too much sentiment for midnight

Clearly I’ve been horrible about this blog, but I won’t spend a bunch of time talking about it. It is easily one of my biggest regrets of Korea though- not being better about tracking every funny little detail. I only hope my brain can recollect it all long enough for me to get it written down somewhere, sometime.

What I do know is that this place has changed me. In a bigger and better way that I ever thought possible. Oh of course I expected “6-12 months abroad” to effect my life, but I never could have predicted it would be like THIS. There have been far more happy days than sad or angry ones, a million more laughs than tears, and a daily appreciation of all that I have and all I’m able to do. I’m rarely so sentimental since I’ve been here, maybe that’s why I’m finally motivated to write SOMETHING after such a long absence. As people have been departing Korea in perpetually higher volume, it’s caused me to reflect more often on all these experiences and friendships I’ve gained. These people are my family, in a way that people outside– even other people also in Korea– can’t really understand. I don’t know how our jokingly named “dong crew” evolved to such depth, but I definitely am glad it did. It’s like I moved to another country and gained a whole extra family (not a replacement for my real one, but they sure have taken good care of me while I’ve been here.) Now that everyone else keeps leaving, I can’t help but think about the fact that it’s almost time for me to leave too. I shudder thinking about how quickly these next 11 weeks are sure to pass. It’s truly daunting.

Of course I could stay here, of course I could try to cling to the amazement, but I also know that it’s time to go. I’ve come here and gained so much value for my life, and now get to carry all of it (and all those people) along with me to the next great adventure, whatever it may be.

I’m always so preoccupied about saying something interesting or posting entertaining snapshots that I put off posting to the point of forgetting this thing even exists. But now that I’ve been sure to lose 99% of my readership, I guess I can just move along and post what I like without too much concern for my audience opinions. The domain name IS my name after all, so I might as well say what I please.