South Korea vs Colorado

Hey Friends,
For those of you who know my recent struggle with getting a job in South Korea; I will now sum it up. I applied through Footprints Recruiting and was accepted to teach in Daegu. After all the positions were filled in that providence, I was then asked to fill out a supplemental application and was then re accepted to teach English in Seoul. Long story short: My visa and Notice of Appointment was not given to me in time, so now I am locked out of a position until the next wave of applicants. I am currently on a waiting list for positions that may open up, however they say that this year is the lowest drop out rate of the program - meaning that my paperwork is in order, but now all the spots are filled.

In the mean time, I applied for a job with the Southwest Conservation Corps in Durango, CO, and was accepted. As much as it sounds tempting to stay here in California and live with people I love, work at a job I know, and stay in weather I enjoy, I just can't. I preach so much about being too young to settle, so I guess now it is time to put those thoughts into motion.

I am really really scared about this whole thing. Yes, I have camped before, and yes, I have done some backpacking, but not to this extreme. Not showering for 11 days while doing manual labor for 10 hours a day, all while sleeping in a sleeping bag (that I hope is warm enough), and pooping in the forest... it all sounds a bit scary.
HOWEVER: I think I may fall in love with it. And if not, well, at least I tried.

JOB DESCRIPTION BELOW:

Explore the Southwest – Experience the Outdoors!
The Southwest Conservation Corps is currently hiring motivated young adults to complete conservation projects throughout Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Projects may include, trail construction & maintenance, fencing, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction and re-vegetation. Each crew consists of 6-8 members and 2 leaders. Crews work and camp for up to 11 days at a time in frontcountry and backcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. Schedule may vary depending on location and program. SCC crews work in a variety of national parks, national forests and other areas throughout the Southwest. Crews prepare all their own meals and work together as a group to complete all the necessary chores.
Our programs focus on place based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility and career development. SCC also has an educational program that offers corpsmembers an opportunity to learn about the local environment, environmental issues and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers.
General Qualifications
Commitment
Corpsmembers must make a strong commitment to complete the program.
Safety
You will be expected to take a serious attitude toward safety all day and every day.
Professionalism
Corpsmember must be willing to work hard, participate as part of a team.
Teamwork
Corpsmembers MUST be willing and able to refrain from smoking, alcohol, or drugs while participating in the SCC program.
Technology
The use of technology, including cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, and other battery powered devices is prohibited in the field, unless it is a day off. Corpsmembers must agree that they will not use these types of technology while participating in an SCC program.
Substance Free
Corpsmember must be willing to appropriately represent the SCC Program.
Fitness
Members are expected to complete projects that involve heavy lifting, hiking, and living outdoors for an extended period of time.

Just waiting for life- oh wait....

I feel like I am sitting around, just waiting for life to happen. I am waiting for job offers, visas, paperwork, housing, friends to come back, people to see, weddings to attend, families to visit.... and then it hits me:

We are supposed to be living right now. NOT in the future, and not until life gets a little bit better. Life is perfect, as is.

This is just a little self-reminder that things are WONDERFUL - right now.

An Honest Thought...

I am sitting at a computer in the library trying to read 2 scientific articles in regards to my marine invertebrate laboratory that I work in.

The reading is not going well.

Being back in Orange County has flipped my world upside down. Not in a bad way, not in a good way. I just realize how much my priorities have changed. I am completely lost - just and wondering what my next step should be. Sometimes I get caught up in our societies 'meaning for success', and then I take a step back and realize what I learned throughout the past year.

Enjoy every day. Be thankful. It's pretty simple.

It can be a day at the park, getting ice cream with kids, eating dinner with friends, taking naps on a picnic blanket, romping around tulip gardens, reading a good book, taking a bike ride, enjoying a good conversation on the patio while sipping wine, laying by a pool, Skyping with friends, visiting friends on the other side of the world, eating watermelon, taking pictures, giving good hugs, talking with family, listening to travel stories, taking a road trip through France, listening to great music, or just remembering fond memories.

 I wont forget the people who made a difference in my life.I miss my friends dearly who are still living in Europe, and for all my friends who live back East.

