A Journal of Writings - SABES

A STRANGE PLACE
Yeonju Park
YEONJU PARK
I came to the United States with my husband and two sons in January, 2005. My husband
was transferred from the Korean branch to the USA headquarters. I had trouble with my
husband about coming to the USA. He wanted to work in the United States, make money
and learn English, but I did not want to go to the United States. After I did agree with his
decision.
My parents were very sad at the news. I felt nervous and sad because I did not know the
language, culture or people. On the last day my parents, my brother and sister took me out
to diner. They told me that they worried about me, the new language, the food, the
weather, my health and my children’s education. My parents-in-law and my parents shed
tears at the airport. My mother said to me, “Take care of your children and husband, be
careful of your health and often call me. I will miss you.” I saw tears roll out of her eyes.
I didn’t speak because I thought I would cry. My mother worries about me now.
I was sad and tired on the airplane. My son, In Jun had a cold so my husband and I could
not rest. Before transferring airplanes my husband and I slept in LA airport. Someone
woke us up, we had been in the airport for six hours. We finally arrived at Boston on
January 5 th 2005. I was tired after the 20 hour air trip. The weather was cold and snowy. I
never had seen so much snow.
The area was strange to me and I became worried about my new life in the USA. I had to
adjust to the time difference for a week. My kids were very adjustable to every thing, the
problem was me. At that time my mind was not open. We stayed at a hotel for one month.
We choose an apartment and I got very busy. I bought important items for our new home
and things got better. I found the food very salty, sweet and oily. Now I am use to the
different foods.
I went to Korea last summer with my family. I felt strange in Korea. Unbeknown to me I
had adjusted to the USA. My kids wanted to go home after one month. Of course, I was
glad to see my parents and friends but Korea is no longer the place I live. My children
speak English, they have adjusted to a new culture, they breathe fresh air, and they love
school. I know if I learn more English life will be better for me. My life in USA is very
busy, simple and sometimes strange.
Asian Center of Merrimack Valley
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