An old name for Korea is Joseon, which means “the Land of the Morning Calm”. It really is a beautiful country and it’s become home to me for the last decade or so.
And now I’m leaving.
That’s right, we’re moving back to North America somewhere in about six weeks or so. Do I want to go? Yes and no. I’m really dreading leaving, especially all my friends here. I’m dreading telling my students (certain ones, at least. Others couldn’t care less) and seeing that look on their faces that will probably make me want to cry. I’m dreading all the inevitable hassles and changes that come with moving internationally. I’ve done it four times before, so I know what I’m in for. I’m dreading finding a job (well, FINDING one is great, it’s the looking that drains you). I’ve been looking for months now without even the whisper of an interview. I’m not worried, but it’s quite the slog.
This is us in a few weeks.
Of course, I’m looking forward to seeing my family again and being closer to them. I’m looking forward to having our own house (eventually). I’m looking forward to drinking root beer and going to Tim Hortons. I’m kind of looking forward to owning a car again. I know it’s for the best and that it’s time to go, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
Anyway, as you can imagine, I’m pretty busy these days. I’d be busy with just moving and looking for work, but I’ve also got several large projects that need to get done before I leave, ideally. So, that means a lot of little projects have to be put on hold. I won’t be posting as many stories for the next month or so. I’ll still be doing Friday Fictioneers and Sunday Photo Fiction, if I can. Also, please understand if I don’t read many blogs. I’ll try to read some, but it can take a lot of time.
The Green-Walled Tower 
May 17th, 2014 at 11:51 pm
I’m gonna be missing you, ol’ son.
May 18th, 2014 at 12:09 am
I’ll miss you too. I almost don’t want to think about it.
May 18th, 2014 at 12:30 am
I understand so much of what you are going through. From the feeling that you are abandoning your friends to the hopeful/fearful thoughts about the future… it may be right, but it’s certainly not easy. We will get through this and looking back, we will reminisce about how it all worked out. Just that we’re not yet at that stage.
May 18th, 2014 at 2:34 am
Good luck! I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll probably have a lot to write about once you’re settled again.
May 18th, 2014 at 4:35 am
David, don’t worry about reading those blogs, only about being as ready as you need to be to make the move and transition. I am sure you will miss it there, but will be able to make a new home again wherever you settle in North America. You will be out of harms way from North Korea, but know you will be thinking of the friends you made there in S. Korea. My prayers and thoughts will be with you during this time, especially to find another job. And once you are settled somewhere give us all an update, and where you located. I have so enjoyed being able to stay connected. Take care and God bless.
May 18th, 2014 at 6:02 am
Too bad you’re leaving. I’ll bet that’s bittersweet. Hope you find work soon and get to enjoy a root beer.
May 22nd, 2014 at 6:52 pm
Thank you and yes, I hope so too. There is good and bad in everything like this.
May 18th, 2014 at 9:05 am
Can be quite unsettling but as you say, it’s not the first and therefore, you’re better prepared than most, I reckon.
Perhaps this is also one reason I don’t keep pets – the parting can cleave.
All good wishes David, on your job hunt – I believe there are some jobs that require your unique skills – how many Canadians speak and write Korean 🙂
All good wishes,
Eric
May 18th, 2014 at 3:23 pm
Have a good trip I was surprised at your many suitcases
May 18th, 2014 at 3:52 pm
well those aren’t ours. actually we will only have about 4 but we are shipping several boxes beforehand too.
May 18th, 2014 at 9:13 pm
Safe journey dear 🙂
May 18th, 2014 at 9:15 pm
Thank you. I’m sure it will be fine. I’ll try to enjoy the whole process. 🙂
May 18th, 2014 at 9:17 pm
The upside is that your not doing it alone, your wife gets to share in your misery. 😀
May 18th, 2014 at 9:34 pm
True. It’s more miserable for her, I think, since she is more stressed about the process. Still, I’m doing more packing. 🙂
May 18th, 2014 at 9:44 pm
🙂 I’m sure once the details start to take shape it will get a bit easier. Moving is a pain though, you have my sympathies.
May 22nd, 2014 at 12:12 am
Wouldn’t it be nice if new beginnings did not more often than not have to include endings…… a new leg of the journey is at hand…..His grace will guide you safely to the next place……:)
May 22nd, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Thank you and yes, it will.
May 22nd, 2014 at 5:53 pm
i know you will miss Korea, i hope USA will give you lot more happiness and content 🙂
May 22nd, 2014 at 6:37 pm
Well, I don’t know about more, but a different kind, I’m sure. I will definitely miss it.
May 24th, 2014 at 6:10 am
You’ve moved internationally four times? Is the 10-year stint in Korea the longest? Are you moving back to Canada or to somewhere in the U.S.?
Or Mexico?!? Oh, man — move to Oaxaca; you’d probably find the alebrije folk sculptures truly inspiring!
May 24th, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Good luck to you on finding a new job. You are probably feeling excited to go back and also terrible at the thought of leaving your friends.
May 24th, 2014 at 11:52 pm
Thank you, and yes, I do have very mixed feelings. I’m excited, but sad too.