Vaginas, Fruit, and Volleyball

It's hard to believe that it's been over 8 months since we first stepped foot on Korean soil. It's even harder to believe that we'll be leaving in just under 3 months and starting a new adventure in rural Alaska. Now is the time for us to savor every detail of life in Korea, from the absence of a dryer and shoving ajummas to the rolling, green mountains and the freedom of having no responsibilities. 
I have several pictures to share today including snapshots from The Vagina Monologues, Bujeon Market, and a beach volleyball tournament. 
Since March, I have been involved in the performance of The Vagina Monologues here in Busan. For those of you who don't know, The Vagina Monologues is a play written by Eve Ensler for the purpose of raising awareness and money to stop violence against women. The play inspired V-Day, a national movement, which you can read more about here: http://www.vday.org/about

Practicing and performing in The Vagina Monologues was one of the most influential and transformational experiences of my life. This experience helped me to better comprehend the hardships that millions of women around the world are forced to face on a daily basis. Did you know that one in three women will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime? One in three. Think of three women you know right now. Statistically, that fact is horrifying. Through this experience, I realized how fortunate I am to be born to opportunity, to a family who loves and cares for me, and to have married a phenomenal husband. With such favorable circumstances, however, comes responsibility to help those who cannot fight for themselves. I am so proud to have been a part of this extraordinary movement. 

Below is a video that was shown at The 2013 Vagina Monologues. Please be aware that the video contains disturbing images and has a trigger warning for those who have experienced violence in the past. 

I performed a monologue called "I Was There in the Room." I was so fortunate to have been supported by an amazing husband and an amazing cast of women! 

I encourage you all to see a performance of The Vagina Monologues next time it comes to your city. Please do not turn an ignorant shoulder to the acts of violence and abuse against women. Even if it means merely donating $5 to the V-Day Organization, every act of kindness helps: https://secure3.convio.net/vday/site/Donation2?df_id=1325&1325.donation=form1

Okay, moving on. 

Tyler and I have been frequenting a local market called Bujeon Market. Bujeon Market is the largest outdoor market in Busan selling everything from produce to pigs feet. I have been on a juice and raw foods cleanse for the past 40 days meaning I have been buying pounds and pounds of fruits and veggies. 

And last, Tyler and I got to participate in a volleyball tournament on Haeundae Beach this past weekend with our friends Bobby, Jestine, Eric, and Scottie. We proudly sported ajumma pants, as you can see below. Overall, I think we placed fifth or sixth out of twenty-four. We had a blast and successfully walked away with our first sunburns of the season. Thanks for the photos, Kalie and Jestine! 

Three more months. Three more months, and then annyeonghi-gaseyo, Korea.