This has been an adventurous week that’s for sure! My mom and sister have been in town and we’ve been exploring Korea. I went into Seoul last Thursday to pick them up. It was so great to see them! It’s a bit different though; it’s like 2 worlds colliding! I love having them here though! I took them to “Kim Bop,” which is a restaurant I frequent often! They weren’t huge fans. I tried to explain that it’s like fast food… compare it to McDonald’s or something like that—cheap and convenient! They got to meet my friends that I usually hang out with all of the time. Now they know whom I’m talking about! They were exhausted, so we called it an early night.
The next day they came to school with me. We rode the bus like I do everyday. They experienced a crowded bus that morning! After lunch with my teachers I took them downtown to Yawoori. They hit the wall at about 4pm and jetlag took over! They fought through it and we decided to go to the salon. I was told about this stuff called “Magic” that makes your hair straight. So, Mendy and I decided to try it. It was a process! Most of the hairdressers didn’t want to help us b/c they get nervous b/c we’re foreigners. We finally got a couple brave souls! It’s awesome, they brought us snacks and drinks the whole time. We also got to watch a movie and we received an amazing hand massage. Mendy got very nervous—I was a bit worried for her! It turned out great though and I love the magic!
We did a lot of hiking! I’m not sure they quite believed me when I said we walked a lot here! We went to see the big sitting Buddha and had to hike up the hill to see it. We went to Independence Hall (the Korean Memorial of all the different independences they’ve experienced) and we had to walk over this long bridge to get there. Then we hiked the Hwaseong fortress wall in Suwon and walked through the market afterwards. We visited Seoul and traced all over different parts of the city. Then we went to Busan and had some great beach time! But of course we did a lot of walking there too! They had some amazing parks you could walk through. I think it was all worth it! You might want to ask them though, they may have seen it differently!
One question they get asked a lot is if they like the food. They both say they do, but I remind them that I have edited everything for them and have only taken them to places I know they’d like! They haven’t truly experienced Korean food b/c they haven’t had to eat food they could barely stomach! J They have enjoyed “Rotiboys” which are fabulous! It’s this sweet bread with butter and sugar in it that all melts together… Fabulous!
We met my teacher friend one night for dinner, too. She took us to this place with boiled chicken in soy sauce. It also had these noodles that are a personal fave! At the end they made us fried rice and put Kimchi in it. This is the only way to eat Kimchi in my opinion! J It was great for them to be able to meet my friend. She’s one of my favorite Koreans!
They also were able to go to church with me. They met more Koreans and more of the native speakers. People were so open and welcoming to them! After church we went to Norrebong (which is karaoke) this truly is an experience! They didn’t join in, but they were entertained. Then Mendy experienced “Dr. Fish.” She did a lot better then I expected! She enjoyed it! I’m not a huge fan though. Not something I do often. I got a picture that was priceless though of her!
It’s been so comforting to have them here! I think it’s good that m 2 worlds have collided. Now I see them as 1 world and I think this is beneficial! They are both my life here and now, together. Having them here has made it a lot more real that I am in Korea though!! I’ve definitely had a few more “I live in Korea” moments than normal! It’s going to be tough when we part ways on Monday, (say an extra prayer for my mom’s sake!!) but I’m ready to see how my journey continues!
I’m learning so much while I’m over here. One day I might just write a book about the things God is teaching me and how He’s stretching me! Not anytime soon though! J This adventure is exactly what I need right now in my life! I’m always up for more visitors anytime! I have an extra place to crash! The invitation is officially extended!
**I’m heading to the Philippines for the next week. I’ll fill you in on all the details when I return! J
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