Welcome to The Alemblog...er, the Alembyc Blog!

This is the every-so-often journaling system for Bryan and Judy Alkema. We're looking forward to sending out our new, technologically-advanced version of "Leaves from the Land of Morning Calm" via blog rather than photocopied newsletters; we hope that this new format will also allow you, our readers, to interact with comments and reactions.

It's just over a week before we fly out of Toronto to Incheon, to start a new life - literally - as ESL instructors at Myongi University, Yongin, Korea. We leave behind family and friends, a few stored possessions, our first house, and a lot of memories and emotions. Almost three-quarters of the things we had accumulated in 15 years of marriage are now gone for good - out of our lives as we attempt to embrace the guiding principles of simplicity. It's not easy for a confirmed packrat, particularly when it comes to our books...

But thanks to my Mom, for making it possible for us to ship some of our most prized (is 'unsacrificable' a word?) possessions, such as our journals, photo albums, and homeschooling resources! Thanks to M & L for storing the closet's worth of books we couldn't possibly live without... thanks to Mom and Dad A for the many eat-and-run meals and crash-and-run uses of their guest room - not to mention the loan to help us get back overseas! ... and thanks to those who helped us in so many other ways. You know who you are...

Keep an eye on this spot. Let us know if you like what you read. We hope the Alemblog becomes a dialog!

B&J