Alright folks. After an embarrassingly long hiatus, we are finally back in action. Perhaps my only excuse is that this extended absence speaks volumes about the incredible time that I've been having these days. One of the greatest perks about this fellowship is the fully paid TWO MONTH winter vacation that we get. Of course, there are some limitations to this clause. Every grantee is only permitted to spend 4 weeks outside of Korea, no more than 2 of which can be spent in America. Naturally, I maximized on all the time allotted and had the time of my life, doing so.
To be honest, it was a little hard to leave Korea and say goodbye to everyone, especially my host family and wonderful students. When I return back to my school in March, I'll be met by 700 new first graders and my beloved former students will all move up to second grade. While I'll still might pass them in the hallway, it simply won't be the same because they'll be far away in the second grade wing and I won't have the pleasure of teaching them any more. Nevertheless, my host family and students really made my last week in Korea special. Here are some of the little holiday gifts and cards that my students gave me.
More adorable gifts and cards.
Some of my classes even got together and got the whole class to write little messages to me. My students are the absolute sweetest!
There were two gifts that were especially meaningful. First, the principal of my school presented me with a traditional, hand-painted Korean drum. Especially considering how busy he is, I was so amazed that he found the time to pick out a gift. I am so appreciative of all that the school does for me.
Second, one student literally rendered me speechless with her sheer thoughtfulness. During one of my lessons, I briefly mentioned that I had a young cousin. Although this happened a while ago, she remembered this small detail and presented me with a special Christmas gift right before I left. All she said was: "the socks are for you, but mittens for your baby nephew - so hands not cold." I knew exactly what she meant and my heart melted, in response to her kind gesture and new-found confidence in speaking English. This was the same girl who didn't make eye contact and blushed furiously every time she had to speak just one word of English at the beginning of the semester. I am so proud of how far she's come. It's just another reminder that I'm leaving a lasting impression on my students' lives.
The night before I left Korea, I was up late, doing some last minute packing. My host siblings were in the living room, watching some drama on television and waiting for their father to come home from work. Regardless of what time he gets home, they'll stay up so that they can greet him immediately upon arrival. Korean culture puts a lot of emphasis on filial piety and respecting elders, especially one's parents and grandparents. Anyway, around 11pm, he finally arrived home with a big surprise for everyone: a Christmas cake! Despite the fact that it was late and everyone was still full from dinner, we devoured the beautifully decorated cake and had a great time, reminiscing about our four months together. It was the perfect way to conclude the first half of my grant year.
There were two gifts that were especially meaningful. First, the principal of my school presented me with a traditional, hand-painted Korean drum. Especially considering how busy he is, I was so amazed that he found the time to pick out a gift. I am so appreciative of all that the school does for me.
Second, one student literally rendered me speechless with her sheer thoughtfulness. During one of my lessons, I briefly mentioned that I had a young cousin. Although this happened a while ago, she remembered this small detail and presented me with a special Christmas gift right before I left. All she said was: "the socks are for you, but mittens for your baby nephew - so hands not cold." I knew exactly what she meant and my heart melted, in response to her kind gesture and new-found confidence in speaking English. This was the same girl who didn't make eye contact and blushed furiously every time she had to speak just one word of English at the beginning of the semester. I am so proud of how far she's come. It's just another reminder that I'm leaving a lasting impression on my students' lives.
The night before I left Korea, I was up late, doing some last minute packing. My host siblings were in the living room, watching some drama on television and waiting for their father to come home from work. Regardless of what time he gets home, they'll stay up so that they can greet him immediately upon arrival. Korean culture puts a lot of emphasis on filial piety and respecting elders, especially one's parents and grandparents. Anyway, around 11pm, he finally arrived home with a big surprise for everyone: a Christmas cake! Despite the fact that it was late and everyone was still full from dinner, we devoured the beautifully decorated cake and had a great time, reminiscing about our four months together. It was the perfect way to conclude the first half of my grant year.
First stop was, of course, good ol' New Jersey to celebrate the Christmas and New Years with Momma, Pops, and Lil' Kim; my extended family; and close friends. There's truly no place like home for the holidays. I simply couldn't imagine Christmas morning without Momma corralling the rest of us out of bed and giddily exclaiming that Santa had come. Still clad in holiday appropriate pajamas and groggy from jet-lag, I reluctantly opened my presents. But I as I began tearing back the wrapping paper, I was immediately transported back to my childhood, and felt a wave of unbridled joy pass over me.
Santa was quite generous this year and I can now call myself the proud owner of a new Kindle Fire. Just a quick tangent: All the hype is warranted. The Kindle Fire is an amazing product and you should buy one... Anyway, the most memorable present came from Lil' Kim, my brother, who I suppose isn't "little" anymore but I will always think of him as such. He purchased us these amazing animal pajama onesies. The epicness of this gift cannot be encapsulated by words, but only expressed through this extraordinary picture.
After we opened all of our presents, we got ready and went to my uncle's Church for Christmas Day service. Then we came back home and hosted Christmas dinner for my mom's side of the family.
The next day we repeated the epic feast with my dad's side of the family. I'm pretty sure I was in a food coma for 48 hours straight. Good thing I had nothing else to do but catch up on my trashy American tv shows.
On New Years Day, we went to upstate New York to see my baby cousins. They grew up so much during the 6 months that I was in Korea. The older one started pre-school this year and the younger one now has so much to say. She was barely speaking when I left! It was so nice to see everyone together again.
While I was home, I ate my fill of breakfast food, watched my fill of Lifetime's new show: Dance Moms, and had my fill of adventures. Specifically, I saw my friends on a few occasions and went into New York several times. Here's a few shots of my family ice-skating in Central Park.
On one of my last days in America, my mom and I got in the car and drove around town, admiring all the beautiful Christmas lights. There's one little neighborhood in my town that continues to outdo itself, in terms of extravagance and festivity. We parked on the street for short while, soaking it all in. In those moments, I was completely at peace, both metaphorically and literally "at home."
I am so glad that I was able to come home for Christmas. It's certainly celebrated in Korea but no where near the same extent. I have no idea where life will take me in the future. But regardless of where I am geographically, I will always make it a priority to be home for Christmas. It was quite bittersweet to leave again after 2 short weeks. But as I boarded the 14-hour flight back to Korea, I left feeling whole, refreshed, and grateful for all my blessings.
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