Becky

The Choice Is Yours

2010-02-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

“Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.”

This sums up my life the past few weeks! I know it’s been a couple of months and there is a huge gap in what’s been going on in my life, but today I feel like writing about the present! I’ll go back and get you caught up, don’t worry, but right now, I’m going to choose to be in the present!

I posted this quote on my facebook page and my sister asked me if I was the pigeon or the statue. Today I feel like the pigeon!! Sorry to all of those statues out there in this moment! You know when you just have one of those times in life?!? This is mine! AAAAHHHH!! I’m sitting in my freezing classroom, on minimal sleep, after taking a cold shower for the 2nd day in a row! We all know I wear my heart on my sleeve and that means showing how I feel. I’ve just been in a bad mood recently!

But then, just as quick as those emotions have come, I’m choosing to acknowledge them and change them. That’s the thing I’m learning more and more. I have the right to choose if that is how I’m going to spend my time and energy! This day, this very moment, is a chance to make a difference. I can’t allow my life to pass by me while I’m feeling sorry for myself. Sure bad things happen. Things don’t work out the way I think they should. I can’t let that dictate how I’m going to live though. It’s my choice to focus on all the negative things. I bet even on your worst day, there are just as many good things that are happening to you. It’s just a whole lot easier to focus on all the things that aren’t going right for me!

We all know that relationships are very important to me. It’s so interesting to look at them and see how they are all so different. I’m surrounded by people who have different forces driving them in their lives. I think we would all love to say that the Lord is our driving force! However, we all know, and I will be the first to admit it, many times that is not the case. Big picture, He is, but it’s all of those day to day forces that we get caught up in. I look around and I see people being forced by love… a new love or a love that has been stoked again. I see people living out of fear… fear of the unknown, fear of not being good enough! I see people yearning to be accepted! I see people fighting this inner battle that knocks them down time and time again. I see people consuming themselves in their work so they don’t have to face everything going on around them. I see people who are driven by the fact that they are just trying to stay afloat. I am thankful for the people I see that are driven by a passion for others; that passion for life that others can’t take away. I see people who are driven by adventure. I see people push through all of the junk and be optimistic. I see people who I think are a great reminder and example of the love and grace that the Lord offers us daily.

It’s easy to get so focused on ourselves and the things we’re going through, that we totally miss out on all that is around us! I know, by me being the ‘pigeon’ the past couple of days, I’ve missed out on the opportunity to share that love and peace with others. Sometimes we just need a good kick in the butt! I have a friend who always used to say “You just need to put on your big girl pants and do it!” Amen, sister!

Some of you may not have realized it, but today (at least for me here in Korea) is “Ash Wednesday.” I’ve really been contemplating what that means. Yeah, it means giving something up and I’ve been trying to decide on that, but it’s so much more than that! If nothing else, it’s an amazing reminder of what Jesus has done for each of us. Not b/c He had to, but b/c He CHOSE to!

CHOICE—it’s such a powerful thing! I can honestly say that is something I’ve learned more and more about while being here. I know I’ve shared this before, but I feel like I need to do it again. We are given so many choices in life that I think we just start to take them for granted! We have the choice to respond to things in a certain way. We have the choice to love others. We have the choice to make a choice or do nothing at all! This is such an incredible thing that is offered to us! I can tell the difference between the days that I naturally am having a good day or if I have to choose to have a good day. I know it’s not easy… boy do I know! Believe me, I don’t always succeed in having a ‘good day’… case in point the past couple of days, but I’m learning that I need to be intentional. I also remind myself that I’m human and I will fall short many times. That’s all part of the adventure though!

Wow, and what an adventure it’s been! It’s so easy to get caught up in the mundane day after day. But today I am choosing to step back and take in the whole picture! It really is breath-taking if I do say so!

I was talking to my friend last night and she told me a story of her 8 year old son. When faced with a difficult situation in front of him (attempting to climb over a fence with skates on) he said, “Mom, I was made to do difficult things!” I think we can learn a lot about life from the kids in our lives. I believe we were all ‘made to do difficult things.’ The difference is though, that some people will choose to ‘put on the big girl pants and do it,’ and some will choose to turn the other way and continue to walk in circles!

May each of you discover what your driving force is in your life! May you choose to make the choices in your life! And may you believe that you were ‘made to do difficult things!’

Part 2: "Oh The Places You'll Go!"

2009-12-22T22:59:00.000-08:00

**If you are reading this and you haven’t read ‘Part 1’ stop, scroll down, and read below!** 

I have gotten to do some cool things lately! I’ve been busy pretty much every weekend… I’m not complaining though!

We went on another field trip together to Seoul/Incheon. This time we all had matching zip-up hoodies. And wouldn’t you know, it started raining the second we got out of the bus. It was dry the whole 2 hour bus ride there! So, they bought us all clear ponchos to wear! We were a sight! We went to a temple (again! ) and took pictures (which is the real reason we go, I think!!). We had a traditional Korean meal at a traditional Korean restaurant. Then we headed to the famous rock. But, by this time, it was pouring down and the wind was blowing like crazy! All 30+ of us climbed off the bus and ran to this rock. We posed, smiled, and snapped the picture! Then, we sprinted back to the bus! There was not a dry spot on me after that! Oh, but don’t worry, we got the picture! Our 3rd and final stop, was a viewing tower where we could see North Korea. It wasn’t a clear day obviously, so we didn’t really get to see it very well, but it was pretty intense! There was a room full of written prayers in hopes of reunification someday! It’s very interesting to see the dynamics between the North and South. After we left there, we boarded the bus to return home. The commute was supposed to be 1.5 hours each way. We were gone for 12 hours that day. We were off of the bus for a total of 3 hours max! Yep, that’s right, we spent a grand total of 9 hours on the bus! What a day, what a day!! A very memorable one!

Another day, Beth and I were feeling adventurous, so we decided to take a bus to Gongju, where there are these tombs from Kings. They were just discovered within the past 40 hears. It was a beautiful fall day! The trees were changing colors and it was so peaceful! One thing about Korea is you feel like you are constantly surrounded by people! But out there that afternoon was amazing! We went about 20 minutes without seeing another person… that NEVER happens! The tombs were pretty cool too! It was a nice, relaxing day! They also have a fortress wall that we will be checking out in the spring!

Pottery is very popular here in Korea. One Saturday morning we were supposed to go hiking, but it was raining. So we decided to go make pottery. We showed up at this pottery shop and asked if we could make pottery. This lady said yes, follow me. We all got into her car, (which was super tiny, we all could barely fit in it) and she took us to her private shop! Her father-in-law is a very famous potter! He has even traveled to the states to create pottery! She taught us how to make it! We each got to pick what we wanted. I decided to make a vase, but when I was finished, it ended up being a candy dish… imagine that! It was a fun experience! The pottery in her shop was beautiful!

We thought it would be fun to go to Seoul one night and do “night shopping.” Yes, it’s what it sounds like! We take the train up and go shopping throughout the night. I really enjoyed it! It was a little much for some people, but you know I loved it! I finished almost all of my shopping that night though. Shopping in Korea is definitely not as convenient as shopping in the states! Oh well, you get used to it and survive! This was one of the first cold nights and of course some of the shopping was outside! Brrr… 12 hours, one person lost and retrieved, 4 big shopping bags, and 10 exhausted foreigners later, we boarded the first train out of Seoul back to Cheonan at 5.45 am! I slept good that morning!

We made another trip to Seoul! This time it was one of the girl’s birthday. She wanted to go to the Science Museum. So, we found the stop and then eventually found the place! Yeah, a bit of a let down! I did learn that ‘Snipes’ exist though!! So, now I know what to look for when I go ‘Snipe Hunting’!!  We did find this really cool park though! It was in the prime season of fall, so the trees were gorgeous! We walked around and just took it all in! Then, we decided to try and find a Mexican restaurant b/c that is all she wanted for her birthday! We walked and walked, for a good hour and could not find this restaurant! Then, just as we were about to throw the towel in in defeat, we spotted this small sign ahead! Victory!! It was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!! Well worth the hour long walk in my opinion! We had to take the last train back to Cheonan that night. It was packed and we had to buy standing room only tickets, which means we had to jam into the food car along with about 100 others! We came across some interesting characters! Many intoxicated individuals! Oh that was a long train ride home!

A group of us also decided to take a trip to the DMZ. This is the ‘Demilitarized Zone’ between North and South Korea! We signed up to take the tour! This was incredible! We went to the military base on the South Korea side. We had an American soldier join us and give us a tour of the fort! We went to the sight of the South Korea welcoming building. Right across from it was the North Korea welcoming building. In the middle was a row of 4 buildings where they meet. There are guards that are always facing North Korea and guards who face the South Korea building also. I learned a lot of interesting things on this tour! The relationship between the 2 is very stressed! It was a pretty intense situation to be in! There is a propaganda village, where North Korea sat up all of these buildings and would invite on loud speakers the South Koreans to come over and live in this village which is like Paradise they said! We also saw the tower that blocks all signals of communication from South Korea. It does not allow North Korea to hear any news other then what the government wants them to hear. It is so sad! They have no idea what is going on in the world! They are brainwashed from birth and don’t know any different! Please say a pray for the citizens of North Korea as you are reading this! Being an American, I have no idea what these people are experiencing! We weren’t allowed to take pictures directly of North Korea. We went to a viewing tower so we could actually see North Korea. However, there is a line where we can’t go in front of if we wanted to take pictures. They had telescopes for us to use, but the wind was bitter cold and the metal hurt b/c it was so cold. Then, as we were looking over at North Korea, it started snowing! It was very poetic in my opinion! A bitter, cold, dim day! We then went to these tunnels. South Korea has discovered 3 underground tunnels that lead from North Korea into South Korea. They all go to Seoul! When North Korea was questioned about this, they said it was for coal (they painted the tunnels black b/c they thought that would convince them they were using it for coal instead of planning an attack!) We got to walk through one of these tunnels! We walked down hill about 1/4 a mile… not bad on the way down. But, on the way up, that’s a different story!! A nice little work-out!

The whole experience was very surreal. You hear about North Korea all the time. But to actually see it and experience this made it real! Many Koreans will not go to the DMZ b/c they don’t think it’s safe! It is also just too sad for many of them! They say when they see it, it makes what is going on so real! Some of them have family who lives in North Korea and they won’t ever get to see them! There is still a hope though among many Koreans that someday they will be reunified!

So, as you can see, I’ve been pretty busy! I have been experiencing Korea!! I still have a few more entries until you are caught up! I’ll work on that again tomorrow!!

Part 1: My Life 5 Days A Week

2009-12-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, Okay!! I know, I know, I have HORRIBLE with this the past couple of months! Time just gets away from me and before I knew it, weeks have passed by. I didn’t think the holiday season would be as busy over here, but somehow it has been! You will be happy to know that my New Year’s Resolution is to keep my blog up to date! 

Let’s see, I feel like a lot has happened since my last entry! I guess I’ll start with all my school stuff! November was a difficult month! My teacher was extremely stressed out (which I know we all get sometimes) and I felt like she took it all out on me and our students. She told me she didn’t like me and I wasn’t a good teacher! That was a very humbling experience! It got to the point where I had to talk to my director and ask to switch schools at semester. She called my teacher to tell her I would be switching and my teacher told her she didn’t want me to leave! (I thought it was weird b/c she started being very nice to me and apologized! Now I know why!!) I had been praying a lot about this and I knew the Lord was going to place me where I needed to be. My director asked if it was okay for me to stay at my school and I said yes. So, I’m staying, which is good b/c I love my students and the other teachers. (I did find out that my favorite teacher is moving! He’s one that I play volleyball with.)

The past few weeks have been a lot better! I know that the Lord is teaching me something through this relationship… just not quite sure what yet!  But seriously, I know the Lord’s hand is in this and on this situation and I’ve decided I don’t need to worry about it at all! Once I finally grasped that, it’s been a lot easier to deal with! Man, what is is with me and difficult bosses?!? Par for the course I guess… they’re all great learning experiences!

My students still bring a smile to my face though! They can be the sweetest kids ever! I had a boy in one of my classes crying and the girl who sets next to him wiped his tears for him! It was one of the most precious things I’ve seen! They can also be quite ornery though, too! I had one boy tell me, “Teacher, S-Line, nice-uh!” Now every time he sees me he says it b/c he knows it makes me laugh! I had a fourth grade boy come up to me before class and recite, from memory, a dialogue that was over 10 sentences long! He had a whole conversation with himself! He asked him the questions and then he answered them! I just had to laugh!

One afternoon, I looked my window and noticed that some of my 6th grade boys were outside playing baseball! I decided to take my camera out with me and check out what was going on! I honestly felt like I stepped into the Korean version of ‘Sandlot!’ These boys were crazy! Some of them were even wearing Chuck Taylors! They saw my camera, so they wanted me to take pictures of them! Of course I did… how could I resist those faces?!? I had a great conversation with one of my boys. He speaks such great English and I didn’t even know it! It was a lot of fun! I also have this one boy who reminds me of ‘Yeah Yeah’ from Sandlot. But instead of saying ‘yeah, yeah’ all the time he says ‘okay, okay!’ I still laugh every time I hear him!

It has also snowed here quite a bit the past week! So the morning after our first snow that actually stuck, I had one of my boys come in and ask me if they could have a snow fight during English class?!? I asked my Korean teacher and she said it was my choice. I asked her if it was okay though and she said yes! So, we went outside during the first class and had a snowball fight! The kids Loved it… as so did I! That is something we could never get away with in the states! But it sure was fun here!

I have been trying to do something fun for my Christmas Lessons! Christmas is just not big over here. They celebrate it, but it’s not a month long celebration like it is for us! We made Christmas cards for each other! Man, I have some brilliantly artistic kids! I want them to make me a picture!!  I also taught them the 12 Days of Christmas—Shrek style! They loved it and it was so much fun to teach it!

I am so sad though, b/c I will not teach my 6th graders anymore! Most teachers don’t care too much for this age group, but I LOVE them! I will miss them so much when they go to Middle School! I guess I’ll just have to find a new group to love!

So, this is a short summary of what I’ve been up to at school! I’ll work on getting you up-to-date on everything else soon! Thanks for sharing this journey with me and listening to all of my crazy stories!!

Week in Review

2009-10-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

It’s the end of another week. Fridays keep coming faster and faster. Is it really already the middle of October… where does time go?? There’s only 70 days until Christmas… have you started your shopping yet? I’m almost finished… does that surprise you?!? J

Well, this week was a laid back week for me. I didn’t have to plan any lessons. I gave a test the first 2 days and we watched movies the other 3 days. Let’s see, I have the first 30 minutes of Kung Fu Panda, Stuart Little, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The one I’ve actually seen all the way through is Stuart Little. The suspense is killing me… I’ve gotta finish them! For some reason I’ve been craving chocolate the past few days… Oh Wonka!

Thankfully school has been a lot less stressful lately. I actually enjoy getting up and going to work. It always helps when you like what you do! It doesn’t just feel like a “job” to me! I think it’s mostly b/c of my kids! They’re always entertaining!

One of my 6th grade boys does not speak English, well a lot of them don’t actually. But this boy always comes in to my room early to talk me. It doesn’t always go smoothly! He has leaned one statement that is golden and he uses it all the time—“I am a genius!” (Actually he says, “I am genius!” Which makes it even funnier in my opinion!) You’ve gotta give him credit for trying!

This week we played volleyball again. Man, I had the ad realization this week that I’m not as young as I once was! It’s been cooler here recently. Thy gym was a bit frigid when we started, so it was difficult to get warm. I was the only hitter on my team and we played games. I hit in 5 1/2 of those games. My shoulder was a bit sore after that. My knees were killing me too whenever I walked down the stairs. I was so stiff the next day! Sad, sad day… I’m getting old!

A few of my 6th grade boys came to watch b/c their teacher plays. It was too cute, they got so nervous when I tried to talk to them. It’s funny thought b/c normally, especially in class, he talks to me often. He has pretty good English too. I think he got nervous b/c there were other teachers around.

We finished up the games for the day. We got in a lot of games thorugh. It was real fun! “Talking smack” was at its finest too! After the game, I went to help take down the net like I do every week. One of the guys said, “No Becky, I will do this. In Korea men work. You are finished.” I tried again, but didn’t want to push the issue. He’s such a gentleman.

As I was leaving that day, I met up with the 2 boys who were watching us play. They asked if I was driving or taking the bus. I obviously said the bus and he said “Me too!” We started walking to the bus stop together. He told me to wait as he rain in to the convenient store. I knew my bus was coming soon, but I decided to wait b/c they were acrually speaking English to me. About the time we started walking again, I see the #12 bus fly by (which is my bus)! I ended up having to wait like 10 or 15 minutes for the next bus, but that’s okay! I was just proud of the boys for talking to me!

I got to attend this super fun conference this week on teaching TESOL (**Please note this statement if FULL of sarcasm even though you can’t hear me saying it!)!! I survived, got some good ideas, got to see all the other Native Speaking teachers and got a free meal (Korean meal, but that’s okay)… trying to look at the positives!

Overall, this has been a good week! The weather has been amazing. Well, except for Tuesday night when it poured a cold rain along with a thunderstorm! Those are fun every once in awhile though! It’s been sunny, cool, and gorgeous! I’m going hiking this weekend, so hopefully I have some pictures soon!!

The "Real" Korean Experience

2009-10-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

I have had quite the “Korean Experience” recently! I’ve got to see a lot of Korean culture and experience some cool stuff!

On Friday I did not have to teach. My 6th graders were reviewing for a test, so English class was canceled for the day.

I asked my teacher on Thursday, “So do I need to come to school tomorrow?”
She said, “Oh, you get to sit in your classroom.”
I said, “Oh, I get to just sit there all day?”
And she said, “Yeah, you get a free day!”

Oh joy! So I prepared myself for a long day! I brought in a couple of TV series to watch and a few movies. I was determined not to sit on Facebook all day! My teacher came into my room that morning and said, “Becky, I have great news! I talked to my Principal and Vice Principal and they said we can go outside today (which means we can leave)!" Yeah, the day just got brighter at that point!

So, she took me to a traditional Korean Folk Village. We drove to Asan (which is a city about 20 minutes away) and spent the day at this village. They had examples of older Korean homes and showed what a village would have looked like. (This was an original village though.) It was beautiful scenery! It is surrounded by mountains. The sun was shining and it was a cool day… B-E-A-utiful! It was really cool to experience this with a Korean b/c she was able to explain stuff to me (which she absolutely loved to do!)

Then we met her husband at this traditional Korean restaurant in the village. We had this ball of corn and Korean pizza. Thankfully I liked the food. That could have been very bad if I didn’t! It was neat to be able to meet her husband. He didn’t speak English, but we figured it out with the help from my teacher. We ate outside under this gazebo type of things. It was quite the experience!

After the traditional village, she wanted to take me to this store with “big sizes.” A “big size” here in Korea is like a size 8. So, all foreigners are pretty much “big.” She picked out clothes for me to try on. Oh this was fun! I knew I wasn’t going to get anything, but I thought I’d humor her. She picked out some jeans with some “bling” on the back pocket. She said these were better then the ones I was wearing that day. Mine aren’t “bedazzled” enough I guess! Then she picked out 3 shirts for me to try on. A couple of them were okay, but too expensive. She asked me which I liked best and I said #1 or #3. She told me #1 looked like a University student or someone in there early 20’s would wear. She then said #3 looked more like a lady and what a teacher would wear! Ha! I just smiled and nodded. I chose to embrace the whole experience!
It was actually an amazing day! It was just what we needed! My teacher and I were having some issues, but now I think we are officially past them. It’s amazing what a little prayer can do! I feel a lot more comfortable and confident. She told the vice principal that I had been working hardly. (For some reason she can’t comprehend the different between ‘hard’ and ‘hardly.’ She thinks they’re the same. She always tells me I’m working hardly. I just have to laugh on the inside!) They decided I deserved time out! I wasn’t going to disagree with them! We really enjoyed our time together!

That was quite the ‘Korean Experience.’ But then I had the unique opportunity to attend a Korean wedding. One of the teachers from the school I teach at on Saturdays got married, so I went with my friend Heather to the wedding (this is her actual school.) We loaded a Greyhound Bus Saturday afternoon with other teachers from the school and headed to the wedding! In Korea, they get married at wedding halls. They are definitely different then weddings in America. Instead of giving gifts, you give money in an envelope (no card, you just write your name on the outside of the envelope). This is to help the couple with the costs of food and what not. When you arrive, you find the hall with the wedding you are attending in (there are more than one going on at a time). There are people standing outside and you give them the envelope. There was another wedding going on in the hall we were going to, so we had to wait for ours. There is a room off of the main room where the bride sits on a pedestal and lets her guests come in and take pictures with her. I was going to just take pictures for my friend, but the bride said, “No, no, you come and take the picture with us too!” So, I took a picture with a bride I had just met! Then, the videographer stuck the camera in my face and wanted me to say something to the couple! I froze; I don’t even know these people! So, I smiled and said, “Congratulations!” Yeah, that was a bit awkward!

After the pictures we went back out to the foyer to wait for the wedding. We began to panic though b/c we did not see anyone we knew, or at least anyone Heather knew b/c I didn’t know anyone! We just sort of stood there for a bit. Then one of her teachers came up to get us and told us to come and eat. See, there’s a banquet hall in this building and it’s just a big buffet. You get a ticket for food when you give them the envelope of money. Then you get to eat at the buffet. There were people in there eating from all sorts of weddings. You can eat any time you want. You can eat before the wedding, after the wedding, or even during the wedding! It’s an experience, remember?!? So, we ate and headed back upstairs for the wedding. When we make it up to the hall, she was already walking down the aisle. We slipped in the back and stood. This appears to be a very informal ceremony. People come and go as they please. People are talking through the whole thing. It isn’t the least bit romantic! They had a guy play the saxophone, which was pretty cool, and then they had some of her former students sing. They have many traditions that I tried to understand, but it was a bit difficult with the language barrier! They bow to both sets of parents and they cut a cake right there in the ceremony! They walk down the aisle and then they take group photos! The whole thing was such a cool thing to be a part of! I took pictures to try and allow others to see it. I hope it works!

We decided to venture to Seoul for the night. We were told about this “night shopping” in a market. We decided to check it out. We heard it does not open until after midnight! We found a market at about 10.30pm, but it was closed. We decided to find some place to sit and wait. We went to a restaurant and got a Coke, talked and waited for the market to open a midnight. We back at 12.15, but it was still closed. We were so confused. We found this hotel and asked if we could use the restroom. They said they did not have one. Then we asked if he knew where the market was. He said around the corner and it was open 24 hours! We were waiting on the wrong corner… story of my life! We found it though, that’s all that matters!
At about 2.30am, we decided to call it a night and head to the jimjubang! This is a communal place for people to sleep. It’s not the most ideal place to stay, but it’s super cheap… I’m trying to be more frugal! J We ended up sleeping on a tile floor. No mat, now towel, no blanket, just a tile floor with a small square ‘pillow.’ Let’s just say you don’t get the best sleep here! We decided to stay in Seoul Sunday morning and get breakfast! We went back to Butterfinger Pancakes… home of the best Breakfast in Korea!

It was a long weekend, but a good weekend! To round out my cultural experience, I went to the ballet last night! I never knew I was such a fan! My friend got 2 free tickets and asked if I wanted to go. Of course I wanted to go! We showed up and quickly realized that it was free to everyone! The place was packed! They ran out of seats long before we got there! There were Koreans everywhere! Every free sitting or standing spot was taken. People were standing on the sides and in the back; they were sitting in the aisles and on each other’s laps! We managed to find 2 spots on the far stairs and we actually got to sit! It was a process to get there! People don’t move here. You have to push your way through, literally. They also push… hard! At one point I was standing on one stair and I was surrounded on all sides. This lady tried to come through and pushed me! I started falling backwards and almost took out a whole aisle! I hung on… barely!

The first part was more of a showcase and the second part was a traditional Korean ballet. They were so graceful and amazing to watch. I’ve never got caught up in anything like this before, but it was an incredible experience! We just sat on our stair and took it all in. It was very “Korean” but that’s what I loved about it!

