Decision made

I have decided...to stay in Korea another year! A few Mondays ago Yuri told me I had until the following Monday to make my decision because she needed to fill out papers. That same week Katie told me she was definitely going home. She had been on the fence, and she was the last of my friends to decide. I was really really really hoping she would stay. That was a stressful week, but I'm so happy the decision is made and I don't have to worry about it anymore.

There are definitely hard days at school, but overall I love my job. I've got great co-teachers. Unfortunately Jenny has to switch schools next year, but I'll still have Yuri and Sam, and most of the classroom teachers will stay the same. I love my students and I'm excited to work with the same kids another year. Knowing the schools, the teachers, and the students will make my job way easier. Plus I've already planned a year's worth of lessons that hopefully I can re-use. I know there will be bad days, but at least I know what I'm getting myself into. I probably wouldn't be staying if I couldn't stay at my same schools. I've learned so much about how to be a teacher this year, and I'm excited for everything I'm going to learn next year too.

My 4 best friends in Korea are Katie, Alissa, Garrett, and Kyla. They're all leaving. I'm not thrilled, and I really can't imagine what my life will be like without them, especially Katie. We went to college together and had the same major and all the same classes...I've basically seen or talked to her every single day for the last 3 years. We've gone through a ton of stuff together and I probably wouldn't have come to Korea if she hadn't come with me. So them all leaving is not ideal, but I know I'll make new friends. Every English teacher who leaves gets replaced by someone else, I just hope I like the new people as much as I like my friends now.

I feel more peace when I think about staying than when I think about leaving. I don't feel like I'm done. For me, one year is not enough. A ton of thought and prayer went into this decision, and I know God wants me here a little longer. So I'm very happy and content. And, because I'm staying another year I get extra winter vacation! I'll be home December 10- January 1. Katie and I made a countdown chain last week. See you in 33 days :)