I Was Here

The year is OVER. Last, last day. I'll let Yonce sing it. She says it best, Buggy. :) What a beautiful experience it has all been !

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i41qWJ6QjPI

Goodbyes and Keepsakes

On the last day of school, I was filled with some teary goodbyes..especially to the little ones in my class! Their sadness is so honest and plain. :( They may not know, but I am so grateful for all of the lessons that the children have taught me, too. I will never forget them, or have another class quite like them! I was lucky to receive some beautiful, authentic Korean gifts today as well as a keepsake! :) 

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 {An authentic china Korean tea set. Gorgeous! I've secretly always wanted one. Tea is a daily time in my house at home in the States, and it reminds me of this!}

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 {Beautiful, iridescent Mother of Pearl hand mirror from the Museum of Korea, and an authentic floral Korean fan}. 

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Of course, we jotted our goodbyes on copies of the yearbook. I am so sentimental with hanging onto writing and seeing others' thoughts traded in writing; Reading their thoughts and thank you's reminds me that people remember and need even the smallest kindnesses. I will truly cherish it forever ! It's funny what people hang onto!

Warms my heart! There is no sense of accomplishment and love quite like teaching someone a little something they maybe didn't know before. Every person is a door to a new, hidden world..and what a cool exchange that has been. I'm proud to have been a part of it.

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End of the year :( ! Eek!

I truly cannot believe that tomorrow is the FINAL day for the day school and residence girls! What a year it has been; it's challenging to sum it up in a few neat thoughts! I have so many difficult goodbyes tomorrow to all my students, "family," and great friends. :( The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. Business and fun. Reflecting and moving forward. And of course..Buggy's birthday! <3

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A visit to the Wonang Falls for Bug's birthday!

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My besties here that have made this experience what it is: James and Rach (Buggy).

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More gifts for Rach from her students. Which also means a gift for meeee (especially when the gifts involve sweet treats!). This was a yummy layer cake of cheesecake and brownie..and tomato? OK, Korea: 

Our cute card to the Bug. Of course we picked a love card. Rach is a sweetie :)!

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Rach has a strange knack for proudly collecting four leaf clovers: so here is her surprise to me! She found all of these little guys in one walk/run. Must be a lucky sign! The birthday necklace I bought her so reminds me of her and her essence..my brilliant little lucky charm ;) 

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I was surprised with some love of my own from my residence "family." My eighth grade girls gave me a handmade cake with banana and Pepero sticks (so Korean!) and some thoughtful handmade cards. They even made me a little iMovie thanking me and saying goodbye! I will definetely miss these beautiful young ladies...and know that they (are) and will be doing great things in this world as talented women. I'm proud to have known them. 

Thanks, sweet girls!

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 One of my cards..

Cake! They know me too well! 

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Goodbye very soon..One of the last sunsets at BHA!

Beautiful, full rainbow! Luck again! 

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The feeling is mutual! Anyong,for now Jeju! 

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BVP Beach Volley

This weekend was one of the best here on Jeju! I'm really happy I decided to go! Every year at Hamdeok Beach, many different divisions of Jeju Furey teams {beginner to advanced} come together to play in two full days of beach volleyball matches to support a local charity. The weather was positively beautiful, the games were fun, the BBQ was delicious, and best of all, I conquered my deep rooted fear of volleyball!!!! ;) 

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 {^^Sunny Hamdeok Beach, often thought to be the most beautiful beach on Jeju. It's a bit of a drive: an hour and a half from Jeju Global Education City.}

{^^One of the more competitive "A" teams playing. many teams wore creative tees together.}

{Keenan and JungA playing a round of volleyball. Kennan nearly lost a toe colliding with someone. We had to scramble to find a replacement player! Yikes!} 

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{Team Orange Crush on Day 2. We look as tired as we felt!}

{Our other team T-shirts for BVP this year.} 

{Selfie with the Crushers: Rachel, Laura, and I.}

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Teacher's Day :)

Apparently today was Teacher's Day?? As a wonderful reminder {and surprise} our grade one students brought in so many beautiful roses, carnations, and handmade cards. It was a special day for the classroom. Days like today make it all worth it: I love being a teacher! 

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 {Each kiddo brought in one red rose and one carnation for Lisa and I!}

 {The children call me "Ms. H,"to make my name a bit easier, but sometimes they try to spell out the "H": you get "Hach" or "Hatch." Haha!}

 {I think this one had some help from a parent. ^^^}

{Pretty accurate haha ^^!} 

{I love this one. I do feel very "blassed." ;) }

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Few more of Thailand...

Here are a few more last minute pictures from my Thailand vacation! 

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 {Warm shallow waters at Ko Phi Phi Ley.}

 {Maya Bay}

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 {More of the jungle island at Maya Bay.}

 {Swimming and sailing Maya Bay.}

 {This picture needs no real caption. 

Rachel: Looooove me. 

Luke: NOOOOO!}

{Supermodel??}

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{Scoping out the Beach at Maya Bay.}

 {The horrific, humid hike to the lookout point. Smile if you're out of shape...You can't tell from this picture but I was actually grumpier than Luke here. ;) }

{The panoramic view from the Phi Phi Viewpoint of both bays was stunning and well worth it!}

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Banana and Nutella crepes on the beach tasted like a treat from home. Delicious sweets!}

{Lukey and I out to dinner! I love this picture!}

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{One last shot: all together with Raul: our long tail boat captain !}

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