After the ballet we walked outside and it was down pouring! Not just a little rain, a constant, cold rain! You have not experienced an entertaining rain, until you’ve experienced it with Koreans. They run and scream and put their hands over their heads to protect their hair… yeah like that’s going to help! We ran to the taxi stand and waited for about five minutes. We quickly realized that there were no taxis doming! We decided to head out to the main street to try and get one. By the time we finally got one flagged down, we were soaked and freezing! We were just thankful to finally get one! That would have been a rough walk home!So, I’ve definitely got my status quo on Korean culture for now! I love it! It makes me want to learn more and see more! They have so much to do here! Korea is known for their many festivals! Every city has their own festival! But unfortunately b/c of H1N1 (the swine flu) they’ve all been canceled! I was very disappointed to hear this all! Guess we’ll just have to find our own adventures now!!

Happy Cheseok!

2009-10-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

It is officially fall here in Korea! The weather is amazing and the days are beautiful! The air is crisp and even has a slight chill to it at times. It reminds me of home more often then not. I’ve been starting my days off with a hot cup of tea! Mmm… have I told you I just LOVE fall?!?

Two weeks ago Korea celebrated Chuseok. This is their Thanksgiving. They spend time with family and give presents during this time. Most women don’t care too much for this holiday b/c they spend most of the time at their in-laws and are super busy b/c all they do is cook! (This is nothing like America… yeah right! J) This is one of the biggest holidays in Korea. I decided to make my teachers something instead of buying them something (imagine that, right?!?) I decided to try banana bread! Wow, I made 12 loaves of bread… it was crazy, but fun! They seemed to like it (that’s rally good b/c they usually don’t’ like ‘sweets.’) They give gifts like fruit, socks, or soaps & lotions. I got socks, songpyeon (traditional Korean rice cakes) and chestnuts!

I had a 3 day weekend and decided to take this time to rest! It was amazing… jut what I needed! Campus was dead b/c all the students were gone and it was so peaceful. A few of us made “Brinner” (breakfast for dinner) and had our own version of Chuseok dinner. We also had a BBQ with foreigners for those of us who were still around! Traffic on Thursday and Friday was terrible… I didn’t leave campus! But on Saturday it was like a ghost town! Everyone was celebrating Chuseok with their families. My Vice Principal brought me mandarins on Monday as a gift! It was a fun experience!

When I returned to school on Monday, I had a new schedule. I had to say goodbye to my 3rd graders! That was a sad day! They were so cute and sweet. Some of them wrote me notes and gave me candy! Thankfully I am on their hall, so I will still get to see them. In March, the next school year begins, so I will have them again in March as 4th graders. I started teaching 4th graders this week. I was anzious to get started! They are definitely crazier then my 3rd graders were, but I think they’ll be a fun group! I’m looking forward to teaching them!

I was going through picture cards with my student and I came across a picture of juice in a glass and I said, “What’s this?” and one of my boys says, “It’s wine!” What?!? Like I would show Elementary school kids wine and teach them what it was. Oh Korea!

I have more and more students coming in early or during their breaks to talk to me! It’s fun and so cute to hear them try to practice their English! They are brave souls! Sometimes I’ll give them a sticker or some candy for being brave and trying! The numbers usually increase the next day. J There are definitely a few students who speak better English then my teachers do. The other day my head teacher was trying to say something and se what saying it completely wrong. I looked over at one of the students who is pretty good at English and I could see his wheels turning and thinking “She’s not saying that correct.” He was very respectful though and said nothing!

I am still playing volleyball with the teachers. We play about every other week. This week was a lot of fun though. I was hitting outside and the guy on the other side of the net is about 6’3”. So, he had a pretty good block. There was one time where hime and another guy tried to bock me and I hit through the block. One of the teachers on my team (the PE teacher who I really like) started talking smack on them. He was giving them a hard time, in Korean of course, for not being able to block me! (I could totally understand what he was saying b/c of this body language and tone.) I had to laugh. Then the guy did block me and the teacher gave him a hard time for blocking a girl! He said to me after the block, “Oh, I’m sorry!” (He was serious!!!) Ha, I love that “smack talk” can be translated in any language! I’m so thankful that I have this opportunity to connect with the teachers AND do something that I love! God knew I needed this!

We recently found an American restaurant downtown. It’s pretty legit too. A little expensive, but it’s good! I had a real chicken sandwich! This may not sound like a big deal, but it is! Ask anyone who’s lived overseas for an extended period of time. And they will all say you treasure those small things, like a real American meal! It’s funny b/c the more I live in Korea, the more I don’t care too much for the food! I’ll survive, but I always welcome familiarity and comfort food! We also found this pizza shop, right by campus! They have real oven brick pizzas! It’s so good, I’d actually eat this pizza in America. The owner studied in Italy. We eat there about 1 time every week or two. It’s definitely the place I go to if I’m having a day where I miss home… it’s my comfort food!

I have really been enjoying my small group. We have been going through NOOMA videos and we’ve had some great discussions. This is a place to be challenged and encouraged! There are about 11 or 12 of us that meet and it’s really great! I’m so thankful for this group! IT’s amazing to me the types of relationships you can have when you connect spiritually with other believers. I encourage everyone to find a small group if you aren’t already a part of one. This is what we were created for—fellowship with others.

I also had the opportunity to get together with a lady from church. Her and her husband both went to MNU and they are from Kansas City. It was great to get together with someone from home and talk about life! She was very encouraging. It reminds me yet again what a small world this place truly is!

I definitely had a moment this week of “Is this really my life?” Yes, it is! I currently live half way around the world and I’m having a once in a lifetime opportunity! I have good days and I have bad days! But I’m growing and learning so much! There are days I wish I could sit and enjoy a football game on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. There are times I want to get in my car and just drive on the open road. There are definitely days I wish I could go to Chipotle and have a burrito bowl. And there are more days then not I wish I could just hang out with my nieces for the day! But I can’t and that’s okay! There are many things I’m able to do over here that I couldn’t do at home. Life isn’t always about convenience! It’s the things you have to work for that you treasure the most! I miss my family and friends terribly, but I’m having quite the adventure! I wouldn’t trade this time for anything!

I'm Choosing to Make Lemonade!

2009-09-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

Man, time is just flying by here! The weeks and days are going my so fast! I have been here for over 4 months now! That is a 1/3 of the way there! I can’t believe it! Time just gets away from me here and before I know it, it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve updated you! Sorry about that!

The weather here in Korea is definitely fall weather! It is starting to get cooler… which is a nice change! It is a lot less humid, so this makes for more pleasant days! The temperature is usually in the 70’s or 80’s. The weather here is actually very similar to the weather in Kansas. Usually when I talk to people at home, we are experiencing about the same! That’s nice… It’s like a little piece of home! J I must admit though, I miss getting ready for the fall. The smells aren’t quite the same here! They don’t have Halloween, so I haven’t seen pumpkins and I know there will be no pumpkin carving! I’m missing some of my favorites, like ‘pumpkin spice’ candles, caramel for my apples, Orange Oreos, and Pumpkin Shaped Reese’s Peanut Butter cups! Now those say ‘fall’ to me! There are definitely certain things that just aren’t home! Peanut butter and chocolate snacks together, just never caught on over here! So, you can’t find things like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! It’s all about sacrifice… right?!? J

We are about to celebrate Chusok here I know Korea. This is their Thanksgiving. It is the biggest holiday in Korea. They spend this time with their families and eat very traditional meals. They also buy gifts for each other. It is similar to Christmas for us in that way. We get Friday off, so no complaints here! I’m anxious to experience this here! I think it has potential to be a lot of fun!

Let’s see, how have my students been entertaining recently?!? I feel like they are always doing something! I’ve been teaching more so I have a lot more interaction with my students inside of the classroom! I’m really glad about that! It helps my days and weeks go by a lot faster!

They just come up with the cutest things to say! One of my students asked me if I was married. She couldn’t quite figure out how to ask me in English, so she started singing the ‘Wedding March!’ It was so funny!

I have one 6th grade boy who always comes into class early and says, “I love you!” and then puts up a heart over his head! I always just laugh at him. But this week my head teacher said, “Do you really have those feelings?” (She said this in English and this boy does not speak English. I wasn’t quite sure where she was going with this!) She told me he doesn’t so he shouldn’t say it. Yeah, he still says it!

I was looking at my Facebook account one day! (This is something I do often b/c I have so much free time!) One of my girls came in and said, “Oh, Facebook. I know that!” She hasn’t found me yet, which is quite surprising! I love that even in Korea, you can find Facebook!

My 6th grade boys are ornery, but they know exactly what to say to me! They will do something and then I will go to get on to them and then they will just smile at me! They have the cutest little smiles where their eyes twinkle. Yeah, I lose all of my power, b/c they just melt my heart! In one of my classes there are these 2 boys who are best friends. They are also very much the leaders in the class. Whatever they do, their classmates follow. So, one day they were coming in late and I met them in the hallway. I told them if they participated and listened in class, I’d have something for them after class. I gave them a ‘high-five’ to signify the fact that they got it and they were going to do it. Then one of the boys grabbed my hand and tried to walk into class that way! Oh boys… they never change… even half way around the world!

I also had one of my boys give me his phone number. He took my phone and typed in his number then called his phone so he’d have my number! If only older boys were that persistent! J (This is the same boy who wrote me the letter earlier in the year!) Then one day in class he was sitting with some girls and he was not paying attention in class. I had to tell their table a couple of times to get back on task. He came into my room during the next break and apologized to me for not listening. He said, “I’m sorry I was not listening and paying attention in class.” Of course I to tell him it was okay!

My 3rd graders are pretty cute, too! I am sad b/c this is my last week with them! I start 4th grade next week. They are just so funny. I pointed to a character in the book and I asked who this was. The class said ‘Joon,’ and I had to say no. So, one boy said, ‘July?’ I laughed out loud on that one! At least he was getting the months figured out!

For some reason, they don’t have screens here on their windows. They don’t like to run the air either. So, they have a whole wall of windows they open up everyday. Of course, if there are no screens, then things can fly in. For some reason last week wasps were really bad. We had one fly in during the middle of the class and the students freaked out! They started screaming and some tried to get under their tables! If they had coats on, they pulled their hoods up over their heads. The teacher turned the lights off and had them put their heads down! Like that’s going to make the wasp think that they weren’t there or something?!? So, we had to take about a 15 minute break until the wasp flew out! I had to hide my face with my paper so they wouldn’t see me laughing! There was one boy in one my classes who said while we were waiting, “Teacher, English please!” He didn’t want to just sit there, he wanted me to start teaching again! Finally, the teacher took a book and swatted it down when it landed! Now that was entertaining!

I also got to experience my first fire drill here at school! I’m in the middle of teaching and a voice comes over the loud speaker. My teacher told me they said there was going to be a fire drill. She then told me to keep teaching b/c we had about 10 or 15 minutes before it would go off. So, I start teaching again. Then she tells me to stop and they line the students up (no bell has rung yet!) I asked her if we needed to go and she said, “No, we will have a break time!” So, I went to my classroom, the bell rang and all of the students went outside. Well, as I’m sitting at my desk, I start to smell smoke! Now my first reaction was, what are the odds of a real fire happening during a drill?!? Then it hit me, I’m smelling smoke and I am still INSIDE the school! I hear the students outside so I run over to my windows and look outside! There is a fire… but it’s in a fire pit. They actually started a real fire for the drill. I’d like to see that happen in the states! I was relieved to know that it was really just a practice though!

There are times, many times actually, that I will be teaching in my books and find something misspelled or it will just be wrong. Usually it’s not a big deal and I can just move right past it and correct it as I go! But the other day I had to chuckle at one of them. I was showing the students flashcards that are magnets. We came across a picture of a zebra, but it was labeled as a horse! Thankfully, the students knew it as a zebra and not a horse… I would have been worried if it was the other way around!

I played volleyball again this past week. Man, I ‘m so glad I get to do this! It’s fun and I love getting to know the guys better. This is the reason I actually have a relationship with most of them! There’s this one older guy that I just love! He’s a setter, but for some reason we’re never on the same team! He’s a tricky little guy. But, he’s on of my biggest fans! He’s so fun! We also had some other fans there this week! My 5th and 6th grade boys that play basketball showed up at the gym. They came in like 1 or 2 at a time. They were so cute! They’d look at me and smile and wave. It was like they were shocked to see me playing. They started cheering for the team I was on! Then, they’d try to tell me something in Korean but I couldn’t understand them. So then they’d just start playing charades with me! I think I scored some major points with the 6th grade boys though, b/c the next 2 days they did great in class! It’s funny how different things can be for you inside the classroom when you can connect with the student outside of the classroom.

My teachers can tell me some funny things too. The other day after lunch, I went to one of the teacher’s rooms with a group. We were eating chestnuts (which I’m not too sure if I’m a fan of or not!) and they were asking me questions and we were talking. One of them told me that Korean guys like to marry teachers. They are a ‘hot commodities’ over here (those weren’t her exact words but that is definitely what she was meaning!!). I asked why and she told me b/c they get off of work earlier then other jobs, so they can come home and have dinner cooked and ready for the husband when he gets home! Are you kidding me?!? (And this is reason #92 why I could not marry a Korean!!) She was laughing when she said this, but it’s true! My, oh my!

My relationship with my teacher is a lot better now, too! My director called and talked to her. She told her if I wasn’t teaching then I’d have to change schools. She didn’t want to lose a native speaker, so now I teach! It’s fun and it helps the days go by a lot quicker! To be honest though, that was a huge growing time for me! I had to have a lot of “Becky—God time” during those weeks. It was tough. I wasn’t happy with my job, so that made for some rough weeks! Thankfully I had a few people here who would let me vent and then help me to move on. Those relationships are a lot closer now b/c of it! I’m just glad that’s behind me for now!

I’m finally starting to get into my groove here and boy does it feel good!

Adventure Around the Corner

2009-09-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

I never know where the weekend will take me. We’re not much of planners, so usually most things are spontaneous! We did have a plan for my birthday weekend though (mostly b/c others planned it for me J)! I really wanted to go see a baseball game and we all know my addictions to Mexican food! I got both… great weekend!! My firents made me a great lunch and I even got to have cheese dip (this is a very rare occurrence)! They also made me a real cake… vanilla, exactly what I like! I have some great friends over here… very thoughtful!

After some amazing food and good laughs, we headed out to the ballpark. On the way there we found out we were going to see the worst team (that didn’t really effect me too much, b/c I’m from KC and we all know the Royals’ record)! When we arrived, we were trying to figure out what seats to buy. I decided to go up and try to figure it out on my own. The lady handed me 6 tickets, for FREE! We got to see a free baseball game… that mad it even better! Koreans are crazy about their games! I felt like I was at a soccer game. The fans were doing cheers and yelling the whole game! They started off down 0-9… rough road ahead I thought. Oh Korea, always surprising me! They came back and won it in the 9th inning with a 3-run homerun. It was quite the experience, but it was super fun! I felt a little piece of home there. Oh and the left fielder was a foreigner… we had to heckle him b/c we knew he could speak English. That was entertaining!

We ended the weekend by going to a Pub Quiz. You get a team of 4 together and you try to answer the most random questions. Now, I’m not usually much help on this subject, but I held my own. Our team ended up winning first place! And along with the bragging rights, we won 75,000 won (about $75). We decided that we are going to use our money to go the driving range here… that should be fun!

I also started working at another school 2 Saturdays a mouth. It is at the school where my friend works and they needed an extra teacher. It’s 2 less Saturdays a month I get to sleep in, but I’ll survive. I go and play games with about 16 students for 3 hours. It’s a rough life, but someone’s got to do it! J

There was one night I though North Korea was invading us. It was about 11.30pm and I had just gone to sleep. All of the sudden I wake up to the sound of planes overhead. The sound lasted for a good 2-3 minutes! My first thought was “Oh no, we’re being attacked!” I jumped out of bed and looked out my window… nothing. I went to the other side of the room and looked out my front door… nothing! I still have no idea what it was, but I’m safe and unharmed, so that’s all that matters!

We decided to be adventurous this past weekend and try Norrebong again! (This is karaoking Korean style!) We found this hole in the wall and decided to try it out! It was just 4 of us, which is a lot more fun! We rocked out to some Killers and the Beetles and many others in the between! When we left, I could barely talk… it killed my voice! I got my fill for a few months!

Korea is known for all of their different festivals. However, many have gotten canceled this fall b/c of the Swine Flu. This past weekend they had a food expo here in Cheonan. It reminded me of a fair back home. There were a lot of booths set up and you walk around. Some booths had free samples… of course those were my favorite booths! It was a fun experience, but very overwhelming all at the same time! My picture was in the booth for the Public Schools. It was funny seeing a white person on the board full of Koreans! I didn’t stick out or anything! I tasted some great things and some questionable things all at the same time! It’s an adventure!

I’ve also had the opportunity to start at the Children’s Home. This is a home for kids who do not have families. Some are orphans, but others are not. Sometimes their parents just can’t afford to have them, so they give them to the local home and then they see their children about once or twice a year. My heart feels for them. They are a great bunch of boys! We have 6 boys in our group. They are all boy that’s for sure, but so sweet! I volunteer there once a week so I’m looking forward to developing some great relationships with my boys!

It has been a refreshing week this past week! It was a good week! I also have a new post below. Make sure you check it out b/c I shared what God is doing in my life right now!

Life Learner

2009-09-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

So I’ve said from the beginning, I want this blog to be a true representation of experience here. I want to share the amazing things I’m experiencing over here, but I also want to be able to be vulnerable and honest and say that life’s not always roses here for me. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve taken on this tone, but I think it’s important. I want to share my journey with you.

I know I use the statement ‘God is teaching me so much while I’m over here,’ but I feel like I’m not always as specific as I’d like to be. I think its b/c for me to share what God is teaching me is to admit that I fall short in many areas. I know this is something we all know, but to put yourself out there and share with others, can be a tough thing to do. Which, I feel this is all ironic, b/c I’ve always thought I was a pretty open and honest person and being vulnerable doesn’t scare me away. I’m learning though, there are differences. I am completely okay with being honest about my feelings… I’m not scared of them. I can embrace them. Many people think I wear my heart on my sleeve… I would try to debate that, but there’s no use, it’s the truth. If I am frustrated, you will know. If I’m excited, you will know. If I’m loving life or hating life, you will be able to read me.

But, I’m beginning to realize that when it comes to admitting my short comings, I’m not always the first to raise my hand and share openly. I feel like I am a good listener, so it’s always been easier for me to focus the conversation on others. Sometimes I feel like I know more then I’d like, but that’s okay… I enjoy this role that I play in others lives. It’s funny that I’ve only been in Korea for 4 months (which means I’ve only known these people for 4 months) and I’ve already fallen into that role here! Don’t get me wrong, I love it. I love relationships and I love hearing about people’s stories and I love helping people. I think many times people forget they have things to offer the world. I love helping them discover that again. But again, it’s easy for me to give my attention to others and not own up to my own baggage.

So, where is this all coming from you might be asking yourself… I mean this is supposed to be about my adventures in Korea, right?!? Well, it is. One of the main reasons I came to Korea was b/c I knew that God needed to mold me and He needed to chip away at things in my life. I know myself and in America it is very easy for me to get distracted and just go through my everyday life without thinking. It was a rut I was stuck in and I wanted to get out of.

I think God is beginning to shake me up a little. He is showing me that this thought of who I was is not really who I am at all. I’m not saying I’m going through some type of identity crisis or anything, but I am saying that God is working in my life. He is showing me areas where I can grow. He is showing me my areas of strengths. I’m not going to lie, it’s tough to go through, but I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel through all of this!

Okay, this is me being in a very vulnerable state right now. Before I came to Korea, I thought I was a pretty giving person. However, God is showing me that at times I can be very selfish. There are many times when I think of my self before others. There are many times that I am disgusted by my actions or my thoughts. When you move to another country, you quickly can figure out what your short comings are. I know God is challenging me in this area. He continually gives me situations where I have to choose to either think of myself or think of others. I am not saying I always choose the right thing, but I can say that God is faithful and He is teaching me to love others the way He does. He is putting difficult people into my life b/c I need to learn to love the unlovable. I feel this is what He has called us all to do! I am convicted often of this. This is where ‘wearing my heart on my sleeve’ can get me into trouble sometimes. But God’s grace that He extends to me is a gentle reminder daily that I in return need to offer grace to others. Grace is not something we earn or deserve, it’s a gift.

I’ve also been reminded (b/c this is not the first time I’ve realized this) that without being connected to a church body, I feel disconnected in every other area of my life. This is something I have many conversations with God about. It is not in my character for me to jump in and start doing things if I don’t know people. I’m more then welcome to help if I am asked; in fact, I truly long to be asked. God is teaching me though that it is my responsibility to get involved and to use my talents. He did not give them to me to be wasted or to be horded for myself. Again, this is a learning process and I’m working up the courage to do this. I have started a small group though and God is using those individuals to help us all be connected on a deeper spiritual level.

My experience here is not quite like I was expecting. I tried to come in with no expectations, but that’s almost impossible to do. Without knowing it, I had a picture in my head about what it was going to be like. I thought I would come to Korea and fall in love with the people and this place. I thought I would beam with passion. But honestly, that has not been my experience thus far. Don’t hear me wrong, I am enjoying my experience. I like it here a lot! I am so glad I am doing this and I know without a doubt this is exactly where God wants me to be. It is difficult sometimes though b/c I am not passionate about this place. I have had to work through this and allow myself to be okay with not being passionate about it. Sometimes we do things that we don’t absolutely love and that is perfectly okay. There is nothing wrong with me and there is nothing wrong with Korea. I know this is not where I want to be for the rest of my life, but for now it’s good. This is where I find my inner conflict though. I need to remember that I need to bloom where I am planted. I need to be content with where God has me now. I am learning things here that I would not be doing if I was at home. I really like Korea, but I don’t love it and that’s okay. I can’t compare my experience with another’s and expect it to be the same… I would be cheating myself out of MY adventure!

Through this, I’m reminded and I’m experiencing first hand what it means to be the Body of Christ. We all can’t be the mouth and we all can’t be the hands. Some of us need to be the feet and others need to be the ears. It’s easy to start comparing ourselves to others. Be careful though, that’s a dangerous game to play. That is something I have been doing more recently. I think it is more difficult over here, b/c there aren’t a lot of people like me (meaning Americas! J) It is very easy to compare our teaching abilities, or the fact that some of us have more relationships with Koreans than others, or who knows more Korean than who, or insert any other thing you can think of here. This can be a very slippery slope. This is definitely one of those things that are difficult to not do and it’s a constant battle everyday. However, I must remind myself that I found freedom in the Lord. I am free to be me b/c of Him. This thought alone comforts my fears.

I would have to say the biggest thing I’ve learned thus far though is to not to stress as much as I have in the past. If I have something come up, I take it to the Lord. There is a certain peace about this. Sure, it’s easy to say, but not always as easy to follow. Again, I’m still learning and there are times I don’t go to Him first. Those tend to be some difficult moments for me, b/c I try to do it on my own. I can breathe easier though after I give it to Him and trust that I don’t have to worry about it anymore. Philippians 4:5-7 has helped me to sustain this: 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So, this is me being vulnerable. This is me wearing my heart on my sleeve. And this is me, sharing with you, what God is doing in my life. I find great comfort in knowing that I can share with you what God is doing in my life. It’s an adventure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thanks for all of your prayers and encouragement! Even though I love to visit Islands, I don’t ever want to become one!

Routine Back In Swing

2009-09-13T23:01:00.001-07:00

And just like that, I’ve been back in school for 2 weeks. It has been an interesting 2 weeks, that’s for sure! I was so excited to get back to see my kiddos! I went 6 weeks without seeing them, I missed them! They sure can be ornery , but they’re so cute when they do it!

But, if I had to be honest, I’d have to say the last 2 weeks have been the toughest thus far. My head teacher and I have been clashing. Korean education is very different! Therefore, my teacher and I have disagreed on things. I think my biggest frustration is the fact that I’m not teaching in her class, at all! On Thursdays and Fridays I sit in my classroom b/c she ways she has to teach alone. The students have a very important test coming up in October so she has to prepare them for it! I’m not going to go into all of the details, but if you’d help me pray for the situation, it’d be greatly appreciated!

I am choosing to have good days though! There are bright spots throughout my day and I need to focus on them! My students give me material to share with you all the time! J Here are a few of my favorite happenings over the past couple of weeks!

