Aesop's Fables began as life lessons for adults and later turned to stories for children, but somehow one of them has turned into a reflection of my life.  Similar to The Boy Who Cried Wolf, I've found myself repeating the same story, over and over again.  Six years ago I promised my family that I'd be moving to Korea for "Only one year" which became two.  I was confident I was done with Korea after that, but  returned again in October of 2015 (and the few visits during my travels).  My year in Andong wasn't an easy one, including heartbreak, injuries and issues at work, so when I left a year later it felt like a final goodbye.  But, low and behold I was wrong again, I stopped by for a wedding last April and then was pulled back for the whole summer.  Long story short, I met a boy, remembered how much I love teaching here, and still wanted to learn the language.  16 entry stamps later, I'm back again, and this time there's no expiration date on my stay. 

I had a somewhat crazy realization the other day while talking to some fellow travelers.  We were all sharing our stories of where we come from, where we’ve been and where we may be going.  I was telling my story as I normally do but then at one point talked about being ‘homesick’ rather than referencing my hometown of Wisconsin I found myself speaking of being homesick for Korea.  You know the phrase "You don't know what you have till it's gone" well with travel this couldn't ring more true.

​As I go from one country to the next I’m constantly building friendships, adapting to a new way of life and discovering new foods.  As I become accustomed to these things they’re suddenly ripped away when I decide it’s time to move on and experience yet again another country.  Sure, I only have myself to blame for the constant movement I must endure, but that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier.