Language of Understanding

It was lonely in Korea as I remember the first 5 years of my life. We were displaced to Daegu, a southern region of the country because of my father’s work with the US army. We lived well with my grandparents but I do remember feeling isolated as a child. It could’ve been because we weren’t native to Daegu, maybe my father’s work with the U.S. army or that we lived comfortably when times were tough; but there was hesitation amongst neighbours and children alike to engage with us.

I dreamed of the day when we would arrive to the new world for a new start and an exciting beginning. I was an eager student ready to make friends and engage in activities but what I had imagined didn’t have the instant gratification as I had hoped. Now here I am at full circle to be given the opportunity to host a country called “Korea”.

How unusual and odd and I’m sure many had questioned why me and I had to question back why not? We live in a very insular society with rigid rules and regulations to follow and as we trail this narrow path, what is the purpose when little is known or understood? How funny when I’m often confronted with comments like “that’s not the Korean way”. It’s not every day we get to showcase Korea and it’s not in my nature to do this.

I brought my parents to our regular meeting one day to prove I’m not a freak of nature and my roots are truly Korean but I wonder if the possibility of adoption ever came to mind, would my membership be challenged. I know that if by chance, someone falls from our stage; you will feel the pain from the other side. Let’s river through our hurdles because I know once we do so, the destination will be grand.