Final Days Stateside

When we would talk with friends and acquaintances about our plans to move the family to Korea for a year, many people responded with, “Wow. That will be an amazing experience!”  Yet many also followed up with, “I could never do that.”  For us, this seemed a bit strange, since it didn’t feel like we were doing something especially difficult.  The final weeks…and days…before our departure, however, made us realize that life today has become so complex that moving a family abroad requires a degree of patience and logistical proficiency beyond anything we had previously done…even planning a wedding!  Two things became clear:

First, much of life’s complexity is self-generated and, when we think critically about it, what we truly NEED to live is so much less than the lifestyle to which so many of us have become accustomed. This move was, for us, an opportunity to SIMPLIFY.  Everything our family of four “needed” for 12 months–including clothing for 4 seasons, must-have toiletries and medications, personal electronics, and teaching/research materials–had to fit into 8 checked bags + carry-ons.  Believe it or not, we did it!

Second, we realized even more fully how much we depend on our family and friends. Our departure for Seoul meant that we needed help with a wide range of responsibilities back home–from reviewing our mail to helping Dad Hamalis get to his doctors appointments.  We are humbled and deeply grateful for the way others have taken on more so that we could pursue this experience.

After many late nights packing, and strengthened by amazing expressions of loving support from our family, our Church community, our neighbors, and our co-workers, it was time to go.  Goodbyes were said, tears were shed, and adventures lay ahead!

Gathered in front of our home.