I realize that I have been silent for over a week and I apologize. I have no big fancy tale about how my amazing life has kept me so busy that I couldn't find the time to write. In fact, it has been the mundane routine and fighting a cold that has kept me from writing.
Earlier in December I was informed that I will be running an English camp by myself January 2nd-22nd and ever since then I have been spending my desk warming afternoons scanning the internet for different ideas for a fun but educational English camp. I settled on a themed camp because it will be easier for me to plan and also to keep the students interested and actually wanting to come back the next day. My Theme is going to be Harry Potter and thankfully there is a ton of information online about different activities like following directions (and making "potions" in the process), using the future tense (and making "predictions") and using describing words (and making up different animals). I am very excited about this camp and REALLY hope the kids enjoy it. I'll write more on that later.
Friday the 14th I had an unfortunate encounter with not one, but two buses.
I left my apartment at 8:10am, not because I needed to be to school early, but because I was ready for school already and I didn't know what else to do. It was a cloudy morning with a chill in the wind. I stood at the bus stop for less then a minute when a 412 bus came forward. I hopped on and made myself comfortable in my usual seat (on the right hand side in front of the back door for an easy get away). A few of the women on the bus had umbrellas. I shook my head in dismay. I've learned that if ANY Korean (young or old) are carrying an umbrella: it will rain. Everything was routine with the first few stops and then the bus came to the roundabout. Instead of bypassing the circle by going in the first turn lane that makes a u-turn the bus drove forward into the circle and exited two streets later. As soon as I noticed where the bus was headed I jumped up and pushed the "stop" button. My thoughts towards the bus were not friendly because I knew the bus was marked 412 and it sure wasn't headed the way a 412 bus should go! When I jumped off the bus I looked at the side number that is painted on the bus and it read: 442. I was now a half a mile away from the nearest bus stop that would take me to school. I power walked a few steps until I decided: who cares what anyone thinks. And thats when I started to run. I ran around half of the roundabout and up a hill towards my school grumbling the whole way about poorly signed buses and drivers not checking to see it their electronic number was the same as their route. The few people waiting at the bus stop all stood there looking at me. I'm sure it really was some sight to see: a foreigner in a big winter jacket, with a thick scarf, a colorful headband, and a balky bag bounce up the hill. I was out of breath by the time I reached the bus stop but just in time to see another 412 putt up the hill. For a second I thought: oh, maybe that is why I missed the real 412 bus, it looks like it won't make it up the hill. Well it did and when it opened it's doors up all of the Korean's at the bus stop got on so I figured that if they trust the slow bus then it must be okay. I got my free transfer onto the bus and the bus drove a few feet and then stopped. The bus driver restarted the engine and continued up the hill. When he reached the next stop he turned around and told everyone to get off. So once again I scanned my bus pass and followed the now bigger group of Koreans. I looked at my phone and noticed it was 8:28 already and I knew I was a 20 minute walk but a 4 minute bus ride to school. I decided to call one of my co-teachers so she'd know I was on my way but that I'd be late. No one answered. We waited for a minute or two for the 415 (which also goes past my school) to arrive. I waited in line as the frantic passengers all pushed to get on the new bus. I was so warm with all of my layers (I wear a lot of clothes at school to stay warm) and getting pushed around in the bus didn't help. Thankfully I only had a stop light and a bus stop to pass before the bus reached mine. I jumped off the bus for the last time that morning and ran across the street and up another hill to my school. And that's when it started to rain. Somehow I managed to get to the school parking lot at the same time as one of my co-teachers.
What lessons have I learned? Trust the painted number on a bus and not just the electronic one. If a bus is not driving so fast that I think it will kill me, then I shouldn't get on it. And I should always check the weather before leaving the apartment.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
2.
I have been living in the city of Ulsan for two months now and last Saturday I finally went on a trip outside of the city to Busan.
Meredith and I took a 50 minute bus ride to Busan early Saturday morning. Considering the 45 minute inner city bus ride I take to get to her neighborhood, the trip to Busan felt like a blink of an eye. The subway stop was right next to where the bus let us off and soon we were off to the international "Chinese" market. The subway system was so easy to navigate thanks to our smart phones and the fact that each stop was given in Korean and English.
Even though it was 10:30am a lot of the shops weren't open along the market street but the owner's of the shops that were open spoke to us in English, which was such a refreshing experience. I think I ignorantly thought that I would experience English wherever I went in cities and I quickly discovered that is not the case in Ulsan. The residents of Busan continued to amaze me as we explored the city through their curiosity of why we are in Korea and also in their eagerness of have us sit by them on the subway (often I notice people avoiding me when I am on the bus, probably because they either don't speak English or are afraid I'll speak to them in English) but there was a group of elderly women on the subway at one point who were so fascinated by Meredith and I. They didn't say anything to us but through their body language and their smiles I could tell they were so excited to have us sit by them. Meredith's co-teacher had taught her "cute" in Korean and she heard them use it while they were looking at us a few times. They were so cute though. The best interaction we had was with a taxi driver who stopped and asked where we wanted to go, I couldn't believe a taxi would slow down long enough to ask! I'm normally the one running out of their way!
