out for my much beloved Japan, where I will teach English in a rural
mountain town in the middle of Kyushu. Same as it ever was, I suppose.
I've been mulling over what these two years have meant to me
and I'm stumped. My emotions are not extreme. I'm not collapsed in a corner,
crying because I have to go (although I have cried a few times in the last
week). I'm not in a rush to leave, either. Korea has been very good to me
(although there were many times when I was less than pleased with my host
culture). I wish I had something profound to say about my time in Korea—and
maybe I will in a year or so after I've had time to process the experience—but
for now I will let my mind wander into the recent past and write out the
memories that some to the surface.
I remember
my first day of class, all those students smiling and
clamoring to get my attention. Some of them are still at school while many are
not, having graduated and moved on. I think I will remember my students most of
all. They will remain my strongest connection to Korea.
the changing of the seasons reflected in the rice fields
around my town: the sparse shoots of spring; the overwhelming lushness and
green of high summer; the ripeness of golden fields, ready to be felled; and
the sadness of the winter fields, temporarily abandoned.
so much beautiful food. Korea is a food lover's paradise.
the kindnesses of people, both local and foreign. I was
lucky enough to land in a wonderful part of Korea (but I'll bet every visiting
English teacher says that about where they live) with a caring and supportive
group of foreigners that were there whenever I needed them. I will dearly miss
the friends I have made.
a beautiful and sad girl that I hope will someday find
happiness.
Korea, I am a better person for having lived in your care
for two years. I leave on good terms and hope to see you many, many times again.
안녕!
This is the final post for this blog. As I'm starting a new
adventure, I thought it was appropriate to start a new blog. You can find me at
Bungotaketa.
