Being in Touch

2/7
Dear Family,

It is far too long ago that I last wrote. It’s kind of tough getting back into the swing of things, after having been so royally entertained with first my sister’s company, and then with Amy’s. I find that I’ve begun to let things fall behind, and have a difficult time applying my mind to things that were before simple matters. Talking to my sister, the other day, I laughingly described it as ‘post-company syndrome’ and suppose that pretty accurately sums it up. But I know that moping won’t help me to get back into the swing of things, so today I gave myself a mental shake, rolled up my sleeves, and put myself to work.. Work is always therapeutic.

So are game rooms. I hadn’t wanted to go to Bible study, last Friday evening. After having frustrated myself to the point of tears over evasive Korean expressions, I wanted nothing more than to lie down on my bed, and never move again. But, supposing it would be a good thing for me to get some fresh air (it being nearly a half-hour walk to my destination) and to interact a bit with others, I bundled myself up and took myself off. Excellent intentions notwithstanding, I couldn’t rouse my thoughts to engage in what was toward, and don’t suppose I said two words together. Instead, quietly sipping a latte, my mind, belying my erect position, slept. Our group broke up at ten o’clock, and I would have headed home, had some brilliant individual not suggested heading over to a game room. I decided to join them for a short time, at least, and we all made our way up the street. The atmosphere of a game room is much like that of a coffee shop, warm and small, with lots of tables and comfy (or not quite) chairs. We entered, sat, and after a cursory glance at the game menu, opted for Speed Scrabble. I began to wake up, and by the time we had done with that and moved on to other games, I was fully alert and enjoying myself thoroughly. We didn’t leave until past midnight, and by that time I felt entirely restored to my normal self, and was persuaded that few things (if any) hold a candle to a good game with good friends!

2/10
The Chinese New Year came and went over this last week, and I turned 25 with it. In Korea, Lunar New Year is not only the biggest holiday of the year, but it’s also the day that everyone adds a number to his age. Start with the fact a child is considered a year old at birth, and it can get really complicated really fast. One year at birth, and another added on New Years Day means that babies born on the 6th of this month are already two years old. As inaccurate as this system is, Koreans don’t usually exchange ages, but birth years. In reply to “How old are you?” the common reply is “I was born in 19__.”

Only one more week of class to go before finals. I’ll be happy to be done with level two, so that I can tackle level three. Learning is frustrating, sometimes. I have a lot of knowledge in my head, but don’t feel like I’m really able to make it very applicable. I know all of the material that we’ve covered so far, but I can’t make it happen when I need to. I find myself reverting to baby-talk when I’m on the spot, then slapping my head later for not having spoken as I ought to have been able to. I know I just need more practice. I need to hang out with more Koreans who don’t speak any English. Most of my Korean friends are bi-lingual, and we end up communicating in my language, because it’s smoother that way.

Well, I feel like this email is a little bit choppy, and neither very interesting nor very communicative. I’ve been pretty tired lately, and have had a hard time making my mind engage. But I wanted to be in touch, and to give you all a brief update on how things are going.

I’ll write again soon; meanwhile I pray God’s blessings on you,
Elisabeth