In the early afternoon we took a bus up to Beomeosa Temple. It was a beautiful day for walking around in the hills of Busan and we both agreed we'd like to go back when the flowers are in full bloom. The temple buildings were painted with a vibrant teal in different designs. There were a few buildings that had signs outside that said "no pictures" or "do not enter" and we did see a monk walk by in his robes. It was special to see the contrast between the busy city life and the quiet temple atmosphere.
Meredith and I took a 50 minute bus ride to Busan early Saturday morning. Considering the 45 minute inner city bus ride I take to get to her neighborhood, the trip to Busan felt like a blink of an eye. The subway stop was right next to where the bus let us off and soon we were off to the international "Chinese" market. The subway system was so easy to navigate thanks to our smart phones and the fact that each stop was given in Korean and English.
Even though it was 10:30am a lot of the shops weren't open along the market street but the owner's of the shops that were open spoke to us in English, which was such a refreshing experience. I think I ignorantly thought that I would experience English wherever I went in cities and I quickly discovered that is not the case in Ulsan. The residents of Busan continued to amaze me as we explored the city through their curiosity of why we are in Korea and also in their eagerness of have us sit by them on the subway (often I notice people avoiding me when I am on the bus, probably because they either don't speak English or are afraid I'll speak to them in English) but there was a group of elderly women on the subway at one point who were so fascinated by Meredith and I. They didn't say anything to us but through their body language and their smiles I could tell they were so excited to have us sit by them. Meredith's co-teacher had taught her "cute" in Korean and she heard them use it while they were looking at us a few times. They were so cute though. The best interaction we had was with a taxi driver who stopped and asked where we wanted to go, I couldn't believe a taxi would slow down long enough to ask! I'm normally the one running out of their way!
In the early afternoon we took a bus up to Beomeosa Temple. It was a beautiful day for walking around in the hills of Busan and we both agreed we'd like to go back when the flowers are in full bloom. The temple buildings were painted with a vibrant teal in different designs. There were a few buildings that had signs outside that said "no pictures" or "do not enter" and we did see a monk walk by in his robes. It was special to see the contrast between the busy city life and the quiet temple atmosphere.
After that we went to an Iris pub and I got a real burger! And by real I mean it was made out of real beef and was cooked with burger spices. Hmm... now I want another one.
Our final (and most anticipated) stop was to the largest shopping center in Busan. Why were we so excited about this place? Because they have an H&M! I was looking forward to shopping at a place that I knew would fit my "long" arms and legs. I was not disappointed (well I was a little when I saw my bill) but it is worth spending every Won because my new clothes fit and they are cute. I now have enough warm things to help me survive the open windows at school.
I am very glad that we visited Busan and that I am so close to the city. I think I'll be spending a lot of time there now that I know it's so easy and cheap to get to (4,800 W). Plus we only scratched the surface of the city.
The biggest disappointment was coming back to Ulsan and having to take a bus home. I fell in love with the clean and smooth subway ride. There were points during our trip that we had to stand in the middle of the subway with no handles and it didn't matter because the subway started and stopped so smoothly that no one went flying.
The Christmas spirit is in full swing in my apartment! On Friday I went decoration shopping and I put them up on Sunday. I have been listening to Christmas music nonstop and it's pretty much wonderful. If only it would snow... but I'm not holding my breath because it doesn't sound like it snows often in Ulsan.
Bless friends
Saturday, December 1, 2012
My four Day Thanksgiving
That Thanksgiving will always hold a special place in my heart because the holiday spirit was alive in the dorm. Every North American came together to share their families' recipes and everyone else came to celebrate with us. I'll never forget the three tables full of food or the sounds of satisfied guests.
This Thanksgiving wasn't like those past experiences. And I am Thankful for that because this one can stand alone in my memories as well.
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I showed my students this clip from Charlie Browns Thanksgiving https://www.youtube.com/watch?
After school on Wednesday I walked to a local pie shop to test taste the rumored pumpkin pie. The shop is tucked away in the basement of a building and has a quaint coffee shop feel. The owner is a sweet girl who studied in America and the pie passed my taste bud test.
On actual Thanksgiving I woke up early because the bus company was going on strike that day over the taxis getting to use their bus lanes (I still don't understand because I have seen cars, taxis, scooters, and buses use every lane) and I knew I'd need to walk to school. I was a little frustrated with my school because no one had told me about the strike or offered to give me a ride to school (thankfully I read English updates about the city and they warned of the bus strike). As I was getting ready for my cold walk to school my landlord and some younger lady who translated for us buzzed my room. They wanted to see if I knew about the bus strike and when I told them I was planning on walking to school my landlord said her husband would drive me to school. It was an awkward fifteen minutes in the car (a common car ride with a Korean consists of them speaking Korean under their breath most of the drive) but I am SO thankful that I didn't have to walk to school. In the afternoon I learned that the strike ended at 11am that morning. What a quick strike. That night I celebrated Thanksgiving by watching every Thanksgiving episode of How I Met Your Mother (which has become a self made tradition the last few years). I ended the evening with a little Skype time with my parents.
Friday morning before I went to school I was able to Skype with my mom's side of the family down at the farm! What a blessing to see their faces and be offered homemade bars. (Seriously, technology is such a blessing). After school I met up with Meredith and Loree at Costco for our Thanksgiving shopping. After two hours of shopping we successfully got everything we needed for a proper Thanksgiving feast. We decided to get two full chickens instead because without an oven we would never be able to cook a turkey in a day. One thing we were hoping to find at Costco was cranberries and we left without them sadly. But while at Homeplus Loree and I spotted them from across the room and both ran to the refrigerator that held them. Both of us started to dance in the middle of Homeplus, it was magical.
Saturday afternoon began the Thanksgiving festivities in my apartment. I had five Americans over and we cooked our Thanksgiving feast for two and a half hours, ate for about one, cleaned for a half hour, and sat content around the table the rest of the night. I love that this holiday brings people together no matter what country they are in and that everyone is willing to cook, wait for hours for the food, and then clean up.
And in true Thanksgiving fashion there were left overs that I was able to share with my two friends from South Africa the day after.
In conclusion: I am thankful for my landlord driving me to school, for American friends to celebrate with, for new friends to share with, for my electronics still working, that everyone's health is intact, for cranberries in South Korea, for happy dances in grocery stores, for pumpkin pie, for How I Met Your Mother's hilarious Thanksgiving episodes, for Skype, and every other blessing in my life.
everyone (minus Loree) and our Thanksgiving feast.
Thankful that Meredith and Loree were on my plane.
Eating Thanksgiving with chop sticks because I didn't have enough forks!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Desk Icing.
I wish that desk warming was an actual warm job because I am currently
writing this blog post with gloves on and a blanket over my lap. I keep
my jacket on all day just like my co-teachers do. One day I finally
asked why the windows are open in the hallway and I was told it is
"because of the sweat". Honestly the kids don't smell (that bad) and I'd
be able to live with the smell if it meant I'd be warm (or they could
make Korean deodorant instead of importing it and selling it only to
foreigners for $7, it's a thought).
But besides being cold for eight hours a day. I have enjoyed the last few days at school. My first class of 3rd graders came into the classroom early and louder then normal and I decided I was going to try to quiet them down a different way. So I got out of my chair and walked to the white board and started to create a hangman game. In a second every kid stopped yelling and sat in their seat. My co-teacher walked in while the kids were trying to figure out "Thanksgiving" and said I could continue. I then explained what Thanksgiving was and when it is in America. When the second class started my co-teacher asked me to do that again. So for every class that day I got to talk about Thanksgiving through hangman. It was great!
On Tuesday the 4th graders were learning how to ask "where is" so I asked my co-teacher if I could show a video on youtube and she let me play "Where is my hairbrush" from Veggie Tales. It was awesome! The kids loved it (which surprised me because Larry sings very fast) and after the clip I asked what happened and the kid who understood were able to explain why a peach needs a brush and not a cucumber. The most exciting part of the day was during the second class of the day when the projector "popped" and started to smoke! We had to finish the class on the white board and then visit each classes' homeroom the rest of the day.
My biggest news is I can send money to my American account! Look out student loans, you are about to meet your worst nightmare.
But besides being cold for eight hours a day. I have enjoyed the last few days at school. My first class of 3rd graders came into the classroom early and louder then normal and I decided I was going to try to quiet them down a different way. So I got out of my chair and walked to the white board and started to create a hangman game. In a second every kid stopped yelling and sat in their seat. My co-teacher walked in while the kids were trying to figure out "Thanksgiving" and said I could continue. I then explained what Thanksgiving was and when it is in America. When the second class started my co-teacher asked me to do that again. So for every class that day I got to talk about Thanksgiving through hangman. It was great!
On Tuesday the 4th graders were learning how to ask "where is" so I asked my co-teacher if I could show a video on youtube and she let me play "Where is my hairbrush" from Veggie Tales. It was awesome! The kids loved it (which surprised me because Larry sings very fast) and after the clip I asked what happened and the kid who understood were able to explain why a peach needs a brush and not a cucumber. The most exciting part of the day was during the second class of the day when the projector "popped" and started to smoke! We had to finish the class on the white board and then visit each classes' homeroom the rest of the day.
My biggest news is I can send money to my American account! Look out student loans, you are about to meet your worst nightmare.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Dangers of Korea.
If your first thought was buses you'd right, but that's not the kind of dangers that I want to talk about. I have discovered a few other dangers that are going to cause me great inner turmoil this year.
Pet shops: There are little pet shops tucked into pretty much every street. Which wouldn't be that dangerous, except that these pet shops all have large windows that display little puppies in cages. Oh they are so cute with their tiny legs and furry bodies. Every time I walk by one or see one on the bus I want to stop and pick a puppy to bring home. On the way to my local grocery store I walk by two - TWO - pet shops. I am practicing self control because I know it would be very unfair to a puppy to bring him into my life since I am gone for over eight hours a day. Plus I don't think I can get a Korean dog through customs (if you know otherwise please don't tell me! I need to keep my list of reasons for not getting a dog long).
Shopping: Imagine walking into a Buckle but instead of a trendy teen trying to sell jeans you encounter an eager shop keeper who has no concept of a personal bubble who believe that anything you touch you are going to buy. I am learning how to say "I'm just looking" in Korean (gu nyang bol ge yo) so I can stop getting their hopes up! But the real danger of shopping is in the deals they offer, like 1 + 1, which means you buy one you get one free. I have gotten lotion, shampoo, and food with those deals. All of the cosmetic shops seem to have deals like that in their windows and they are more frequent then the pet shops! This one cosmetic shop near my apartment has a sweet lady who gave me and my friends a LARGE bag of free samples for buying a few things. They sure know how to get me to spend my money...