One day, I had 3 6th graders who came into my classroom during every break they had. The boy speaks pretty good English, so he translates for the girls. They were telling me and asking me all sorts of things. They pointed to my eyes and said “Oh, big eyes teacher.” And then told me my nose was high. They asked if I had my face fixed?!? (Meaning—have I had plastic surgery?) In Korea, their eyes are obviously not wide; so many people have surgery and have their top layer of skin removed on their eyelids. This is very common for actors and models, but many teachers here say they’ve seen their high school and middle school students have the procedure done. They also don’t have a bridge in their noses for the most part. Some people have reconstructive surgery to get bridges put in. So, b/c I did not look like them and b/c it’s common in their culture to have those tings done, they asked if I’ve had my ‘face fixed’! I chuckled a little and said no. They smiled and said, “Oh, very beautiful, teacher.” They want to look more westernized. That concept is so interesting to me, b/c I think Koreans are beautiful! I guess the grass is always greener on the other side!

Korean are very blunt when it comes to comments about your physical appearance. Sometimes it can hurt your feelings, but other times it can make your day! I told you I’ve been sick for the past few weeks. I haven’t had much of an appetite so I haven’t been eating a lot. And, if you’re not eating, you’re obviously going to lose weight. My first week back I had a group of my 6th grade boys, 6th Grade Boys, come up to me and say, “Teacher, you (point to me), small (put hands in a ‘smaller’ gesture).” 6th Grade BOYS said this! Yeah, they’re my favorites now! J

My teacher decided to let her 6th graders out of class 5-10 minutes early on Friday. I had no idea she was doing this. So, I had a group of 6th graders come in and act like crazy kids for a bit. It was funny though b/c the boys started arm wrestling with each other. Then, one boy came up to me and ask if he could arm wrestle me. Of course I said yes! He was good and he beat me. Then another boy wanted to try. He wasn’t quite so lucky. Come on, I couldn’t let them all beat me!

Of course my teachers can help me with stories too! We can do the most random things when I am with them. One of the first days back, my teacher came in and asked if I like grapes. Of course I do. So we went down to the ‘teacher’s room,’ which is also the Vice Principal’s office and sat and ate grapes with about 8-10 other teachers. They talked in Korean and were laughing and having a great time. I sat there and smiled. This is definitely one of the those times I wished there were subtitles so I could understand what they were saying. Something appeared to be hilarious! It was a fun afternoon though. This was definitely one of those ‘I’m in Korea?!?!’ moments!

Things get lost in translation a lot here. I know this isn’t what my teacher was meaning, but this is what she said. I told you we disagreed on a few things. Well, we had a pretty heated discussion. Later in the week we were talking and she said, “From the first day we met until last week I like you. But then after that, I don’t like you.” Wow, again I now that’s not exactly what she meant, but that’s what she said!

But all was right after the next day. I was walking into school one morning and there were about 4 teachers standing outside taking temperatures of the students b/c of the ‘swine flu’ scare. One teacher, who I don’t even know that well said, “Oh Becky” and then came at me with this big smile. She grabbed me and hugged me, she hugged me! It made my day!

My teachers do surprise me quite often. One day in the afternoon, I wasn’t feeling well so I thought I’d go to the nurse. There were about 6 other teachers when I went in. I told her I wasn’t feeling well, so she had me lay down. One of the teachers sitting there, which is one of the guys I play volleyball with, asked me why I didn’t go talk to the principal. He told me I should tell him I’m not feeling well, so I could go home. I told him it was okay and I could just stay here. He asked me why I didn’t want to go and talk to the principal. I told him I was scared to tell my principal that. He laughed and said, “Me too! I’m scared!” Oh that gave me confidence to talk to him! My principal did let me go home though, so I was very appreciative!

I’m reminded often that life is all about the ups and downs. Life is about the journey and your experiences, not the destination! I’m trying to remember this as I go through my days! I’m having the experience of a life time! God is good and He’s teaching me stuff daily! I know He is molding me and chipping away at me all at the same time. It’s a good place to be!

Sunday Funday!

2009-09-10T21:01:00.001-07:00

Weekends are always fun here. It’s time to relax and enjoy some time with my fellow Americans! Don’t get me wrong we experience a lot Korean culture, we just do it together!

Video games are pretty huge over here in Korea. They have this one game called Starcraft. We have this game in America, but it came out in like the early 90’s. The graphics are hilarious… so old school! They eat it up though! They have these tournaments where they set up game systems and have games televised. So, of course we had to go! This was an experience! These players are really famous and have a huge fan base! We were on TV multiple times. We even heard them talking about us… on National TV! I must admit, I was bored! Probably won’t do it again, but it was worth the experience! This is like the thing to do in Korea though!

We also found this restaurant called Butterfinger Pancakes. Oh my word… this was fabulous! They had real breakfast!! (Remember we don’t get there here!) There were 8 of us and we ended up spending 120,00\, which is like $120 (roughly) on breakfast… worth it!! Oh I’m definitely coming back to this place! It was greatness! I’m telling you, it’s the little things in life! J

We also went to the beach again! We rented a beach house and about 20 of us Americans headed out and stayed the night! It was so much fun! I’m usually not a big group person, but it was a great time had by all! We had a cookout with real hamburgers and cupcakes to celebrate our friend’s birthday! We had fireworks and played games until late! It reminded me of all of those past retreats I’ve been on! Fun times, fun times! I’m sad to say that I’ve probably had my last ‘sun’ for the season though!

I got some sad news too! I was planning on going to Tokyo for Chusak (which is Korea’s Thanksgiving). We had our tickets bought and everything. There were 2 groups going though b/c of our schedules. I found out that the person I was going with had his days off switched. Therefore he couldn’t go on Thursday anymore. I may be adventurous, but I’m not stupid! I’m not heading to Tokyo by myself for a night! So, I had to cancel my trip! I’m way bummed, but that’s how it goes sometimes. It should be neat though to stay here and experience a Korean Thanksgiving! I’m sure I will experience all sorts of new things!!

I also had the unique opportunity to spend my birthday in Korea! Now this was an experience. Honestly, it just didn’t feel like birthday! Technically I had a birthday for 1 & 1/2 days! I do have great friends over here though to help me celebrate it! My friends took me to pizza for dinner and then we watched a movie together. It was a very chill evening, but it was a good night! This weekend I get Mexican food and a baseball game… 2 of my favorite things! I figured since why not double the amount of my actual birthday and have 3 days instead of the normal 1 & 1/2?!? Gotta embrace where I am! I'm thankful that my friends treated this day American Style instead of Korean Style though! In Korea, you pick up the tab on your birthday! I think I would choose not to celebrate it! Either that or I'd make a lot of friends so I could go out all of the time!

I love all of the new adventures I am able to experience! I’m so thankful that I get the opportunity to do the things I do! I am truly blessed and I try not to take it for granted! Oh the life!!

Almost There

2009-09-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

After 2 long weeks in the class, I had 1 more week of English Camp before school started. Now, typically all the other teachers had English Camp for their actual students... not me, that’d be too easy! My teacher insisted we have English Camp for my teachers’ class. This takes a lot of planning on my part… but I guess that’s what I get paid for! (I’m not complaining by the way! J)

It was actually a nice transition, b/c I still had half a day off. I got to leave school at noon everyday… not a bad gig! I do love my teachers in my class, so it was fun! A couple highlights from the week:

We made Apple Crisp together. I found a recipe online for individual crisps that you make in the microwave… perfect! I didn’t have time to try it out before I had them do it… I know, I know, bad teacher! So I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best! We practice our listening skills. I tell them what to put in and they have to follow my directions. Well, at least that is the intentions. It ended up being 2 people measuring out the amounts for everyone… kind of defeated the purpose, but we rolled with it! After we mixed it, each person had to put theirs in the microwave for 2 minutes, so it took a little bit. The first couple people who tried it had interesting faces! I asked them if they liked it and they said it was okay. I told them it was okay if they didn’t like it. Then one lady was like, yeah, I don’t like it. The more that came out of the microwave, the more people were saying they really didn’t like it! I played it cool, but on the inside I was freaking out a bit! I thought I got the recipe messed up. I was kicking myself for being irresponsible and not making one first to try it out! The 2 guys in my class didn’t let me down though! One said it was really good and he likes to try foods from different cultures. I put my bowl in the microwave and just hoped it would turn out! I pulled it out for the moment of truth. I tasted it and I actually thought it was pretty good! It obviously wasn’t the best b/c it was in the microwave, not the oven, but the topping was great! It just reminded me yet again how different we are! They are not big ‘sweets’ people. Their idea of desserts is fruit and coffee. I had to chuckle to myself as we cleaned up! Some of them just threw it away b/c they didn’t like it! How many desserts get thrown away in America… uh, maybe that is our problem! J

I also taught them the Cha Cha Slide. It was straight comedy! Some of them have got moves! When they did the ‘cha cha’ part they were moving it! I’m sure if someone would have walked in on us they would have wondered what was going on! Koreans doing a line dance… priceless!

I also forgot to tell you a few things from a couple of weeks ago that I thought were pretty cool. The first week of English Camp, I got the unique opportunity to see the Eclipse. I honestly had no idea that it was coming. We were doing a morning free talk and one of the teachers told me about it. We took a break in the middle of class to go and see it! It was really neat and I’m so glad I got to experience it. The last eclipse I remember seeing was in 6th grade. I remember making little window things so we could look up at the sun and not have it hurt us! I found out later that day, that the eclipse was only in Asia… who knew?!? I’ll add to the list of cool experiences I’ve had in Korea!

I also think it’s interesting that I get a lot of the news headings from people’s Facebook statuses. I found out that Michael Jackson passed away, the Taco Bell dog is no longer with us, and the scores of most major sporting events! Facebook is taking over the world!! (Oh and if you have FB and we are not friends, look me up! I have all of my pictures posted on there!) Who knew that Facebook would be come the next news source?!?

I also found out that I am not moving off campus and into my own apartment until after January. They told me I’d be moving in August and then told me they miscounted and they didn’t need my apartment after all. Then I was told I could move into this girl’s apartment when her contract was over. Then I found out that she extended her contract, so now I won’t be moving until January! Yeah, I was bummed, but I figured no need to stress about it… nothing I can do about it now! So, I’m sitting tight in my on-campus room and trying to make the best of it!

My time off was officially over and I had to get ready for my normal schedule to start again. It’s so sad to say, but I was ready for routine. I love having time off, but sometimes you just need that stability! Oh, I must be getting old… I’m not losing my adventurous spirit though!!

Who Knew?!?

2009-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

After I returned from the Philippines, I had to start to start classes. For 2 weeks I was morphed back into a student. We had TESOL training and I was back in the classroom, but on the other side! I was quickly reminded, I do not like sitting in the classroom from 9-3! My brain was on overload! I know the certificate will be very beneficial when I return to the states… I had to keep reminding myself of that!

One day, the teacher taught part of the lesson in Korean. Oh man, was I lost!?! I felt so uncomfortable… I hated it! One of the other teachers who came with me doesn’t really know Korean either. We just kept looking at each other and shrugging our shoulders as the rest of the teachers knew exactly what she was saying! I got a glimpse into how some of my students fell during English class—No Fun!! I have tried to be more conscience of this when I am teaching, but it is difficult when I don’t know Korean and they don’t know English! I have a few translators in each class though! J It’s fun to have students translate for each other… they love it!

I learned a lot of great things, but I was definitely ready to be finished with that! We have 2 more weeks to take during winter vacation and then I will have my certificate! I’m not really sure if it will do a lot, but here’s hoping for the best!!

I also got sick over those 2 weeks. I must have contracted something while I was in the Philippines, and it hit me hard! I didn’t eat a regular size meal or more then 2 times a day for at least 3 weeks! It was rough. I went to the doctor, but nothing was confirmed so I was just put on medicine. I had to go and see her 3 times in the period of 2 weeks. The second time I went, she took blood. This was an experience! The next few lines are a bit graphic, so be advised… no, just kidding! It was a bit scary though. So, the nurse leads me into this room that is about the size of a closet… and not those walk-in closets that everyone has these days! I sit down and the nurse pulls out a needle. She doesn’t put gloves on, she just grabs the syringe and starts looking for a good vein. She sticks the needle in and draws the blood. Then she takes the needle out and grabs the tubes to put it in. But, she doesn’t have enough hands, so she sets the syringe of blood down on the table where I am sitting. She opens the tubes and then squirts the blood into 2 different tubes. Then she tosses the needle into a trashcan. NOT a biohazard container, just a normal trashcan and then tells me to go out to the receptionist. The receptionist sees that I am finished with the piece of cotton I was using to stop the bleeding. So she grabs it from me, let me remind you there is fresh blood on this, and throws it away in her trash! Seriously… that is how they do things here?!? That would have never passed health code in the states… oh wait, most stuff wouldn’t here! That’s the beauty of living in Asia! They freak out about the swine flu and put on masks, but blood is no big deal to them! What?!?

Oh, and H1N1 is huge over here right now! There have been outbreaks all over Korea. I had one friend who had 15 confirmed cases at her school. They closed her school for 1 whole week. They had teachers standing at the front door with masks on and each child had to get their temperature taken before they could enter the school. If they had a temperature, they had to go straight to the hospital. Thankfully, no students had to be sent home from my school. I think the Middle Schools were hit the hardest for some reason. I have never seen so many masks in one place before! I’m not sure if it’s like that in the states or not, but some of them have designs and animals faces on them! They are quite comical! They had recommended on the news that they cancel all schools in Korea for one week. That never happened! Which, I was actually happy about! We would have had to go to school an extra week in December if we would have got out! No bueno!! This process is definitely a culture experience though! Oh Korea!!

**I’m still not feeling 100% yet. I would appreciate it if you would keep me in your prayers! Thanks!

And I'm Back In The Game...

2009-09-10T17:35:00.001-07:00

Wow, I’m back. This may take a few days to get caught up. I know I have been MIA for about a month. It was my vacation, and I was out of my routine… that does it to me every time! Sorry for the delay, but it should make you that much more excited to catch up! Okay, I’m going to take us back to the end of July. My mom and sister visited me for a week and then I headed off to a little version of Paradise for a week!

Monday morning had come too soon! It was such a bittersweet day! My mom and sister had to return to the states, but I got to leave for the Philippines. It was a lot more difficult then I thought to say goodbye this time! I know I won't see them for 10 months and that really started to set in! I think the first 2 months were easier b/c I knew I’d be seeing them at the end of July! But now I really don't have anything like that to look forward to!

So the Philippines... yeah it was pretty amazing! It’s like no place I’ve ever seen before! I would describe it as a little piece of paradise! The beaches were white and the water was blue! Beautiful can not even begin to describe it! It was probably one of the best vacas I’ve ever had! Every morning we would wake up and have a REAL breakfast (in Korea, they eat rice and kimchi mostly for breakfast)! I had scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and fresh fruit every morning for breakfast. We went to a different restaurant everyday though so we mixed it up a bit! J Then, we would go and get an hour long massage on the beach. It cost us about $6 for each massage! And, it was one of the best I’ve ever had! I had the same lady everyday! One day, we started our massages and about half way through I started getting wet. We realized that it was raining… not just raining, but a hurricane I think! It was intense, but the ladies just kept massaging us! They didn’t want us to get cheated on our time. Those last 30 minutes were not enjoyable! When they finished we started running back to our room (which was less then a 5 minute walk from the beach!!) but we were instantly soaked! So, we decided to slow down and enjoy a nice walk in the rain! It was so much fun! After we had our massages each day, we would go and play in the surf b/c it was high-tide. The waves got huge… I got knocked down a few times… but worth it! We went snorkeling one day and I had fish swim right up to me and eat bread out of my hand! We went snorkeling in caves and right in the middle of the ocean! We walked on the beach, watched the sunset, and enjoyed the sun! We found this little outside bar and hung out and listened to live music every night! I would definitely go back in a heartbeat! One day, after snorkeling, we decided to walk back to the beach where we were staying. We didn't think it was that far, but we ended up walking for about an hour! It was so sweet though b/c we really got to see Boracay! We saw the way people lived everyday. It is not this glamorous life for the locals! It was an interesting culture experience!

2 weeks of vacation was great, but I was ready to get back home! All of that travel wore me out! It was very relaxing though and it was exactly what I needed! It was so weird thinking I’d be coming back from vacation and return to Korea. It actually felt like home when I returned... I’m not sure how much I liked that though! I guess I’m still trying to adjust here! The honeymoon stage is over now and reality has set in that this is my life for the next 9.5 months! It’s still hard to believe sometimes!

Picture Perfect Moments

2009-08-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

When I return home I will work on uploading some pictures on here from the last month! I know I've been horrible at that, but I will post some soon! :)

We Are Famiy... I've Got My Mom and My Sister With Me.

2009-08-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

This has been an adventurous week that’s for sure! My mom and sister have been in town and we’ve been exploring Korea. I went into Seoul last Thursday to pick them up. It was so great to see them! It’s a bit different though; it’s like 2 worlds colliding! I love having them here though! I took them to “Kim Bop,” which is a restaurant I frequent often! They weren’t huge fans. I tried to explain that it’s like fast food… compare it to McDonald’s or something like that—cheap and convenient! They got to meet my friends that I usually hang out with all of the time. Now they know whom I’m talking about! They were exhausted, so we called it an early night.

The next day they came to school with me. We rode the bus like I do everyday. They experienced a crowded bus that morning! After lunch with my teachers I took them downtown to Yawoori. They hit the wall at about 4pm and jetlag took over! They fought through it and we decided to go to the salon. I was told about this stuff called “Magic” that makes your hair straight. So, Mendy and I decided to try it. It was a process! Most of the hairdressers didn’t want to help us b/c they get nervous b/c we’re foreigners. We finally got a couple brave souls! It’s awesome, they brought us snacks and drinks the whole time. We also got to watch a movie and we received an amazing hand massage. Mendy got very nervous—I was a bit worried for her! It turned out great though and I love the magic!

We did a lot of hiking! I’m not sure they quite believed me when I said we walked a lot here! We went to see the big sitting Buddha and had to hike up the hill to see it. We went to Independence Hall (the Korean Memorial of all the different independences they’ve experienced) and we had to walk over this long bridge to get there. Then we hiked the Hwaseong fortress wall in Suwon and walked through the market afterwards. We visited Seoul and traced all over different parts of the city. Then we went to Busan and had some great beach time! But of course we did a lot of walking there too! They had some amazing parks you could walk through. I think it was all worth it! You might want to ask them though, they may have seen it differently!

One question they get asked a lot is if they like the food. They both say they do, but I remind them that I have edited everything for them and have only taken them to places I know they’d like! They haven’t truly experienced Korean food b/c they haven’t had to eat food they could barely stomach! J They have enjoyed “Rotiboys” which are fabulous! It’s this sweet bread with butter and sugar in it that all melts together… Fabulous!

We met my teacher friend one night for dinner, too. She took us to this place with boiled chicken in soy sauce. It also had these noodles that are a personal fave! At the end they made us fried rice and put Kimchi in it. This is the only way to eat Kimchi in my opinion! J It was great for them to be able to meet my friend. She’s one of my favorite Koreans!

They also were able to go to church with me. They met more Koreans and more of the native speakers. People were so open and welcoming to them! After church we went to Norrebong (which is karaoke) this truly is an experience! They didn’t join in, but they were entertained. Then Mendy experienced “Dr. Fish.” She did a lot better then I expected! She enjoyed it! I’m not a huge fan though. Not something I do often. I got a picture that was priceless though of her!

It’s been so comforting to have them here! I think it’s good that m 2 worlds have collided. Now I see them as 1 world and I think this is beneficial! They are both my life here and now, together. Having them here has made it a lot more real that I am in Korea though!! I’ve definitely had a few more “I live in Korea” moments than normal! It’s going to be tough when we part ways on Monday, (say an extra prayer for my mom’s sake!!) but I’m ready to see how my journey continues!

I’m learning so much while I’m over here. One day I might just write a book about the things God is teaching me and how He’s stretching me! Not anytime soon though! J This adventure is exactly what I need right now in my life! I’m always up for more visitors anytime! I have an extra place to crash! The invitation is officially extended!

**I’m heading to the Philippines for the next week. I’ll fill you in on all the details when I return! J

That was one LONG week!

2009-08-01T08:49:00.001-07:00

This week was “English Camp.” All of the other Native Speaker Teachers had class for their students. Oh, not me though, I had it for my teachers. I had to come up with 15 hours worth of content to teach. I asked them what they wanted and they gave me no direction. Honestly, it was a bit stressful trying to get it all together. I had no idea where to start. So, of course I spent all day Sunday planning—nothing like waiting until the last minutes… what can I say, I love the pressure?!? I decided to have a basic plan and then change the details everyday.

I started with a warm-up everyday. I felt like an Elementary School Teacher (I know I am one, but this was supposed to be for adults!) We started with a “morning circle” where I taught them a new greeting. My first rule was every answers had to be different. This is sometimes difficult for them. My second rule was “fine thank you and you?” is not an okay answer. That is the only answer they know and it drives me crazy! I have this one guy who goes on and on and gives this long explanation every time. It’s so cute b/c he knows how to ramble in English… who would’ve thought? I also teach them 5 idioms a day. This can get very interesting. Have you ever tried to explain, “a blessing in disguise” or “a gut feeling” in simple English words or phrases? Not as easy as it looks! You get some interesting answers when you try to ask what they mean! There were a few times I had to hold my chuckle in!

The second part of class was always the content. The first day I tried to play this game called “Guilty,” where they had to write an alibi with a partner. Yeah, FAIL!! They didn’t quite get the concept, but they enjoyed their version! I had a song day where I had them practice listening. This was fun. I played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World” and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. As they were listening, they automatically started moving their bodies to the beat. One day we cooked. I read them the directions from the recipe and they and they had to listen. This turned out better then I thought. One of them said during the ‘morning circle’ that she was so excited to cook that she couldn’t sleep the night before! Talk about pressure to perform! One of the guys in my class said he knew today was going to be a great day b/c the night before he dreamt in English. He said there was a girl who was talking to him but he couldn’t see her face. Then he said, “It might have been Becky,” and then gave me this big smile. He’s the flirt in class!

I thought it would be fun and a good idea to watch an episode of “Friends.” That was interesting. First, you have to find an episode that is appropriate! Yeah, good luck with that one! I found the one where Rachel and Monica challenge Chandler and Joey to a game to see who knows each other better. Innocent enough, I thought! Yeah, it’s also the one where Phoebe becomes a surrogate mother for Frank and Alice. Try explaining that one to Koreans! Then they asked me what ‘sperm’ was. I felt like I was having a Sex Ed Class instead of an English Class. That story line wasn’t even the major one either! Oh that was an interesting class. I now understand how parents must feel when their kids pick out the smallest detail from a show that is the most inappropriate and ask all of these questions! I asked them how much they understood and they said, oh about 15%. Wow, I think I missed the mark on that one too! It’s okay though they enjoyed it!

We always ended the day with a game. Who doesn’t like games, right? I started off with ‘Catch Phrase.’ I had to make adjustments very quickly! We just took turn trying to describe a word and everyone guessed. There would be times that the word would be too hard, so they they’d just put it back in the box and choose another. They decided to make their own rules! We played the ‘Name Game’ and they loved it… again with a variation though. They got to write down any word they wanted. They also said part of the word and thought that was okay. Like one of the words was ‘homework’ and he said, “it’s something you do at home.” They still didn’t get it! J ‘Apples to Apples’ was very interesting. It took awhile, but they caught on. They eventually started to try to sell their answers by saying, “Oh yeah, that one is ‘famous’ (or whatever adjective we were on).” It was quite comical. We played ‘Upset the Fruit Basket, (and I totally thought of you Brady)! They had no shame in stealing someone’s seat either. They’d push the other teachers (including me) out of the seat so they could get there. My favorite day though, was the ‘Music Day.’ I had them karaoke and it was amazing! My favorite little old guy (the one who rambles in English) picked out his own song, not one of mine on the list. He said, “Do you know ‘You Raise Me Up’?” I asked him if it was the one by Josh Grobin and he said yeah. I told him I could get it and he said he could sing it right then. I asked him if he wanted me to get the words and said, “Okay, okay,” which means yes. (They say this a lot!) I asked who wanted to go first and he said that he wanted to. Oh my, I was not prepared for the next thing that happened! He came up to my desk, which is right in front of the TV. When the song started, he belted out at the top of his lungs “You raise me up to more then I can be.” I wasn’t quite sure if he was being serious or not. At first I started to chuckle a little but then I realized he was singing from deep with in. He was about a beat or two ahead of Josh though, so all his words were right before they were supposed to be. When he finished, the class erupted with applause! It was so great… it made my heart happy!

