We're here!

Welcome to our first blog, Haws Seoul (like “has soul” – totally cute, right?!). Christopher and I are going to try to do our best to keep this updated for those of you on the other side of the world while we are on our teaching adventure in Seoul, South Korea. We’ve only been here for 24 hours and I already have so many post ideas so it shouldn’t be too hard to keep it updated.

Thank you Joanne for getting the blog-world ball rolling for us. Chris and I got our site set up but that’s about it. We had no idea how to address our last few days in the states – they were full of blessings and goodbyes, which are hard to put into words. The blogger-savvy Joanne helped us put up some pictures to attempt to describe our last days in Colorado. Our good friends, the Dixons, threw us a “Send Off” party that was wonderful – great company and yummy food. We got to share some laughs with Elisabeth and Brian at the Daniel Tosh comedy show, enjoy a special lunch with my parents where we practiced our chopstick skills, and celebrate EL’s 22nd birthday with the Hawses and fajitas. We ate our last burgers and drank our last Coors Light with Danika and Brandon, tried jambalaya and listened to Creole jazz with G&G Haws, and spent some very important quality time as pack (C, L, and Daphne). The night before we left, the Haws Clan joined the Gilmore Clan for a last supper. Many kind words were shared and later many tears. How blessed were we those last few days?

Thursday morning we got to the airport bright and early to learn that our flight was delayed which may lead us to miss our connection in San Francisco. While worrying about this we also found out that there was a problem with my ticket – it had been purchased under my married name while my passport still lists my maiden name (one of the struggles of a name change after marriage). A certified copy of our marriage license couldn’t solve the problem so a new ticket had to be issued. After our last goodbyes, we boarded our plane to San Fran. Once we arrived we were rushed to our plane for Incheon (no time to even stop in the restroom or spend our last USD). We made it on time and were back in the air before we knew it. The next twelve hours were spent reading, watching bad movies, and playing gin rummy. I made sure not to sleep so I could easily adjust to arriving in Seoul an hour before bedtime. We landed safely and after breezing through customs and struggling with four bags that were practically bigger than me, we were greeted by Pep Choi, our driver. He strategically drove us 31km to Seoul and helped us to our 6th floor apartment in the Gangnam district. We were so thankful to have safely arrived in our final destination. I cannot accurately describe the many other feelings that were rushing through us at that moment.

Check back later for details on our “honeymoon” suite ☺

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Adventure Begins!

It's official. The adventure began upon arriving at Denver International Airport.

The flight to San Francisco was delayed, which meant the connecting flight to Seoul would be missed. Stood in a long line to find out what was next. The families hung out, waiting to say good-bye.

Two hours later, with baggage shuffled, ticket changes, and more waiting, Chris & Lauren were on their way. Hoping to make their connection, but willing to spend the night sight-seeing in San Francisco, their journey finally begins.

Hope to see you in Seoul!

More Going Away Pics

Facing a firing squad???

Send Off Party