Epilogue: Beyond this Adventure

Almost exactly three years later and I am finally leaving the place I've known as 'home' with very little hesitation. Granted, others have been here for a longer period of time, have families here, and still move forward, they aren't me and those who know me know that me and Korea have a relationship that is different than most foreigners here, even those living here for so long. Going from a small, nowhere town to Atlanta and a reputable university, to Japan, and now to Korea; no sign ever pointed to that progression. I so freely allowed myself to move from place to place, because I believed that no place, no challenge, was ever big enough for me. I never move backwards, only forwards. Though I'm on my way back to Atlanta for school, it is a giant leap forward, one that both scares me and excites me.

Korea has been kind to me, but it has no doubt been difficult. I'm not a 'get used to the temperature and slowly get in' kind of guy; I'm more of a 'cannonball into the deep end' person and Korea was no exception. No one understood why I was going to Korea when I announced more than three years ago my intention. Now they get it, and I think even now I finally understand. The friends I made here are now my family, and I know I will see them because this kind of family never breaks apart. Those who have been with me through thick and thin over here know I love them and cherish them the way they deserve, and the way they should properly be loved and cherished. I've shared parts of me I never knew existed, done things I never thought I could. They know who they are, and they know it is never goodbye but simply see you later.

I leave knowing full-well I'll be back soon enough. Be it a year, two years, or even three, I'll be back. And though things will undoubtably change, Korea will always be Korea and just like home, I will welcome the return. Though at times confusing, difficult, and annoying, Korea is like family and it is simply part of the terrain.