Goodbyes Already?

This Friday will mark two months since I arrived in Korea.  I never expected to be saying goodbye to new friends this early, but I did yesterday.  You know those kind of friendships that are automatic, you feel like you've known these friends forever?  Maggie and Kayla came to church a week ago yesterday.  They had been in Korea for a week at this point and were only going to be here for one month as they finished their last rotation for pharmacy school at a hospital here in Busan.  We were instant friends.  I saw them a few times during the week--lunch and coffee after church, Korean BBQ on Tuesday, around town on Friday, then again on Sunday for church.  I was already sad they would be leaving after one month.  Of course I wished they were going to be here longer than that.  It was after service on Sunday when the girls got an email saying their placement was being moved.  They left for Beijing this morning.  They were both upset at the thought of leaving Busan, a place where they started feeling at home.  With tears in my eyes after I hugged them on my way to the usual lunch after church, I did not want them to leave.  You may realize these girls came at just the right time.  They really were a blessing.

I told them to let me know what was happening for sure once they even knew what was going on.  I said I had to come say bye if they really were leaving.  I was able to meet up with them that evening.  Thank goodness for that at least.

Have I mentioned they are both from the states?  That is definitely a plus.  Not Ohio, but that's okay.  I am bummed for the plans we made that won't be happening, like going running with Kayla for example.  We said we should run a half marathon together once I'm back home instead.  I've been wanting to run one in another state, so this could be perfect.  We said maybe Alabama so we can visit Maggie?!  I believe I'll see them again.  It may not be for a little while, but I am glad to call them my friends.