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.
8 comments:
Great pics! You can come settle out here in MN with your cousins and their kids :-) We'd love to have you out here!!
heidi
Looks like you got a good sun tan while in Panama.
Don't forget Florida when you think of where to settle; you've got two aunts in The Sunshine State. With your education, gifts and experience it should not be hard to find a job.
The Espinos
First a question: did you wash your hands between exiting the stall and holding your nephew? ;)
Second: it seems that the bidding has begun -- let me know what the final offer is and I'll double it -- I'd love to be in the same city as you again! :)
Ha! I did wash my hands, but that was a frustrating experience. After waiting sooooo long to see this little guy, finally he's right there in front of me - and while I'm trying to wash my hands so that I can hold him, those sinks that are SUPPOSED to be automatic won't register the fact that my hands are waving under the tap! It seems I tried at least three of them till the water finally started flowing; maybe it was actually only one or two, but anyway. . .
If Kirsten is doubling the final offer, plus what you would get originally from us...then that means Mpls. must win! Granted we may not have the same pull as parents, brothers and a nephew, but just think of all the family within a 4 hour drive from here! Plus all the benefits of being familiar with our transit system, a church in the area, many lakes, someone else making Sunday dinner :-)
Just don't entice her to move somewhere else with you!! ;-)
heidi
Yeah - but notice the Minnesotans don't mention things like snow, ice, extremely low temps etc! And the summers can be as humid as FL, with no Gulf beach for cooling off.
Plus, as mentioned previously, you have two aunts in Florida, which means families from up north are likely to visit....
Oh - and you could have a year-round tan!
Aunt Adri
Hey, there's always Vilnius!
Just kidding. Really. You must be pretty excited at the prospect of going home in a few years. Good luck on your decision.
Thanks for all your votes about where I should live next! I loved living in Minneapolis and I love visiting Florida, but for the record, I'm thinking more about the northeast (DC or Philly maybe). When the time comes I'll apply for jobs all over and then see what my options are.
Vilnius? Um, probably not to live, but I definitely do want to come visit. This summer maybe. . .
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