Meditation Minute: Again, It's the People

It's been almost a month now since I've left Korea. Since my return I have traveled to Tennessee (twice) and back and forth the Florida (two times, too.) Rio and I are looking forward to moving (again) into our new home in Charleston, and we've been checking in on the progress of the renovation every other day.

At my new job I've been learning the routine, setting up my office, getting to know the kids, trying to memorize names. I'm meeting parents and teachers and staff. Went shopping for collared shirts and plain skirts/shorts/pants to comply with the dress code at Rio's new school. I'm planning a trip to DC for the 5th grade students during spring break. I'm hiring interns for Freedom School (part of the Children's Defense Fund,) a six week reading program schedule for this summer, and I signed Rio up for an adventure outdoor summer camp with the County Park.

I had dinner last Friday with staff at Cici's pizza and we all sang happy birthday to Rio who is six, again (she was six all last year in Korea age.) Saturday I took her and our new neighbor ("A" - age four) out for a Saturday of play and eating cosmic hot dog's at a place called Jack's. That evening I invited our other neighbor ("Z" - age seven) to go see the movie Rango, again. Yesterday, a man named Ted helped me surprise Rio with her birthday present: a kitten, only three weeks old. We named it Lil' Lulu.

With so much going on (all good,) I haven't had a chance to miss what I'm missing. This morning, while taking my morning walk, I had that chance. Out of everything that I grew to love about Korea, what I will miss most is the people, too many to name. There's Facebook, of course, but it's just not the same.

The staff at Metanoia have been assigned to read and discuss a book (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey). In the first few pages, the author poses a question that relates to what I felt today. "How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV. The answer is No one. They think about their loved ones, their families, and those they have served." Yes, it is all about the people. I pray one day I'll be able to go to Korea, again.

Meditation Minute: Extraño

After my first trip to the grocery store back in the States, I realized another thing I'll miss about Korea: produce. Fruits without wax, and vegetables that I know are fresh because the dirt is still on'em. I could get that here, but it costs three times as much.

At least I have pictures to remind me of the way life should be. But instead of complaining, I'll be the change I want to see here and plant a garden!

Meditation Minute: Solo

The countdown continues. In the days remaining, I'm counting the things I'll miss about living in Korea. The mountains are on the top of that list. I love that I'm only a 10 minute walk from the base of a healthy hike. This 40-year-old body is God's temple. Though it can be painful (bad knees complain the entire way, "Are we there yet?) it's my duty to maintain it's integrity.

I couldn't do this when I had my daughter here. I would have had to carry her (which would have been good exercise for a greater warrioress than I.) Still, it might have been a nice half-day trip to take with her. We could have stopped frequently and talked about the importance of staying on the path, being watchful for stumbling blocks, testing our strengths and remaining steadfast. I'll remember that when I get back to the States; I think she would enjoy hiking, especially if we danced along the way.

God, I miss my baby. The video below illustrates what happens when I'm left to myself for more than 40 days.

Meditation Minute: Jimjilbang

Been thinking of what I will miss in Korea. The bath house or "jimjilbang" (찜질방) is an experience I will not soon forget. It was Rio's favorite place as well. When we first arrived last year in March, the steaming baths warmed my bones and Rio just loved being able to run around naked, plopping in and splashing about from one pool to another.

Upstairs was the common area where folks lounged about. We gobbled up noodles while watching Korean dubbed American movies on the portable DVD player. The best part for me was The Happy Time massage chairs.

I formed intimate relationships with them all. They gave me so much. I often felt I owed them more than a mere $1.00. Consistently reliable, they went deep and strong for as long as I desired. I don't smoke, but if I did I'd light up after 10 minutes sitting in a Happy Time chair. They make me feel so......well, happy.

Loved the DIY salt exfoliant scrub down. FYI - be sure to check for open wounds before using. Salt first, then shave.