Soccer: Last Saturday I went to the AFC (Asian Football Conference) Championship game where Ulsan South Korea played Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli. It was a very exciting game and our seats were close to where all of the goals were made. The final score was 3 to 0 with the win to Ulsan! The fans went wild! I have been struggling with the dramatic display of emotions in my classroom (for example: if the power point has an adorable picture of a bunny with big cartoon eyes they all scream in unison "AHHHWW", if the picture is of something gross or scary "AHHHWWWW", if the youtube video has to buffer while they are watching it, "AHHHWWW") but I enjoyed their enthusiasm at the game. I have never been to a game where the crowd was so reactive to every movement of the players. The reason this is found in my dangers blog is because the ticket was 8,000 won (a little less then $8) and the stadium is within walking distance from my apartment. I think I will be spending a lot of time their this year indeed.
That's all for now friends. Bless.
Pet shops: There are little pet shops tucked into pretty much every street. Which wouldn't be that dangerous, except that these pet shops all have large windows that display little puppies in cages. Oh they are so cute with their tiny legs and furry bodies. Every time I walk by one or see one on the bus I want to stop and pick a puppy to bring home. On the way to my local grocery store I walk by two - TWO - pet shops. I am practicing self control because I know it would be very unfair to a puppy to bring him into my life since I am gone for over eight hours a day. Plus I don't think I can get a Korean dog through customs (if you know otherwise please don't tell me! I need to keep my list of reasons for not getting a dog long).
Shopping: Imagine walking into a Buckle but instead of a trendy teen trying to sell jeans you encounter an eager shop keeper who has no concept of a personal bubble who believe that anything you touch you are going to buy. I am learning how to say "I'm just looking" in Korean (gu nyang bol ge yo) so I can stop getting their hopes up! But the real danger of shopping is in the deals they offer, like 1 + 1, which means you buy one you get one free. I have gotten lotion, shampoo, and food with those deals. All of the cosmetic shops seem to have deals like that in their windows and they are more frequent then the pet shops! This one cosmetic shop near my apartment has a sweet lady who gave me and my friends a LARGE bag of free samples for buying a few things. They sure know how to get me to spend my money...
Soccer: Last Saturday I went to the AFC (Asian Football Conference) Championship game where Ulsan South Korea played Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli. It was a very exciting game and our seats were close to where all of the goals were made. The final score was 3 to 0 with the win to Ulsan! The fans went wild! I have been struggling with the dramatic display of emotions in my classroom (for example: if the power point has an adorable picture of a bunny with big cartoon eyes they all scream in unison "AHHHWW", if the picture is of something gross or scary "AHHHWWWW", if the youtube video has to buffer while they are watching it, "AHHHWWW") but I enjoyed their enthusiasm at the game. I have never been to a game where the crowd was so reactive to every movement of the players. The reason this is found in my dangers blog is because the ticket was 8,000 won (a little less then $8) and the stadium is within walking distance from my apartment. I think I will be spending a lot of time their this year indeed.
That's all for now friends. Bless.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Desk Warming
Upon my late arrival to school that first Friday I was told to "take a rest" by one of my co-teachers and I spent the remainder of the day at "my desk" on "my computer" looking up bus routes. I figured they were being nice since I had gotten lost and I was jet lagged. Little did I know that I had just been introduced to my new normal for the year: desk warming.
Urbandictionary.com defines desk warming as:
a principal delight of ESL teachers in Korean public schools, where they spend vast amounts of time at their desks, with no particular assignments or tasks to complete.
Another definition I found online from another native teacher in Korea is:
A period of time spent at school in which the foreign teacher can participate in any activity that does not coerce, upset, hurt or infringe upon the rights of another. Dancing, singing, drawing, talking (to oneself,) lesson-planning, gaming, grooming, surfing the net, facebook-stalking and sleeping are all valid forms of entertainment and work in order to get through and maintain sanity during the mandatory 8 hour work day. Teachers must be present on school premises and accounted for at all times.
You get the picture I hope. I have been maintaining my sanity thus far by reading, editing an old story, playing snoopy's street fair, reading blogs, (and I'll be honest) facebook-stalking! I am seriously considering bringing my knitting soon.
Thankfully my day isn't solely desk warming. I typically arrive at school between 8:30 - 8:40 am and head right up into the English room. I sit at my desk (warming up for the upcoming desk warming) and I also review my part of the lesson that day. Then at 9:10 am begins the back to back classes of loud kids until either 12:20 or 1:10. (Monday is 3rd grade, Tuesday is 4th grade, Wednesday is 5th grade, Thursday is 5th and 6th grade, and Friday is 6th grade). I then follow whichever co-teacher I had that day for lunch. Lunch is always a gamble because I never know what I will be eating, especially in the soups! On Thursdays and Fridays I have one class after lunch and then I find myself sitting at my desk waiting for a co-teacher to tell me what the next days lesson is. At 4:40 my 8 hours are up and I gladly hop on the bus back to my end of town.