Let’s see, a few other random things about the week. We were talking about where we would be in 5 years. It was a question I asked them for a warm-up question. One of the guys started telling me about this girl from America. She came to Korea to teach and she loved this place so much, she eventually came back as a US Ambassador. He told me he thinks I will do this some day. He thinks I should stay in Korea. I’m not sure how to put my feelings into words from that moment. I’m not planning on being here in 5 years, but for a split moment I thought, “What if…?” Let’s just say that’s a bit overwhelming! Only the Lord knows! (Don’t worry though!!) They did ask me where I think I’d be though. I said hmm and had to think for a moment. I said I hope that I’m teaching and maybe going back to school. I also said I hope that I’m married and this opened a can of worms! They started asking me tons of questions! They asked if I had anyone at home and if I was open to a Korean? I said he had to speak English and they said I could teach him! Ha… Oh Koreans!! So that was a fun conversation!

I also was talking to one of the guys about golfing. He asked if I golfed and I told him yes and I really liked driving ranges. Those are interesting over here, too! They don’t have enough room to have a vide open field for you to drive the ball, so they have these platforms stacked like 5 levels high! Then you hit at a big green net. The net is only about 75 feet in front of you… I’d do well on these! J I told him I liked to go to the driving range when I was frustrated, b/c it helped me relieve stress. He didn’t know what frustrated meant. This was yet another great ‘learning moment.’ I have those a lot when I’m talking! J

On the last day of English Camp, my mom and my sister, Mendy were in town. It was so neat to have them meet my teachers. One of the teachers said she was so excited to meet them, she couldn’t sleep the night before! (I decided I needed to stop telling them things so they can sleep!) They brought each of us a gift! It was so sweet of them. They got my mom 2 figurines of Koreans and they said it was a bride and groom. Then they got my sister and I make-up bags that were made in Korea. They made us this special Korean drink too. It had rice at the bottom and it was very sweet. My teacher gave it to me first to see if I’d like it. She said if I did, then she’d give it to them to try, but if I didn’t then she wouldn’t give it to them. It was okay, but I wanted them to taste it so I said okay they could try it. They liked it more than me! They loved talking to them. They asked Mendy all about schools in America. And on of the guys thought it was okay to flirt with my mom. He told her she was sing in Korea and he was single in Cheonan. I told him no! It was comedy! They also took us to lunch. My favorite meal—Kalbi! Mmm, mmm good! They experienced a true Korean meal by taking off their shoes and sitting on the ground. It’s also very popular to toast a drink at a meal. They wanted to serve us Soju, which is their version of Vodka in a shot form. I told them no Soju for us, so my teacher got us ‘Cider’ (which is Sprite). We all toasted drinks. Such a fun experience!

Overall, the week went well. I’m glad it’s over but I have one more left, though. I think I bonded a lot more with my teachers and they are more open to speaking English with me. They understand my humor a bit more now, I think!

Oh and I forgot to share with you about my experience last week. We have this board that meets about once a month. I’m not sure exactly who they are or what they do (b/c no one can explain it to me in English), but I do know they are important! On Tuesday afternoon one of my English teachers came in and asked if I was going to play volleyball today? (We play on Wednesdays usually, never Tuesdays.) I told her I didn’t have my clothes and I was really busy getting ready for English Camp. She said, “Oh, the teachers wanted to play volleyball with Becky.” So of course that meant I had to! I decided to go down and check it out. I was wearing jeans with a linen jacket and a tank top on under it. (Remember I can’t wear a tank top by itself here b/c it’s scandalous!) I also just had on flats, not really athletic footwear. I sat down at first and my principal was like come on, you play. So, I went out there and played. The people who were playing were the “important people,” not just my usual teachers. Then ire ally felt like I had to play! They were all in their sporty little outfits. I decided to laugh and roll with it… I’m in Korea! My jacket button got caught in the net once and I almost bit it b/c my shoe stuck to the ground, but other then that, all good! I went back to serve towards the end and my principal (who doesn’t speak any English remember) made the motion for me to take off my jacket. I shook my head no and showed him my shoulders. I didn’t know what else to do! It was an experience!

Then I found out at 4:55pm, as I was packing up to go home, that all the teachers were going to dinner and I was going with them! I had plans, but I had to cancel them. We rented out this restaurant and all ate together. There are 3 days a year that are the ‘hottest days’ and on these days you eat this special dish. It’s a whole chicken in broth and it’s stuffed with rice. That’s what we ate. It was good. Then one of the important guys stopped me and tried asking me a question. I’m not exactly sure what he was trying to ask, but my best guess was 1 of 2 things. He was either trying to get me to write a poem for him or write a famous poem out for him! I played the ignorant card for a while and then I had to sit down… so I dodged that bullet! J That evening was quite an experience!

And now I’m out of school for 4 weeks. This week my mom and Mendy are here and we are traveling throughout Korea. Next week I’m heading to the Philippine and then I have 2 weeks of TESOL training… 2 weeks of classes, no bueno! Then I teach English Camp for 1 more week and then it’s September and I start my normal schedule again. The first week in October is Chu Sok, which is their Thanksgiving and we have a 4-day weekend. Four of us are heading to Tokyo for the weekend! I have a feeling the next couple of months will fly by! I’m trying to hang on and enjoy the ride!

Rewind... But Fast Forward First

2009-07-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Okay… sorry about the delay! The past few weeks have been super busy! I’ve actually had to do lesson plans these past few weeks, so it’s been consuming my time! I have a lot to get you caught up on, but I am going to do my best!

As I was walking to the bus stop, my I-tunes shuffled through to “Manic Monday.” Oh, what a week this is going to be I thought! Then, I know you probably won’t believe me but I promise this is true, Friday afternoon when I got off of the bus it shuffled through to “Manic Monday” AGAIN! And what is crazy is I have over 750 songs! I can say this has summed up my week completely! J

This was the last week before Summer Vacation and I can honestly say that no matter where you are in the world all kids act the same way! They were definitely a bit crazy this week! As I was walking to lunch one day, I saw a big group of students gathered around the door of their classroom. I knew they had guilty looks on their faces so I tried to figure out what was going on. Then I looked up and noticed a boy crawling through the window (which is above the door seal) and all of his classmates laughing at him. I just shook my head and kept on walking! They wouldn’t be able to understand me even if I tried to say something to him! I just laughed to myself and kept on walking!

This is also the ‘Monsoon Season’ in Korea! Oh wow… I have never experienced rain like this before! I had my sister bring me rain boots over so I can walk to school! It does not faze the kids one bit though. They play outside at lunch in the rain! The teachers don’t care and the kids come in soaked! Oh it’s a sight! Then some of the younger kids just take their umbrellas out and play in the rain! Nothing is going to stand in the way of them getting their free time in though! That is something you would never see in the States!

They are very observant little ones too! I have this one 3^rd Grader, who is definitely one of my favorites, and every time he sees me he just gets this smile that can melt your heart! He is always like “Hi Becky Teacher, how are you?” He’s also one of the few who don’t freak out and shut down when I say “I’m good thanks and how are you?” Well, one morning I was running late and I realized once I was on the bus I forgot to put earrings in. When he saw me that morning he said Teacher and pointed to his ears. He was asking me where my earrings were. Oh why can’t more guys be that observant?!? They should take lessons from this 9 year old!

One day, my teacher just didn’t show up for a class… that was an experience! We have 10 minutes between each class and she left and just didn’t come back. It was a class of my crazy 6^th Graders. This class is an ornery one too! The boys in that class definitely know how to push! This was the 4^th class that day, but my English Teacher does everything! It was one of those days that I would say a few words and then they would repeat and then I would just sit there. So of course, I totally wasn’t really paying attention to what she was doing b/c most of it was in Korean anyway! So, I started the class as usual and then when it was her turn, she just wasn’t there. So I went and got my beach ball and did an activity with them. They seemed to like it but of course my classroom management was out the window b/c they couldn’t understand half of what I was saying anyway! There was this one boy who was just being a punk… he was ridiculous. I made him stand in the back of the classroom and this didn’t work. So then I had him put his hands up (b/c that’s what they do here and he couldn’t understand anything else I was trying to tell him). This failed too, so finally I just sent him out into the hall. That’s one way of taking care of it! I taught the rest of the kids what I could from the lesson, but then I had 10 minutes left. I decided to pull up YouTube and play them a music video. The only one I could think of that they would know was “Dancing Queen.” Success!! They loved it. It was hilarious b/c they started singing and dancing… especially the boys that were being so ornery! Then with like 5 minutes left, the teacher came in and tried to take over the class… I think she has control issues! J It was interesting class that’s for sure… one I will not soon forget!

I did a PowerPoint on American Culture. I showed them slides about food, sports, schools, and a map. I also showed them music videos of Hannah Montana and High School Musical. They loved it! I had to listen to these songs 4 times a day all week, but that’s okay… I now have every word memorized! I decided to make my 5^th Graders PB&J sandwiches b/c most of them had never had one before. I wanted them to be able to try something that I consider a staple for children in the US. They loved them! It was so worth the hour every night to do it! They were so cute and appreciative! One boy even brought me in a sandwich that his mom had made for him that day with a milk! He wanted to share with me b/c I shared with him. Some of the teachers came down and said the sandwiches were a big hit! The students all came back to class talking about it! Mission accomplished!!

I will say that my “honeymoon stage” is officially over though! This week was a difficult one for me for many reasons! The above situations were definitely my daily doses of humor from God, but the rest was very trying! My teacher and I do not see eye to eye on things. She has a very strong personality and likes to control things. If she doesn’t have her hand on it she totally freaks out! She asked me to teach the Culture lesson I taught to my 5^th Graders to the 6^th Graders. Of course I would do this. Then she asked me to do it with the 3^rd Graders too. I thought it would be difficult, but I agreed. It was and they didn’t understand most of it. She decided to start teaching my PowerPoint to them. I got to the point to where all I was doing was simply pushing the button. She was telling them all about the slides, in English! Let’s just say I had to take a deep breath and count to 10 often that day! I was also teaching them a “Days of the Week” song. I made a video with a couple of my friends to the tune of “Adam’s Family.” It’s pretty sweet if I do say so myself! J But she started teaching them this song, too! This was a major learning experience for me! I was beyond frustrated on these days! I know God was teaching me a very valuable lesson though!

I went to talk to my director b/c I was about to have a breakdown! I was so stressed out and I didn’t want to lash out at her. My director is Korean, but she also taught in the states for about 9 years. She understands both cultures, so she is a great buffer! I explained to her my frustrations and she explained to me their culture and the differences. She never once said she agreed with what the teacher was doing, but she helped me to see things from her perspective. I just have to keep reminding myself that I am the assistant and I will do what she asks. I just grin and bare it! I am choosing to not let her effect my mood for the day. I love my kids and I am there for them, not her. If you could help me pray through this, it would be appreciated! I have to remind myself that she is a child of God and He loves her and I want to love her the way He does! Oh the life lessons I’m learning! **Don’t pray for patience if you’re not willing to do the time! J

I am also learning that I need to grow thicker skin here! Koreans are very blunt! They say what they think. Well, it’s sort of confusing b/c they are super polite and nice when it comes to most things. But then there are things that say that you are like ‘Are you kidding me?!?’ My teacher told me I should start eating more salads! Yeah, wasn’t sure what to do with that one. I was already having a bad day and this didn’t help! Thick skin, Becky, thick skin!

Even though it had been a rough week, I know without a doubt that teaching is where I am supposed to be! I absolutely LOVE it! I feel alive and I feel like my passion has been reignited! I know, it took me a few years to get there, but it’s been worth the journey! I know when I get home I want to go back and get my certificate! I am really looking forward to this!

The food got me again! I experienced Korean Nachos! I saw a picture of nachos on a menu. I thought wow, that looks great and I haven’t had nachos in forever! Oh Korea! They fooled me again! They were nachos, but they were definitely Korean! They even had the Korean Spicy taste to them! They were good, but too much! Go figure!!

Oh and one more random thing about Korea. You know when we text people or do something similar and we want to make a smile face we will go :) or :-). They go like this -_- Isn’t that hilarious?!? It’s all about the eyes! That is your dose of humor for the day!

I have one more week to get you caught up on. I will do that tomorrow night hopefully! My schedule has been out of whack these past few weeks! My break has started so I can hopefully get caught up soon! Sorry… I didn’t realize people actually read this! J

Good Week!!

2009-07-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

This week has started off well! I got to actually use the lesson plans I made! Honestly, they weren’t the best b/c I didn’t put a lot of time into them (all my experiences thus far had told me I was wasting my time!) My teacher was satisfied though… I guess that’s all that matters! Next week I’m teaching a lesson about America. Thankfully one of the other teachers here has already done a similar lesson so I’m stealing her PowerPoint! I’m planning on making PB&J sandwiches for them as well! They don’t eat those here!

I’ve also bonded with my lunch ladies! I’ve been telling them thank you and saying hello in Korean to them everyday and they love it! Last week we had this really good rice and they were formed into balls. My teacher asked if I wanted more (she knew I liked them b/c I actually ate it all!!) and of course I said yes so she went and got me some more. She said she would try to get me a big ball but she didn’t know how much they would give her. She came back with 2 pretty good size balls of rice! It was fabulous! Then on Monday we had chicken wings. This is a lunch where I only eat the wings and the rice. I decided to be brave and ask my other teacher if I could get some more wings. I was thinking maybe they would give me 2 more (they only give you 2 at the beginning) and I would be okay with that. The teacher told me she would go and get them for me. She came back with a bowl full of about 8 more wings! It was amazing! The first day I ate them with my chopsticks, but on this day I decided I was going to enjoy them so I ate them with my hands! (I saw kids doing it this way and I figured I could get away with it… I’m a foreigner, right?!?) Then, the next day we had Spaghetti and I didn’t even have to ask for more. My teacher knows I like noodles so she asked the lunch ladies for extra for me. They got me a bowl and put my spaghetti in there! They usually just put it in one of the small circles on the tray! Pretty sure I ate it all and enjoyed every bite of it! (Remember though, this is Korean Spaghetti, so it’s nothing like you are thinking!) Oh I have learned that the lunch ladies are definitely people you need to get in good with and show them your appreciation!

I also tried something new for dinner this week! One of the native speakers had a couple of us over for dinner and made us grilled peanut butter sandwiches… D-E-L-I-S-H! We poured powder sugar over it and dipped it in syrup. She told me that one of her friends told her about it and said she grew up on them. I said my kids will be growing up on these as well! J

I conned 2 of my friends into helping me make a couple of videos for my kiddos to help them learn the Months of Year and Days of the Week. We did the Macarena for Months of the Year and the Adam’s Family theme song for the Days of the week. It was fun! Hopefully the kids will appreciate it! I’m in the process of trying to figure out how to edit it now! Hopefully I can figure that out soon! I’m going to show it to my 5^th graders on Monday! Oh the things we do to help students remember things!

I’ve started a new thing with my kids this week and it has been very interesting. I’m really lacking physical touch here and it’s so weird. It’s one of those things that you take for granted at home! It’s a sad day… I think I’ve only gotten 2 hugs since I’ve been here and I’m used to averaging at least one per day back in the states! That’s a huge let down! So, I decided that I would start in a low-key manner. So from now on, I stand at the backdoor when my kids are leaving and I give them all a high five! Most of them love it! The boys will wind up and make sure they give me a good one! A few of them are uncomfortable with this though… or maybe they just don’t know what to think about it yet. They just look at me and walk past! Oh well… they’ll warm up soon enough! J Some of them don’t quite get the concept of a high five and they’ll grab my hand! It’s pretty cute!

My 3^rd graders always give me cute stories! I’m trying to teach them that not everyone is a ‘sir.’ They will try to be polite and say “Yes, sir” to me. I’m trying to teach them that I am a mama, not a sir. Hopefully they’ll get it soon! I also have another boy who will always ask me, “Teacher, what’s this?” and then he’ll point to a random thing in the classroom or in his book. He’ll do this in the middle of the lesson though while the other teacher is trying to teach! He’s so cute though and he really wants to know so I can’t just ignore him! They are such great kids!

Tuesday, I went with the director of our program to go to a local high school to recruit students. We went to a class of Seniors at 7.30pm. They stay at school until at least 10pm every night and they have to be there usually my 8am at the latest! They are intense! Some students don’t get home until after midnight! It’s too much in my opinion and these poor kids have no life! But anyway, we broke up in groups and had the kids ask us questions about ourselves and then they would have to put it in sentences and tell the rest of the class! I had the group full of boys. They were too funny! The first question they asked, was if I had a boyfriend. Then they asked how old I was (these are 2 staple questions for Koreans). Thankfully, my group got 2^nd and not 1^st. The 1^st place team got to get a hug from their English teacher, so I would have had to hug 10 high school boys! We took 2^nd, so I got to give them on ‘knuckles.’ It was a great time to see another school and just experience the difference in culture. I enjoyed myself.

Wednesday was Volleyball Day! This week we went to another Elementary School to play. It was quite comical b/c I was supposed to go to another school today and observe a class but my teacher told me yesterday that I wasn’t going to go. I asked her why and she said it was too far and she didn’t have time to take me. She also said the Principal did not want me to go. Then she told me we’d be going to another school to play volleyball and I would do that instead! Aha… that is the real reason I didn’t go… very indirect culture! J I road over to the other school with the PE teacher, who is young, and my principal and another guy. I heard my name a few times but I had no idea what they were talking about! I’m used to it now! I found out yesterday that the school we were going to was the school where one of my other English Teacher friend works. So, we played each other! It was a great time! My teachers kept telling me, Oh, there’s another American, do you know her? I told them she was my neighbor. They thought that was the coolest thing! I did move up and I wasn’t the low man on the totem pole this week. I got to play an actual position and be involved in a lot of the plays! They even let me hit a few times! Before the game, one of the older teachers came up to me and said, “The other American plays volleyball, but you are better right? You will play better then her today!” It was so funny. After we were done, he comes up to me, gives me thumbs up, a wink and says, “You kept your promise!” I had a great day of volleyball! It was hot and I was a sweaty mess (as usual) but it was so refreshing! It’s such a great way to communicate! I can really feel the guys warming up to me now since I’ve been playing with them more! One guy always waves to me now, even if we’re at opposite ends of the hall (I’m easy to spot b/c I stick out!). It’s so interesting how we can communicate to each other without speaking a lot of the time!

I was bummed though b/c I think they were trying to ask me to go out to eat with them after we played! None of them really spoke English that well, so it was hard to communicate! I told my teacher friend about it the next night and she said yeah they were probably trying to invite you! She said she will tell them that I want to go with them so next time I can!

I went out with my teacher friend again! I love having a Korean friend! We have so much fun together and I can ask her anything about the culture! She took me to a fabulous restaurant and then we went shopping! How great is that?!? She also took me to the gym she has a membership at. She showed me where her badminton club plays… they are intense! They don’t mess around here! She also showed me where she swims everyday. She invited me to come… at 5am in the morning!! I told her I’d check it out one day! I have to get a new swimsuit though b/c mine doesn’t really fit the mold of a swimmer! I also have to get a swim cap… everyone’s doing it! I’m actually looking forward to it!

This weekend was ‘Mud Fest!’ Yep, pretty much exactly what you are picturing in your mind! It was on the beach and they bring all this mud in. It originally started out as a festival for Koreans, b/c they believe this mud is very good for your skin (‘good for your health’ as they say)! It eventually turned into a festival full of foreigners! It was pretty much just like a ‘Spring Break Trip.’ You know, a big drunken fest! Needless to say, we left early (partly b/c it started raining) to head back! It was fun for the most part though! They have huge inflatables and they are covered in mud! It was a blast for the short time! Quite an experience! It was very weird seeing so many foreigners though and understanding what they were saying! It was a bit overwhelming! That feeling was very different to me… not something I expected! I’m just so used to hearing Korean and not understanding what people are saying! It was a bit of culture shock! J Overall though, the day was great!

I’ve really been challenged lately about enjoying the little things in life! I am surrounded by them daily and there are so many moments that can go unnoticed if I’m not looking for them! I don’t want to miss my chance!

I am getting ready to start my last week of classes before summer vacation! I know this week is going to be full of crazy kiddos… bring them on! J I’m sure I will have some great stories for you after this week!

Yes, I'm still alive...

2009-07-08T04:15:00.000-07:00

Korean "Chicken" Game

I know it’s been quite awhile since my last update! I’ve been staying pretty busy. I also know it’s about an hour process to write and I haven’t had that! I guess I could start writing less, but what’s the fun in that?!?

So, I feel like a lot has happened. The first few days last week I was sick… no bueno!! The Mexican food (I think) killed me! We had that on Saturday night and I didn’t eat again until Monday night. All I ate were saltine crackers, a banana, and Cider (Sprite). My teacher came in to get me for lunch on Monday and I told her I didn’t feel well so I wasn’t going to eat. She told me I should go to the ‘Nurse Teacher’s’ room. She also told me saltines and cider wasn’t good for me. I told her it was and I’d be okay. (They go to the doctor for EVERYTHING here… even a headache!) Bonus—she let me leave school at 3pm that day… 2 hours early! Score!

OH MY WORD! I thought North Korea was attacking us one night this week! At 4am this alarm started going off and then a Korean woman came on and was saying something that obviously we could not understand! I sat straight up in bed and all of my internal alarms starting going off! I stuck my head out into the hall and nobody was out there! It freaked me out b/c I thought everyone else had been taken or something. About 30 seconds later (which is a long time when you are in a panic!) people started coming out! I was so discombobulated I had no idea what was going on! I realized I had to go to the bathroom so I decided to do that before I went out b/c who knows how long we’d be out there! I managed to find some shoes and that was it. Half way down the stairs I realized I should have grabbed my robe. Too late, I had to go out in my boxers and t-shirt… attractive and highly appropriate! J None of us knew what was going on. We see this guy come to our building and go into a room and turn the alarm off. He didn’t say anything to us so we went back in (hind sight that probably wasn’t the smartest, but we survived)! On the way in we saw the older couple and they said they had to find their documents and get important stuff! Passport… duh! I didn’t even think of that! I won’t make that mistake again! My heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to jump out of my chest!! I honestly thought we were in the middle of a raid or something! Needless to say, I didn’t really go back to sleep that night!

I’m learning flexibility more and more everyday! My other teacher told me to review with my 5^th Graders for their test on Monday and Tuesday. I prepared a game and went to the store and bought candy for the winners. When I arrived my teacher told me—you have ten minutes. I told her I had a game and she said “Oh no, no time.” The second class she told me I had five minutes. By the third class she told me I didn’t need to come anymore that day or at all the next day! So, last week I did nothing! Tuesday and Friday, I literally sat at my desk all day and went no where! (Well, I did find a Korean Drama that I LOVE! It’s comparable to ‘One Tree Hill’ and ‘The OC’… you know, my faves! I watched the whole two seasons in less than a week. Oh my, very addictive! Love it… I actually learned some Korean phrases… I considered it educational! The kids and the younger teachers love it too, so it’s a great way to bond with them! Each episode was subtitled. So, that is what I did with all my extra time this past week!) So, school was pretty uneventful!

Oh, but I did experience my first cuss word from one of my kids. In between classes a lot of 6^th Grade boys come in and ‘talk’ (relative term) to me. One of the boys (actually it’s the boy who creeps me out—I think I told you about him. He doesn’t creep me out anymore b/c I’ve realized he just can’t speak English so he’ll just stare at me! I’m choosing to not get creeped out anymore… he’s innocent!) This boy does not know any English words, but he can still drop the ‘F’ bomb. He told it to one of his classmates. I told him ‘anyo’ and gave him the ‘X.’ Oh Korean kids!

I also got a ‘special’ note this week from one of my boys (the one that I see on the bus). He wrote me a note in English and it was so cute! He asked me if I liked Kimchi? Y or N? Then he said write back soon and drew a heart on it! Oh I just love my kids! I think I’m learning this emotion in a whole new way! I absolutely love them! If I can feel this way about kids that I can’t even hold a conversation with, how much more will I love my own class? This experience has solidified that I want to be a teacher! Or even more, once I start having my own kids! I’m learning you can never love too much! This is something that God will continue to fill you with so you can share it with others. I’m finding that the more I’m able to love others, the more I am truly experiencing it myself! Wow, that’s good stuff!

