Ode to Jenny

I had a moment of reflection the other day as I was hanging out with my kimbap loving friend and thinking how neat it has been to watch these guys go through the process of helpless and brand spanking new in Korea to quite competent and independent. I'm so proud of their progress!

I remember with clarity the first day they arrived in Korea. We knocked on their apartment door and a sleep deprived Jenn answered saying something like, 'What the heck are we doing?!" They gave us such big hugs that afternoon- I'm guessing it was good to see a familiar face. :) Blake and I made special mental note to really treasure those first few days/weeks as we witnessed them adjust. As we showed them the subway and experienced the Korean version of 'packed with people,' sweet Canadian Jenny asked with innocent politeness, "how can I say excuse me in Korean?" (For those unaware...you just push) Ah yes...those were the days of sweet, polite Jenn.

For friends and family back home, I am happy to report that these two are doing well and are enjoying the Korea experience, but there has been a subtle change in Jenn that became painfully obvious to me last week. Jenny and I were on a Wednesday night date while our men met with the guys for Bible study. We decided to splurge on Starbucks because it was a super cold night and Starbucks has really comfy couches. We arrived and despite the huge restaurant, there was not a seat to be found. We strategically split up bettering our chances of landing a spot, but it seemed as though there were some other people who came in way after us who had the same idea. Out of the corner of my eye (closer to Jenn's strategic location) a couple started to clear their glasses and move. I alerted Jenn, but the girls behind us (need I mention again they came in WAY after us?) saw the opening as well. The one girl started to gain ground on Jenn and it almost looked as if we had lost (again), but one too many elbows and shoves and seats taken from under her nose on the bus had finally gotten the better of Jenny. With a look of determination in her eye she made a run for it, leapt through the air and landed on the couch, triumphantly declaring with satisfaction in my direction, 'I got it!". I think the rest of us were all a little shocked, especially coming from the sweet Canadian girl who used to ask how to say 'excuse me.'
'Able to adjust to a new environment' and 'adaptable' are resume worthy qualities and by-golly, Jenn's got them! We're all hoping that she's just as adjustable and adaptable when going home to Canada again.

She promises to stop before becoming the old grandmother in this video at her granddaughter's wedding. We love you Jenny! Pushy and all! :)