from Korea to Japan to Korea and back to America

Almost 6 months ago I embarked on a journey. . these were my words..

“For a short time, beginning on the 24th of February, I will be journeying to Korea for a semester to study at Yonsei university. This dialogue is simply a journal to myself, my loved ones and friends to capture the essence of this experience, and to share with all the pleasures and difficulties of living on your own in a totally new environment. In preparing for this journey, I sit down now to take an introspective look at myself, to find out exactly who I am and the reasons for this experience. In examining my life, I know that the seasons are short and in order to fulfill my potential, I must push myself to face situations that I cannot turn away from, to seek truth in life through the temperance of inner turmoil and clarity through struggle. My desires from this trip are not only academic, but to become something that I am not now, a better person, wiser, stronger, more thoughtful and considerate of this world and those around me. That is..if I survive. I have a lot of doubts and fears that surround me, yet I find this experience to be exhilirating, in facing the unknown, head on, which personifies life to the fullest. Well..i guess Ill take it a day at a time, and we will see how it goes.”

now.. looking back on my experiences.. i am humbled and amazed at the amount I have grown and what has been learned. I remember.. before embarking on this journey, I had much tribulation into exactly what I was getting myself into. With support from family and friends, I took the first steps into a new world, leaving behind everything that was safe and convenient. Today, I remember the past, what was once tomorrow, and I am a new person. The trials I have faced, the happiness found, knowledge gained and temptations that have been overcome have all accumulated to form a better person, someone who is more knowledgeable about life and the promises of tomorrow. I can say, I have a new confidence since I have overcome obstacles and challenges I never foresaw the possibility of facing. This again has made me a new man. Now that I have a taste for adventure, traveling, I will always seek wisdom and discernment not only through the experiences this world has to offer, but through the lens of love and peace God has given me. Now, looking on to the next chapter of my life, I will continue to keep a dialogue in reflection of yesterday, in preparation for tomorrow.

…to anyone who might be reading this.. regardless of who you are or where you are from. The experiences of yesterday influence our tomorrow but do not determine our ultimate destiny. The opportunities we have been given in this life are not to be taken for granted. Every day the sun shines on the Earth is a day full of possibilities and new awakenings. The past is buried, along with yesterdays sin and we choose to move forward. Life is a gift. Like clay to be molded, we choose our path and reap the benefits and tragedies of our own doing. I have learned that happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in the world, or the tumultuous promises it has enticingly made. I cannot say for any man or woman where to look for peace. Yet, I have learned, the truest truths are found through inner contentment, inner realization and self-understanding. Life is a gift, life is a journey, life is special. I am sure we all have heard this..yet I wonder if we truly understand. Hopefully, you will not have to suffer to understand the words I am relaying..yet suffering is a potent teacher. With no regret at your passing, live your life well.