From Panama I flew back to the States for three weeks to catch up with family and friends and to finally meet my sweet nephew Will - a meeting which took place in a restroom in the Philly airport (picture above). I'd ducked in there on my way to baggage claim, where I was expecting to see Mom and Heather Michelle and Will; I didn't realize that I was already at a point where non-passengers were free to roam, so I was surprised to see them waiting for me when I came out of the stall! Here's one more picture of us. I'm admittedly biased as his aunt, but don't you think he's got a winning smile?
The people were of course the highlight of my time at home, but it was also nice to drive, and to buy shoes that fit, and to eat a cheese steak. I have to say, though, that it was good to come back to Seoul, too. In many ways this also feels like home; I'm back in my own apartment, back at my job, back with my friends, back at my church, back to my running route on campus, and back to eating Korean food (which is, I'm quite sure, significantly healthier than cheese steaks are).
Much as I love living abroad, being home in February somehow left me feeling a stronger pull to "settle" and be closer to family. (But yikes! I've been so mobile for so long that the thought of settling permanently in one place is a bit overwhelming.) I'm committed to teaching at SNU for another year, and will likely stay at least one semester beyond that since it makes more sense to look for a teaching job in the States beginning in September - but I'm thinking May 2009 might be the time to wrap this Seoul gig up.
We'll see what happens; in the meantime, I'll try to fully appreciate the good in both worlds. I know some people aren't even sure they can call one place home; I'm blessed to be able to feel truly at home both here and there.
