A New Sisterhood

Today most of the new teachers were in 2 hours of Korean language courses. Yes, on the first Saturday of the school year after surviving a first week that will be remembered for so many reasons.  Nine of us who had known one another a total of 2 minutes to 2 weeks decided to venture out into the Suwon for lunch this afternoon. Not all of us were teachers at GSIS. One is a teacher at a Hagwan nearby. Some would be considered support staff. Some would be called substitutes. I believe I may have been the eldest member at the table, scary thought,  and the youngest member was about 8 months old. Nine women who would never have crossed paths in any other way than this journey of teaching and willingness to move to a country not our own. Nine women who were eating Indian food in Korea and laughing and telling our stories as if we had known each other forever. Like we have been sisters for ages and probably after this day, will never share the exact same time and space all at once again. What a rare and unique opportunity. Our world is so big and yet so small. How much fun it was to watch the very reserved and polite Indian gentlemen serving us smiling and waving at baby Emily from behind a screen. Thinking they were going unnoticed. I am sure it was a shock for them as well when we all trooped in for a meal. In the end it really didn't matter that we came from Chicago, Idaho, Washington, Louisiana, South Carolina, Korea, or places and states unknown. It didn't matter that some of us studied at Boise State or Augustana or in Europe or any of those places. That we have lived all over the world. That some have been to Jerusalem on Christmas Eve or have seen the great works in Europe. The simple fact that we can sit and enjoy each others company for being who we are in this moment is astounding to me. I know that each of us would help the other if called upon just after this one meeting. How awesome that thought. How inspiring and hopeful. How needed.  I am so lucky and blessed to have been a part of it. I am proud to be a part of this global sisterhood.