So far I haven't had a "typical" workweek where every day follows the class timetable the kids are on. My first full week the 6th graders were on a trip so I didn't have their classes that week. The second week some of the 5th grade classes got pushed to a different time and one of my co-teachers had an open class that I helped in. The third week was midterms so I didn't see the 4th graders at all. The fourth week I was at training for two days. And this week I just found out that I don't need to come into school until 10 am because there is a University entrance exam happening tomorrow and I guess the traffic is bad. Plus a few of my classes on Friday got pushed to a different time. See why being flexible is so important?
I'll end this post with another lens I am trying to use: humor.
I have found that sometimes all I can do is laugh at a situation instead of allowing myself to become upset over it. Especially when most of the situations I find myself in on a daily bases are cultural differences.
One of my friends here suggested I look up a blog called kikinitinkorea and that has been a great source of relief and laughter. Here is one post about desk warming: here
I am very thankful for that lens and for being blessed with this job opportunity. Bless friends.
Desk Warming.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
1.
One month ago I flew to Ulsan, South Korea.
One month. In some ways it feels like I have been here much longer (when I think of how long those bad days dragged on) and in other ways this month has flown by. Every time I meet a foreign English teacher (native teacher is the proper term) they always tell me: I don't remember my first month here. My common response is: It was that bad? They always comfort me by saying: it gets better.
Now that my month anniversary has come and gone I can post in this blog knowing that my first month hasn't been that bad. Sure I was ready to give up my first full week of teaching. And then I had a very bad attitude about the cultural differences like wearing "slippers" in the school (my poor new teacher heels sit under my table, I still feel sorry for them). I can't pinpoint when my perspective changed but slowly I started to view my life in Korea through a new lens.
Flexibility: I love planning and I love having a schedule. Getting a class syllabus on the first day of the semester brought me great joy because I knew that later that day I could pull out my planner and write in every due date and test. If I was really ambitious that day I'd even pencil in when I'd like to start writing or studying for those upcoming due dates and tests.
You can imagine my shock after the first week here when I had to except the fact that I wouldn't be given any form of a schedule or even the school calendar. Trying to communicate that I wanted to know when my vacations would be was like talking to fish, I was met with wide eyes and a soundless open mouth.
I started to carry important documents with me every time I went to school because they never asked for anything up front. On random days throughout these last four weeks the 6th grade co-teacher would message me through the school computer's messaging system asking if I had my passport or contract on me. And then inform me that we'd be leaving that afternoon for the immigration office or the bank to open a bank account. (She was always very impressed and surprised that I had all of my information on me, which made me laugh because with the lack of communication all I could do was always be prepared).
Most days when I leave my apartment in the morning I have no idea what I am going to be doing that day (for example: I don't even know what topic the 3rd grade classes are covering tomorrow or if I even have a role in the classes).
Ah-ha, I'm suppose to be flexible, right God? Add a flexibility lens to my life-glasses. Check.
I'll continue to add more lenses throughout this month. Bless.
One month. In some ways it feels like I have been here much longer (when I think of how long those bad days dragged on) and in other ways this month has flown by. Every time I meet a foreign English teacher (native teacher is the proper term) they always tell me: I don't remember my first month here. My common response is: It was that bad? They always comfort me by saying: it gets better.
Now that my month anniversary has come and gone I can post in this blog knowing that my first month hasn't been that bad. Sure I was ready to give up my first full week of teaching. And then I had a very bad attitude about the cultural differences like wearing "slippers" in the school (my poor new teacher heels sit under my table, I still feel sorry for them). I can't pinpoint when my perspective changed but slowly I started to view my life in Korea through a new lens.
Flexibility: I love planning and I love having a schedule. Getting a class syllabus on the first day of the semester brought me great joy because I knew that later that day I could pull out my planner and write in every due date and test. If I was really ambitious that day I'd even pencil in when I'd like to start writing or studying for those upcoming due dates and tests.
You can imagine my shock after the first week here when I had to except the fact that I wouldn't be given any form of a schedule or even the school calendar. Trying to communicate that I wanted to know when my vacations would be was like talking to fish, I was met with wide eyes and a soundless open mouth.
I started to carry important documents with me every time I went to school because they never asked for anything up front. On random days throughout these last four weeks the 6th grade co-teacher would message me through the school computer's messaging system asking if I had my passport or contract on me. And then inform me that we'd be leaving that afternoon for the immigration office or the bank to open a bank account. (She was always very impressed and surprised that I had all of my information on me, which made me laugh because with the lack of communication all I could do was always be prepared).
Most days when I leave my apartment in the morning I have no idea what I am going to be doing that day (for example: I don't even know what topic the 3rd grade classes are covering tomorrow or if I even have a role in the classes).
Ah-ha, I'm suppose to be flexible, right God? Add a flexibility lens to my life-glasses. Check.
I'll continue to add more lenses throughout this month. Bless.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Mint Tea.
As I sit in my "one room" savoring mint tea it dawned on me, I had been missing a key factor of enjoyment until recently. What might that be? Exploration! Since moving to Korea I have been told where to go or led to where I needed to be. And on the few occasions when I did step out my front door I was so consumed with the fear of getting lost that I didn't enjoy the moment or soak in anything that I saw! (Hence the two week delay in realizing I lived next to an Arcade).
