I managed somehow to get through TSA as tears rolled down my face. I managed to keep track of my bags, and retie my shoes. I somehow found the right gate.
I must have texted my family over 200 texts in under 2 hours before the plane left Seattle. I watched the ground as we took off, for as long as I could see it. I sent many prayers, and the Halmeoni (Grandmother) Elder who sat next to me was patient and kind watching my tears roll.
Leaving my lands felt as if a piece of me was being torn from my being. I have never had any inclination to leave Our lands, nor have I desired to travel internationally. Until now.
The Korea Foundation http://en.kf.or.kr/?menuno=3722 accepted my proposal to conduct research, and I am able to work with one of the best Korean TEK researchers, Dr. Sun-Kee Hong of Mokpo National University http://eng.mokpo.ac.kr/index.9is. This is a researcher’s dream, and an opportunity that is definitely once-in-a-lifetime.
The biggest challenge was that I had to leave all of my Eagle Feathers at home. I pray and use my feathers daily, so the thought of not having them was intimidating and frightful. I also could not bring any prayer material such as sage or sweet grass.
The courage this has taken, to leave everything behind and do the work I was directed by my Elders to do, is taking almost all of my resolve and heavy, heavy reliance on faith. Spiritual material items assist my everyday process and I am unclear what I will find in another land, amongst people who have never shared my experiences as a Native American.
Nevertheless, I remain excited and am ready to experience and learn that which Creator has brought me.
