Its funny how the walk of life
Can take you down without a fight
So many years can lay behind
Regretfully until its time
To realise the moment
When you turn around

I'm coming home to breathe again
To start again
I'm coming home from all the places I have been
With nothing but a voice within
That calls me, calls me home

Back in the day when I was younger
I was lost and proud
I've gained the world but it will never
Compare to what I've earned
In a quite moment
When the earth holds still

I'm coming home to breathe again
To start again
I'm coming home from all the places I have been
With nothing but a voice within
That calls me, calls me home
Calls me home

I'm coming home, to breathe again
To start again
I'm coming home from all the places I have been
With nothing but a voice within
That calls me 

I was listening to this song yesterday and was struck again by how much it speaks to me at this point in my life. This year of transition has shrunk down to less than six months before this dual chapter in my life closes and another one begins. I am so excited to start fresh and to do things that are going to lead me to the life I want and the path I want to walk on.

As much as I have enjoyed my time in Seoul I have that urgent feeling stirring in me again. That my time is running out here. That I am ready to move past this place. That a transformation is looming before me. It makes me smile, this feeling inside of me. Two years ago all I wanted to do was leave home, but now all I want to do is return. Not to a specific place or person but just to return to my roots and grow something new, something me.

I am looking forward to life after Seoul. To the chapters that await me once this one is finished. To the new places I will go, the new friends I will meet, and to who I will transform into this time around. That doesn't mean I'll forget about this chapter, all the pages I have written here. How can I? They have given me so much room to grow and have nourished my once aching soul. I am so thankful for my time here, and plan to enjoy ever last bit of it before I say, "see you later!" There will be no goodbye because even though I will be going home I will still take this place and the memories of life here with me.

There is a voice inside of me that is preparing me for the transformation, for the change, for the future. She is steady, patient, and wise. I am trusting her to lead me in the rest of my time here, and to guide my footsteps in whatever comes next.

Be blessed,
~Lola O.~

Welcome To Gumcheon-gu!!! One day I randomly did a photo tour, there is so much more to see so expect more. I think Seoul/Gumcheon-gu is a place that truly comes alive at night!

When I first got here, I was like this is it? Well, I hadn't really had a chance to walk around when I came to that incorrect realization. Almost two months later, I have to say I love where I live. It's a nice place to live during the week, and get away from during the weekend. It's quiet, and seems like a safe area. There are lots of families, food markets, cafes, a movie theater, Home Plus, and Lotte Mart. In addition and plenty of restaurants, and street food to keep me happy.




 More Photos...

PS: Can I say I love all the free furniture by the trash area, just scored me a free dresser. Might get a free tv too. Score!!!

Music Time: Really digging this song right now!!!

Be Blessed,
~Lola O.~

• My favorite grade to teach is 5th grade. They aren't too childish or too immature. I love moments when I am not teaching and I can connect with my students by learning about their lives outside of my classroom.
• I tend to have the sweetest and funniest moments at subway stations. Like when I got stuck in the turnstile (the tragedy of big purses). Or when this kind stranger helped me carry all my groceries up those long flights of stairs. She was a sweetheart!!
• Living alone isn't so bad when I have music as my background noise. I've taken the time to decorate my apartment Lola O. style and it has made all the difference. It feels homey and is a welcome sight at the end of my day.
• I'm happiest here, when I am enjoying Seoul with other people. Sure there are things I will/want to experience on my own. But it is a nice feeling to explore Seoul/Korea with other people. Different eyes=different views/perspectives.
• The best part of teaching is when my students teach me something. Or when they apply something they've learned from me.
• I know now I will never live in a cold place after Korea. I can't get used to that feeling of being cold. It irks me.
• I love Home Plus brand Ramyun:)!
• Teaching well for me is like creating art, it takes practice, passion, and time.
• Eating alone some days isn't as lonely anymore. I think of it as my time to unwind and reflect.
• Just because we are all foreigners doesn't mean we will be best friends or even friends. I live in between two foreigners and they tend to keep to themselves. In my mind, we should at least be social once in a while.
• Korean do not all look the same, there is so much variety in appearance in my eyes.
• Wood floors are a pain to keep clean. Always dusty!
• I enjoy those moments where body language, Hangul(Korean), and English become intertwined and we find meaning/understanding. I encounter moments like that a lot here. I know a little Korean, they know a little English, and we figure out how to understand each other.
• Cash flows like water here, endlessly. I never really used cash in AZ and it is a little hard keeping track of my spending. I MUST RESIST SHOPPING:)!!!
• I'm stronger in someways, and weaker in others.
• I'm learning that change is a process that cannot be rushed or solved. It needs time for each step.
• I like walking everywhere. It makes me feel refreshed.
• I don't mind staring or curiosity, but please don't touch my hair without permission!
• Attitude determines everything in life. Sometimes things happen (that's life) and I get caught up in the moment, good/bad and forget that life is 10% what happens to you/me and 90% how you/I react.
• Sometimes I feel like I am the main attraction at the circus when little kids point at me and say look to whoever they are with. *Sigh* I'm learning to accept this unfortunately almost daily occurrence.
• Learning to think less, and experience more.
• Spitting everywhere you go is soooooooooooo NOT COOL. Honestly, I start to gag when I hear someone getting ready to spit. They make the most repulsive noise(s)!
• I have all these things I want to do, see, and experience in Seoul/Korea in general. I am realizing that I should spend so much time trying to cross things off my list, but focus more on enjoying each thing on my list.
• The people around you can make or break your experience. So choose people who will make it.
• Family and friends are always going to be there, by my side, even if I am on the other side of the world. Skype is my best friend these days. It really helps bridge the distance between my loved ones and I. I'm learning that I can find a place to call/make home no matter where I am.
• I feel like I might get cancer from second hand smoke due to the overwhelming # of (public)smokers here.
• Nigerians and Koreans have a lot in common as far as values and culture goes.
• I become a TINY bit of a fangirl when it comes to Lee Seung Gi, Kim Bum, and Taeyang (Big Bang)
• I really like the feeling of knowing the people/community around where I live. Like the adjumma who makes delicious kimbap, or the clothing store lady who likes singing American songs and gives me discounts, or the kids from my school I randomly see around the neighborhood. They always have a smile and say hello to me.
• Sometimes we have to jump first before we learn how to land.
• I'm realizing that I still haven't found that thing I LOVE TO DO. There are many things I like to do, but I don't want to spend my life only doing things I like to do. I would love to have a career doing something I love. At the same time, I remind myself I'm only 22. I'll figure it out one day.
• My love for Korean music, dramas, and fashion has now accepted Korean food on a trial and error basis.
• Laughter really is the cure for every ailment!!

That's A Wrap!!!