This Christmas

This year Christmas didn't "feel" like Christmas. There are little to no decorations on the streets and definitely no carolers or Santa...lol. Even though I know that's not what Christmas is all about, it's always been nice to see. And no, I didn't get to spend it with my family, at least not in the traditional way but God always provides.

Even on His own birthday, He looks after and comforts those away from home. I had a great time celebrating with hundreds of other foreigners at church and new friends.

I may be far away from home, it may get lonely at times and I may have only gotten to see my family via Skype but guess what? I am a child of the Lord and wherever I am, He's there with me, loving me, taking care of me. As I know He is with you!!!

Merry Christmas!!! Tell someone you love them today!!


Until next time...

Learning the Language/Culture

I tell ya, I don't understand why ppl will live in a country for several years and not learn the native language.  I understand the how, especially if you live in a community within the country that speaks your language, but I find it disrespectful to live in a place for so long and not learn their language/culture.  I dunno...

I've been in Korea for 4 months now, and I've been doing my best to learn Korean.  I'm at the point where I can read and write it pretty well but of couse the speaking and comprehension parts slower to get right.  Part of the reason I came out here was to learn and experience Korean culture, which includes their language so for me it just seems like the right thing to do.

And it's helped...a lot!!!  For example:

I left a friend's place tonight.  She lives 45min away from me by train.  Similar to DC, the trains stop running at a certain time.  Well, I was able to get on the last train leaving the station nearest my friend but wasn't able to get on my transfer train to take me to my "home stop".  What to do?  Well, most people would've taken a cab home.  Call me cheap but I didn't wanna spend $4 on a cab when I could spend $1.20 on train or bus, so using the little Korean I've learned, I navigated the bus system and 2 buses later, arrived at home.

Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against cabs, I've used them quite a bit.  But I don't wanna depend on a cab to get me places because I don't know how to get around.  I wanna add the cabs to my transportation arsenal, not have it be there by default and because I don't know enough about the language to get around on my own.

Anyways, it's 1:25am here in SoKo...getting down off my high horse and heading to bed...

안녕히계세요 = an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo (good night)


Until next time...

Music: Universal Lanuage

Maybe it's cause I grew up in a family of musicians; a family where singing and playing we're as frequent as breathing but there is just something indescribable about being able to attend a Korean orchestra concert and be just as moved by the talent and music as everyone else.

Music is truly a universal language, one I've been blessed to learn and can appreciate wherever I go.

Costco Comfort

I love Costco. It was always one of my favorite places to go back home. When I found there was one 10 min away from me here in Korea, I got really excited.

My first venture out there, I got terribly lost. This past week, I made another trip out there (shout out to May for showing me how to get there) and man, I couldn't get the smile off my face. I ran around like a kid in a candy store!!

Stuff here is still more expensive than back home (understandably so) but worth it. I won't get most of these "western items" anywhere else. They have all the Kirkland brand items and a few of my favorites!! I'm smiling now just thinking bout it!!!

Did I mention the yearly membership is only $30!!!

Oh Costco, I love you!! Thank you for being here.


Until next time...

Winter is HERE!!

Standing at the bus stop waiting for my ride home and my fingers are begging me to stop typing...lol. It feels like once again we've skipped over Autumn and gone straight to Winter, which sucks cause I LOVE Autumn!!

Am I prepared? Do I have warm clothes? Yes and no but I promise you, I don't "LOOK" out of place. Walking around, you wouldn't think it's 40 degrees F. I get it...they're used to it but sheesh!! Found out today though that looks can be deceiving. While they look like they're not wearing much, truth is they've got on like 5 layers...lol but since most of them are so small in the first place you can't tell...smh.

When in Rome right? I will be jumping on this bandwagon immediately! Especially since my school refuses to put on the heat and open windows to "air out the room". Forget the air. I can't feel me toes. Yes, I said "me toes".

Anyways, I hope we slow down on Winter's approach. I really do love Autumn!!
"Autumn, where are you? Have you seen Autumn?"


Until next time...