It kills me inside to hear people say "try not to think about the past, just look into the future". That is complete shit. The happy memories that I have with the greatest people in the world are what keeps me going. It is what keeps me motivated to continue to travel, try new things, and meet new people - because I would have never moved without the support of my family, high school, and college friends; and I would have never stayed in Europe without the acceptance and love of my European friends and host family.

Visiting with my friends who still live in Orange is the only thing that is keeping me in the area. Having the comfort of seeing familiar faces is so refreshing and heart warming. For those of you who are here, supporting my transition back to California, thank you. You don't know how much it means to me.

TO SUM IT UP: it doesn't matter how many possessions I have or what job I am working. It comes down to being so very happy to have the greatest friendships in the whole world, even if we are 2,000 or 3,000, or 6,000  miles away - just know you are greatly appreciated.  

My Last Blog in Belgium

Hello Friends! I guess the saying “time flies when you are having fun” is not just a cliché, its real life. I only have 10 days left as a resident of Belgium before stepping back into reality and moving stateside. Thank you everyone who has read my blog throughout these 10 months, it means the world to me.

As for a few fantastic events within the last couple of weeks…

KEUKENHOF GARDENS:

My sister and I ventured up to The Netherlands to visit the Keukenhof gardens, which is by far one of the prettiest places I have ever been. I believe it ties for beauty and awe with the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. I mean, it was unreal. There are a few pictures below that can’t even begin to really represent how nice it was. For all of you who will be living or visiting Europe between April and May of next year, put this on your to-do list! 

DISNEYLAND PARIS:

Glory and Filip surprised Joy, Kate, and myself with Disneyland Paris tickets!!!! They woke the girls up extra early in the morning and asked them to eat breakfast. The girls were really confused as to why they were up so early, then Glory and Filip handed us the train tickets! SO, we packed a little backpack and were off! We spent 8 hours there and it was just marvelous! I took the girls on the Indiana Jones ride for the first time and they loved it so much we went on it twice! Then I took Kate on the Hotel Tower of Terror and she was SO brave! She is only 6 years old!!!

BEACHES OF NORMANDY:

I just returned from a 4 day road trip to coast of Northern France to visit the Beaches of Normandy. That was an unforgettable road trip with Louise, Henriikka, Lucy, and Alisha, and we camped and sat on the beach, ate, and drank. It was an incredibly spontaneous trip; we had no plans and went with the flow (and actually had to sleep in the car one night- which had so many funny moments I laughed till I cried). We went to the American Cemetery where over 9,000 soldiers are buried after World War II, and paid our respects at Omaha Beach. It was a great closure to spend a weekend with the girls who have so positively influenced my experience here in Belgium.

LITTLE JOHN:

Now for the sappy part. When I got home from the road trip Fillips’ parents (so Joy, Kate, and John’s grandparents) were here and I wanted them to sleep in my room so they could have their own space. Upon arrival, I was tired and wanted to sleep. There is an extra floor mat in John’s room so I slept on his floor after showering and unpacking. By the time I laid down on the floor in John’s cute little room, he was already sound asleep. Just laying there and listening to that little angel snoring had me in complete tears.

Looking around the room I saw all his puzzles, his make-believe kitchen set, tool kit, car and train track set, and his cute little books he likes to listen to at bed time. At that moment it hit me: I am going to miss every single aspect of living here, and I love  this family so much. 

LEARNING FROM THE BEST:

These children are my inspiration; they keep me young, honest, and dreaming. I am going to miss their random questions, their thoughts about the world, the way they hug me, the way they run in my room like there are no boundaries, the way they sing in the car, and the way they use their creativity.

Examples:

When Glory’s wallet got stolen, the first thing Kate said was “well, maybe that person needed the money more than we did”.

John pretends to talk on the telephone when he has a question.

Joy always gives me riddles to figure out, and makes me laugh.

Kate holds my hand when I take her to gymnastics.

John likes pooping in my toilet the best.

Joy is always creating things (like Polly Pocket houses) with leftover garbage.

I could go on and on about how much I love these kids, but I don’t need to. Anyone will be able to tell how dearly I am going to miss them by the way I smile when I talk about them.