I’m always amazed how God will bring me what I need right when I need it. He reminds me often what a small world this really is! After church, I stayed after to help pick up trash in the neighborhood. Sometimes when I’m doing service projects like this, I get caught up in the “doing” and miss the relationship part of the service. So of course, I got in that mindset and went to work! Then, towards the end, one of the Koreans started talking to me. She asked my name and what school I was at. I told her and she said she used to work at that school. She also knew some of my teachers. Then she said, “Oh you’re Becky, you play volleyball, right?” Ha, I love that that is how I am associated! This couple also used to live in Oklahoma for a couple of years while the husband studied at Oklahoma State University. She then introduced me to another lady and her husband. It was so refreshing to meet Koreans who spoke English well!

Korea has a lot of things from home! They even have a Cosco!! I made my first trip there this past week… worth it! It’s an experience though. You have to take a train there and back. (First you have to take a taxi to the train station though. One of my guy friends was sitting in the front and the driver leaned over and pulled his leg hair and then laughed! He did it two times… he couldn’t get over it!) Cosco was amazing! I got real lunch meat, actual cheese, SALSA!!! and chips, Fiber One bars, Dr. Pepper & Cherry Coke… life is good! I even had a hotdog for dinner… I’d been craving them! You have to take your suitcase to carry everything home. I’m sure we looked like a sight!

I decided to take my teachers something for the 4^th of July. It’s more difficult then I thought to find something. Even the “American” stuff is still Korean! I decided on donuts. I went to Dunk-n-Donuts and then I decorated the plastic bag with a flag and other patriotic red and blue things. They liked them and were very appreciative. One of my teachers said she was having a very stressful day but getting that made her heart happy! That made my day! I’m glad I was able to share a bit with them!

Some of the American teachers decided to spend the 4^th on the Beach. It was so relaxing! We had a great time. We decided to play some beach games—We played volleyball (well we peppered) and then we played “Red Rover.” We also played this Korean “Chicken” game. You hold one leg in front of you and bounce around and try to know each other over. Last standing wins. It’s pretty intense. “Red Rover” and “Chicken” were pretty physical. I have a couple “war wounds” to prove it!

We were originally told we could light fireworks, but then when we tired, security came over and stopped us. We later found out that we couldn’t shoot them now b/c of all the stuff going on with North Korea. I guess it resembles bombs too much so security is tightened b/c the threat is up. I was so disappointed I didn’t get to see real fireworks—this is on of my favorite holidays! We did set a couple off though before we had to go. One of my friends bought sparklers so we went up to the roof on Sunday night and lit them. I’m usually scared of sparklers, but I mustered up the courage this year! It was that or nothing and I couldn’t settle for nothing. It was a great weekend, but it made me miss home and my family and friends.

I will say mosquitoes over here are pretty intense (at least I think that’s what they are)! I got covered in bites. I haven’t had this many in years! And boy do they itch! All part of the experience!!

Okay, I promise another update about this week is coming soon! I’ve already started it! Hope you enjoy some of my favorite pictures from the weekend!

One Month Down for the Count

2009-06-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, it’s been a hot and sticky week here! I didn’t realize that the humidity was this bad here! It’s not so much the heat that gets you, but it’s just the stickiness! It also doesn’t help that we don’t have air conditioner at school. I am in a constant state of sweatiness all day, every day… mmm, refreshing! On Sunday and Monday mornings we did not have hot water! That made for some freezing showers! I was worried that my internal thermometer was discombobulated b/d the water was so cold and it was so hot outside! It was a rough couple of days! But, now I have hot water and I’m constantly hot and sweaty… at least it’s consistent now!

I got a cell phone last week! This has brought a whole new freedom to my life! I’m able to do more things now! The phones here don’t have English ‘t-9’ so it’s very difficult to text! I feel like I’m just learning how to text all over again! It takes me forever to text one message! It is so nice to have a cell phone again… very convenient! What has my life come to that I can’t survive with out one?!? (They actually call them hand phones, not cell phones!!) Yeah I’ve caved to the societal norm… and I LOVE it! J

I did have my heart broken this week! It was a sad, sad day. One of our lessons for my 5th Grade lessons we are learning “She is tall.” What that means is we are teaching them descriptive words and sentences. My teacher had this great idea of having one student stand up and then have the class describe them. (We were learning things like ‘She is beautiful.’ ‘He has long hair.’ ‘She has a big nose.’ ‘He has small ears.’ You get it… Thankfully fat and thin were not descriptions we were learning!) I had this sick feeling every time she called on a student to stand up. We did it in about 2 or 3 classes. In one of those classes she had this boy stand up and the students started ‘describing’ him. He’s shorter, so of course they focused on that! They were just saying some statements that wouldn’t necessarily make you feel good about yourself. It’s like they were picking at all of his faults. I felt so uncomfortable for this kid so I was like okay, that’s enough, we should move on to the next thing. He was sitting in the front row and I saw his head drop a little lower with every comment. After we moved on to the next thing I looked over and saw tears going down his face! My heart just broke and it made me almost start crying. It was so sad! I felt awful for this kid. So, I ran (literally) to my classroom, which is in another building and up 2 more flights of stairs, to get him some cookies I had in my room. I got back to class when they were leaving and knelt down beside him and asked if he was okay and if he wanted some cookies. He told me he was fine and didn’t want the cookies. He didn’t want his classmates to know he was upset. This is a very ‘save face’ culture. This is pressed on them beginning at very young ages. It is very sad that children have to endure this. So after they left, I told my teacher we shouldn’t have the students describe their classmates anymore. She asked me why and I told her b/c it can hurt people’s feelings. She asked if the boy was upset and I said he was crying. She was like oh, I didn’t realize that. Which I honestly don’t think she did notice but still! She said most students think it’s funny to describe each other. I told her I understand, but it’s not funny for all students and it makes them feel bad. She understood and we kept to pictures the rest of the time. Then at lunch, I saw that boy and he comes up to me and says ‘Hello, Becky Teacher.” I said hi and asked him how he was. He said bad and kept walking, but he was smiling! It just shows that he wanted to save face so he painted on a smile!

There are times I just don’t understand this culture and I have a hard time stomaching some things. I am learning that I must take the good with the bad if I truly want to embrace this culture. It has taken some getting used to! They have some amazing things to offer and it’s an incredible group of people. But, there are also so many areas where they are harming themselves. It’s very interesting to be able to experience their culture without having to become a full part of it!

On a lighter note, I had a student bring in a pack of gum to class and I noticed it was a pack of ‘5’ gum. I got so excited (b/c they don’t really sell American gum here and theirs looses flavor very quickly!) when I saw it! I asked him where he got that gum. (He doesn’t speak very much English, so at first I think he thought he was in trouble so he was shy to answer!) His friends translated for him and he said he got it from his house. (Ha, I love that he thought I was asking where he literally got it from!) I asked if he got here in Korea. He said no, from Canada! Bummer… I thought I hit the jackpot… no such luck! I guess I’ll have to have my parents send me packages with real gum in it! It’s a cherished commodity here among us Native Teachers!

I was at lunch yesterday eating lunch with my main teacher and she was trying to figure out a word for when people come into your class and watch you. She asked if ‘open class’ was right. I told her that is one way of saying it. I said it could also be called a ‘Supervised Class’ or ‘Supervision.’ She then asked me if that was correct or if it was ‘Konglish’ (Korean and English mix, like ‘Spanglish’)?!? I laughed out loud on that one! We Americans joke about that all time here and then I had my teacher actually ask! Ha! I also saw a sweet shirt on my way to school today! (Shirts usually have some great stuff on them!) This t-shirt said, ‘Head Over Hills’! Hilarious… it sounds right though, doesn’t it?!?

I told you there is a fire station right by campus, right? Well, if I didn’t, there is! I was walking to get to the bus stop and I was walking past the station (which is pretty much their driveway). All of the sudden I hear sirens and see lights and one truck comes out right behind me. I had to run so that I didn’t get hit by the other trucks coming out! It was a bit intense for about 2.5 seconds! That was the first time I had ever seen a fire truck outside of the station!

I met another teacher this week in my school. She actually speaks very good English. She asked me if I wanted to go to a movie with her and of course I accepted! Transformers came out here on Wednesday, so we went to see that! She took me to this restaurant before that was so good! It was chicken with soy sauce and then onion and noodles and other vegetables… fabulous! They gave us aprons to put on b/c the soy sauce splashes. She gave me one of the chicken legs to eat and I ate about half of it with my chopsticks. Then she said, “Oh, in our culture we just pick it up and eat it. It’s much more enjoyable that way!” I laughed and told her we did the same thing, I just wasn’t sure what to do here! I loved talking with her! I could hold a normal conversation with her! I found out we have tons in common. We are both the youngest of 3 kids, we both love sports, and her favorite sitcom is ‘Friends’… are you kidding me?!? There were times I thought I was talking to the Korean version of myself! I’m sure you can hear me saying “Me too!” and getting really excited every time she said something I liked too! I hope we start to hang out a lot! She said anytime I wanted to, give her a call. She invited me to go swimming with her (but she goes at 5am!!) and go play badminton with her! I am so glad I made a Korean friend I can actually talk to and hold a conversation with!

While we were at the theater, we saw one of the 6th grade teachers and his wife there. He always gets nervous when he has to talk to me! We play volleyball together! I’m hoping this will help him feel more comfortable to talk with me! It was so neat to see them outside of school though! They are normal people… not that I didn’t think they were, it’s just comforting! They’re both my age too so that makes me feel a lot more comfortable hanging out!

The theater is the mall so you park in the parking garage… experience (which I think I already told you about)!! Well, if they run out of spots, people park in front of other cars. It looks like this: - - l Therefore, the car in the middle is trapped. I asked her how people got out that way. She said they leave their cars unlocked and then you put the car in neutral and roll it! Yes, you read that right! Crazy, huh?!? So, we find our car (after we go to the wrong level) and there is a car in front of us. She tried to find a parking attendant to help us, but couldn’t. So the driver also leaves their number on their windshield or yours so you can call them if you can’t move it! She called the guy. But, he was walking up right when you dialed. It was a culture experience! I asked her if that happened often and she said yes! No way… that would never fly in the States. People are too impatient! Road rage would be at an all time high… or parking rage!

She was so sweet and she paid for my ticket to the movie and got us snacks—a drink and this phenomenal caramel popcorn! When we were leaving she also asked me if I had a cell phone charm. (For some reason, they like to attach charms to their phones. It’s like little key chains for your phone! I’m not a huge fan, but it’s very Korean!) I told her I didn’t, so she gave me one to put on my phone! And yes, I put it on right then! I had a fantastic night!

This week at work has been a bit long. On Wednesday and Thursday and probably Friday, I only teach for 10 minutes of the class and then head back to my class! They are getting ready for tests, so I don’t have much to do! I haven’t taught a full load since I’ve been here. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I actually have to teach all of my classes the whole week! I will be tired!!

The new group of teachers arrived this week, so I’m not the ‘newbie’ anymore! I feel like I still don’t really know much, but it’s encouraging when I talk to the new teachers b/c they know even less then me! J

On Thursday I was going to duck out of school a little early b/c my teacher left for a doctor’s appointment. I decided to run downstairs real quick and then head out. It was 4.20pm and I was hoping to leave by 4.30pm. I decided to stop in and say hi to the teacher that we saw at the movies first though. He always gets so nervous when I try to say anything to him. I decided I was going to make him talk to me. I asked him if he liked the movie! At first he was a little shy. But then he tried actually talking to me. He told me I was the first Native Speaker he has ever spoken with! Now I understand why he gets nervous. I asked him if I made him nervous, but he didn’t know what that meant. So, I asked him I scared him and he said, ‘Oh, yeah!’ I laughed and told him not to worry! It was quite a conversation! I found out his wife went to KNU (which is where I live). He also remembered that I went to a Nazarene University in Kansas! He told me that when he was younger he had an English class, but he didn’t study and now he regrets it! I invited him to my class for teachers. He said he hasn’t come before he didn’t have the confidence, but now since he talked with me he will be confident enough to come! I recruited a new student!! We ended up talking until 5pm! I didn’t get to leave early, but that’s okay… the conversation was well worth it! It was so cute he kept getting so frustrated with himself b/c he couldn’t figure out how to say something and then he would run to his computer to look it up! We talked for about 35 minutes and we probably on said 10 sentences! Oh it was fun! He was so appreciative that I would come and talk to him! It gave me the confidence to talk to more Koreans, too! He said next time we play volleyball together we will ‘exercise’ (he said this instead of practice and I didn’t have the heart to correct him!) our English! I am looking forward to that!

I also had the opportunity to go to a Korean Ballet. We went to see ‘Cinderella.’ It was a great time and very entertaining! I felt very cultured after this visit! When we entered the performance hall, we were given these light blue bandannas. We weren’t sure what they were for so we just took them and smiled. (This sort of thing happens often here!) Well, at the end of the show all of the Koreans pulled them out and started waving them as they were clapping! It was quite a sight and very entertaining! Ours were in our bags so we (the 2 people I was sitting by and myself) didn’t get them out. So, a woman came by and tried giving us another one to start waving! So we pulled ours out real quick! Chalk one up to another learning experience! J

I was waiting at the bus stop today (now it’s Friday; I started writing this yesterday, so time is relative.) and my teacher pulled up so I jumped in with her to ride to school. She had her 7 year old (5 year old in American age) with her too. She was adorable! Her name was Annie and she is a very smart little girl. On the way to school every morning they listen to an English CD with songs and dialogue. We had a nice little conversation in the backseat. Her mom told me she wanted to meet me! I was very impressed with her! This put me to school way early, but it was okay. I had a chance to enjoy my Kim Bop that I brought for breakfast!

Today for lunch, my teacher took me out! She told me the Principal and Vice Principal doesn’t like us to leave, so this would be our secret! The restaurant had a lot of character to it! It was an old house and very cozy. The walls were clay and they had leather couches instead of chairs! I loved it! I was so bummed that I didn’t have my camera! I need to get better at carrying that everywhere with me! I used to be so good at that… I don’t know what has happened! This place is also famous for their Korean Tea. So, of course we had to try some! It was made from Jujubes. It wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t say it was necessarily good either! (My body is starting to get used to eating things I don’t really enjoy, so now I have a much higher tolerance!) The guy gave us a free drink. He told my teacher it was for me and it was on him! They are very generous here!

So, needless to say, this past week has been full of new culture experiences and new norms for me! It started off very slow, but now I can’t believe it is already Friday! I have been here for over a month now and that is so hard to believe! The time is just flying by and is far from boring or mundane! I am so blessed to be having this experience!

Many Kodak moments... too bad my batteries ran out!

2009-06-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

I was hoping this past weekend would be a relaxing one. It had its moments.

On Friday night I found one of my new favorite restaurants! (I know I seem to talk about food a lot here, but it’s totally cultural… I promise!) It’s this little shop with a window outside you order at. It’s right behind campus and it’s called Isaac’s. They take a huge stick of butter and slick down the griddle (I think that’s what it is called) and then they put 2 pieces of toast down. They fry up an egg and sausage and then put these 3 different sauces on it with the lettuce stuff (it’s like coleslaw without the dressing) on it and melt cheese! Oh my word, it is a little piece of heaven in my mouth! With every bite it got better and better! They also have these amazing smoothies! Oh it was just fabulous! So, we ate dinner and then we headed downtown. It was just me and my friend Eric at this time. We see the bus, so we take off running down the hill so we don’t miss it. (Let me remind you that the humidity here is out of control!!) We get to the bus in time and get on. As we were getting on, the bus driver is getting out of his seat. We thought he was going to maybe pick up trash or something b/c he heads to the back of the bus. Oh no, he goes in the back and sits with us. He tried to start talking to us, but he speaks extremely broken English. We had a very hard time following, so we just smiled and nodded! (Also, remember people don’t really talk on the buses, especially the bus driver.) 2 other girls got on the bus from the University and he tried to get them to translate for him. They were a little better. He asked what we did and we told him we were teachers. He asked where we were from and we said the US. He then went up to the front of the bus to start driving. Then all of the sudden he started yelling back to the girls to ask us more questions. We are in the back of the bus and he is yelling from the front! He kept looking at us in the mirror and was not watching the road! There were a few times I started freaking out a bit! He told her to ask us if we thought North Korea had nuclear weapons… are you kidding me?!? I let Eric take the lead on this one. I just sat there. He then wanted to know who we (as in the US) thought was the most intelligent country in the world. Again… are you kidding me?!? We dodged a few bullets b/c it was neither the time or the place to start talking politics! Before we left that night Eric told me he had been praying for God to take him on adventures. This was definitely adventurous!! We debated whether to get off at an early stop but then we realized we couldn’t b/c we already told them where we were going! Oh well, it all worked out! It was definitely a crazy story to add to my list!

We went to a ‘Norebong’ later that night! This is a room that is dedicated to karaoke! It is lined in mirrors and has a big screen for the words. They also have a pole and props in there for you to use. It was way fun! (No pictures b/c my batteries were dead! You will get some next time!) I would like you to know I got a 100% on Mr. Brightside! J It was so much fun! Oh, and they gave away free ice-cream there… I’m telling you RANDOM here!

We headed out for another adventure fieldtrip in our ‘same same’ shirts on Saturday! We decided to embrace it and make the best of the situation though. It rained all day on us but that just added to the adventure! We went to see this huge sitting Buddha statue. It was cool to see it, but it was also sad at the same time. People come here all of the time to pray to Buddha. We witnessed quite a few people there that morning. It’s just this big hallow empty statue that they think can solve all of their problems. They say they are searching for truth, but really they are just searching for something that makes them feel good now. If they could just get their minds wrapped around the fact that when you experience real truth it will give you a peace that is overwhelming. The statue was wet from the rain and it made his face look like he was crying. We saw monks here and everything. There was this huge temple filled with people who were praying to Buddha. I’m glad I visited and I will go back. It was an experience you can’t get everywhere.

We also went to a Korean History Museum. They had some interesting things. It was just built a few years ago. They had a “Kid’s Zone” and I must admit this was the best part for me! It had interactive activities you could do! Of course I would appreciate this more then the artifacts!

Korea also has a memorial called “Independence Hall.” This is a lot of history as well and showed us how Korea has been oppressed by Japan. I had no idea the things they had to endure. The Japanese were horrible to Koreans. I now understand the older generation here and can allow them more grace with their reactions to things. They saw things that I would never wish on my worst enemy. I think it also gave me a new appreciation for Korea as a whole. They have always been treated like the stepchild of Asia, but somehow they still managed to rise above and be a successful country. They have a work ethic like I have never encountered from any other group of people. This is another place I would like to go back to when it’s not raining. The history there is so rich and they love to share it with people… especially foreigners.

I was exhausted after the fieldtrip and it had been a long week, so I went home at 5.30pm and took an hour and a half nap and was still able to go to sleep that night! I guess my body was trying to tell me to slow down! I listened… momentarily!

One of the professors here at KNU is part of a band. They had a concert and we went and checked it out! It was way fun! It pretty much turns into a foreigner hangout and there aren’t lots of Koreans, but it was still super fun! We danced and sung and had a chill night! It’s so crazy how many random things there are to do here!

Sunday I went out to eat with the Pastor and his wife and daughter. There were also a few other teachers and 2 Koreans with us. It was fun to talk with them and get to know them more. The Korean ladies are super sweet! They both teach Korean too, so I’m debating whether to start taking lessons or not. I haven’t quite decided for sure yet. I just love meeting new Koreans who can speak English and carry on a conversation. It’s so neat to have them introduce their culture to you through their eyes. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning our common room with another person on my floor. We have new teachers coming this week and I know when I arrived and saw how disgusting the room was it made me think ‘what the heck did I get myself into?’ I didn’t want them to have to experience that so we decided to clean. It took 2 of 3.5 hours to clean it from top to bottom! Yeah, it was pretty nasty! For some reason I felt like cleaning and that never happens!! (I’m sure some of you are shocked by that statement! J) Then I finished the night off with Mexican food… can’t go wrong there can you?

It was a great weekend! Full of new adventures, but that’s what it’s all about, right?!?

Back by Demand!

2009-06-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

So I realize I haven’t given you an update in quite awhile. I do apologize for that! Honestly, I didn’t realize that that many people kept up with it, but my parents have told me they have gotten questions about when I’ll be updating again. So, here it… lucky you!

Last week was a good but long week. I’m definitely at that point where my days are running together and it’s hard to remember what happened when! I’m getting older everyday I swear! I was tired when I stared off the week b/c I had been at the beach all weekend! Rough life, I know… but well needed! When I was at the beach, I definitely got some sun… thank you Jesus (although I’ve already lost it)!! [Side note: Koreans DO NOT like to get sun. When they are walking down the street on sunny days they’ll have parasols, which are umbrellas, up so they don’t have contact with the sun. They think it is horrible!] When I came to school on Monday my teachers were like “Oh my, what happened to you?” It was so hard to keep from laughing but I kept my composure for the most part. It was a great learning session though, b/c I taught them the difference between sunburn and suntan. I taught them that red meant I was burnt, but tomorrow I would be brown, which was tan. They totally got it! I like to think I was just taking one for the team and got a sunburn so I could help teach them something new… just doing what I can! I know they were thinking ‘crazy American’ but what’s new?!?

I was teaching my 3rd graders animals this week. I thought I would spice up the lesson a bit and ask them not only the name of the animal, but what sound it makes. It was quite entertaining. I told them that monkeys were my favorite and then I made the sound and the action with my arms. They thought it was hilarious (I love that kids will laugh at anything! Great self-esteem booster!) One of the animals was a Panda. I have no idea what sound a Panda makes so this is one I just let them go with. They had some pretty good ideas. One boy yelled, “they’re made in china!” I think he was trying to say that’s where Pandas live, and he got mixed up a bit! He was right Pandas are made in China! I love my 3rd graders! Who else with laugh with you when you’re making crazy animals sounds and actions?!? I know many people who would at me, just not with me!

These kids can be pretty brave sometimes. Sometimes I think they just try to see what they can get away with. On Fridays I have 6th graders… who are typical crazy, hormonal 13 year olds! At the end of every class I stand at the door and wave to them as they go out the back door. Well, this girl stuck her tongue out at me as she was going past. I told her ‘anyo’ (no) and put an ‘x’ up. She kept walking. Well, then this week, she comes in and doesn’t say a word. She just looks at me, smiles and then sticks her tongue out AGAIN at me. This time I was firm and slightly mean and said ‘anyo’ with an ‘x.’ I told her that was NOT okay! She then pouted the rest of class and wouldn’t say anything! (I made her even more mad later in class b/c I started teaching them the Macarena dance for the months of the year song and I said “Everyone has to participate” and looked right at her b/c she was the only one not doing it!) So I thought it was over. But then a couple days later I saw her in the hall and she said Hi Becky Teacher. I thought wow, she’s good now, that’s cool. I smiled and said hi back. Then, you are not going to believe this, but she stuck it out AGAIN! This time I was mean! No smile came from my face! I think I’m going to have the English teacher talk to her! I still can’t believe that!

I’m not sure if I’ve told you, but Education is very important over here! The kids go to school all day!! Elementary isn’t that bad, but once you get to Middle School and High School you go to school at 7.30am and then go to a Hagwon after school until 11pm everyday! Some Elementary students go for shorter time periods. A few of students go. The past 2 weeks one of my boys has ridden my bus with me. The first week it was so cute b/c he was so surprised to see me when he got on. He came and stood close to me but far enough away to check out the situation. Then one of my teacher friends got on and he was stuck in the middle of us. We were talking and he politely switched me spots so we could talk easier. Then, when it was his stop, he told me bye and waved. Then, after he got off, he looked back on the bus to see if I was still watching him and he waved again! He is so stinkin cute… it just melted my heart! Then I saw him the next week and he was like, I’m riding your bus again today! Sure enough, he was there! This time he sat by me and we talked for a bit! He did the whole wave thing again. Oh I just love my students!!

Many times my kiddos just make me laugh too! I have this convenient store on the same street as my school and I sometimes stop in there before school. Well one day it was super hot and so I decided to go get a cold drink and a snicker’s bar after school. (The students had already left, but the teachers have to stay later.) They mobbed me on the way there ‘Becky Teacher, Becky Teacher!’ But then on the way back they stopped me again and asked me what I got. I had gotten a ‘Cider’ (which is Sprite) and it was in a green bottle. They have an alcoholic drink over here called ‘Soju’ which is also in a green bottle (and it’s very common for them to have it with a meal). My students asked me if I got Soju? Are you kidding me, they really think I’m going to take alcoholic back to school and drink in the middle of the day? Oh their little minds kill me sometimes! It was quite comical!

