We have now finished our first year anniversary in Korea. Crazy how fast this year has gone by. We will now be starting our last 5 months here. If everything goes as planned we will be going back to America the first week in July to start another chapter in our marriage.
South Korea... A year later. I remember coming here so excited about the adventure we were about to have. I remember being excited about the culture, the food and well everything. However, our experience has not completely lived up to our expectations. I guess that's were we went wrong. We had expectations. Don't get me wrong, we have done a lot, we have seen a lot and we have grow incredibly in our marriage (who wouldn't when it's just the 2 of you) but I can't say that we have loved every minute of our time here.
When people ask how we like it here, sometimes I have a hard time thinking of something to say. David on the other hand does a good job of thinking of something positive to say. For me, (remember this is my experience and some people come to Korea and absolutely love it here), the culture is the hardest. It is so vastly different from anything I have ever experienced before. I like to say I am well traveled and that I have seen and experienced many different cultures before coming here. However, I have never been in another culture for more than 2 months. It really takes 6 months to understand and feel comfortable in the new culture. A lot of people here go through the 6 month slump, where you hate everything and want to leave as soon as your contract is over. For me, this happened after 3 months and lasted until month 9. But, my slump was largely caused by eating gluten, which throws off my whole system and makes it very hard for me to manage my emotions.
Life here hasn't been a piece of cake. We knew it wouldn't be but at times it is harder than we ever could have imagined it to be. But, I guess you don't grow as a person when you have it easy. The best way to build muscle is to work them until they hurt and that's what Korea is doing to us.
If you have followed our blog, you know how David struggled with the idea of missionary work here and being content with being a teacher. I have struggled immensely not only with my Celiac Disease but with what we are here to learn. I feel like if this is hard then we are supposed to be gaining something from this experience. There are a few things that I have realized. Mostly to do with my family, who I have often taken for granite. But over, I still don't know how this experience is supposed to make me a better person.
This blog entry isn't meant to make you feel sorry for us (unless it makes you want to send me gluten free food :) ), this is just meant to give you a more accurate picture of life in Korea. I have steered away from write anything negative about living here because I didn't want people to feel sorry or look poorly on Korea if they wanted to come here. Like I said some people come here and love everything about the country but that's just not us. And there days, sometimes weeks when all we want to do is to be able to breath. Literally (the air quality is horrible) and figuratively (feel comfortable where we are). We have yet to feel like we belong here, not sure if we ever will because of the way we look. I feel like everything is temporary, especially everything in our apartment. Either it is not ours or we have to keep it in good condition so we can sell it when we leave. I am ready to real grounded again and no longer confused all the time.
We would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for us over the next few months. Pray for greater understanding, compassion, patience, and over all health. I don't want to leave Korea with the same attitude I have now. I would like to be grateful for our experience here. So please pray!!!
Much Love,
Lisa
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