homesick

Though I’m not proud to admit it, I was never really big on keeping up with the news or politics when I after I came to Korea. I mean, I was generally aware of what was going on, but it was something that I didn’t spend too much time looking into. The problem with keeping up from the other side of the world is that I’m always on the outside looking in. The news seems much scarier when you’re not living in it, and the context of what’s being said can vary depending on the source. As a result,  I’m always left questioning the state of my home country, as well as whether or not it’s wise to return anytime soon. For now, based on the things I’ve been seeing, it’s looking like South Korea will continue to be my home away from home.

My dad sent me an excellent care package from home. It’s not anything I ever expected, but I am so grateful for my amazing dad. Sure, he sent me dried seaweed, but that’s just his funny sense of humor. I miss and love him every day.

With this, here are some ideas I have for an awesome care package for an American female teacher working in South Korea. In no particular order…

I know, I know:  Living abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, a chance to experience something most Americans never see, a complete test of your personal fortitude, the ultimate exit from one’s comfort zone…yadda, yadda, yadda. 

Sometimes it also just sucks.

I’m a little behind on the blog right now because, quite frankly, the last couple months have been, at best, forgettable, and at worst, more than a little depressing.  However, rather than engage in an overly detailed online rant, I’m going to discuss a couple of challenges of life here in Korea, because, basically this little blogging endeavor would be a lie if we pretended there weren’t days when we really just want to hop a plane back to our family, Bojangles chicken biscuits, and the comforting familiarity of life in the Old North State.

So, here’s the nitty gritty, the real stuff about living in Korea.

Butterfinger Jingles – bell shaped chocolates with chunks of butterfinger inside only come around once a year during the Christmas season in America.  They are my favorite stocking-stuffer candy!  Recently, I posted Homemade Butterfinger Bars, but these are even better!  They taste identical to the real-thing, but they don’t make your teeth hurt because there is less sugar and you control the quality of the chocolate  These will really blow you away!