Flowers and plants are a pretty big thing over here. I’ve wanted to get one pretty bad so I’ve been checking them out. One of my teachers has an orchid and I was telling her I really liked it and I was trying to get one like it. She told me that in Korea they have a different flower they call orchids. Then she proceeds to tell me that the single guys in Korea love our orchids. Random, I know. So, I took the bait and asked her why. She then told me they like them b/c they look like a female body part! Are you kidding me… AKWARD?!? Yeah that conversation died off quickly!

I’m still trying to get the bus schedule figured out here… it’s pretty random. One night I was waiting for the bus for about 15 minutes and one of my teachers drove by and saw me waiting so she picked me up and took me home. It was so nice of her and so much better then the bus! She told me that her daughter was going on a fieldtrip on Friday so she’d have to get up early and make some Kim Bop (the rolls that are wrapped in seaweed with the rice and stuff in it) for her. She asked if I’d want some and of course I said yes!! So, on Friday she brought a small box of about 30 pieces to school for lunch. My other teacher and I were later then usual to lunch that day. When we got to the cafeteria, the other teachers were more then half way done with lunch. When I sat down she pulled out the Kim Bop. She didn’t open it until I got there so that I for sure could get some! He was like here, eat. She let the other teachers have some too, but she pretty much just brought them for me! It was FABULOUS!! She told me she’d teach me how to make it if I wanted to learn. Of course I want to learn how to make one of my favorite things here! I’m looking forward to that!

I’ve had some random cravings lately! Well not random, just cravings for good, solid food more like it! So, a couple of decided we wanted a real hamburger and fries. So, we took the subway 25 or 30 minutes away to go to the this restaurant for a real burger. Of course it’s more expensive since it’s western food… but WORTH IT!!!!! Oh it was delish! Pretty sure that trip is going to be a very common one! I’ve also had a craving for Mexican food. That has been the roughest one so far! One of the girls had a group of us over on Sunday night for Mexican food! Oh my word, totally hit the spot! I’m already planning a trip to Seoul this weekend though and we are going to ‘On The Boarder’ for dinner and Subway for lunch! I can’t wait!!!

Oh and last week I played volleyball again. This week though we played another Elementary school. They play with 9 people on the court at the same time and they never rotate. There is supposed to be 2 girls on at a time. There were only 2 of us who played and of course, we got moved to the back. It’s so funny that no matter where you are in the world, when it comes to sports and competition, guys are the same! I had a great growing moment while I was playing though. It could have been very easy for me to get frustrated b/c I touched the ball may 5 times and we played 5 games. But, God is helping me to have a different mindset and instead I embraced and began to laugh b/c I was playing volleyball in the middle of South Korea with a bunch of Koreans! Not very many people could say that! Besides, it’s still fun to just be out there! The Vice Principal gets pretty intense… he’s definitely competitive! Let me tell you, to be in a huddle with 7 Korean guys speaking Korean can be a little intimidating! I could not understand one word they said, but I knew exactly what he was saying! It’s so interesting how no matter what language you speak, athletics is a universal language. It really makes me want to go to the Olympics someday! It was fun. Our team of course won! J At the end of the game we went up to the net and said ‘good game’ (well in my head I think that’s what they are saying. I just smiled and nodded, well bowed.) One of the guys from the other team shook my hand and didn’t let go though. It sort of took me back but then he asked me where I played at? It took me a second to figure out what he was trying to say. But, then I realized he was curious to know my experience. I told him I played in the States in High School and in College. They were like “Ohh.” Their reactions kill me every time! How crazy is it that Korean Elementary School teachers play volleyball against other teachers after school?!? It’s a pretty big deal to. Teachers from the other schools come to cheer too! Let’s just say I definitely stuck out that day! J

I heard a statement the other day that really made me stop and think. I’m not saying I fully 100% agree with this statement, but it has surely made me take a step back and reevaluate things. “Competitiveness is not from God.” I think wanting to win is fine and it’s human nature. But, how many times have we missed out on an opportunity to show Christ’s Character to others b/c of our competitive natures? I know I personally have been convicted of this lately. It’s okay to want to win, but it’s not okay to win at any cause. For me, I am choosing relationships over a tally in the win column. It’s just something to ponder! I’m not against the will to win here. I’m just trying to get things into perspective on my end! I think the volleyball game was case in point for me! A few years ago I would have been ticked that I was stuck in the back row not getting much action… especially when you see a ball drop that you could have gotten to! But now I was able to laugh and enjoy myself in spite of it all! Just thought I would share with you one of the many things I am learning here! Oh and are there many things I’m learning!!

**I know a few of you have tried to leave comments. I’ve figured out that you have to one of my ‘followers’ to leave a comment. If you join my blog you’ll be able to use the comment section. Or, you can just email me too! I’d love to hear how you are doing!!

Night and Day Different… Literally!

2009-06-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

The longer I’m here, the more and more I’m realizing how different things can be! I mean it is literally night and day different (14 hours to be exact). I’m sleeping when you’re enjoying your days and I have sunshine when you have the moon! That has taken some getting used to. When I think about it, it’s a bit overwhelming sometimes. One day I talked to my sister during her morning and my late night. Then, when I woke up the next day, I talked to her again! It was so crazy to think that she just lived her day and did lots of things and I simply slept the WHOLE time!

I thought you might enjoy hearing some of the differences I’m experiencing here. I thought I’d share them with you before I realize they’re different and just start assuming that’s how things are! I’m putting a disclaimer here for when I return to the states, you’ll offer me some grace for these things I’ve grown accustomed to! J

Clothing:

Okay, honestly I LOVE their style here-for the most part! Not something I’d be comfortable in everyday, but such cute stuff! Unfortunately, the girls here don’t have much as far as chests go, which translates to “Good luck trying to find something that will fit you!” Umm, we don’t dare to even look at their bottoms! But, it is a culture experience to even go into a store and look. You’ll pull something out and ask if you can try it on. The lady at the store will look at you and say no. Which that translates in to “ You’re too big and that will not fit you.” This has happened to a few girls I’ve been shopping with. You can’t try clothes on here for some reason. So, I just put the shirt over whatever I’m wearing. They don’t like that… they think you’re going to stretch it out! Gotta love it! You can’t wear tank tops here. It’s ‘scandalous’ to have your shoulders showing. It doesn’t matter how short your bottoms are though… it’s okay if everything’s hanging out! You can also ‘bend’ the rules by wearing a shear cover over the tank top. A lot of women do that here! They are obsessed with high heels here! The women wear them everywhere. They go for walks and wear them. They walk up multiple flights of stairs and less-intense mountains with them on! I’m not exaggerating here either! When I was at the beach last weekend, I saw women wearing heels! They wear more of the platforms with the wide base, but still a heel! I don’t get it! I also heard that girls aren’t really supposed to wear them until after they graduate from High School! I have seen a couple of girls pull them out of their backpacks and switch their Converse for High Heels—Scandalous!!

Gestures:

There are also a few gestures that are different. They don’t wave here. (Although the students do wave to me and now some of the teachers do, too. It’s just b/c they know I’m a foreigner!) They bow at the waist and lower their heads. How far down you go, depends on who you are saying hello to. When I say it to my principal, vice principal, or someone else important, I bow pretty far down. The kids just get a head nod, but usually a wave! When you’re leaving a store or a restaurant, they’ll do the same thing! Whenever you say thank you or see someone, you do this! It’s also funny b/c they don’t shake their heads ‘no.’ If they are trying to say no to something, they will put their arms together and make a ‘x.’ This is how I tell me students to stop doing something too!

Living:

It is also very common and normal for the most part for people to live in apartments here. They actually prefer apartments over houses. It’s also more convenient for everyone b/c there are so many people in such a small land mass. Everything here is built up instead of out. Stores have multiple levels instead of wide square feet. This means that you get a work out everyday b/c you are doing so many stairs! You also can’t really buy lots of groceries and things at the store b/c you have to carry all of your bags home. Some people have cars, so it’s not that big of a deal, but those of us who don’t, you have to be strategic. They also charge you for sacks. I’ve bought a couple reusable bags and they’re great, when I remember them! J It’s also interesting at the store b/c they wait to pick their fruit until it’s ripe. Which, this makes for some amazing fruit, but you can’t store it. You have to eat it within 2 days or so or it goes bad. Give and take or you can just split some with your neighbor… this usually works the best!

School:

I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting with the schools but they are definitely different. They don’t start until 9am and then depending what grade you are in, you leave at different times. The youngest students leave at 1pm usually, and then the 2^nd and 3^rd graders leave at 2pm. I’m not real sure what time the 5^th and 6^th graders get out, but I know all the students are gone by 3pm. They can’t drink the water here, so instead of having water fountains on the halls, they have water machines (like Culligan jugs). When you are in school, you don’t wear your shoes, you wear slippers. The teachers wear them to teach in and the kids change every morning right outside the front door. The principals wear them and even visitors have to put them on before they come in. It’s interesting. I haven’t really got a direct answer as to why they do this. They say it’s just more comfortable, but I have no idea! Everyday at lunch we have rice, soup, and kimchi no matter what. The other 2 spots are reserved for some type of meat and a vegetable. The teachers do not walk their students to places. They just let them leave and the students make it to my room. They do walk them to lunch, but that’s the only place. They also do their age different here. When you are born, you are automatically 1 year old. Then, on January 1^st, EVERYONE turn another year old. You do not celebrate your birthday on the day you were born (although I’m a bit confused b/c my kids tell me when their birthdays are. I guess they celebrate their birthdays, but they don’t age on that day.) So potentially, if a baby was born on December 31^st, he would be considered 2 years old when he is really 2 days old. They will ask you when your birthday is to know if you are a young 27 year old or an older 27 year old. I thought this was very interesting!

Food:

So we all know that the food is different, that’s a given. But, here are some more specifics. They don’t drink with their meals. After they eat, they will go over to a water jug and take a small drink. Even when their food is spicy! So at lunch, I always bring my water bottle with me. Sometimes that’s the only way I’ll get my food down! J Every food place here delivers. McDonald’s has little mopeds for their delivery guys… yes even McDonald’s delivers! If you need your waiter they yell “Yugio” (or something like that… haven’t fully got this one yet!) Could you imagine yelling across a restaurant in the states? I know there have probably been plenty of times you would like to, but you don’t really do it! Here you do! There is no tax on anything here. So you pay exactly what the menu says the cost is. You also don’t tip here. Therefore, going out to eat isn’t too expensive. Usually it’s cheaper to do that then to cook! (Yeah, I haven’t cooked anything since I’ve been here!) In many traditional restaurants you all share out of the same dishes so everyone eats off of each other’s plates. It’s so funny b/c now even if it’s not a place you share, we all still do, trying each other’s choices! Oh community! They also don’t have separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. I was teaching my ‘teachers class’ the other day and one of our warm-up questions was ‘what did you have for breakfast?’ Their answers were Bean Soup, Sea Weed Soup, Kimchi, and Rice. Yummy! I said I had cereal and milk and they laughed at me. I will say I have had Kim Bop (the roll that’s wrapped in sea weed) 2 times for breakfast. Needless to say if you want to buy breakfast food like cereal here you will definitely have to pay for it! You can find it it’s just expensive.

Driving:

Oh my word, it’s pretty crazy here. I’ve never felt unsafe, but I don’t always feel safe… if that makes any sense?!? The stoplights are different here. Only one direction gets a green light a time. In the states, North and South go at the same time, but here all of the northbound traffic would go and then the light would turn red. You sit at lights forever!! Sometimes it’s easy to get antsy at crosswalks and you just decide to go. You have to be careful for a couple of reasons though if you do that. First, cars have the right away, not pedestrians. That’s a new one, right? Then second they don’t always wait for a green light to go. The lights are on a timer not a sensor, so if there aren’t cars, they’ll just go regardless of their light color. Let’s just say I’ve almost got hit by a bus and who knows how many cars! It’s an adventure though! (I run across the street now every morning to get to school. One morning I got caught in the middle and cars were coming in both directions so I just stood on the double yellow line… I was a bit worried.) Busses pretty much do what they want. My bus always turns left out of a straight lane, not a turning lane. People just them do it though! This next one still blows my mind, but kids aren’t always in car seats. The other day on the way home from school I’m on the bus and I look over at the car next to us at a stoplight. The mother had her baby (about 15 months old) laying on her lap and she was feeding him. The crazy part is, she was driving… she was NOT the passenger!! I still can’t get over that one! They have no fear as far as how close they will get to someone or another car either. They can squeeze into some tight spots! It’s truly amazing!

Restrooms:

So we all know that most of my crazy stories somehow involve the bathrooms. There are a couple of other unique things besides the ‘squatty potties.’ If you are using a public bathroom, you have to get your toilet paper before you go into the stall. It’s on the wall and better not forget it before you go in or you’re in trouble. They also do not have soap dispensers for the most part. They have a bar of soap that everyone uses. I have not found any restrooms with paper towels either. Usually they will have a hand dryer, but most of the time it does not work! I use a lot of hand sanitizer!

So, as you can see, there are quite a few differences here that I was not prepared for. Almost all of these are things I have figured out since I’ve been here! It’s all part of the adventure!! J Hope you found these as entertaining as I have! That was your crash course for Korea (I found out while I was teaching my ‘teacher class’ on yesterday that they do not like to be called South Korea, they are Korea! I won’t make that mistake again!!)

Relaxation: Beach Style

2009-06-15T02:58:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend at the beach and LOVED it!! A group of us woke up early Saturday morning and headed to Busan to enjoy one of the best beaches in South Korea! We had a 4 hour train ride, but SO worth it! On the way down I sat and talked with my friend Beth and was able to get to know her a lot better! It was a great experience!

I did have to use the bathroom once while I was on the train! I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty, but it was a sacrifice I was going to have to make! The restrooms are in between the cars. I found the first one, but it was just a urinal, so obviously that wouldn’t work for me! I found one with an ‘American Toilet’ eventually! I know I locked the door, b/c it’s a latch, but obviously the latch wasn’t working b/c someone opened the door on me! (It’s an automatic door too, so you can’t just shut it, it has to shut on it’s own!) Thankfully it was just 2 women, but they were mortified. Awkward!! When I walked out, they were like “Oh, we’re so sorry!” I’m beginning to realize that some of my craziest stories here so far has involved the bathroom! That can’t be good!

We arrived at the train station and we were getting off and I heard something drop out of my bag and land under the train. My first though was, ‘oh no, that was my ipod!’ Thankfully it wasn’t! It was my favorite pair of sunglasses though! They fell under the train onto the tracks. I said we could go, it wasn’t that big of a deal. But, the guys said they thought they could get them after the train left. We stood there for about 5 minutes and the trains didn’t leave. Finally one of the guys lays down on the ground and gets another guys flip-flop and tries to flick the glasses back. He starts to get them and then the train starts moving! We all yelled and he jumped back quick! It so could have taken his arm!! I felt awful but he said no big deal… just a near death experience! I was so glad to get my glasses back! They have a couple scratches, but I figure it gives them character and it has a great story!!

We took a subway and walked a few blocks and finally walked right onto the beach! Amazing!! It was so beautiful! It’s so interesting to go to a Korean beach though b/c it’s so different. They don’t suntan so they don’t really wear bathing suits. It’s Koreans on the beach in normal clothes! Even the kids have on clothes while they’re playing in the ocean! We walked on the beach and took it all in! We played ultimate Frisbee against another group of foreigners (Americans and Canadians)! We won and it was fun!

We found this really sweet hotel to stay in, too. It was about 2 or 3 blocks from the beach and had such character! We took a boat tour once the sun went down and the tip of the peninsula was beautiful! My camera ran out of batteries half way through though… bummer!

The next day we got up and headed back to the beach. They have this park right off the beach though, so we decided to hike through there first! Absolutely stunning! We walked for about an hour or so and then hit the beach! I laid out in the sand and relaxed all afternoon… it was exactly what I needed!

We headed back to Cheonan at about 6.30pm. We had another 4 hour train ride! Again, long, but it gave me a chance to get to know my friend Kendal more! I’m all about the one-on-one conversations getting to know people better! It was 11.30pm before we got home, but so worth it! This weekend was exactly what I needed!

2 For 1

2009-06-15T02:56:00.000-07:00

I have a few days to get caught up on! Lucky for you, I’m going to do a two for one here! Thursday and Friday were 2 drastically different days for me here!

Thursday started with me thinking I saw my bus at the bus stop when I was at the top of the hill, so I took off running… I’m sure that was a sight! I cut through some trees to get there and then I realized this was a bus that was just sitting there and it didn’t have a number lit up which meant it wasn’t in route! I saw 3 other people do the same thing, so I didn’t feel that bad for looking ridiculous! The bus gets there shortly after and we get on. Then, the bus driver puts the bus in park and gets up out of his seat and gets off the bus. He pulls out a pack of cigarettes, smokes one and texts on his phone, while he has about 10 or 12 passengers on the bus! No one else looked alarmed or perturbed, so I just went with it and waited patiently! I chose to enjoy the beautiful sunshine instead!

I arrived at school and got ready for my first class of the day (6^th graders). My teacher told me, “It’s your lucky day, you can’t teach this section, only I can. You go to your room and take a rest!” So for 4 classes, I spent about 5 or 10 minutes in each class and that’s it! I was really frustrated with this! I talked with a few people about it that morning though and they really helped me put things into perspective! One suggested that I take the time to myself to get things done I needed to and another told me to use it to pray for my students! Let’s just say I spent a lot of time in prayer that day!! It was truly amazing to see how God worked it all out! (stay tuned until my Friday update!) It reminded me yet again of what we can do when we simply aloud God to take control of the situations instead of us trying to take it on our own! I also had another teacher who totally changed my mindset about this situation! We were talking about how things can get frustrating b/c of the language barrier and how there is always miscommunication! He reminded me that this is true for both sides! I will get frustrated with my teachers, but they will also get frustrated with me b/c of miscommunication and failed expectations! It’s a constant learning game!

Thursday was just a rough day and I felt like I just kept being misunderstood! I went to use the ‘American toilet’ and it’s clogged! I literally almost got sick when I walked in! I tried to tell my teacher and she said, “Oh, just use another one!” Are you kidding me… no “I’ll get someone to take care of it?!?” Oh… this is an experience! J

I had to get my picture taken today for the 6^th graders yearbook. (This isn’t what they call it, but I’m pretty sure that’s what it’s like.) It was quite comical trying to figure out what the photographer was wanting me to do. Finally, he just came over and physically put my head the way he wanted it! Sometimes, that’s just the easiest way!

The day did end on a positive note though! I had a great class with my ‘teachers class.’ I really feel like they are getting in to it! Everyone returned from the first week… that doesn’t happen very often! They are a fun group and I enjoy getting to know them better!

I found my favorite meal in Korea!! It’s called Kalbi. It’s meat that gets cooked in front of you and then you wrap it in lettuce with rice! The meat is pork and it is marinated in something amazing! I will be frequenting this restaurant often! The owner is super nice and he knows a couple of the guys in my program (they play soccer together). He gave us free Pepsi! He saw my camera and so we started talking about it, b/c he has an SLR. It was way fun getting to know him!

I met a few new girls tonight. I went out to this sweet coffee shop downtown. I had my first Frapaccuino without coffee! It was black tea! It was pretty tasty… definitely an experience! This place also gives you a free piece of cake if you order 2 drinks… how sweet is that?!? Definitely worth it!

Thursday turned around a bit, but I was looking forward to Friday! Wow… can I just say what a difference one day can make! I know God knew I needed to catch a break! I get to school and my teacher greets me. I asked her how she was and she said, “I feel much better then I did yesterday. Yesterday wasn’t a good day!” I’d second that!! She was in the middle of cleaning her room when I came in. She handed me a wet towel and said I needed to clean room. No big deal, I wiped the tables off and the counters off. I just think it’s so crazy that the teachers and students have to clean the schools! Oh one of the many differences!!

I had so much fun in my classes today!! We reviewed during all of the classes and the kids were really into it! Probably b/c I was giving them stickers for the right answers, but hey whatever works! I have some really smart kids! It is a lot different here though, b/c if a student gets a wrong answer or doesn’t know how to answer, they have to stand up in the back of the class until we move on to the next thing! I always feel so bad for those kids! Today I asked a student what her favorite month was and why. She told me August, but couldn’t tell me why. I was going to give her a sticker for trying, but the teacher told me, “Don’t give her a sticker. She can talk English.” I felt horrible for this girl, but I couldn’t go against my teacher. I just made sure I called on her to answer a different question so she could get a sticker! I don’t feel that negative reinforcement in positive for kids! I’m more of an encourager so this has been a little difficult for me to witness sometimes!

We had shorter classes today b/c the teachers were going on a field trip and the students were leaving school early! Some classes were late b/c they had to take ‘urine tests.’ I was a little concern when I heard this b/c I was thinking, what did you have an outbreak of drugs or something? No worries, they do this to all 6^th graders… it was a physical. My teacher called it a ‘pee test’… ha, I had to explain to her that yes it was technically a ‘pee test’ but we call them ‘urine tests’ b/c it is more polite! That made me laugh! J

I had one boy come in and introduce himself as David. I asked him if that was his English name. He told me, “My name is David, David Beckum and I’m from Enland!” Ha, I laughed in his face! His friend told me his name was Obama… oh man!! These are 2 of favorite boys though!

During lunch, I ate with my teacher and then with another teacher who is in my ‘teachers class.’ It was neat to sit and talk with and see how hard she is trying to learn English. She’s doing great and she is such a sweet person! I enjoyed getting to know her more! I also noticed at lunch that our nurse was wearing a sweatshirt jacket with playboy bunnies all over them! I don’t think Asians have a grasp on what that symbol really means! The SCHOOL NURSE was wearing that! Oh, My!

I lucked out and got to leave school at 1pm today! It was so amazing to have the afternoon off! I did laundry and relaxed… I totally could get used to this! It was nice to have some time to myself!

Today I was reminded how faithful God is! He helped me work through my frustrations and He allowed me to see things in a new perspective! 2 things I really needed!!

Refreshed... Momentarily!

2009-06-11T02:14:00.000-07:00

I woke up feeling refreshed this morning. I slept for almost 11 hours last night! I came home from the doctor and decided to watch a movie and relax! I woke up half way through the movie and realized I was too tired so I turned it off and went to bed by 8:15! It was so great! It was raining this morning, 2nd day in a row, so that was a bummer! I don't mind the rain, it just makes getting to school a little bit harder! I survived!

I'm not sure I've told you this, but corporal punishment is completely acceptable in South Korea! Other teachers had told me stories, but I thought my teachers were too nice to do that! Welp, I wrong!! I witnessed my first 'attack' today! My teacher was in a roll... she hit 3 boys on the back of their heads and she wasn't playing around! They got their act together though! One of my friends told me that his teacher hit a kid today and another student said, "head shot"... a few moments later she smacked a different student and the same kid yelled "double kill." Gotta love Korean kids... video games are shaping the world, one mind at a time!

Today was my long day and I had 3rd graders all day! I was a bit frustrated today with my teacher! She didn't really use me much! My experiences have taught me that kids are usually smarter then we give them credit for! If you want them to succeed, you need to raise the bar! I was doing 'conversation' with them at the beginning of class and I asked them what day of the week it was, what day was yesterday, and what will tomorrow be. No one answered for a couple of seconds (which I think is totally normal) and she said, "they don't know that" and expected me to answer it for them. I didn't and they answered! They are smart if you allow them to be! I think she uses way too much Korean and not enough English! She totally cut me off when I was trying to teach them the days of the week! I believe that before you can start learning conversation, you need to know the basics and 'days of the week' and 'months of year' are basic! I guess we just see things different! I'm learning to continually be flexible and use the 10 minutes I have per class to get things done! The frustrating part was that I was trying to teach them something they can use and she spent 15 minutes on this chant, "wash, wash your face, wash, wash your hands." To each his own!!

**Okay, that was my rant for the day! I really am enjoying my time here, I promise! I just decided that I am going to be open and vulnerable through this process and help you see what I am experiencing everyday!! Hope this wans't too much of a turn off! :)

I realized through different jobs I have had that the reason I am here is for the students and I can't let other things bother me/ get in the way! I absolutely LOVE my students so I am going to do what I can to help them!

