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15 Comments

  1. Monica Schnee
    April 22, 2017 @ 10:30

    Dear Tim,
    Your observations are so true! As I look back on my Fulbright time in South Korea, they apply in many ways to the Asian way of living and thinking. Though South Korea is a very rich country and technologically years ahead of the US, I had the same feeling in terms of how collectivism still influences every aspect of Korean life – there is no privacy and sharing is a given, technology is not part of the school curriculum as it is in the US, families spend time together and working as a community is what brought a war torn Korea to where it is today. I came back to the States wondering what we are missing – yes, we have so much and so much of it is great but we are missing out on some of the simplest and most rewarding things in life, being part of a greater self, of a community and a common goal. Again, thanks for sharing and for posting those gorgeous smiles. The kids always look happy!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      April 24, 2017 @ 03:08

      Thanks for sharing this. It’s easy to assume that our wealth has created a society where we are surrounded by things and not by people, but Korea has kept its traditional values despite being so wealthy.

      Reply

  2. Lori
    April 22, 2017 @ 16:44

    Values…..and perspective……thank you for sharing, Tim……gives me much to ponder!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      April 24, 2017 @ 03:09

      Me, too.

      Reply

  3. Betsy Zarella Flanagan
    April 22, 2017 @ 20:03

    Really enjoyed reading your observations of village life. Your detailed description made me feel like I was there. We could all do with less things! xox

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      April 24, 2017 @ 03:11

      Start cleaning out that basement!

      Reply

      • Betsy Zarella Flanagan
        April 24, 2017 @ 06:44

        Lol it’s all Erin’s stuff

        Reply

  4. Linda A Wight
    April 22, 2017 @ 20:19

    We all have too much and I’m trying to simplify but also want a new floor in the bedroom. I don’t know if I want to sleep on it, but I do think we all could use less devices and talk with people and play with kids and eat together. If I didn’t have this iPad. i wouldn’t keep up with u or Stephen and see my beautiful grandkids, but I’ve also met a lot of people in Maine that make do and improvise in repairing things. I think we all will learn from your visit – it certainly will change u. I keep thinking it would be nice to have a tiny house. Hope we get to see u when your back in the states..

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      April 24, 2017 @ 03:12

      I like tiny houses too, but I also am attached to some of the more luxurious items. We’ll definitely have to get together when I return.

      Reply

  5. Rosie
    April 22, 2017 @ 20:24

    This post leaves a lot of unanswered thoughts. They have so little but so much that many of us never quite understand. Your travels have made me reflect on the important pieces of life we or I take for granted. You have your eyes wide open and mine are opening a bit more than they were. My dear friend’s mother in law often reminded her “Audrey, there is no shame in being poor, it’s just a little inconvenient!” There is truth in her wisdom.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      April 24, 2017 @ 03:14

      I like that quote. People in the village often apologize for not having the food I eat at home or the things I’m used to. I kept reminding them I didn’t go there to experience what my life was like back home.

      Reply

  6. Vicky Ann Deledda
    April 23, 2017 @ 20:00

    Wow, I can see why you and McTery love the village…
    But I must admit, my thoughts are still on a mattress….

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      April 24, 2017 @ 03:14

      I’m sure I’ll get one when I go home, but maybe just a simple one.

      Reply

  7. Paula Agins
    April 24, 2017 @ 09:45

    You leave me with so many thoughts as well as questions to ponder.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      April 29, 2017 @ 09:49

      We’ll have to do some pondering together someday after school!

      Reply

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