I'm Baaaaaack!

I literally don't even know where to begin.  Since I haven't posted in such a long time, I guess I should start by apologizing for my absence...  So, sorry for that.

The last six weeks have been a blur, but the most delicious blur for which a gal could ask.  We finished up the first semester of the school year, only to jump right into Summer Camp.  We did an American themed camp and at the very least, Dionne and I were able to fully understand why the students at our school are so dear to our hearts.  We had a great time with the camp, and really enjoyed getting to know a whole group of girls, but those girls also made us really appreciate how good we have it at Kyunghwa EB.  Enough of that.

The weirdest (and most disgusting) thing happened during camp: we accompanied our students to Yongsan Army camp for a field trip.  For lunch, we all ate Pizza Hut pizza - like, authentic, American-style pizza, which, trust me, is WAY different from Korean Pizza Hut's product.  Many of the girls complained of the abundance of salt (thank you, processed meat) and grease on the pizza.  We thought nothing of it until the next day when only 14 of our 34 students showed up.  Why?  They were ALL sick.  From the pizza.  Gross.

My principal pals 

The very next day following camp, I left for Iowa.  Words cannot describe how excited I was for this trip!  I experienced a little culture shock going through customs in Dallas - being able to eavesdrop on conversations (and understand what was being said!) was SO strange (and a little uncomfortable...) as well as the sea of white people in which I found myself.  Very strangey. 

Without spelling out every single detail of my almost four weeks at home, let me just say it was the most satisfying, grounding, reassuring, comfortable experience for which I could have possibly asked.  Not one day was misspent, and though the time flew by at warp speed, I have returned to Korea completely rejuvenated and ready for another year.

Highlights from Iowa, in no particular order, include, but are not limited to:
1 > FINALLY meeting the Drewster.  I think I'm going to enjoy being an aunt.

2 > Spending a TON of time with family - the Pluegers, Kirk, the Banachs, Nick and Jess, Mom and Dad - I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment!  I'm a pretty lucky gal to be able to call all of these wonderful people family!

Plueger Cousins

A little family picture action....

3 > One of the most badass class reunion weekends imaginable.  It is still amazing to me that somehow, we never seem to skip a beat.  Some of my best friends in the world are from high school and I wouldn't have it any other way.

4 > Some AWESOME Theta time - being at the house after a whole year away felt completely normal.  Witty banter with Mona, chatting with Mom Anne, helping with recruitment and lounging with Alyssa never felt so natural.

5 >  Being able to share a little Korean culture with Iowa - I cooked four Korean meals for various group of people and I couldn't have been more pleased with their reception.  I was a little nervous about how people would feel about the food since they'd never had anything like it before, so when all went well at every dinner, I was so, so excited.  In some weird way, it was comforting to be able to share something about which I feel so strongly with some of the most important people in my life.

Korean dinner at the Banach's house - notice how Ross is flexing his muscles.  He's such a stud :)

Being able to spend almost four weeks at home was absolutely fabulous.  It honestly felt like I never left, which is far from what I anticipated.  Returning to Korea has yielded the same results.  Walking to school this morning, it felt like I hadn't been home.  It's so strange (but also quite comforting) to feel so unconditionally at home in a place no matter how long you are absent.  I guess that's a good thing :)