I have this one little boy who just kills me! He totally reminds me of a cross between Simon and Theodore from the chipmunks! He has glasses just like Simon, but it short and chunky like Theodore and for some reason he just looks like a chipmunk! He is so stinking cute!! I'll try to get a picture of him soon! :)

One boy brought us some breakfast that he made at school! He brought it in the middle of class and I was excited to eat it! I saw that it was potatoes and it had a little grilled sandwhich with cheese! Oh how I have missed cheese... they don't really eat cheese here! You can't really find it and if you do, it's pretty expensive! I could taste it! Then, I realized the teacher was giving it out to the students for participating! NOOOOOO!!! was all that was running through my head! It was so close and then I saw it vanishing right before my eyes! She gave away over half of it, but saved about a 1/3 of it for me... guess better then nothing, right?!? It's just so funny how different our taste buds are. She could have cared less to eat that and it didn't bother her to give it away b/c she wasn't a fan of it! I on the other hand cared a lot b/c I love that stuff! But, there's plenty of Korean food I'd give away that she would probably love to have! I did enjoy what I had though! The bread was french toast (obviously without the syprup) and cheese in the middle... great combo!!

I had this other boy named Mick (that's his English name) hang out in my room after school! His English is so good and it was fun to talk with him and ask him questions! I bet he speaks better English then the teacher! He's went to an institute 5 days a week for the past 3 years though!! He's probably becoming one of my favorites! :) Favorites are okay... right?!? As long as the other kids don't find out!!

I did feel a bit uncomfortable for one of the first times today. I have 2 teachers that both teach 3rd graders. One of them came up to me before I was about to teach with the other one and asked "in your opinion and experience from America, which one of us teaches better?" Are you kidding me... who asks that?!? That was definitely a loaded quesiton! I said, "I'll tell you after this class. I'm getting ready to teach with her now." She said, "No, you've already taught with her, what do you think now?" Somehow I avoided the question and she didn't ask again. I don't think she was asking the way I was interpretting it, but still! Oh Koreans!!

I impressed my teachers at lunch b/c I ate Kimchi Bip-m-Bop. It wasn't too bad! They thought it would be too spicy for me! It was spicy, but rice is my old faithful and it was on the rice! Gotta do what you gotta do... survival!

We didn't play volleyball today because the teachers were all busy, bummer, but that's okay b/c I was productive! I had to make lesson plans for my teacher's class! I started them at school, but then had to finish them last night! That is what I spent most of my evening doing! My goal is to get all of the lessons prepared by next Friday though! Then I won't have anything to worry about and I can relax!

We have a visitor outside our building that is quite lively! We're not sure what it is exactly. We've guessed that it could be a frog or a duck or something completly different! It is so LOUD and ANNOYING though! I have to have some type of background noise or I can't sleep! It woke me up at 3am going strong, but thankfully I went right back to sleep! He just randomly showed up 2 nights ago! We can't find him tough... we just hear him!

I made plans last night to go to the beach this weekend! A small group of us are going to head out Saturday and come back on Sunday! I'm so looking forward to it!! It's going to be fabulous! Don't worry... you'll hear all about it!

Roll with the Punches...

2009-06-09T03:18:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day to teach by myself! I finished my lesson plans last night and was ready to go. I got there early b/c I knew the teacher needed to make copies for me. I was a little nervous b/c my teacher's book has more Korean then English. It's really just a guessing game to me of what they are trying to tell me! Sure makes me feel confident, that's for sure! I ask my teacher to make copies and she tells me we won't have time do that activity. That's fine, not a big deal. Then I realize what I had planned is not what she had planned for me! It was a bit frustrating, but I just have to roll with the punches! She translates everything, which I don't think is always good for the students. Then, she pretty much takes the lead teaching. Which, I was sort of happy about b/c she knew what she wanted i didn't have to guess! Then we have about 10 minutes left in class and she asked me if I had the survey she had asked me to create. I told her that was the paper I asked her to copy earlier. Oh miscommunication... it's a beautiful thing! By the 3rd class, I had it all figured out. Too bad the 3rd class was the last class! I felt a bit defeated b/c i didn't feel like my teaching skills were up to par today. However at the end, she said, "oh your teaching was great!" I just had to laugh b/c it wasn't, but I guess our expectations are just different! Whatever... that's how it goes and I'm okay with it! I don't have to do lesson plans for another 2 weeks... can't beat that!! I had my 3rd Graders for one class today... they are just too stinkin cute! I love them!

I decided that I needed to go to the Doctor day. I've started to get a bit sick. I have a really bad cough that I thought was getting better! Nope, I've had a few coughing attacks today! Figured I should be proactive and get on it now! Especially since my job is pretty much talking the whole time. Can't do much if I can't talk! My experience at the Doctor was quite pleasant. She speaks English so it was vey easy to talk to her! I don’t have my insurance card right now, so I had to pay full price: 11,900 won (rough estimate $10)! When I go in the next time with my card, I’ll get a 70% refund! She put me on medicine, for 3 days. I’m thinking it’s cough medicine and amoxicillin… at least that’s what it tastes like! Again, I had to pay full price: 7,150 won (rough estimate $5.50). I’ll get a refund from there too when I get my card! I was in and out of the doctors office and pharmacy with my prescription in less than 30 minutes… show me where you can do that in the states! The medicine is funny… it doesn’t come in bottles. Each dosage is in its own pack. I have 9 little baggies with 3 pills each. And, my cough medicine comes in little individual packets that I tear open and drink out of the package! Oh Korea… you are so entertaining!

I decided for dinner I would try something safe tonight! I wasn’t feeling Korean food b/c today at lunch I was served little fish! And by little fish I mean fish about the size pencil lead, dried out, but still had it’s eyes and off its bones in tact! Not too appetizing! I had to stop into our directors office so he could tell me how to take my medicine… I didn’t understand anything the pharmacist told me! Then I decided tonight was going to be a shut-in night! I ate dinner and watched a movie! I figured I should rest and try to get better soon! I mean, I totally have to rest up for my volleyball game tomorrow! J

Oh, I almost forgot. Funny Story: So every day at least one time a day, while I'm walking up the stairs from using the restroom multiple times a day, I trip going up the stairs. Sometimes are worse then others. It's definitely noticable though! I figured out today why I do it. One of the steps is higher then the rest. I was walking down the stairs and I realized that one step was not like the rest! Good to know I haven't completely lost it!

I will leave you with an encouraging thought that a friend shared with me today:

It is awesome to think that even a little bit of God’s grace and love is more than enough for everything we need. He'll never place you anywhere out of His reach; all we have to do is trust.

Case of the Mondays

2009-06-09T01:41:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter where you are in the world, Mondays still come! I was actually looking forward to this Monday! I had it all planned out in my head... yeah you know where this story is going! I woke up and gave myself plenty of time to get ready b/c I know how Monday mornings can be. I found out that my nieces were waiting at my parents to talk to me on skype (this time with video chat)! So, of course I had to stop what I was doing and call them! This was the first time I've seen them since I left! Through my schedule off, but well worth the adjustment! It was so good to see them!

We have this really great bakery across from campus called Paris Baquette. It is phenomenal! I decided on Sunday night that I would have this for breakfast on my way to school. I skipped breakfast and headed out the door. I felt like I was salivating as I was walking. I walk into the bakery and there is nothing there! (I thought they had already ran out by 8:20am. I found out later though, that it hadn't even been put out. If I want something in the morning, I have to get it the night before... seriously?!?) I was so disappointed! So, I had to settle for McDonald's breakfast--it was good, but not great! I got it and headed to the bus stop. This morning, I got on at the 2nd bus stop instead of the 1st b/c it's closer to the bakery. So, I waited and waited and waited some more! This is the longest I've ever waited for the bus. One of the other Native Teachers walked by and I noticed she was carrying a pastery! I was so bummed... I forgot about this new bakery that opened up right across the street! Oh well, there's always other mornings! The bus finally got there (some people got tired of waiting, so they decided to jump into a cab)! I got on and all of the seats were taken, except for one in the very back corner! The bus is NEVER that full in the mornings (it's b/c he was late!!) I climbed in the back, but I was so nervous that I would miss my stop b/c I still wasn't 100% sure where my stop was! People kept piling on and piling on. There was litterally not one extra spot. People were standing everywhere, but they kept jamming them in! My stop was quickly approaching so I got up and stepped over the gentleman next to me. I could barely reach the button, but got it pushed in time. Then, I had to literally push myself through the aisle to get off! It was chaos!

Oh Monday mornings how I love thee!! I knew it was going to be a great day though b/c I didn't have to teach today! The students were taking tests all day, so I just sat in my classroom. I was tempted to wear jeans today since I didn't have to teach... boy am I glad I didn't do that! My teacher comes in and tells me that I'm going to start meeting with my principal weekly. I wasn't sure if this was normal or if I was in trouble! It would not have been good if I was in jeans meeting him!! We went to his office and got us 2 bottles to drink. It ended up being Vitamin C, which was actually perfect b/c I've been sick! They talked for about 5 minutes or so and then we left! He smiled at me when I got there and when I left... so I assumed I wasn't in trouble! Koreans don't really use emotion when they speak and their faces stay the same. He was stone cold as he was talking! I survived!

The day was very refreshing! It was great to have some time to myself! I've started bring my bible to work so that I can do my devotions here and hopefully start some conversations with my teachers. God reminded me of his unconditional love and his presence was so real to me in that moment! "My cup runneth over!" It was such a great moment and that carried me throughout the rest of my day!

I'm beginning to think on Mondays, we have to go to the Nurse's Office after lunch (she's my teachers' friend). The past 2 weeks we have gone there and sat and talked. Which this is fine, but definitely a bit awkward sometimes. They all talk in Korean and I just set there. Then I'll hear my name and know they are totally talking about me! Oh well!! So, I was trying to make small talk and I asked them where I could get a plant or a small flower. I do really want one, but I was more or less just trying to find something to talk about. They talked in Korean for a bit and then my other teacher said, I will take you to get one. I said okay. Then she said, I only have time on the weekends and went and got a calendar. She told me she'd take me on Sunday. This should be fun!!

My other teacher brought me in a toothbrush and toothpaste after lunch. She told me that I need to brush my teeth after lunch and it was 'her pleasure to give me this.' Which it is good b/c their food definitely had a 'distinct' smell! I just thought it was quite comical that she would bring me this! I guess my mom would be proud that I'm brushing my teeth after lunch!

In the afternoon, I was trying to get some lesson plans done! Tuesday is the first day I'm going to teach by myself! Of course, I wait until the afternoon to do this... did you expect any different? So, I'm working on my plans and the phone rings. I decide to answer it and see what happens! It was a teacher who wanted to come down and practice her English. I told her sure. She came down and we talked for about 20 minutes. This can prove to be difficult! Trying to find questions to ask that are easy enough to get answered but aren't just one word answers was a little tricky. At first I wasn't really in it, b/c I knew I had all this stuff to do! But, the Lord so gently reminded me that this is why I am here! Relationships are important, not to-do lists! I could finish this stuff at home tonight if I needed to! So we ended up having a great conversation! She's actually pretty good at English!

My head teacher had left early to go order some books. She said she might come back, but she might not! The school was dead and I was so tempted to leave early! I'm SO GLAD I resisted! My teacher came back and told me that my principal wanted to introduce me in this meeting he was in. It was for the Head Teachers in the school and the Head Parents... important people! That could have been so bad! We went and I opened with 'Hello' in Korean! They gave me a loud round of applause! They loved it! I gave my spill and the teacher tranlated! The principal leans over and tells the guy at the head of the table something and I see him smile and look right at me! He gestured 'setting' the ball and 'hitting' the ball for volleyball. I shook my head yes and he was like oh!! I so wish that I could have a hidden camera on my shirt during the days! You guys would love this entertainment!!

I finally called it a day and headed home! I went to dinner with some friends and I said I wanted "cheap and fast" food. Of course, we ended up not cheap and definitely not quick! We went to a Vietnamese Restaurant! It was actually very tasty and I was glad I went! Food and Fellowship--great combination!

So, I realized that God was teaching me a lesson today... go figure! It's okay to have a schedule, but it's important to be flexible! You never know what He is going to put in your path and it can be so easy to miss it b/c we're focused somewhere else! I love it when I can look back and see what he wast trying to get through to me... and to know that I didn't miss it!! It's all about our experiences and the moments!

It's Long, But Worth It!

2009-06-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

I guess I’ll have to give you my weekend in review. I’m not very good at keeping this up on the weekends! It was a busy one, but also rejuvenating! I woke up on Friday morning with a cough. It wasn’t painful, just a dry/scratchy throat! I sounded kind of funny too! On Saturday there were moments that I really couldn’t talk… my voice would crack! I started stressing out a bit b/c if I lose my voice, I can’t teach! That wouldn’t be good! Saturday afternoon I took it easy and then on Sunday I took a good 2 hour nap and it was fabulous (although I paid for it Sunday night b/c I couldn’t fall asleep)!! I feel like I’m feeling a lot better though. Everyone is telling me this is very normal. Almost everyone has said they got sick the first few weeks as well! I guess with all the changes that are going on, my body is just trying to adjust. The air over here is a lot more polluted then it is in the states. I think my lungs are building up a film right now that will cover them until I return… fun! J

On Friday, I finished my first full week of classes! I actually finish at 12.10pm on Fridays… that’s so amazing!! I had 6^th Graders again. Some of them are actually pretty good at English. My last class of the day/week is probably the craziest class I have, too! It’s so much fun! I had the boy who likes to touch my arms in that class! I don’t really know what to expect or say. You have to give him so credit… he’s a brave one! He walks up to me and feels my bicep and then rubs my arm. I’ve come the conclusion that there are few things he’s checking out. First, my arms are a bit meatier then Korean Women’s arms, so he just wants to see what it feels like. Second, I think he’s checking out my arm hair. It’s blonde so you can’t really see it from far away. They (male and female) don’t have arm hair. And third, he’s not quite sure what to think about my freckles. This is another thing they don’t have! So this combo is really making this kid curious!

I had a boy come in late to class, so the teacher told him he had to sing. He got really nervous and just stood there. The students started chanting his name (that’s what they do here when they want someone to do something… the teacher even joins in)! He just froze. They eventually let him go without singing. He’s a great student though! The teacher told me that he was a star student. I also found out he was one of the boys who were in the gym on Wednesday watching us play volleyball. His friend pointed at me at pretended to hit a ball and grunted! It was comedy!!

I got to leave school at 2.30pm! But, I went to another school with my English teachers. They had a TESOL meeting with local Elementary school teachers. Pretty sure I was the only foreigner there (I’m not sure why my teacher wanted me to go so bad)! So the English Teacher at the school we were at took pity on my and introduced me to their Native Speaking teacher. She was a Korean American! It was so great to talk with her! She speaks Korean pretty fluent as well, so she is a great resource to have! We even go to the same church! (She’s not in my program though!) She’ll only be here for about 2 more months, but she told me to call if I had any questions. She even said I could call her if I was in the store and needed a translator! How great is that!?! She is also the director of volunteers at a local children’s home. This is for kids who sort of orphaned. Let me explain that statement. Some are true orphans—their parents have deceased. Others are sent here b/c their parents can’t afford to keep them. These kids see their parents about once a year. Then there are kids who’s parents have just abandoned them and they have nowhere else to go. In Korea, those kids can’t be adopted. If they can’t make contact with the parents (and they are still living) they have to stay in the system. So, all that to say, once I’m settled a bit more (a few more weeks), I am planning on volunteering 1 night a week. I’m really looking forward to this ministry! Technically it’s a ministry through our church so I’m glad to be getting involved! I’ll keep you posted on that!

She had to leave to actually head to the Children’s Home, but the meeting wasn’t over yet, so they popped Shrek 2 in for me! This school has it’s own mini movie theater in the English Department… yeah it’s the wealthy school in town!

After the meeting, my teacher wanted to take me to a movie (b/c she knows I really enjoy movies)! We decided on Night at the Museum 2. (I wasn’t a fan of the first one, but I thought I’d give the 2^nd one a try!) She paid for my ticket and told me “My pleasure.” We got popcorn and a drink and headed in (which by the way is WAY cheaper here! It cost 8,000 won, which is about $6.50 for 2 small drinks and 2 bags of popcorn!) We headed in and sat in our ‘assigned seats.’ Yes, they tell us where we have to sit! I’m not sure if we can pick like front or back or what, I didn’t understand the Korean being spoken! It was an experience! Yes, it is in English! It’s subtitled in Korean. It was quite comical b/c that movie has a lot of one-liners and slang words. I was the only one laughing at a lot of the parts b/c the literal translation isn’t that funny! Ha… I definitely realized I was the only Foreigner in there! It was fun and I know my teacher really enjoyed it!

Later that night, I hung out with some of my American teachers. After we went out we came back and watched a movie on the roof of our building… good times! Definitely one of those things I say “only in Korea!” Friday was a great day!

Saturday I slept in a bit (9.15am… it’s definitely better then the 6.30am I’ve been doing!) I cleaned my room (yes, this is a regular occurrence for me… at least now it still is! J) A group of girls had decided to do lunch and bowling together! We had lunch at this restaurant who is owned by a North Korean Refugee. I guess he swam across the river to get here! It was nice. One half of the restaurant has tables and chairs and the other half is the traditional setting on the ground… we sat on the ground! I had the BEST mondue, which are dumplings! Mmm… tasty!!

Then we hit up the bowling alley! We had such a blast! There were 10 of us, but I know it sounded like there were so many more! They take bowling serious here… we didn’t so much! We decided that we were already getting stared at b/c we were foreigners so we might as well give them something to stare at! Needless to say, we weren’t very covert at the alley! It was really fun getting to know the other teachers! We are definitely a diverse group… but that keeps in interesting!! I’m not sure if my Wii bowling days helped me or hurt me! I definitely thought I could do more then I could! I scored over 80, which is amazing for me at real bowling!! I just had to remind myself a couple of times that ‘this is just for fun and it’s okay if you’re terrible!” This was one of my humbling moments!! J

Saturday night, I went to Dr. Fish with a few people! Let me explain what this entails. You go to this café and tell them you want to do the fish. First we had to order drinks though for some reason. (I spent 4,650 won on a can of cider—which is their Sprite. I can get that a the store for 900 won!) Then you walk over and step up to a platform. There are then 2 tanks with about, oh I don’t know, maybe 200 fish in them. You wash your feet off and then stick them in these tanks with the fish. The fish then swarm to feet and eat your dead skin off! OH MY WORD!!!!!!!! It’s all of these different feelings surging through your body. It tickles, but it creeps you out, and it feels like jets. I don’t know… it was an experience!! You set in there for about 20 minutes. Well, the people forgot about us, so we stayed in there for over 30 minutes! It was quite intense! They would got to the arches of your feet and try to get in between your toes. I had a blister on the back of my ankle and they ate that sucker up! It was funny b/c one would find something and then it was like he yelled to his friends, here, come over here, b/c then about 15 of them would just swarm to it! I could also tell that my legs must have been dry b/c they were chomping at my ankles! It was actually better when they came in groups b/c it didn’t feel as weird. It was difficult when like 1 would find something. About half way through I got brave and would look at them! It made it so much better b/c the people I was with were quite entertaining. 3 out of the 4 of us were first-timers! One guy’s so laid back that it didn’t phase him one bit! The other guy was straight comedy… he was freaking out the most! I would say this was one of the weirdest things I’ve ever done! Will I do it again—if there is someone who has never done it, I would do it with them for moral support! This will by no means become a regular occurrence though! They did a pretty good job though! After I disinfected my feet with spray I felt them and they got most of my dead skin off! They do wonders for calluses… ha!!

After Dr. Fish, we went up 2 flights of stairs (remember every thing in Korea is built up, not out. So you have to take stairs up everywhere!) to a DVD Bong! (Bong is room in Korean.) You pick out a movie that you want to watch on DVD and then take it to the counter. We paid 17,000 won for this (you are paying for the size of the room) and then he led us back through some dark hallways to our room. It has a huge screen with a leather couch. Maybe this place would be shady if it was in the states, but I choose to think it’s okay here! You just don’t let your skin touch the couch and definitely wash your clothes when you leave! It’s all good! It was so much fun though! For a moment I forgot I was in Korea! The couches are like recliners and you lay back with your feet propped out! I’ll definitely do this again!

Saturday was busy, but relaxing all at the same time! So many NEW and CRAZY adventures… but I LOVED it!!

Sunday was church! I’m enjoying this. It’s a great place to meet Koreans who speak English! It’s also a great place to meet people! The pastor is such a nice guy! I was reminded on Sunday of a great lesson though! It’s easy to get caught up in how different our cultures are but God is consistent no matter where you are! Yes, church is different, but God is the same! We had a baby dedication and it was really moving! First off b/c the baby was adorable!! But, his parents are Korean missionaries to Turkey. They are supported by our church and other Korean Nazarene Churches. They are the only Nazarene Missionaries in Turkey right now. There are 3,000 Christians in Turkey, but the population is over 77 million people! That statement blew my mind! I never knew that! It makes me realize how ignorant I am about certain things! But I was gently reminded that b/c of God, we really aren’t that different. We are all Brothers and Sisters in Christ no matter what Ethnicity we are or what continent we live on! It was very eye opening and encouraging all at the same time! God is good!

I went to lunch with 2 Korean High School girls and 2 other Native Teachers. We went to a ‘Chinese’ Restaurant… ha! It was like Korean food in my opinion, nothing like ‘American Chinese’ or ‘China Chinese.’ It had soy sauce, so I guess that made it Chinese. Korea doesn’t really use soy sauce. It was fun to talk with them… they have great English! One of the girls got baptized last week! She has only been a Christian for a couple of months, so she’s still a pretty new Christian, but she’s passionate and it’s so contagious! I loved it!! It was so great to spend time with them!

For dinner, I was talked into going out for sushi! I had mild sushi! I settled for Shrimp Sushi, which was on a pile of rice! I was pleasantly surprised! This was a Japanese Restaurant. So, on Sunday I didn’t have any Korean food! My friends told me, “We’ll make a sushi lover out of you yet!”

I feel like I go out to eat a lot here… probably b/c I do, but it’s a great way to fellowship! I mean you’re sharing food, you’re eating off each other’s plates, you’re reaching across each other… great way to bond! But, you are also able to have some great intentional conversations!

My weekend was a great one! I’m really starting to love this place! I do have a few things you can help me pray about though:

1. I am starting to get sick, which is rough! Pray for my health and for the health of the other teachers as well.

2. I want to embrace the culture. I want to really love these people and experience their way of life! I don’t want to live American here, I want to live the Korean lifestyle. I want to try new things that are their things! I’m not there yet… I’m still learning. For example, this country definitely had a distinct smell to it. I don’t want to be so caught up on the smell as I’m walking down the street that I miss out on a moment of appreciating something that God has put in front of me! (Just one example!)

3. I want to cherish this experience! I don’t want to take things for granted! Each day is a new day and I don’t want to get caught up in routine!

Thanks for all of your support!! It’s been so comforting to know I have people at home who have been thinking about me and praying for me! There have been quite a few moments that I can honestly say if I wasn’t being prayed for, I wouldn’t have made it! I’d love to hear how you all are doing as well! Send me an email and update me on your life: beckybrents@gmail.com!

Girls Day Out Bowling:

This is Dr. Fish:

Hello Becky Teacher!

2009-06-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

I spent my day with 6^th graders… hormones that their best right there! They are definitely at an ornery stage in life… but I LOVE it! They can be a handful, but they can also be a blast! There were a few students who knew English pretty well. They introduced themselves and told me about their hobbies. Then one by stood up and said, “Hello, my name is (I have no idea what he said!) and I love you, I love you, I love you!” Of course, the class goes crazy and the teacher said, he can’t really speak English! Ha… it was so great! One boy told me he was going to be a fashion designer when he grew up and a girl told me she was going to be a dentist. I was very impressed! The Korean Teacher just kept telling me that 6^th grade is crazy! I kind of liked them! J

She got ticked at one of the classes and called up the teacher. He had to come down to the English room. It was so funny b/c all the kids got right in check when they saw him! (He’s young and kind of cute so I didn’t mind him having to come down for a bit! J) They all started answering questions and stayed in line the whole time!

