American Getaway

For those of you that have followed my blog since I first moved to Korea over 1 year ago, you would know that I have really come to call this new land of mine 'home'. I have developed good friendships, a passion for the art and culture scene, become obsessed with the spicy and savory flavors of korean dishes as well as korean fast-food, and have also fallen into place well at my workplace. Aside from learning about korean culture, experiences with friends, and also traveling to China and Taiwan in I have also learned a lot about myself. I have discovered more of my strengths and weaknesses and also have become closer to realizing what truly matters and what is important to me and my future.
As I embark on my second year living and teaching in Korea that I am well on my way to deepening and expanding my roots here- all while making new memories to carry on for a lifetime.

Even though I have come to call Korea my new home, I have to admit that I do long for family and friends back home in Central IL, USA. I grew up in a very close-knit family. Being the youngest of four, our parents raised my siblings and I to appreciate and value the simpler things in life and not take one another for granted. We always stood beside each other no matter what and as we have aged I feel as if we have become closer (despite being geographically far). I have become the proud uncle of 4 awesome nieces and nephews and have always tried to be a part in their lives. While living in Korea, I have missed some major family events but feel as if my heart and soul was there. And after all, it isn't being there for 'special days' that matters- it is being together in everyday life that is really more important to me, which that is what  I am about to get :)

As part of re-newing my contract with my current school, my boss allowed me to take the month of April to return home for a visit! I'm super excited to not only see my family, but a small hand full of near and dear friends as well. I'm really looking forward to catching up while spending a week with my sister and her family, 1/2 a week with my brothers and their families, and then 1 1/2 weeks broken up between staying with the folks and short visits with old friends. It shall definitely be a VERY NICE and MUCH DESIRED visit with everyone filled with laughs, stories, 'mommas cooking' and of course I'll get to see my beloved cat, Winnie ^_^

As I prepare to fly out of Korea tomorrow and spend a month home in April, I am feeling a bit saddened that I will be leaving my friends, kids, and new home here. But the same with my family- although I may miss an important event while away from Korea- I will be returning for the more important times of daily life and common chats :)
Although, I do know one thing that I will be missing and that is to FOOD!! I already plan on taking my mom to the korean grocery store back home and making my parents some Dok-Doki, Kimchi Chigae, Bibim Nameyoung, Dak-Galbi Tang, and maybe even a korean pastry Hot Tok...mmm...Hot Tok...

You may not here from me for a few weeks (maybe a month), but it will only be because my mind and time will be pre-occupied with a lot of TLC that can only be found from the comfort of family =)

Until next time, Peace and Love-
Patrick