But after a bad day last Friday I decided I was going to walk it off. Walk off my frustration, worry, fear, and the bad attitude. I continued to walk until I found myself near the Ulsan Sports Complex and walking trails leading around the complex, a pond, and through trees. At the sight of the sun setting behind the pond I stopped walking and struggling. I felt my shoulders lighten. Okay God, You're right. This is a beautiful place.
Looking back, a main reason why Iceland warms my soul is because I shared so many speechless moments with God marveling at His creation there. But I hadn't given myself an opportunity to see or experience God's handiwork in Ulsan until that moment by the pond.
The rest of my weekend was focused on exploring places like: Ilsan beach and little coffee shops with new friends. Having grown up in Minnesota I am always blown away by the coast. Standing where the blues meet in the middle and continue until I can't see anymore is a sight I will never tire of. Some other highlights were finding the lighthouse at Ilsan beach and savoring the memory of the last lighthouse I had seen, climbing over rocks in my new hiking shoes in order to see the ocean better, chicken tenders on top of fresh potato chips, conquering the bus, worship, eating Korean food on the floor, sharing a warm chocolate brownie with ice cream over great conversation.
So far this week at school has been going well. I am getting the hang of the computer program that we are working through with the kids' workbook and I am was able to be silly with the kids while we learned a dance and song about the weather. Today I got to lead a whole class by myself because my co-teacher had to talk to another teacher. My life flashed before my eyes for a second: the kids starting an uproar and throwing paper and pencils at me until I ran out of the classroom. But I cleared my head and gained their attention and I think their class enjoyed the game we played the most. I saw that when the kids are having fun they are more willing to use the language.
My move to Korea is becoming more settled this week because I received my ARC card (Alien Registration Card) and with that I was able to set up a bank account and I got a cell phone (I feel very grown up with my new smart phone). Now all I need is my first paycheck!
I want to end this post with a laughable moment I forgot to post last time and a new one that happened day.
Every weekday I get to eat lunch in the cafeteria where I am introduced to taste and textures I have never had before. I try everything on my plate once but if I don't like it I don't finish it. Well there were two days that I really enjoyed the food and I ate it all wishing I could get more. After both of those days a teacher would ask me in the afternoon what I thought of lunch and I'd respond with a big smile and confidently say, "I liked it a lot." Both times the teachers explained how they were talking with the other teachers about how bad the lunch was that day. All I can do is laugh at myself and my weak taste buds.
As I was walking to the post office today I kept hearing a whistle. Like a hey-there-pretty-lady whistle. I hadn't experienced any form of whistles so far (which is very refreshing after Chicago) and I was shocked that I was hearing them. I looked around and I didn't see a guy in sight. I continued on my way only to hear it again. I started to wonder if I was being followed. After the third time I heard the whistle I decided to check my phone. Sure enough, I was receiving a 5 page text in Korean from the phone company and each time a got a text my phone whistled. Again, all I can do is laugh.
Go explore something breath-taking friends. Bless
But after a bad day last Friday I decided I was going to walk it off. Walk off my frustration, worry, fear, and the bad attitude. I continued to walk until I found myself near the Ulsan Sports Complex and walking trails leading around the complex, a pond, and through trees. At the sight of the sun setting behind the pond I stopped walking and struggling. I felt my shoulders lighten. Okay God, You're right. This is a beautiful place.
Looking back, a main reason why Iceland warms my soul is because I shared so many speechless moments with God marveling at His creation there. But I hadn't given myself an opportunity to see or experience God's handiwork in Ulsan until that moment by the pond.
The rest of my weekend was focused on exploring places like: Ilsan beach and little coffee shops with new friends. Having grown up in Minnesota I am always blown away by the coast. Standing where the blues meet in the middle and continue until I can't see anymore is a sight I will never tire of. Some other highlights were finding the lighthouse at Ilsan beach and savoring the memory of the last lighthouse I had seen, climbing over rocks in my new hiking shoes in order to see the ocean better, chicken tenders on top of fresh potato chips, conquering the bus, worship, eating Korean food on the floor, sharing a warm chocolate brownie with ice cream over great conversation.
So far this week at school has been going well. I am getting the hang of the computer program that we are working through with the kids' workbook and I am was able to be silly with the kids while we learned a dance and song about the weather. Today I got to lead a whole class by myself because my co-teacher had to talk to another teacher. My life flashed before my eyes for a second: the kids starting an uproar and throwing paper and pencils at me until I ran out of the classroom. But I cleared my head and gained their attention and I think their class enjoyed the game we played the most. I saw that when the kids are having fun they are more willing to use the language.
My move to Korea is becoming more settled this week because I received my ARC card (Alien Registration Card) and with that I was able to set up a bank account and I got a cell phone (I feel very grown up with my new smart phone). Now all I need is my first paycheck!
I want to end this post with a laughable moment I forgot to post last time and a new one that happened day.
Every weekday I get to eat lunch in the cafeteria where I am introduced to taste and textures I have never had before. I try everything on my plate once but if I don't like it I don't finish it. Well there were two days that I really enjoyed the food and I ate it all wishing I could get more. After both of those days a teacher would ask me in the afternoon what I thought of lunch and I'd respond with a big smile and confidently say, "I liked it a lot." Both times the teachers explained how they were talking with the other teachers about how bad the lunch was that day. All I can do is laugh at myself and my weak taste buds.
