Christmas in Korea

Today is my first Christmas away from my family and my first Christmas in Korea. It actually feels like a normal day. I woke up feeling a little bit better the days leading up to Christmas. I was missing my family and friends a lot. I felt like crying a lot... just thinking about not being at mass or opening presents with my family. I kept telling myself to make the best out of today because it is a change but it could be a good change.

I ate breakfast with Hana's family then Hana and I left for mass while Hana's parents went to their service. The church was big compare to other Catholic churches in Korea. It looked very modern and very simple. I liked it a lot. We sat at the upper floor and got the view of the whole altar and the congregation. The view from above made me see mass in such a beautiful way; it gave me a different perspective. I saw every movement and I saw how simple yet very magnificence the altar is. I especially loved the music; the sound of the organ is just so uplifting...and of course, incense!!!

After mass, Hana and I went to buy a Christmas cake then took the bus home. We watched TV (Home Alone 3 and Harry Potter) for most of the afternoon. We ordered chicken and just laid around...being super lazy. It was too cold to go outside so we're fine with just bumming on Christmas day.

This was definitely a different Christmas but at least it was not a stressful one. I gave Hana a present (US Polo shirt) and gave her family some Kisses chocolate. They were glad.

Catholic Church in Anyang, South Korea

Christmas Mass in Korea 

Facetime. Christmas family dinner from 6000 thousand miles away. I miss food!!!