I have a friend named Sara Kathryn Lockerby. Lockerby, Sar, Lockerbizzle, son, Mount Allisonite, basement buddy, hockey chum, call her what you will - but for the purpose of this entry I will call her my saving grace - or how about the witty, yet wonderful character Sebastian from The Little Mermaid.
Just as this little red Jamaican crab embraced the sea so beautifully, putting everyone at ease and never failing to crack a 'wise one,' so, too, did Sara Lockerby here in Seoul, Korea. Ms. Lockerby embraced this most fabulous city to its absolute fullest and just as Sebastian did for Ariel, Locerby kept me at complete ease with a big smile on my face when I could have been screaming WHERE the HECK am I!!?? and better still, WHAT am I DOING here!!??
Yes, Seoul was the total opposite to what Sara was used to, but she lived the life she knew she would and made the very most of the time she spent here. Lockerby worked hard here, taking on many side jobs yet always remembering the most important part - to base everything on positivity, and have genuine energetic enthusiasm. I loved seeing Sara in action - living to the absolute fullest and embracing her reality. How rewarding it truly was to see Sara in her element as the special 'see you later' ceremony began as the children here in Asia made amends with her pending departure here on Friday afternoon.
If it weren't for this amazing friend: Ms. Sara Lockerby, whom I will now call Sebastian, I wouldn't be sitting right here in the comfort of my new apartment in Hae Bung Chung, Yong San Gu at this very moment about to embark on the most life-changing journey - quite possibly - of my life.
My little Sebastian has been an absolute blessing and a truly amazing friend - so very fundamental to my decision in taking this position. The transition from living back home in the sheltered and peaceful High Park area to living here now in the busy, horn-honking, humid & diverse city of Seoul is already a dream come true - simply because I am here. With action packed restaurants, bars, shops, & diners lining the entirety of my street, I am truly in my element now and ready for the unpredictability that this year shall bring. Before long I will bring home a totally fresh and new outlook on life fifty-one weeks from now when I return to Toronto.
After one amazing year spent in the big soul city, I am happy to report that Lockerby has taken to her home in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, where she will embark on Biology and French as apart of an Masters Degree in Education. To her family and friends that have long await her with arms wide open, know that I am terribly sad to see a gem stone of a friend part her separate way, but so happy that you all get to enjoy her safe return! Lockerby, you will sure be missed by the lives of many here in Korea - especially those at Bambini Edu-Center!
This way of life is not what I expected, but I do certainly get a peaceful easy feeling (thanks for the song niamh!) about my job placement, my apartment, and about the new friends and faces that will flow in and out of my life over the next 51 weeks. Thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. Sara.
To my life, to my journey, here I am - more prepared than ever, and, wow, what a roller coaster ride it is ~ this crazy little thing called life! Also, to you Tess, I want to say thank you so much for being here and visiting me - already - wow. You have been such a fun person to be around and how lucky we are that our paths have crossed in Asia - on the other side of the world!
So, before I sign off; Sara, my corresponding queen, you truly outdid yourself with the whole getting me settled in and making me feel super comfortable! Everything from getting me multiple sandwiches and dinners to ensuring I have a relaxing first couple of nights, to bringing dinner to my door and making my bed up for me - oh how I love my apartment at 205 - another good deed that was all you!!). Let's not forget booking us pedicures at the queen bee of all Seoul spas, and taking the time to introduce me to fellow teachers at the school on my first day. And, of course, making all the plans for us to share together in your final days and nights and my opening days and nights - how truly special they were!
Here I am in this beauty city and all I can really think is ~ WOW ~ how a friend can change your life. Just open your heart everyone and always choose yes instead of no. That's exactly what Sara did. It began with some empathy and amounted to a whole lotta giving. Ms. Lockerby, my little Sebastian, here I am sitting in Yong San, and it is because of your guidance and encouragement that I am here to change lives at Bambini the way my fellow Mount Allisonites have done in the past.
All my love to everyone and anyone who is reading this.
It really is a beautiful life. Smile. Be thankful.
Namaste.
Love, Jenny