As I was walking to the post office today I kept hearing a whistle. Like a hey-there-pretty-lady whistle. I hadn't experienced any form of whistles so far (which is very refreshing after Chicago) and I was shocked that I was hearing them. I looked around and I didn't see a guy in sight. I continued on my way only to hear it again. I started to wonder if I was being followed. After the third time I heard the whistle I decided to check my phone. Sure enough, I was receiving a 5 page text in Korean from the phone company and each time a got a text my phone whistled. Again, all I can do is laugh.
Go explore something breath-taking friends. Bless
Friday, October 19, 2012
Things that make me laugh
This past week a few things have left me shaking my head with a little smile and chuckling. Oh Korea. I wanted to share some of those moment with you.
Without fail I have to go to the bathroom around 12:30am. And as I reach the bathroom I am always met by this awful sound. It is a mix between a crying cat and singing in Korean. I kept wondering, is there a Karaoke Bar by my apartment? (Which there could be since I can't read the signs!) One night walking back to my apartment I decided to look into each building as I passed. And I noticed that right by my apartment in an Arcade. Like an old school Pac Man, use coins Arcade. As soon as I got home I went into my little laundry room to see if I could see the Arcade from my window. And sure enough the Arcade is across from my window, with their side door open. Mystery solved. I have now discovered that I walk by two different Arcades on my way home from the University bus stop.
One of the treasures that had been left behind is a cutting board. But this cutting board isn't a plain color. Oh no, that would be boring! This cutting board has a picture of Peter Rabbit from Beatrix Potter. Like from the children's books!
The Native teacher before me left this little notebook with important information (bus routes to certain locations). I have been bringing it with me wherever I go and I have also started to call it my handy dandy notebook. Oh goodness Danielle... you are now quoting Blues Clues.
Most of the little stores here sell socks. Socks of all sorts of colors and also with all sorts of animals on them! I now own a pair that look like Zebras thanks to a sweet friend as a birthday gift.
I have started to notice that some of my students look like people I have met back home, just Korean. There are a few that look like kids I have met at Hangtime, one looks like my cousin, a girl from track, and my favorite: like Russell from UP!
My favorite smile and chuckle moment is living 14 hours ahead. I got to celebrate my birthday over two days. I am blessed to have such great family and friends who remembered my birthday would be a day early since I am in Korea. Thank you for making my day so special!
Bless.
Monday, October 15, 2012
If you don't have anything nice to say....
... don't say anything at all.
That philosophy has kept me from writing all last week but I have changed my mind. All of the emotions I have experienced these last 11 days happened and are all a part of the "living abroad" experience.
With each passing day I am gaining a better grasp of the city layout but not the bus routes (At any given bus stop dozens of buses pass by every minute and they all end up somewhere else). While I am on the topic of the bus I am going to get this off my finger tips: the buses here are psycho, suicidal even. The driving "rules" are more of guidelines and the buses seem to get away with more then the cars and taxis. First off the buses have about 18 to 20 seats (as opposed to Chicago's 40) and the rest of the occupants are expected to hang on for dear life while the bus driver speeds up through traffic and weaves through the cars. Then they slam the breaks on at the last possible minute. I am surprised I haven't witnessed a crash yet! Every time I have to stand on the bus I spread my legs wide and shift my weight low to the ground, hoping not to fall when the sudden stops come. The only thing I can compare it to is the force you feel while on a roller coaster. You can try with all of your might to keep your body pressed against the seat, but there is always that moment when you are helpless and air born. But I am slooooowly excepting the fact that I will be taking the bus everyday. This city is just too big to walk, no matter how much I dislike the bus.
I'll be honest, on Tuesday I was ready to throw in the towel and fly home. Curling up in bed with Moose defeated sounded 100 times better then going back to school. I wouldn't say I am enjoying teaching, but I can say I don't hate it anymore. I think my main problem was the expectations I had for the Korean classroom were not what I experienced on a day to day bases. The majority of the kids are loud and disruptive. I even saw two fist fights break out during the middle of class. (Both of which started while the Korean teacher was teaching). My main task in each class was to introduce myself. So I made a power point with pictures of myself and my interests. At the end of my introduction I asked if the kids had any questions for me. The most asked questions were: "Do you have a boyfriend?" and "Do you know Gangnam Style" (See youtube if you don't already know this VERY popular Korean song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd-HdjiMZcg) I'm not sure if there is a correlation between the answers to those two questions. Ha. But thankfully I knew about Gangnam style because as soon as I did the hand motion to the dance they kids got really excited.
Last week was also an odd week for the Korean teachers because the 6th grade was on a 3 day trip (so I only had two classes to teach on Thursday instead of five). And the 5th grade teacher wanted to keep her classes during the english hour so they came to the english room in the afternoon. And I had to help prepare for two open classes with the 3rd/4th grade teacher. From what I have pieced together (nothing was told to me besides the fact that we would be teaching in front of other teachers) an open class is where teachers come and watch you teach a class that the teacher has preselected and has already prepared the class for the work. Basically the teacher practices this one lesson for a week on different classes and then picks the best behaved class to teach in front of the other teachers. Then after the open class the teachers all sit in a circle and give feed back. Both open class meetings I sat in was all done in Korean besides the little side comment of, "Danielle, you did well. How do you think it went?"
