The absolute worst thing about coming to Korea has been the departure of co-workers. These people have grown to be my closest friends in a short 6 months. In a country where I know no one, I have come to rely on them in times of professional, personal and physical hardship. I see these people more than I would my friends or family back home.
In one day, I will eat lunch with them as well as dinner. We all live a short walk or an even shorter subway ride from each other so weekends usually involve some social event. The overlap in work problems and overall nerdiness allow for endless conversation. I appreciate and have grown to love these people; people I would never have met if I hadn't come to Korea. We are different in location, age, academic background and previous occupations. In this short moment in time, we are here in this space we call temporary home. In this limited time, we have created memories and bonds that have molded us into who we are and will be.
There is an incredible sadness that bubbles over right now because two of our friends have gone back home. This sadness is different from the the one that I had when I left Vancouver. Leaving Vancouver, I knew I would eventually return. When I did, almost everyone would still be there and I would be able to catch up with those friends. I know this group will never be the same.
My sister reminded me that I could always visit. Most of us are from North America so a road trip or even a flight would not be impossible. What is impossible is the interactions that happened so naturally here. The group as a whole would not be together. All the enjoyable banters and dynamics can not be recreated and familiarity will be lost. I even felt a pang of sadness entering the subway station the first morning after they left; I knew I would not bump into Thomas anymore.
I grew up from childhood to adulthood in the same neighbourhood and same house. I have never moved or switched schools. Every step has been something I had been anticipating. Every friendship would end with growing apart. Having them leave is like them have been ripped away too soon.
This experience has been rewarding. I would not trade this for anything. I genuinely wish them all the best in the future and I am glad I can check in on them once in a while. I desperately hope I can remember all the good memories we had and I will be sad on the days I forget their laugh, their voice or their face. I will hold the advice, wisdom and experience Ryan has passed on to me whiling continuing to pass it on myself. Lastly, I hope I was able to convey how much they meant to me and how thankful I am to have had our lives overlap in this brief moment in time.