Leaving my roots to meet my Seoul-mates!

Saturday Sept.30th....It was raining this day. Got up insanely early (5 am.) to get ready to go to the airport. Said goodbye to my bed.

Poor Eway was so tired! She had done a great job translating for the whole week. I could tell she was starting to tire the last couple of days. She was starting to speak to me in chinese and speak to other people in english. Another sure sign of her fatigue was in the car. I was asking her to thank her parents for their hospitality in allowing me to stay in their home, for their graciousness, for their generosity, and spending time with me. Her translation was...."Rachel says, thanks!". I said, wasn't that a little short? She just said, "I'm tired! Ohhh, all right!". Then she translated everything. It was very funny!

We got to the airport and Eway saw me to the check in counter. Then I said goodbye to her and her parents. I had some breakfast at McD's in the airport.

I was getting anxious when I was on the plane. We waited over an hour to take off! I thought I was going to burst. I was worried about arriving late and for those who were waiting to pick me up. When we finally land and it takes me forever to get through immigration. I must have picked the slowest line up. It takes a long long long time for me to get through.

The frustration was incredible after I made it through immigration. I couldn't figure out what baggage carousel I was supposed to go to. Some really nice Korean girl helped me out. She escorted me to the luggage claim area and waited with me until I got all my stuff. She was supposed to be going to another baggage area. She was another angel sent to help me.

I was probably the last last laaaaast person to get my luggage. I was ready to burst with excitement to see friends and I was ready to burst with anxiety from being so late! I think God was definitely teaching me patience and self control throughout this whole travel thing between China and Korea. I was hoping that Jay was still waiting and not too worried!

I finally make it through the doors and Cho Long is there to greet me!!!!! She is taller than I remember and looks great! Jay had gone to check her email to see if I left her a message. Cho Long calls her on the cell phone to tell her that I've arrived and she eventually shows up. We drop everything for a long overdue hug! I couldn't help but cry. It had been 3 years since we last saw each other. It was so good to see her. She looked fantastic with her new hairstyle and such. Then I met up with Ben (Cho Long's boyfriend). I was really glad to meet him. He's really nice. I like him. Cho Long has my approval!!!! (Not that she asked for my approval)

We had a lunch in a Korean restaurant in the airport. You could tell I just came from China (it's also part of my Canadian blood!). We put my luggage to the side, but it was around the corner where we couldn't see it. I didn't like not having it within eyesight because someone could take it!!!! But, things I see are different in Korea. And you know what? They were right. Nothing happened. My luggage was fine.

Ben had an SUV and we put my luggage into the back and headed to Seoul! It was so good to see everyone. Ben and Cho Long drop Jay and I off at Jay's place. I really appreciated Ben's help with my stuff. Jay's place was small and cozy, very comfortable and clean. It was good to finally arrive and relax after all of that anxiousness.

Jay made dinner while I rested and got settled. She made Korean food and it was delicious! I have been waiting to have her cooking these last 3 years. It was still really really Ma She Saw Yo! We talked and crashed for the night!