Beginning of the end.

Today was the first day that it really hit me how little time we have left here.  Roughly, we only have about seven weeks left.  Overall, we have been really excited and anxious about coming home.  But today, we felt a little sad to be leaving so soon.  Today was the last day of the ten week Saturday class that we have been teaching.  Doug has been teaching two elementary classes and I taught an elementary and adult class.  Even though it can be tough getting up on a Saturday morning and going to work, my Saturday classes have actually been my favorite classes all week.  Being with the little kids is so refreshing after teaching hormonal, awkward, and sleep deprived middle school students all week.  The children in this class were absolutely precious and were so excited to be learning English.  It was really hard saying goodbye to them today, knowing that I probably won't see their little faces again.  

It was also bittersweet saying goodbye to the women that I have gotten to know in my class for adults.  Each week, between five to six women would show up, so we became really close.  We had the best conversations and I learned so much about the joys, struggles, and everyday lives of Korean women. We talked about everything from celebrities, to their experiences with childbirth, to hopes of the North and South reunification of Korea.  I know sometimes I can get frustrated living here when you feel so much like an outsider, but getting to know these women has reminded how beautiful and community oriented Korean culture is.  I certainly feel like I have eye-opening experiences here all the time, and I am so grateful for what I have learned this past year.

Sandy, Kelly, Bunny, Sally, and Judy.  

Sally.