Citron moon

I had citron tea (yujacha) during my first week in Korea, a bright, tangy syrup with slices of rind in a glass jar like marmalade. I arrived here one month ago today and I'm still flying high on what's known as the honeymoon phase from the stages of culture shock or living abroad. It reminds me of sipping tea that is too sweet, but I can't stop because it's like liquid sunlight.

Compared to my life in New York, there is a sense of buoyancy that pervades my every moment here. Every basic thing, from staring down my heating control panel or knowing when to push the stop request button on the bus, makes me feel giddy. I know, textbook honeymoon phase, but I fully plan to enjoy it while it lasts. I have some great friends here, but I really treasure those small alone moments of triumph. I want to become more independent. Ironically, it's hard to do anything here without relying on others to teach you at first, so I am absurdly proud of myself for the smallest things.

First time I went to a restaurant alone. At least I can feed myself now -- level 1 complete!

My favorite project from my time in AmeriCorps was building a 1000 feet bridge in a national park in Alabama. It was my last project with my team and the monotony of outdoor labor, isolation, and homesickness was making us act truly terrible to each other. No one had much compassion left for anyone anymore and I frustrated myself and my team for being so physically weak.

Working that nail gun.

I have really fond memories of this time, even though I think I cried myself to sleep most nights from every kind of fatigue. It was a rare opportunity to face the best and worst parts of myself and others. It felt like being really alive, better than hot showers or cushy office chairs. I knew I was getting stronger in one way or another. Each day, I could see how many boards I laid down. Stronger people could have done the job faster or better, but it wasn't about that. Nothing was at stake. We had the time to finish the job slowly or quickly, with no rewards attached to reaching the end early. Life was just practice, not a performance. Practice was the means and the end.

Everything is challenging here too, but it's a contracted position so it gives me the freedom to treat everything as a practice. I'm doing BETTER and working harder. I've been on time every day. I wake up early enough to do my hair and makeup nicely and get compliments on being so polished. I'm a new teacher, but I can learn and I don't feel like I have to be perfect right away. I can try and learn and grow.

I've been a walking beacon of positive energy here and not surprisingly, everyone I've met has been so warm and friendly. My cup is overflowing with small kindnesses and beautiful things. I'm glad I have made it a habit to push myself out of my comfort zone, because I can enjoy the good times without worrying whether I can handle what comes next.

I can handle anything if there is honey bread to be had...

If this post made you thirsty, check out this great infograph on 12 kinds of tea you can find in Korea.