What I'll Miss...

There are many aspects of life here in Korea that I am going to miss. When we moved here, 2 years ago, I was unsure of what to expect; I was somewhat scared and anxious, very pregnant with Jamison and far, far away from the familiarities of life. Why didn't I rest in God's plans and know that He had worked out the many details that consumed my thoughts and worries? In these difficult moments and times of transitions, God was faithful (as he has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us) to guide us and show us His plan. After arriving, life fell into place; not without some trials and some difficulties and a lot of missing our family, but Korea became our home. God placed some wonderful ladies in my life that became my circle of constant friendship and support. Many of those ladies have since moved, some are still here...they have made this a fun experience. He placed us in a wonderful church, where we grew and our children were taught the truth in love every Sunday. We have made some wonderful memories and have experienced another culture...what an opportunity! Jamsion will always have the fact that he was born in Seoul, Korea...that's a conversation piece! I thought my time to leave would never get here; now that it's two and half days away, it's a bitter sweet time. I feel as though I am leaving family again, my military family. So, to those left here at Osan Air Base: enjoy your time here, embrace every moment, and continue to help each other out! Before you know it, you too will be saying good-bye...which is not as easy as you might think!

What I'll miss:

-my sweet friends...there are too many to name!

-Pizza night at the Officer's Club, where the kids went crazy and bounced in the bouncy castle and the parents just relaxed

-the Flower Market, where flowers are so, so cheap...like 6 dollars for a dozen roses!

-the National Anthem at 5:30, every weekday and Taps every night at 10:00...

-the simplicity of life that I have come to appreciate

-Thai food...this was Jordan's favorite, Pad Thai

-Knowing almost every single lady and not being able to go anywhere here on base without stopping to talk to at least 5 people!

-Happy Quilt-where I have spent much time and money...building my collection of designer fabric, it only cost 2.50-3.00 a yard!

- Hallasan Tower-our apartment; and being able to run upstairs, downstairs or down the hall to play, visit with a friend or borrow an egg!

- Everland (an amusement park) that we have been to a bazillion times

-our church, Mission Baptist and my MOPS group there

-Ms. Lee, my ajima (cleaning lady) who gave me freedom from all household chores...I became a bit spoiled and maybe even lazy!

-afternoons at the park or the indoor pool, along with many other mothers

-walking Jannah to and from school

And, here are a few things we won't miss, not even a little bit:

-After 2 years of being here, my children no longer like being gawked at and having their pictures taken by random people; nor does one of my children (Jordan) care to be touched on his cheeks and head by strangers while we are out. What he doesn't realize is that in the Korean culture, he is put on a pedestal because he is a son (and they love his blue eyes and fair skin). So, I hope when we get back to America, they can cope with loosing their celebrity status!

-The smells of Korean cuisine; somehow, we just never acquired a taste or liking for the food here. The smell of these bugs cooking (for your pleasure of eating) still make me sick.

-I won't miss the Exercises (practice/preparation for war time with North Korea) that the active duty participate in and the ones that we as spouses participate in...although, it's for a very worthy cause (like right now, Kim Jong Il is making it all seem real and worthwhile).

-I won't miss the crazy moped drivers that can do you more harm than the buses!

-I won't miss lugging groceries from the parking garage, up to the 3rd floor and down the long hallway to my apartment!

All in all, there is much more that I will miss than I won't miss!