Six, Table for Two: Annyeonghaseyo!

Translation: "Hello!" in Korean. Well, really it means "Is peace with you?" or something like that. Don't judge, I'm still learning. ;) Just say "Nay" and move on. Haha, "nay" means "yes".

It seems I have LOTS to learn here in South Korea. There are so many things that are different, but there is one thing that is absolutely the same: we are all human. I have to keep reminding myself that since I am in a bit of culture shock right now. Being semi-permanently in a completely foreign language/culture/everything can be extremely overwhelming on every one of the senses. But, Tim has adjusted very well, as always. He's been here for a little over a month now so perhaps that is it, but I have my suspicions that God has just blessed him with an ability to adapt in any situation whereas I'm still learning to be flexible.

About being flexible, our plans have changed a million and one times since we made them - I guess that just goes to show that God laughs when we make plans ;) Anyway, one of the reasons I decided to make this blog was so that y'all could keep up to date with us in as simple a way as possible. For now, I am staying in Korea for 90 days at a time. After 90 days, I will fly back to Noblesville, IN, where my parents live, for at least a couple weeks at a time. Jet lag is rough so I don't want to turn right around to fly 14+ hours again the next day. I could, but I don't think I want to do that. So we will continue on that track for now. It may change...just keep that in mind. I've come to understand that planning has been nearly impossible since Tim and I have been married, except to plan on not planning. If that makes any sense at all, you're doing well!

Anyway, we are here in South Korea. We have a townhouse/duplex about a mile from base; of course I guess I should use kilometers since it's metric over here ;) It's nestled in between a dairy farm and quite a few rice paddies, very nice little place and actually quite similar in size to the house we rented in Phoenix but more vertical rather than horizontal. Tim is doing initial training so he can be mission-ready - all you need to know is that he's flying and nearly prepared for anything that could happen out here. For the most part, he can't tell me everything and I don't ask. I know that is just how it is going to be. You must understand that it will be the same for y'all.

We go to Base for groceries and they have a Base Exchange (BX) that is very similar to a small mall so we can shop there for "American" stuff. However, off base is a place called Songtan. It is a bunch of buildings all squished together and there are a million little shops selling nearly anything you can imagine. They are essentially stacked up on top of each other. And haggling is a must at all of them. Quite fun! But there are no restrictions - that I can tell, anyway - on advertising or signage like in the US so it is a bit of sensory overload when you go. Much of S. Korea that I have seen thus far is like that. Many of the vendors at Songtan speak at least a little English, but elsewhere it is very limited. The Base has pretty much we could ever need so there is no need to go anywhere else, but Tim and I decided we want to learn the culture and people wherever we go.

I can't drive - no Korean driver's license yet - but Tim has his and we do have a car he bought over here. I still am not sure if I want to drive though. The rules of the road are similar but sometimes very different. Such as, you can't turn left on a green light, only on a green arrow. I think I'm going get that one wrong frequently. When Tim is around, he drives me around but if I need to go somewhere when he's at work, I have to get a taxi or become fast friends with anyone from base who lives close. For those of you who were in or are in the military you will understand, but for everyone else, being in the military means you make fast friends with everyone wherever you go. Partly because you're lonely, and partly because you may only be there for a year (or less) so you better make friends and you better do it fast or you most assuredly will be lonely.

Tim has been working mostly 12-hour days (or more) since I've been here so I have been going to as many social gatherings as possible to meet people. The only problem has been the gatherings have mostly been in the evenings and that is the only time Tim is home. It's the holidays so it is a little busier than usual. Everyone I've met has been so kind and welcoming. I've been keeping myself busy just trying to adjust to "Korean" time and make the house "homey" for Tim and I. Our little piece of America in the midst of Korea. Of course, Base is like a little America, too, but the Korean influence is still there since there is a Korean side of Base and the American side.

Well, my friends and loved ones, I don't know if I have anything else to say at this point but thanks for checking out my post and sorry if it is a terrible blog. I'll try to keep it up-to-date but keep in mind we are 14 hours ahead of Central time (Indiana time), so now it is 2pm in Korea and midnight at home in Noblesville, IN. The best way to communicate with us is going to be email or Facebook (me, Tim never checks it), and we can call you but it uses your cell phone minutes. Tim and I love you all and hope you are doing well! Here are some pictures...I will try to do better about taking pictures in the future! :) Oh, and please do not post these anywhere or send them to anyone else unless you ask me first and I approve it. Thanks!

Much love,
Nicki

This is a grave site near our house. They mound the earth and put little gravestones. Look how snowy!

This is what it looks like around our house: the detail of the rice paddy can be seen here.

Our complex is there to the left.

Our road to get to Base. The main roads are cleared but off-roads aren't and it's up to the cars to clear the path!

Just arriving on the ROK (Republic of Korea) side of Base.

Not sure what this is...it's all in Korean, but it's on Base!

Nearing the 36 Fighter Squadron! Harrumph! :)

The 36 Fighter Squadron: the Flying Fiends! Tim's squadron building

Here's the sign outside the front

Back-tracking a bit: on the way to our house from Incheon International Airport

Inside the entrance to the Officer's Club. The Club is very active and has a nice restaurant. Yay! Christmas lights and decorations!

Closer view of our complex. Ours is the second to last door in the middle buildings.

Looking out from our complex entrance. Our complex's name is Virginia Park, haha

View of the rice paddies tucked in for the winter.

Our living room! Ready for Christmas :)

The kitchen/dining room which is connected to the living room.

"Foyer" - the left is the door to Tim's office/"gym", the far right is a bathroom and the middle doors are our front room where we put out boots and whatnot.