SO: this blog is dedicated to the most wonderful host family I could have ever dreamed of, and for more life-long friends that I met in Belgium who are going to stay etched in some of my fondest of memories forever.

RETURNING STATESIDE:

As for my soul mates who are back in the states: I am REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL!!! Thank you everyone who has visited me in Belgium (that was incredible to have so many fantastic visitors), written me letters in the mail, kept in touch with Skype, e-mailed me, Facebooked me, and called me. I appreciate your support and your time. I am looking forward to catching up with you all… but after I give you a 20 minute hug!!!!!!!!!!

4,000,000 Tulips .... YES!

Hello Friends!

As of today, I only have 3 Saturdays left as a resident of Belgium. Just thinking of saying goodbye to my host family and friends makes me tear up, but for now, I am not going to think about it and just update on all the new things in my life:

My mom, sister, and godmother are now in Europe visiting me, and it has been WONDERFUL! We went to the open-air markets in Stockel and bought fresh flowers and delicious strawberries, walked around Brussels and got full from beer and waffles, and enjoyed the scenery in all the ridiculously green parks around Belgium.

Tomorrow, my sister and I are going to the Netherlands to see the Keukenhof Gardens to see over 4 million tulips in bloom. It is the most visited place in Europe and has attracted over 40 million visitors in 60 years. I am just counting down the minutes until I go CRAZY with my lovely Nikon!

Also, I was accepted to teach in South Korea, and could not be happier! It really is true that everything happens for a reason. I was planning on doing Teach for America if I was accepted, but now that this opportunity came along, I could not think of anything better! I get to continue to travel and live abroad, teach English, try a new profession, all while not having to buy anything (i.e. bed, car, etc.). I just get to show up in Asia with my 1 suitcase and backpack and gear up for a whole new adventure! YAY!!!

In regards to the USA: I am so extremely proud of all my friends!!!. My mom used to tell me that “birds of a feather flock together” – and that my friends are a huge representation of what I am. WELL THAT IS A HUGE COMPLIMENT! When I get updates from you, I am very pleased! With graduations approaching, new adventures planned, new classes beginning, new job opportunities, blooming internships, and happy relationships, I am just delighted for everyone!!! Its going to be supercalafragalisticexpelidicious to see everyone again!!!

Much love always~ Chrissy

Childhood Dreams

Hello Friends,
I just wanted to take a brief moment to reflect on Randy Pausch's Last Lecture. If you have an hour, please go to YouTube and watch it, and if you have a few free hours, you can read the book too! I have also recently re-read The Alchemist. Both the lecture and the books reflect on one very important question: the search for self. In Randy's lecture, he talks about making goals as a child, and sticking to them! We need to dream big! Too many times they are forgotten, or thought of as "unachievable". This man is dying of cancer, but he still knows how to live. In the Alchemist, the young boy in search of his Personal Legend and Treasure goes out on an adventure to accomplish his dream. What he learns at the end of the book is that it is not the end-point that matters, but the journey. So many people just give up when they reach a "Brick Wall", but that wall determines who REALLY wants it (and finds a way to hop over), and separates them from the people who just kind-of want it. It is also important to help others attain their dreams, and always believe in others.

This blog is more of a reflection for myself, because this year in Belgium has really taught me how to live, act, and dream like a child again. I just hope and pray I never forget this lesson.

Nothing is impossible. We just have to believe in ourselves.

Peace and Love ~ Chrissy

Happy May!

Hello Friends! Some say that April showers bring May flowers, but here in Belgium it goes: April showers bring [more] May showers… But, I am still loving it! So: HAPPY MAY EVERYONE!


As for updates on my end: my mom arrives in just 5 days, and my sister arrives in 11 days! I am so excited! This weekend was incredible; I went to the 100-year celebration of the Africa Museum, and also went horseback riding with Henriikka at the stables. Below are some pictures that I took this weekend. I hope you enjoy them! Much Love ~ Chrissy

Wonder 

Long Exposure Shot 

Grand Finale 

 Fireworks

 Before the Fireworks

 Henriikka with Symphony

 Henriikka riding Wonder

 100 Year Celebration of the Africa Museum

 Henriikka at the Tervuren Park

 At the 100 year Festival