There are only 5 days until Christmas. Due to Korea's current events, my Christmas spirit is dwindling. Instead of enjoying myself while my students draw Christmas cards and sing Christmas carols- I am anxious and unsettled. Today South Korea followed through with their planned military drills on Yeonpyeong Island; a South Korean island in the Yellow Sea- bordering North Korean territory. North Korea threatened 'deadly retaliation' causing a very tense day for all. (Remember people- Seoul is only 120 miles away from Pyongyang) Seoul has been my home for 10 months- and the thought of war breaking out in this country is devastating. Koreans live with the threat of the North on a daily basis- living here and actually experiencing their fear right along with them is something words can't describe. As selfish as it sounds, I would really like to be back in the Christmas spirit and to look forward to my Thailand vacation. This week should be about Santa, peace and happiness; not bombs.
In the words of John Lennon, "Give peace of a chance."
Here's a really informative article for all to understand what's going on.
Wow, Hannah! I've been following the developments of this over the past few months and can only continue to keep you and your fellow South Koreans in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your Christmas spirit returns!! On a side note, your life is starting to sound like an excellent premise for a book!!!
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