Chuseok 2013 A Time to GIve Thanks

It is time to take pause in on of my craziest years of teaching to honor the holiday time of my host country and second home. It is Chuseok. A time to give thanks. A time to honor family present and past.
I think that at first I need to just give thanks to God who got me here and is testing me and changing me in ways I never thought possible. If you don't have a higher power to help you with this kind of adventure then I don't think you can make it.
The second thing to really contemplate is the concept of family. Those who I consider family has greatly expanded. I have learned that family doesn't have to be blood relatives. When they hurt I hurt. When I can help them, I am ready for that. When they leave and move on, I grieve that loss but I do my best to use modern technology to keep in touch.
The romantic notions of living overseas, writing letters, and living for new adventures while being isolated has sort of worn off.
But then I see some of the faces of my "kids." Adopted nieces and nephews from all over the world and I can't explain how lucky I am. This doesn't even begin to cover all of my new brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, who keep an eye on me.
This is a side of this adventure you can never explain to anyone else or expect. When folks move on, which is completely normal, it is a break in the family in some ways but for now in this place and time I am completely and totally thankful. Each one of these folks are a blessing and are engraved in my heart now. I don't think I could have appreciated this fully without coming to Korea.
As much as I want to find the happiness of a family for myself, I am quite content in being a part of the many families I have here in Korea. There is nothing better. I love having the chance to teach them about my life and growing up and getting into mischief with them. Just one big kid is all I think I will ever be. But a parent to my students and a family member to all of these little ones and their parents is something I can't complain about. So on the days I feel a pity party coming on for all I don't have. It is time to reflect, take a moment, and remember some of these things that I do have. I really am so very very lucky.
Thank you Korea and your Chuseok Holiday for reminding me all of the great things I really have if I take a moment and remember it.