In America

Today I blog from the RevDrMom's computer in what is not really my hometown, but a home of sorts. It took me a bit longer to get here than I had anticipated (26 grueling hours with more than 6 security checks, 4 airports, two taxis, and finally a bus and middle seats on airplanes between fat people the whole way the added bonus of 4 obnoxious teenagers who truly believed in their own hilarity and wished to share it with everyone with a 4 aisle radius), but I am here and it is a relief.

It shocked me a little this morning when I turned on the computer and found myself staring at birds and squirrels who are feeding right outside the window. It's been a long time since I've even seen a squirrel and the only birds I ever catch sight of in Korea are magpies, but that is always from a distance. And the size of the kitchen has confounded my efforts at obtaining breakfast. I feel confused by the amount of food and the various options for cooking it. It took me an hour to get the coffee made and I'm not sure that I'll figure out what to do for breakfast before lunch time arrives. But man am I starving.

When my mom and brother picked me up, I couldn't even recognize my brother who has grown a foot and long hair, not to mention a (dare I say?) deep voice and childishly adult heir about him. The very pregnant NSLS will arrive with her lovely hubby tomorrow night sometime and then I'm sure the real reunion will begin.

I honestly wanted to cry when I saw my mother last night. It hasn't felt so good to hug a person in a long time. I don't know how I'm going to get the courage to return to lonely Korea, if only for two months to finish up my contract and pack up my stuff to return.

I can finally say that it feels good to be home.

And by the way, Masum is home and fine for the time being. He still has quite a lot of family issues to deal with, but that could take weeks for me to process so hold tight if you are waiting for an update to the illegal immigrant love story.