Canada Day in the ROK

Time is going by incredibly fast and I have no time to even process all the amazing things that are happening to me because they are so frequent. I sleep when I get the chance and I make time for a good time. At the top of the chart, I managed to hold a secret in from Laura, Helen, Geri and the rest of world for 17 days... Ashley Wry coming to Korea... again. In this time, I tried to distract them from their homesickness, knowing it would soon be put aside for the best surprise ever. For the first 11 days I managed to keep everyone busy by going to watch Korea in the World Cup soccer game on the big screens at a stadium, hosting dinner, going to a baseball game and having a glow over my face and a jump in my step as I knew what was to come. When the pressure became too much I peaced out with my taekwondo class and went rafting and ATVing.

As I'm bursting with excitement, no one else has sweet clue what is going on and a long 3 days later I am off to the airport at 5am to pick up no other than ASHLEY FRICKIN' WRY!!! Of course her luggage got lost and my kids were left outside the English zone for the majority of their class. I can't call anyone in Korea while I wait so Dad got to hear my excitement miles away until I get hurdled from behind. As we walk to the bus, Ashley looking like a true backpacker, all we can say is, "how did Ashley Wry end up back in Korea?" I drop her off at my apt., making sure she locks the door of course, as I go to school for the day. Still, no one has a clue. I'm casually making Canada Day plans via facebook saying it will be the best Canada Day ever and of course they are just thinking, oh, typical Melissa and her party enthusiasm... right!? Well, let me tell you, all of the girls reactions were legitimately PRICELESS. How did I pull it off you ask? I put Ashley and all of her stuff in Caitlin's room (neighbour) as I call Helen and Laura begging them to come right away because I'm going nuts by myself. They show up, I had a beer in hand ready to celebrate and a smile that touched my ears. I then secretly text Caitlin to send Ashley over and I open the door as if it was Caitlin. Helen and Laura looked like they had seen a ghost, the tears came from Helen and the screams from Laura. Next was Geri. As bitter as she was at me for forcing her to get a taxi, I'm sure she'll tell you the 8 bucks was worth it. Again, pure shock and tears. It was AMAZING. Then, the celebrations went all night long for both the first time being away from home on Canada Day and the surprise package delivered by yours truly.