It’s time to pick up where I left off last time. I’m gonna try and squish it all in this post too. No more Canadian posts! I gotta let you know what’s happening in Korea too!
After the concert, I spent most of Tuesday Christmas shopping. This was necessary and not entirely pleasant. I dropped my sister off at the library in Coquitlam and proceeded to Coquitlam Centre shopping mall. John Kwon was nice enough to team up with me for a short time and offer fashion advice. We then ventured on to Mike Nicanor’s palace to partake in a gaming experience. Although my time there was brief, I was awed at Mike’s general coolness (games included). I wanted to leave early…as the snows were always a concern in the back of my mind.
The following Wednesday was actually Christmas Eve day. And it was snowing again - heavy and constant. I had arranged for the two Andrews plus William to share in a delectable breakfast at my house (prepared by my father) that morning but when I awoke to the avalanche outside I was fairly doubtful. Yet, incredibly enough, both Andrews made it out in there large vehicles and managed to eat enough waffles to make up for William not showing up. It was a great, warm, sharing breakfast.
Christmas Eve was one of the highlights for me. Our family trekked through the snow covered streets of Aldergrove to go ice skating at the local ice rink – for free! My parents’ church reserved the rink for a few hours for fellowship and as an outreach. Because of the snow – the rink was somewhat empty – which gave everyone (especially me) time and space to skate fresh and free! The ice was amazingly perfect – at least compared to Korean ice rinks I’ve been on. Great fun.
Christmas Day was altogether pleasant. Just to be part of one of the best family traditions was truly a joy. Waking up early and opening presents didn’t quite have the same magic as when I was 10 but there were warm feelings were everywhere! That afternoon was relaxed – although I did go out for a walk with my Mom to witness the accumulated effect of all the snowing in the days previous. The quietness and stillness of Canada astounded me again. It’s beautiful…any yet strangely uncomfortable after all the noise of Korea. That evening, I finally got to have the turkey I was so desperately craving! It was all worth it at this point. Something only best experienced at home.
Friday was my last day. That morning was chill as far as I can remember. I think I might have watched another soccer game with my Dad. Easily the best part that day (and possibly the whole trip) was visiting with Nathan, Lydia, Katy, Kristin, John…and Lucas. Due to snow (again) we were forced to change our plans several times before everyone ended up at our home. We ate with Katy and Kristin who came first – and then had some American beer with Nathan and Lydia when they came later. It all felt wonderfully comfortable and natural. I had forgotten how close we had become living together in South Korea.
I think it will be awfully hard to forget those bonds as we all move through live – and I hope those experiences will draw us together in the future – near and distant! In any case, that night was a great way to sign off – as I had to wake up the next morning for my departing flight back to the SK. The trip was a success. I connected with people. I opened presents on Christmas morning. I ate turkey. Christmas in Canada was satisfying on many levels.
I will be back. This time, with snippets from Korea. I’ve been teaching in the mornings and evenings these past two weeks…and the coming week will be the last. Following this, I will have lots of time to wax and wane about all the amazingly profound and important things of my life in Korea.
Until then,
-Paul
After the concert, I spent most of Tuesday Christmas shopping. This was necessary and not entirely pleasant. I dropped my sister off at the library in Coquitlam and proceeded to Coquitlam Centre shopping mall. John Kwon was nice enough to team up with me for a short time and offer fashion advice. We then ventured on to Mike Nicanor’s palace to partake in a gaming experience. Although my time there was brief, I was awed at Mike’s general coolness (games included). I wanted to leave early…as the snows were always a concern in the back of my mind.
The following Wednesday was actually Christmas Eve day. And it was snowing again - heavy and constant. I had arranged for the two Andrews plus William to share in a delectable breakfast at my house (prepared by my father) that morning but when I awoke to the avalanche outside I was fairly doubtful. Yet, incredibly enough, both Andrews made it out in there large vehicles and managed to eat enough waffles to make up for William not showing up. It was a great, warm, sharing breakfast.
Christmas Eve was one of the highlights for me. Our family trekked through the snow covered streets of Aldergrove to go ice skating at the local ice rink – for free! My parents’ church reserved the rink for a few hours for fellowship and as an outreach. Because of the snow – the rink was somewhat empty – which gave everyone (especially me) time and space to skate fresh and free! The ice was amazingly perfect – at least compared to Korean ice rinks I’ve been on. Great fun.
Christmas Day was altogether pleasant. Just to be part of one of the best family traditions was truly a joy. Waking up early and opening presents didn’t quite have the same magic as when I was 10 but there were warm feelings were everywhere! That afternoon was relaxed – although I did go out for a walk with my Mom to witness the accumulated effect of all the snowing in the days previous. The quietness and stillness of Canada astounded me again. It’s beautiful…any yet strangely uncomfortable after all the noise of Korea. That evening, I finally got to have the turkey I was so desperately craving! It was all worth it at this point. Something only best experienced at home.
Friday was my last day. That morning was chill as far as I can remember. I think I might have watched another soccer game with my Dad. Easily the best part that day (and possibly the whole trip) was visiting with Nathan, Lydia, Katy, Kristin, John…and Lucas. Due to snow (again) we were forced to change our plans several times before everyone ended up at our home. We ate with Katy and Kristin who came first – and then had some American beer with Nathan and Lydia when they came later. It all felt wonderfully comfortable and natural. I had forgotten how close we had become living together in South Korea.
I think it will be awfully hard to forget those bonds as we all move through live – and I hope those experiences will draw us together in the future – near and distant! In any case, that night was a great way to sign off – as I had to wake up the next morning for my departing flight back to the SK. The trip was a success. I connected with people. I opened presents on Christmas morning. I ate turkey. Christmas in Canada was satisfying on many levels.
I will be back. This time, with snippets from Korea. I’ve been teaching in the mornings and evenings these past two weeks…and the coming week will be the last. Following this, I will have lots of time to wax and wane about all the amazingly profound and important things of my life in Korea.
Until then,
-Paul
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