Where has September gone?

Thursday was my 10th month in South Korea. It's hard for me to fathom that I've been here for 10 months. Wasn't it just yesterday that I arrived in this strange Asian country with feelings of anxiety, excitement and hope upon me? In 3 short months I will be home. Where has 1 year gone?
I keep thinking of home and excited for when I get to see my family and finally embrace Liam and Adalyn! As grateful as I am for Skype, hugging my parents and siblings will be more rewarding than seeing them through a computer. I miss my family a lot... can you tell?
I've decided that I haven't had enough of Korea, though. I'm planning on staying for another year. I'm applying to some positions at Universities, and seeing if this is where God wants me to be. This year has been an amazing experience but I was hoping to have traveled more. Unfortunately, my current job didn't offer much vacation time so my goal next year is to see more of Asia. University jobs offer better pay (more student loans taken care of) and better vacation (time to embrace the traveler in me).

My job remains about the same. My students and co-teachers are brilliant whereas my boss is still mental. I have less classes now that we have a new foreign teacher, Bob. He's from Hawaii and very nice.

Last weekend was Chuseok- Thanksgiving.

It is a time when Korean remember their ancestors by visiting and decorating their graves, consuming lots of food and giving gifts. It is also a time when the younger generation pays their respects and bows to their grandparents. Monday and Tuesday were part of this National Holiday, so on the Friday before we had a celebration at SLP.

All of the children wore honboks (traditional Korean clothing) and made tteok (rice cakes).
I definitely want a honbok!!

tteok involves grounded rice made into ball shapes with sugar inside

we are teaching them how to do the traditional bow

you must bow completely to where your forehead touches the ground

aren't they adorable!?

Chuseok was a very nice long weekend. I spent mine sleeping and hiking. It was relaxing and much needed.
I have more stories coming, but until then. I wish everyone well!