The Dream that was Korea

During my orientation program in Korea I heard over and over again to be prepared for reverse culture shock when I return to the states. Falling back on my past experience in England and France, I thought that reverse culture shock is very much a myth. However, after returning home, reverse culture shock has been very active in my mind.

Reverse culture shock, getting used to home again, missing the temporary home abroad, or whatever you want to call it...there is one thing in common: There are times of extreme longing for something I can't point my finger at. As I go through my busy routine, the idea that I was even in Korea and all that I experienced wisps away as if it never happened. But random small events trigger a longing for once was my regular life in the past 6 months. These random events include emails from Korean co-teachers, seeing elementary students walking around, messages from friends made in Korea, movies, and more. It's time to be honest. As much as I wanted to come back home, I fell in love with Korea. I can still see my students running around me pelting me with snow balls, the excitement in their eyes as we play Mafia, me making silly dances for Row, Row, Row your Boat, and taking Gosuk buses all over Korea. People ask how I am adjusting. I am adjusting fine if that means doing my usual routine and doing what needs to be done. However, my heart still aches for once was. As time passes, Korea is becoming more and more of a dream. A dream easily recalled, but becoming less and less real.

Forever in my heart, a tribute to Jangpyeong.