Tonight I had dinner with my best best Korean friend, “Chelsey”. I worked with her at Oedae last year. Of all the Korean women I have met here, Chelsey has been my favorite. Not only does she speak English well, she has a keen understanding of what it’s like to be a foreigner here in Korea. I can always count on her to be there when I need someone to talk. I like her because she is not a typical Korean woman. She doesn’t talk about marriage all the time or question me about why I don’t have a boyfriend. We have real conversations. I like Chelsey because she wants more in her life than teaching or getting married.
Ironically enough in May, Chelsey will tie the knot with her boyfriend of two years. I am really sad because I won’t be in the country to attend. She will make a beautiful bride.
I know when I leave Korea I will always have Chelsey as a friend, and I will make the effort to keep in touch with her.