I’ve had most of the grades by now, so every time they see me, it’s “Hello Becky Teacher,” or just “hi!” I can’t go down the hall without having to say hello about 20 or 30 times. Like I said before, there’s only 1 American toilet, but it’s on the first floor. I have to walk down and up 4 flight of stairs every time I have to go… but so worth it!! So, every time I have to use the restroom I have to say hello about 50 times! Gotta love it! It’s the same way in the cafeteria! Students will just come and stand by you until you acknowledge them or they’ll yell at you from the across the lunchroom! It’s so great… an experience, but great!

The vice principal is so cute! He’s always worrying about me! He’ll check in with my teacher to make sure I’m doing okay or I’m enjoying my day or the school or whatever. Well today, he told my teacher that he was worried I might be missing my family and that I was homesick. It’s so sweet of him to worry about me! Everyone has been so nice to me so far!

This afternoon I taught a class for the teachers. I think I’m really going to enjoy this! I taught them basic ‘hello’ statements and ‘goodbye’ statements. They keep telling me to slow down… I don’t think I’m going that fast! I was giving an explanation about something and at the end I asked, “Do you understand?” The room was silent! I’ll take that as a no! I’m looking forward to getting to know the teachers better through this class! On Wednesdays I can connect with the male teachers through volleyball and on Thursdays I can connect with the female teachers during English class. (There were 3 guys who came today though. The Vice Principal was one of them… talk about feeling like you have to bring your ‘A’ game!) I’m loving this experience!

My teachers have asked me to go to a movie with them tomorrow night after school! This is very exciting, b/c usually it takes awhile for them to warm up to you and invite you places. I’ve heard that once you’ve been invited, that means you’re in! We shall see! I’m looking forward to it! My teacher told me, “We’ll have some snakes to eat.” I was like excuse me?!? I’m deathly afraid of snakes and I thought this was some crazy Korean thing! I asked her again and she said snakes again. “You know, we’ll have some drink and popcorn.” Oh, she means SNACKS… ha! It takes a few tries sometimes, but usually we’ll figure it out!

I had to kill some time tonight while I was waiting for my pictures to get developed. I decided to check out a few of the cute shops they have on the main road. I found this store with way cute clothes, for pretty cheap! I bought my first Korean article of clothing! It’s like a little button up sweater. (Side note: Females can’t wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts here. Their shoulders must be covered. If they’re not, you are considered ‘slutty.’ That’s not good!) It’s always a fun experience trying to find clothes to fit you here… God did not create us all the same!! J

I went to dinner at one of the professors’ houses tonight. We had hamburgers and chips with cheese and salsa!! It was fabulous! They don’t eat much meat here and hamburgers are pretty hard to find! I haven’t had meat for quite awhile like that, so I allowed myself to eat 2 of them… and it was great! No guilt here!

They had invited some of their students over for dinner as well so that they could practice their English with young, native speakers. It was so refreshing to meet young people who could speak English clearly! They explained a lot of the Korean culture to us! Most of them are hoping to come to the states to finish college or go to Grad School. 2 of the guys will be going to Southern Nazarene University (SNU) in Oklahoma City, in August. They are hoping to eventually make it to Seminary! How crazy is that?!? It was fun to get to talk them and experience the culture through their eyes!

I feel like I’ve had a busy past couple of days! I can feel it catching up to me! I’m a little tired, but that’s okay! Jet Lag is pretty much gone, I think! No more severe headaches at 2.30pm everyday! Thank you Jesus!! That was rough for a bit! I’ve almost completed my first week!

Please don't judge my grammar!

2009-06-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

I tried to type this last night before I went to bed but for some reason I could not form complete sentences. I went back and read the first paragraph and I would just randomly leave words out or put them in the wrong order! The Koreans are starting to wear off on me!!

I woke up this morning to a bright and sunny day. This all changed very quickly when it suddenly turned black and then began to rain! I’m glad I remembered my umbrella from home, but now I’m wishing I had some rain boots! That’s an investment that I will be making very soon! Thankfully though the times I had to walk outside it was down pouring! Many other teachers did not have this same luxury!

Today was my long day! I had 5 classes so my only break was at lunch! Today I got to meet my 3^rd graders. They are a cute group! Here’s a sample of some highlights: They can’t say the ‘th’ sound, it comes out more like a ‘sh’ or ‘s’ sound. So, instead of ‘mouth,’ it’s ‘mouse.’ Quite funny. I will also hold up a card and ask them what is on the picture. Sometimes I get a little stage fright b/c they are studying my sounds and the way I look when I say it. Sometimes I forget momentarily how to say a word! This is sometimes difficult since my main job is pronunciation!! Today I was holding up a picture of different school supplies. I came to a picture of ‘crayons’. I’ve never been able to say this word correctly. I always pronounce it ‘crowns.’ Needless to say, we didn’t spend much time on that word. We said it a couple of times and moved on quickly! We will also point to parts of the body and ask, “what’s this?” There answer is always “it’s a (insert word here).” So I’d point to my ears and they’d say, “it’s a ears.” The funniest one I’ve come across though is a picture of scissors. They’ll say, “it’s a scissors.” They’re too young to correct for that stuff, so I just laugh in my head!

We were role playing today it was straight comedy. We watch it on the big screen first and then act it out. They all say together, “Ready, Action!” (Actually they yell it more then say it!) They were going to see the dentist and the girl wouldn’t open her mouth, so this little creature (cartoon character) pinches her and she yells and opens her mouth. So, they acted that out. But when they got to the pinching part, they actually pinch each other hard and then twist it! The whole class, INCLUDING the teacher just laughs! I gave a sympathy laugh for the student getting pinched!

Cell phones are another big thing here! My 3^rd graders all have them! I had a girl yesterday is class pull hers out and make a phone call. She wasn’t talking, she more like listening to a message. But, the teacher didn’t say anything! They are also texting and taking pictures all through class too! It’s so crazy! Surprisingly, it’s not a distraction for the students! It’s just different!

We had soup (angel hair pasta in a broth with vegetables) for lunch and I ate it with chopsticks! Who eats soup with chopsticks… Koreans! I also ate my little chicken wings with them earlier in the week! It’s interesting… but it’s making me get a lot better!

I had a blast this afternoon! I told you I was invited on Tuesday by the PE teacher to play volleyball. I didn’t realize how big of a deal this was! All the staff comes to the gym on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm. Even the principal and vice principal comes! Then we split up and play a game. They have a few different rules though, that I was not aware of! They don’t rotate… you start in a position and stay there the whole time. On my team there were 3 girls and 4 guys. On the other side there were 3 girls and like 5 or 6 guys. Only a girl can hit it over the net and only the girls serve. I wish I would have had a video camera! It was so funny the first time I hit it. It wasn’t even a good hit and I hear oohs and ahhs! Then this guys who is about in 50s probably came up and gave me a double high five… like high 10! (He was the setter!) I felt bad b/c they wouldn’t set the other 2 girls! They didn’t seem to mind though… ha! I felt horrible for the guys b/c they were pretty much just standing there. It didn’t look like they were having much fun! But, we played the first game and then took a break.

They had all of this food sat out! Oh, the principal and vice principal played too! (Remember earlier I told you that the Principal is all business and he doesn’t smile! I was very intimidated when I saw him there! The principal is great though! He was laughing and enjoying himself!) The principal said, “Come Becky, eat!” So, of course I had to! I was so nervous b/c I don’t like a lot of Korean food yet. They said here, try this and then would watch me eat and wait for my reaction! Thankfully it was okay!! I had one of the older guys tell me, “I’ll teach you how to eat Korean style.” I got a piece of lettuce and added this pork to it. Then I went to grab something to put in it and the principal starting laughing at me. I wasn’t sure what was going on. He said, “too spicy!” I tried a little bit anyway. Then the guy told me to wad it up and stick it in my mouth. So, I stuck this huge lettuce ball in my mouth while everyone was watching me! Then the principal said, “Try this.” It was like a dumpling sort of thing but had some type of rice cake in it. Not exactly sure, but it’s one of his favorites so I just ate it and smiled! Thankfully they had watermelon so I ate a few pieces. Then the principal said, “Eat more.” I said I was full. Then he said, “Eat,” and pointed to the watermelon! So, I decided to eat another piece and just smile! It was so cool b/c I got to talk to some of the teachers. They actually knew some English. They asked a few questions about volleyball. The vice principal said, “You are very good, I’m glad!” We then finished our game!

I thought we were done, but then one of the guys came up to me and said that now it was the males turn! Ah, that makes sense now! So I sat down to watch them and then they were like, no you play with us. So, I played with the guys (a few ladies played too) and I loved it! They were pretty good, but I held my own! I even put a few hits down! It was great… the vice principal was our setter and they would yell my name “Becky” and then I would get the set and hit it! The principal was behind me! It was so much fun! They finally started accepting me to. Before they would be to scared to talk to me! I fell like it tore down a lot of walls! Pretty sure I was the only person really sweating though (Koreans don’t really sweat that much and we all know I’m a sweater!!) We played for 2 hours! I walked back to my classroom with the other teacher and the principal. He said, “Very Good Job, Becky!” That just made my night! It’s really good if your principal likes you!

It was time to do laundry tonight! That is a chore! 1.48 hours for washing and 42 minutes for drying... in the same machine… makes for some long nights! I got most of it finished! Exciting times!

Overall, great day! One of the best so far I think! It’s the best feeling when you get to do stuff you love! It definitely reenergizes you! Hope you get to do the stuff you love… life’s too short not to!

Pure Hospitality

2009-06-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

My FREE Gift!

In Korea, smoking is a big thing for guys! A good number of them are chain smokers. Today, I sat at the bus station for a few minutes and watched my bus drive across the street smoke a cigarette before he came and picked us up! (We are the last stop in one direction and the first stop the other direction. They let off a load and then pull a U-Turn to come and pick us up!) I thought to myself—only in Korea!

It was great though, b/c I was the second person on the bus. I picked a seat by the window, on the left side, next to a buzzer! It was the perfect seat!! I looked out the window and counted my stops and double checked my landmarks before I hit the button today! I got off on the right stop… I was so proud of myself! (I must celebrate even the little accomplishments right now!)

Today I had the other half of the fifth graders! I felt like I was having déjà vu, but then remembered nope, just teaching the exact same lesson over again: “’v’ violin.” Gotta love the phonics! I went through my basic introduction again today. I said my name and then showed the pictures of my family. Yesterday, they looked and said small comments. But, today they instantly started yelling, cheering, and clapping! It was so great! They were yelling ‘handsome’ and ‘beautiful’ with every picture! It was so cute… I couldn’t help but laugh!

I finished my classes and then it was lunchtime! I was so nervous after yesterday! Last night I walked down to Lotte Mart (my version of Wal-Mart) and stocked up on snacks to take to school! I was starving before lunch so I had a quick snack just to be on the safe side! We walked into the cafeteria and I instantly scanned the room and looked at the kid’s plates… spaghetti… score!! Yes, it was spaghetti, but Korean spaghetti… not quite the same, but I’ll take it! I ate it with my rice and we also had a beef stew with potatoes! I was actually full today when I left lunch! So much better than yesterday!

After lunch, I had a class of 3^rd graders. These guys were so cute! They all went around the room and introduced themselves, “Hello, my name is ___________. Nice to meet you.” The first 2 names I tried to repeat and I totally butchered it! The kids got a great laugh out of it though!! After that, I decided I would just respond, “Nice to meet you, too!” That was so much easier!

I also had a classroom full of 6^th graders run into my room and attack me during my planning period! I felt like we were playing 20 questions: “What’s your name? How old are you? Where are you from? Are you married? Do you have a boyfriend? How are you?” Most of them couldn’t really understand my responses, but they tried! I had one boy grab my bicep and squeeze it. I really have no idea what he was trying to do! I gave him a funny look and he gave me a funny look back! He asked how much my watch was and then said, “Show me the money!” Oh 6^th graders! All of the girls wanted to shake my hand for some reason?!? I shook like 10 or 15 hands. I really felt important! J

They don’t have janitors at the school. The students are responsible for cleaning the school. They have a one hour break for lunch. During this time they clean, go to lunch, and then have free time to play outside! It’s so cute seeing little Korean children sweeping the floor with little hand held brooms and dustpans! They are very hard workers though!

After school today, the PE teacher came into my room to introduce himself to me. He said he would like to talk to me to learn English. I said he can come and we can talk. He asked if I liked sports and I said yes. He asked if I like volleyball and I said yes. He said, “You play on Wednesdays with us. We meet at 3. Do you have sport shoes and sport clothes?” I asked if shorts and a t-shirt were okay. (They are really weird about what’s appropriate here and what’s not!) He told me they were so I guess I’m playing volleyball tomorrow after school with the male teachers! This should be fun! I was hoping to be able to watch one week so I knew what to expect, but I guess I better go big or go home, right?!? I’ll let you know how it goes! Hope I don’t come home with a broken nose or anything… I have no idea how good they are!

This afternoon, my English teacher came into my room about 3 o’clock. She said, “You come to the store with me. Usually you can’t leave, but since you’re coming with me, it’s okay.” I got to leave 2 hours early… I’m not going to complain about that! We went to Hi Mart (which is like Best Buy) to get a few things. She bought a mini fridge, 2 electronic dictionaries (they translate like 13 different languages. They also speak the word so you can hear the pronunciation! They’re sweet… expensive, but sweet!!), 2 fans and a sweeper thing. I wasn’t sure what this was all for, so I asked, “What’s all of this for?” She told me it was for the English room… that’s MY room! Oh my word… I was worried she was buying this with her money (that’s what they do here) but then I saw the credit card with the school’s name on it! They also gave us a free gift b/c it took so long to check out! (They give away the most random things here. On cereal boxes, they tape DVD’s on them, or a pack of sticky notes on batteries… RANDOM?!?) I got a 16 piece package of Tupperware and 2 bars of ‘mud’ soap—no idea what that means! My teacher got a gift pack of laundry soap, stain remover, and fabric softener! Good times in Korea!

We then went to E-Mart (I would say this is more like a Target!) to get something else! They have a Baskin Robin’s IN this place!! So great… of course we had to get some ice cream and it was delicious! We then walked around for a bit and she told me to pick out some fruit. I got a package of grapes. She made me find a fresh pack… which I do appreciate! Then we went to buy drinks. (From what I gathered, I think this is for a lesson?) We then went to the cookie aisle and she told me to find a pack I liked! It’s pretty much looking at the pictures and then finding one that looks okay. (I think she saw me tear the pack of cookies up the day before and figured I really liked cookies… actually I was just starving and anything would have done!) She bought me the grapes and cookies with her own money to take back to my apartment! How sweet is that?!? She then drove me home and I arrived at 4.50pm… which is 40 minutes earlier then I would have usually gotten home!

I ran into a few of the other native teachers (that’s what we are called) when I got home! It was so good to talk with them! She was asking me how my day was and I was able to process a lot with her! They were things that other people wouldn’t understand so it was comforting to have her feedback! We stood in the hall for about 45 minutes talking. By the time were done, there were about 7 or 8 of us there talking! I’m beginning to realize that b/c I don’t speak a lot during the day, I have all of these words built up inside of me and I have to talk someone or I’ll just explode! I’m not much of talker, but tonight I couldn’t shut-up! I’m usually a bystander in conversations, but tonight I think I dominated! I feel kind of bad, but I just had to get it out!! It’s such a strange feeling!

I met a couple at dinner tonight who were about my parents age. They have 2 sons who are about my age and they are professors over here. They’ve been here for 7 years. It was so comforting to talk with them. I kind of felt like I was having dinner with my parents in a way! It was nice. I totally needed that tonight! Again, God is revealing things to me that I didn’t even know I needed! I know He’s here with me through this process and that is so comforting! It’s been so neat to see the way He will lay certain people on my heart and different times throughout the day! I’ve really been trying to learn to be in constant conversation with Him throughout the entire day. It’s so amazing how much more I am aware of Him and what He’s doing when I do this! It helps me to be more outwardly focused instead of inwardly focused (which is very easy to do with where I’m at right now)! I feel like a sponge right now… soaking it all up!

Oh and GOOD NEWS: I found an American Toilet today!! I finally just broke down and asked my teacher if they had one! It’s a pretty sweet set up! They have books and pictures and mirrors in this one stall! It’s of course only the teachers bathroom but it’s great! She told me that over Summer Break, they are supposed to replace all the ‘squatty potties’ with American Toilets! She made my heart happy!! It’s the little things in life… remember that! J

One Day Down, 364 More To Go

2009-06-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

My 1st Day of School!!

Today was my first day of class!! I was a little nervous b/c I didn’t really know what to expect. I tried to do lesson plans for the day but it’s kind of hard where you don’t know where they are or what they’re doing! I figured I’d just go with it!

I made sure I gave myself plenty of time to get to school! (Side note: One of the guys in charge of our program showed me my trail to get to school on Friday, but he also showed 2 other teachers in the same trip. I had a good idea where the general vicinity was, but I needed to practice! Yesterday, one of the other new teachers and I rode the bus and practiced our route so we wouldn’t get lost!) I made sure I sat on the right side of the bus so I could see all of my landmarks that I wrote down and took notes about! I was feeling good. I was about to hit the button on the bus but someone else did, so I just got up. I stepped off the bus and realized I got off one stop to early! (At this time I hit my head with my hand and thought ‘aiye!’ [that’s my new word right now for some reason… I think it’s b/c it sounds foreign… ha!]) I realized I could just walk down to the next stop b/c it wasn’t that far! I have to go down stairs and under the road to get to the other side. I found my school very easy after that! I walked in and found my class and slipped on my slippers for the day. (You wear slippers in the class, not shoes. Students and teachers both do this and all visitors do as well!)

It was great all the students just kept saying hello to me! I introduced myself to each class and then showed them pictures of my family… they ate that up! Some of them said, ‘Oh your parents are so young!’ (Thought you’d like to know that mom and dad!!) My teacher is great! Her English isn’t the best, but she has GREAT classroom management and I feel like she really knows how to use me! I did a lot of pronunciation today. I would say ‘bank’ and they would repeat it, like 3 times. Then I would say it phonically b-a-n-k and they’d repeat! 4 classes and I was done by 12.10pm! Classes are 40 minutes long and then they have a 10 minute break where the kids pretty much run wild! During the break, I had multiple students come in and talk to me and ask me questions! I had 2 boys take pictures with me on their cell phone! It was so cute!! (One of the other new teachers told me that like 5 students asked for his autograph… isn’t that hilarious?!?)

It is so amazing to me that even though they’re from different cultures, kids will be kids! They really don’t like to volunteer here, so I decided to give out stickers to the kids who do volunteer and give it a try! It’s amazing how many more hands went up after I started passing them out! When they were trying to figure out who would go first for a game, they did ‘rock, paper, scissors.’ Oh how I love that game… it solves all issues! Oh and my name is ‘Becky Teacher.’ Even the teacher calls me that! I love it!

I had to use my first ‘squatty potty’ today! It’s pretty much a drain in the ground and you squat over it and relieve yourself! I was a little nervous b/c I am the WORST squatter! I can’t not get it on me… I know… super gross, but honest! Thankfully I passed the test today! I used 2 different bathrooms and both only had those. Tomorrow I’m going to ask and see if they have regular toilets! It’s going to be a LONG year if I have to use those everyday! I usually use the restroom about 10-15 times per day… today I used it 2 times! It’s all about the experience… right?!?

Lunch… now that was interesting! Man it’s going to be a long year in that aspect! I didn’t want to be rude, so I ate as much as I could stomach and then said I was full. I was not full. I did learn to bring snacks though! I went to the store tonight and got plenty of stuff I can take to school and put in my closet! That way I can eat what I can stomach and then go back to my room and find something else if I need to!!

I had to go to the staff meeting today. I stood up in front of all of the teachers and told a little about myself. The other teacher translated for me! She had to tell me a couple of times to slow down… I really wasn’t talking that fast! But I did say ‘Anyonghaseyo, Becky immeda!’ They were impressed and applauded for me right away!

On Mondays, I’m finished teaching by 12.10pm, but I can’t leave until 5pm. Today, I went to lunch and then hung out for a bit. We went to the staff meeting and then I came back and played on facebook and caught up on emails! J This is the perfect time to skype, so you late night owls let me know and we can set something up!

My English teachers came in about 4.15pm and brought some snacks and drinks to share. They are so cute!! She brought me a bottle of something and I took a big swig of it. Yeah, I’m pretty sure it was some type of corn water! Oh my, it’s not the best, but totally the thought that counts! She also brought these cookies and I ate quite a few! I was starving!! I’m sure they were like what is wrong with this girl?!? I was so thankful that she brought snacks!

So, my first day was a success! It’s so interesting how things are so different, but so the same as well! It was comforting on the way home, I met up on the bus with my friend who had his first day too! It was good 1. To talk to someone in English and 2. To process the day with! It is now officially 12 months until I return! My contract began today! Doesn’t that sound so crazy?!? I’m sure I’ll read over this in about 11 months and think this seemed just like yesterday!!

Field Trips Aren't Just For Kids!

2009-06-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... I've been such a slacker the past couple of days! I'll break this up so it's not so overwhelming! The other day I was looking at my blog and realizing how long each entry was... sorry about that! i guess i don't speak a lot of English throughout the day, so that I just spew it all out here... hope you don't mind! :) And, Koreans don't really like stories! They just like you to get to the point, so I'm definitely having to adjust to that!!

On Saturday, we (all of the teachers in my program) went on a field trip! It was great b/c I got to meet all of the teachers! We drove for about 2 or 3 hours to Jeonju City. I noticed that South Korea is green, once you get out of the city! It was refreshing to see trees and water!! We went to the paper museum. I got to make my own sheet of paper! They had some really cool things all made out of paper! (Check out the pictures below!) It was quite comical b/c we were on a tight time schedule! They didn't really let us take our time to look. They kept saying, okay, let's go to the next room! Which I think is very interesting, b/c they are a very patient culture!

This city is known for 2 things: fans and bimimbop (a type of food). We had lunch at a well-known bimimbop restaurant. I was disappointed b/c I was having one of those days when I just wasn’t feeling Korean Food. There was tons of stuff in front of me, but I just didn’t feel like trying anything new! I was talking to one of the teachers about that and was asking if that was normal. She said it totally was and some of the best advice she got was from another teacher who told her she needs to listen when her body is telling her that. It’s okay that you just want American food! I ate some of the stuff, I just didn’t have a big appetite for that!

Then, we went on a guided tour of the city. It was neat to see the different parts. I’m not exactly sure what it was all about… I was a little confused!! They had pictures of old Kings, I think?!? I know, that’s not too good of me, but oh well! I think I got some good pictures!!

On the way home, we stopped at this gas station for a break and I found a DR. PEPPER!! You don’t understand… they don’t have that here regularly! It was such a treat! I also treated myself to a Snickers Bar since I didn’t eat much at lunch… it was fantastic!!

Oh, and I forgot to tell you that all day, the whole group had on matching shirts!! Not only do we stand out b/c we are Weguks (foreigners) but we all match! Gotta love Korea! The funny thing is, here boyfriends and girlfriends where the matching shirts… it’s like telling everyone that they’re taken. We call it ‘same, same.’ It’s too great!

That night some teachers asked if I wanted to go to dinner and I told them no thank you b/c I wasn’t feeling Korean food that day! They told me they were going to Pizza Hut… I totally went!! It was fun. We went downtown again and walked around for a bit. One of the teachers lives down there, so we went to his apartment to hang out. He lives on the 19^th floor and overlooks the entire city… it was amazing!! We set out on the balcony and had quite an enjoyable evening!

The next day (Sunday) I went to church for the first week! It was really cool. It was the day of Pentecost, so we read through Acts 2. But, the pastor had it read in 9 different languages! Almost all of the people who read, read in their native languages! I truly am going to an International Church! It was so neat to hear that! We had a potluck after church… gotta love those things, you never know what you’re eating! I met a few people and had an enjoyable time!

The rest of the afternoon I cleaned (Side note: My room used to be a guys room. I’m learning that even clean boys aren’t technically clean!) and got my lesson plans ready for my first day of school! The weekend was good… just not long enough!! It’s definitely an adjustment living in a real city!

I'm making my own paper:

These are all made out of the paper I made:

This is for Brooke & Brylie:

Jeonju City:

I thought this was too funny! This is a bar of soap hanging in the bathroom!