Four years ago I followed my dreams all the way to South Korea and this beautiful country has changed me more than I could have ever imagined. It’s hard to remember the person that I was so many years ago, but I can say with all certainty that I am nothing like her anymore. Sure, my core values are the same, but my mind is broader, my outlook is brighter and my heart is full beyond belief.
I’ve known we are leaving Korea for a while now. Dave’s role on his project is coming to an end and he was put on the “must move” list a few months ago, which means that our time on this project is up. Until recently we had no idea where we will be moving so it was easy to hide behind ignorance and stay in denial.
After weeks of agonizing waiting, Dave got his job placement email. His next job is taking us to Texas — we are moving to Houston at the end of May. For me, that means that my life outside of Texas is coming to an end.
Houston is new and exciting… and scary. Even though I am from Texas, it’s a huge state and I have honestly only visited Houston once. And that was to visit Dave when he was on a business trip!
While I can’t wait to get back to “normal” life, I know it’s going to be excruciatingly hard to leave Korea. It’s hard to cope with the reality that I am leaving and I don’t know when, or if ever, I will be back. It hasn’t set in yet, but I know it eventually will.
For now, I’ll continue to fantasize about trips to the grocery store, owning our own furniture and being just a few short hours away from my family and friends. “Future Meagan” will have to figure out a way to say goodbye to a country she adores and to some of the best people she’s ever met. I do not envy her.
Life Outside of Texas 
That’s crazy!! I thought you guys would go somewhere more.. Exotic? But I guess Houston will be exotic in the sense that you’ll be experiencing reverse culture shock. I’ve never actually been to Houston myself. Friends who have moved there seem to go to other cities for fun on the weekend. So, it could be a great hub for launching future adventures.
We actually thought we’d be on one more adventure before we went to Houston, but the industry is hurting at the moment so there weren’t many options. We are hoping we can get onto another overseas project in a few short years.
Very sad to see you go, but I’m sure there are many new adventures awaiting you!!
Thanks, Lindsay! We are really excited for the move and can’t wait to see what we can get up to in the US (and beyond).
Hey, we’re gonna be moving to Austin in July! If you ever miss Korea too much we will have to go find us some BQQ and kimchi in Texas!
Yes! I’d love that! Good luck with your move. Austin is a really cool city. Are you from Texas/Austin or is this a new adventure?
I was a little crushed when you said Houston, but I know that you two will bring amazing energy to anywhere you go. The geography doesn’t matter as much as the amazing people who bring their energy. Houston apparently needs you.
Good luck on the transition back home! You will definitely have moments of missing Korea but the memories will always be there. Just make sure you can find a Korean restaurant close by in case the cravings are unbearable!
As I wrote on your FB post, good luck! I’ve been home for a brief spell and have a bit of insight on life at home after being abroad. Hopefully you have a good support network and people who can relate to life upon return. I look forward to seeing more posts from you, as they come. Until then, I hope for a wonderful transition back and safe travels getting there.
Take Care.
Meagan, You have to know how glad I am that you will be back in the USA. At least I know that
you can be here in a few hours and maybe now you both can be here on holidays. I love you and miss you and can’t wait to see you.
Till Then!!!
Glad I found you on FB. Wish I had the chance to meet you IRL. Hope your new adventure will be as fullfilling as Korea. It may not feel that way right now, but it will bring new emotions that will make you feel as if you are on an adventure. I feel the same way about going back home. I’ve grown to love it here and will sorely miss if when I leave.
Great post! It’s so hard to leave a place you’ve grown so attached to. I was a mess when I first left Korea, and I was only there for a year! The good news is, you can always go back 😉 It may not feel quite the same, but it’s still wonderful, and it’s still Korea.
Good luck on this next stage in your journey! I’m sure there will be amazing memories aplenty 🙂
Wow, can’t believe you’re leaving! Must be a weird feeling going home after all those years away. I know when I returned home from my first stint abroad, it was very hard to readjust. All the best to you and your future! I hope you’ll still be blogging.
Crazy!!! I feel like many people from our “bloggers in Korea” group are leaving soon! I have only been here for 7 months and I have 5 months to go until my contract is up and its already causing me anxiety! I love it here so much it is hard to imagine leaving! Good luck on your new transition, and excited to keep reading about your life…back in Texas!
So no more blog? I’ve only been here a few times, but I enjoy your posts, especially that one on Rail Biking. That’s something I’d really like to give a try.
Congrats on the move to Houston! I hope everything falls into place soon!
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I don’t know you, but Houston isn’t so bad. It’s got so much to do and it’s grown so much and the past few years. I actually live in ClearLake which isn’t so far from Houston, and it’s actually considered a part of Houston still on some streets. It’s going to be great!