Meeting the family

07.11.10

Woke up with a vengeance. Too early for anyone’s standards, either Korean or American. 4:30am, for no reason, I guess I’m still adjusting to the time difference or I’m too excited to meet Phill’s extended family. I slowly got out of bed, because it was too early, and did my morning routine: easy stretching exercise, hygiene, checked the emails, news, and webcomics. I still need some more essentials for living alone, but shopping didn’t feel like a priority. Had some instant oatmeal for breakfast and my stomach was pleased with that decision.
Talked with Phill over Skype for a long time, it was nice hearing a familiar voice that I loved. Chatted with my father, friends, and old co-workers from Menards via text, enjoyed that a lot, I love having that direct connection.

Then I proceed to get ready to meet my new family, I wanted to make a good impression. I had met the aunt before, only once, at Halley’s funeral, at that time she was uncomfortable speaking English, so it was difficult. She is the youngest sister of Sung (Phill’s father) and quite established. I purchased a gift before leaving home for her, as a thank you gift, it was something I thought every woman should have, a Coach purse.
Finally it was time to meet them, I waited patiently outside for them to arrive. I met Huh Yong-Seok (Phill’s cousin) as he asked if I was Theresa, like really, I know I’m the only white girl within my area. I politely said yes. Then everyone else got out of the Hyundai SUV: Huh So-Young (30, female cousin), Yang Young-Rae (55, aunt), and Mr. Huh (58, uncle). They wanted to see my small apartment, luckily I made sure it was clean incase of this situation. They were shocked to see how small it was and Mr. Huh helped me figure out the gas stove. Then, we processed to get into their vehicle to their home in Bongdam, about a 30min drive. They live in a penthouse apartment decorated as a Modern-Victorian with four bedrooms, three baths, huge beautiful kitchen, formal living room, wraparound balcony with small gardens including a vegetable garden (I feel in love with it), lovely chandeliers, and in the middle of the home there was a small open garden with a skylight. So, in comparison with my apartment I’d say my whole apartment was the size of Huh Yong-Seok’s bedroom. They were extremely kind and I was extremely grateful for their hospitality.



The aunt accepted the gift and loved the purse. I also met the uncle’s father whom lives with them also, he is a retired pediatrician, speaks English well, can’t hear well, and his mind is starting to slip aka he repeats himself a lot. He asked me these questions the whole evening, “How do I know you, Do you like Korean food, and where are you from?”. Everytime, I answered those questions loudly and politely. They showed me a tour of their home, fed me some fruit and cake, took me to the huge three-level grocery store, got some more essentials. Went to a sushi food court for dinner. They promptly apologized that it wasn’t a real restaurant and said that after they return from LA, they will take me out to dinner in Seoul at a much better place. I was just happy to have a meal, to be honest, and thrilled to spend so much time with them. Then they took me to another store and bought me some bedding; I didn’t expect that at all (they are too kind!). I think they felt bad that I was without for two days and yelled at my recruiter about how unfairly I was treated. I’m just happy to be here to be honest. I got home around 10:30pm and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Phill’s extended family, I’m glad they have accepted me into their family so smoothly.