Second semester is in full swing and I'm feeling excited, overwhelmed, complacent, peaceful, restless. I'm realizing more and more that there is not some ending point to cultural adjustment, at least not for me, and that instead, the best way to "adjust" is to accept the gamut of emotions you will experience every single day living abroad. I might wake up grateful for breakfast kimchi, scoff in annoyance as I am stared at on the bus, awkwardly mumble around my lunch table at work, then beam in appreciation at the loving school nurse, who walks me to and from the lunchroom. After school, I could cry in frustration or joy while flowing through a yoga sequence, or sprinting around the courtyard at my apartment and then laugh hysterically while playing with my host-sister while simultaneously craving a night alone.
This roller-coaster life, while more intense in Korea, is what each day is like for all of us, isn't it? It's beautiful, and special, and important to recognize the peace that comes from embracing the ever-changing feelings of daily life. This isn't a super simple task, but I am becoming increasingly up for the challenge.
One way I do so is by texting my soul-friend Julie, every day , with things I'm grateful for. And so here, in the midst of the swirl of Spring, are some things I'm remembering to LOVE about life in Korea.
Make-up: Korean makeup is sickeningly cool and I have love experimenting or mostly just wandering around the hundreds of makeup stores when I need a pick-me-up.
Food: I love Korean food. I never thought I'd say that, but it's true. I can't go a day without Kimchi, my school lunch is restaurant quality, and my host mom makes omelets and french toast regularly for breakfast. I'm a lucky girl.
Quirky Everything: As my brother said after visiting, "this country is whimsical AF." I don't think there has been a day here where I haven't appreciated a silly English phrase on t-shirts, noticed a cool, but odd fashion trend like hair sprouts, or giggled at out-of-this world cafe decor. While they are certainly serious about working hard, Korea has a fun-loving side that I'm very grateful for.
Generosity: Living abroad in a country in which you don't speak their language leaves you super vulnerable. Whether its going to the post office, dying my hair, or getting a root canal, I almost always need help. This year has been both a test of my willingness to reach out and a testament to the kindness of others.
Introspection: Stepping out of my comfort zone and far, far away from everything I know has been a massive challenge. But it has given me the chance to reconsider who I am, where I come from, and what I stand for every single day. I have learned so much about who I want to be, and have grown in strength, patience, and courage while living abroad.
Signing off with love and gratitude,
Maeve
