A.K.A.: Merry Christmas!

While preparing to come to Korea, most of the people I talked to told me that the holidays were going to be the hardest times. It's a time when families come together, familiar food is eaten, traditions are upheld, and loved ones gather together. I was fully prepared to be depressed and crying over skype, and having Kyle pick me up from the floor. I told Kyle especially to prepare for me to have a panic attack, because as a chronic worry wart, I tend to have mini freak out sessions.

But this year in Korea, it was quite the opposite. I didn't sit by myself in a puddle of tears. I didn't wear Kyle's patience down with my emotional outbursts. I didn't do any of the things that I had prepared myself and others for. It was actually quite a perfect Christmas. This year, I spent it singing "White Christmas" in bed at midnight while watching snow falling from the sky. I spent it making blueberry pancakes and eggs for breakfast. I spent it drinking a delicious maple latte with my loving boyfriend in front of me. I spent it surrounded by great friends at a restaurant. I spent it laughing and talking and crying tears of joy. I spent it surrounded by all the people that have defined my life in Korea. And while I did get a little sad hearing about the feasts that everyone was sitting around, and the gifts that everyone was opening, it brought more happiness to me than sadness.

I have learned so much during this past year, especially in this past week. I really focused on preparing myself for the negative, being pessimistic about how I would react to these hard times, and it really was nothing to worry about. It was a great and happy Christmas; one that I will never forget. It taught me to break away from that fear that is usually holding me back. So instead of being afraid of what is in the future for me, or what may be looming when I leave here in March, I just have to look back on this week. I expected it to be the worst, but it turned out to be the best. Things are starting to make sense in life. It only took 24 years and 20 months in Korea...but that's a start.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday week. I hope that you, too, are grateful and thankful. And that you, too, are seeing everything as positives instead of negatives. And that you, too, are aware that you are loved by many people, one of whom is in Korea right now.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! And I will see you all next year!

Lot of love from Korea