XXIX. Chuseok: A Full Circle in More Ways than One.

My 친척: Second uncle, cousin JoonSuh, cousin JiHae,

third uncle's wife, cousin HyunSuh

Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving, is a harvest festival around the arrival of a full moon. There's even a traditional dance called "Ganggangsuwulae" where everyone holds hands, sings, and dances in a circle. It is befitting that a year ago, I was welcomed into Korea with this celebration and now I will say good-bye soon after celebrating it again. Full circle.

A year ago, I almost missed the bus to Kimjae, my mother's home town. I fled downstairs, grabbed whatever I could, and shoved everything into a small, brown travel-bag, all while scarfing down saltines. It's a surprise that I made it, but even more surprising that I didn't choke on those crackers. My mom met us at my uncle's and the rest you can read in my blog. That I wrote a year ago. I didn't think much could be any different this time around, but in fact it was the opposite.

First, the baby, HyunSuh, was not a baby at all. He had shot up so fast and actually had hair and could talk. It was fun to practice speaking with him- sad that I'm pretty sure we're on the same linguistic level .. Here he is holding a camera, imitating his photo-fantastic father. Ugh. Adorable.

Anyway, over the three days I was there, we fell in love with each other and were inseparable. I've never wanted to have kids until now. Unfortunately, I got an automatic wake-up call at 7:30am every morning. Gotta love kids!

In the car on the way to the family tombstones. During Chuseok, you pay respect to your ancestors by visiting their graves.

Second, I was able to revisit my grandparent's home that I saw when I was eight. How I got there is a story in itself.

Korea, you've come a long way.

My second uncle and family in

my grandparents' new home.

The roads in the countryside are lined with these

Cosmos flowers.

Third, instead of just devouring the food set before me, I learned how to make it. After HyunSuh woke me from a brief nap, I made yakbap.

I have been completely blessed to have such amazing relatives here in Korea. I constantly look forward to seeing them and I miss them before I even leave. I've always said that I have the most amazing mother in the world, but I can see that the goodness runs in the family.

Ps.

I want one!!!