Back and Busy!

We returned to the states a couple weeks ago, and if the lack of posts is any indication of how it's been since, then you'll know that we have been busy.  Upon returning, we spent 3 days at Jess's parents, living out of a suitcase.  Then we boarded ANOTHER plane and went to Kansas City to meet with the board of directors for Kids International Ministries, and to enjoy the annual KIM golf outing.  A bit of praise- we have been accepted into the KIM family, and are now on the official ministry staff!  After 5 days in KC, we flew back to Jess's parents' house and stayed for 2 days again.  Then it was up to Russ's parents' house so that Russ could be in his cousin Jayson's wedding.  After a week in Warren, it's back to Jess's house for a baby shower- and that's where we are now, still living out of a suitcase.

It's been a whirlwind tour of northwest PA, and we haven't really had time to slow down and take a breath, but it's been awesome to see all of the people that we've missed so dearly while in Korea.  The little munchkin is growing and changing so much, and we've been doing our best to document it.   Here's a little sample of what's happening at this very moment while I type:

Anyway, we have yet to get into a routine, but we hope to establish a regular blog update schedule and to get to work on a monthly email newsletter, as well as a bi-monthly or quarterly paper newsletter.  If you'd like to receive either of those, please email us at rtphillips@gmail.com.  Thanks!

All packed up and ready to go

It's time.  We have one final day in Korea and then we leave first thing in the morning on Tuesday.  We are so very excited to see our friends and family back home, but it's hard to leave a place like this.  For all of its quirks, we love Korea. 

So here's to you, Land of Kimchi.

Here's to you, oh land of bad drivers.  We secretly like to drive just like you.

Here's to you, oh land of the men who pee on the side of the road.  We envy your freedom.

Here's to you, oh land of people who absolutely adore my daughter.

Here's to you, oh land of delicious dishes like Kal Guk Su and Dok Galbi.

Here's to you, oh land that tries really hard to learn at least a little bit of English so you can sell things to the me-gooks.

Here's to you, oh land with pizza topped with corn and sweet potatoes.  

Here's to you, oh wonderful country that has embraced us and loved us.

We will miss you!

It is done....

Welp, the school year is officially over. The students are gone, and the hallways are empty. Today was a day of sadness and joy mixed with hugs, tears, and laughter. Jess and I shared our last moments, maybe ever, with the students we've grown so close to over the last two years.

It was a little hectic at times, with Micaiah with us. But the students absolutely love her and we were glad to have her at the school with us. At the end of the day, with about 10 minutes left, I knew the time was drawing near. I had been waiting for this moment for a long time- half in want, half in dread. When it came time for the students to file out of the classroom for the last time, I knelt down and hugged each one as they left. To each of them, I said, "Goodbye (name), I love you and I'll miss you. Thank you for being my student." It wasn't so bad for the first few, emotional yes, but I was still going strong. But when Lucy came up to get her hug, I just couldn't do it anymore. The tears came, and they came abundantly. The remaining students, and some stragglers in the hall were a little bit surprised by it. The remaining third graders who hadn't received their hugs yet were affected as well, and showed extra affection.

It was bittersweet for sure. Maybe more bitter than sweet, but either way, it's done. I'll always have a place in my heart for those kids.