birthday in korea

In the days leading up to my birthday, literally the only thing that I was looking forward to was opening the mysterious packages that have been hanging out in my room all week. My mom had sent three big, brown envelopes and I didn't have any idea what would be in them other than a few cards from my immediate family.

Then, I opened them:

When I posted a photo on Facebook (of the envelopes plus two other cards) about it being from a "few" family and friends, I honestly had NO idea how big a "few" could be. I had no idea what was inside of them at all!

It's not my first birthday spent away from home, but for some reason this year I really felt the distance. Inside the packages were about 15 letters and each one made my smile grow a little bigger. The sweet, tangible words made my birthday so much better than I'd anticipated. 

After a morning of skyping with home, I got dressed up and I went to Turtle Park where I sat by the pond to write in my journal and read a few more; when you work through the afternoon all week long, its nice to get the chance to relax and appreciate a nice day. 

Luckily it was a really sunny day and many people were out for a nice Sunday walk. I even had a few sweet Korean ladies invite me over to briefly talk with them at their picnic table. It was strangely comforting. 

Later that night I met up with a few friends for a supper at a Korean BBQ place (so good!) and then we enjoyed some dessert called patbingsu (aka the biggest bowl of shaved frozen yogurt you will ever eat) with a delicious strawberry topping. 

I want to say a BIG thanks to my momma for organizing this all the way back in April and to everyone who took the time to write me a message in a letter for her big surprise, or simply on-line. 

Together, everyone made me feel connected to home and have given me a most precious birthday gift!