A new year, a new season

by Grace Ko


Long time! I can't believe it's already been over two weeks since I arrived here in Korea. It was a whirlwind getting here. Let me just say, packing up your life is not easy, physically but mainly emotionally. I found myself getting tearful at the most unexpected times but I embraced even those tears as part of the "journey". Thanks to the help of many friends, I was able to pack up my things, say my goodbyes and got myself on a plane. 

Accompanied by my beautiful passport case (thanks Y!) and Tina Fey's hilarious and insightful Bossypants 

Accompanied by my beautiful passport case (thanks Y!) and Tina Fey's hilarious and insightful Bossypants 

Seoul, the city that truly never sleeps

Seoul, the city that truly never sleeps

After 20+ hours of travel and a bout of motion sickness, I was thrilled to get off that plane and to be reunited with my husband after two months of being apart. He greeted me with a cute sign he had made. With my three heavy luggage bags, we arrived at our new (and very empty!) apartment! 

The husband had a big bowl of 육개장 waiting for me at home! 

The husband had a big bowl of 육개장 waiting for me at home! 

They say, Home is where the heart is. And my heart is where my family is. But with my family so far apart, my heart has been torn. When I was in the States, I missed my parents and my husband. Now that I'm in Korea, I miss my brother, my babies (Laila and Emmy), my friends and my church. 

The first few days here, I think my body was not yet ready to admit that I was no longer in the States and it only craved American food. So the first day, I had a sub sandwich. And then the following day, I had eggs benedict at brunch. 

First weekend in Korea? Brunch, of course. @Suji's in Itaewon 

First weekend in Korea? Brunch, of course. @Suji's in Itaewon 

Date night with the husband. Tacos @Vatos in Itaewon. 

Date night with the husband. Tacos @Vatos in Itaewon. 

Though I miss "home" while I try to make this new place my home, I am choosing to embrace this new season and make the most of it. The next weekend here, Y and I took the train down and made a trip down to my parents'. It was a relaxing and refreshing time full of good eats with my parents. 

Snow covered fields in the countryside 

Snow covered fields in the countryside 

My mom's sandplay therapy room 

My mom's sandplay therapy room 

Food, glorious food. 

Food, glorious food. 

Interestingly enough though, we weren't able to spend Christmas with family. Christmas isn't as "hyped up" here in Korea as it is back in the States. But regardless, we spent Christmas Eve with my cousin and her kids and we spent a meaningful Christmas going to a joint service and walking around the heart of the city. 

With my unni

With my unni

The packed streets of Myeongdong on Christmas day!

The packed streets of Myeongdong on Christmas day!

Yesterday, I was able to reconnect with my good friend J from college. We talked about how it's funny that it's easier for us to meet here all the way in Korea than when we are both on the East Coast! Good friends are such treasures and I cherish these moments.

Having some bingsoo in Korea is a given. 

Having some bingsoo in Korea is a given. 

A brisk walk with J&J along the Hangang

A brisk walk with J&J along the Hangang

Thank you for your patience while I got settled in. You can look forward to many more adventures!