What puzzles me is I have a hard time seeing how this is a proper assessment of my teaching or my co-teacher's style. Because everything was practiced! We wrote out a script days before and we practiced it for days as well. We even practiced in front of another class! The amount of materials prepared of the open class was more too. We even used the white board, made a mini movie, and used magnetic objective and terms.... I wish we put that must effort into each class.
As for the social aspect of my life, I am thankful I was able to meet up with one of the American teachers I met on the plane ride to Ulsan on Wednesday. And also a girl from South Africa that I met at church last week on Saturday. It was refreshing to speak English and share classroom stories. The best part of the week was going to COSTCO with Portia and her friend Jenane! I got Quaker oatmeal :) There is nothing more comforting then oatmeal (well maybe oatmeal and coffee). I also got meat that I recognize. Honestly, my change in attitude is largely due to the fact that I have eaten well these last few days. I tried to meet with the other teacher that I flew over with on Sunday, but the bus I needed to take was a half hour late (another annoying aspect of the buses, sometimes they never show up) and so we weren't able to find each other. Thankfully we have a raincheck for Thursday.
Today after the second open class I went out to dinner with the 3rd/4th grade co-teacher. She is such a sweet heart. She took me to an Italian restaurant because whenever the kids asked me in class what my favorite food was I'd say: spaghetti. She has also been giving me little Korean snacks to take home. I think she is worried because I don't eat nearly as much as they do during lunch. After dinner we walked around the University that I live near. It was a great way to end a stressful day. I will admit: I am enjoying the 60 degree evening weather in Ulsan compared to the 30 degrees my family is getting back home. :)
On a very unrelated topic I am loving the "October Baby" Soundtrack.
I think that is it for now. Bless!
That philosophy has kept me from writing all last week but I have changed my mind. All of the emotions I have experienced these last 11 days happened and are all a part of the "living abroad" experience.
With each passing day I am gaining a better grasp of the city layout but not the bus routes (At any given bus stop dozens of buses pass by every minute and they all end up somewhere else). While I am on the topic of the bus I am going to get this off my finger tips: the buses here are psycho, suicidal even. The driving "rules" are more of guidelines and the buses seem to get away with more then the cars and taxis. First off the buses have about 18 to 20 seats (as opposed to Chicago's 40) and the rest of the occupants are expected to hang on for dear life while the bus driver speeds up through traffic and weaves through the cars. Then they slam the breaks on at the last possible minute. I am surprised I haven't witnessed a crash yet! Every time I have to stand on the bus I spread my legs wide and shift my weight low to the ground, hoping not to fall when the sudden stops come. The only thing I can compare it to is the force you feel while on a roller coaster. You can try with all of your might to keep your body pressed against the seat, but there is always that moment when you are helpless and air born. But I am slooooowly excepting the fact that I will be taking the bus everyday. This city is just too big to walk, no matter how much I dislike the bus.
I'll be honest, on Tuesday I was ready to throw in the towel and fly home. Curling up in bed with Moose defeated sounded 100 times better then going back to school. I wouldn't say I am enjoying teaching, but I can say I don't hate it anymore. I think my main problem was the expectations I had for the Korean classroom were not what I experienced on a day to day bases. The majority of the kids are loud and disruptive. I even saw two fist fights break out during the middle of class. (Both of which started while the Korean teacher was teaching). My main task in each class was to introduce myself. So I made a power point with pictures of myself and my interests. At the end of my introduction I asked if the kids had any questions for me. The most asked questions were: "Do you have a boyfriend?" and "Do you know Gangnam Style" (See youtube if you don't already know this VERY popular Korean song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd-HdjiMZcg) I'm not sure if there is a correlation between the answers to those two questions. Ha. But thankfully I knew about Gangnam style because as soon as I did the hand motion to the dance they kids got really excited.
Last week was also an odd week for the Korean teachers because the 6th grade was on a 3 day trip (so I only had two classes to teach on Thursday instead of five). And the 5th grade teacher wanted to keep her classes during the english hour so they came to the english room in the afternoon. And I had to help prepare for two open classes with the 3rd/4th grade teacher. From what I have pieced together (nothing was told to me besides the fact that we would be teaching in front of other teachers) an open class is where teachers come and watch you teach a class that the teacher has preselected and has already prepared the class for the work. Basically the teacher practices this one lesson for a week on different classes and then picks the best behaved class to teach in front of the other teachers. Then after the open class the teachers all sit in a circle and give feed back. Both open class meetings I sat in was all done in Korean besides the little side comment of, "Danielle, you did well. How do you think it went?"
What puzzles me is I have a hard time seeing how this is a proper assessment of my teaching or my co-teacher's style. Because everything was practiced! We wrote out a script days before and we practiced it for days as well. We even practiced in front of another class! The amount of materials prepared of the open class was more too. We even used the white board, made a mini movie, and used magnetic objective and terms.... I wish we put that must effort into each class.
As for the social aspect of my life, I am thankful I was able to meet up with one of the American teachers I met on the plane ride to Ulsan on Wednesday. And also a girl from South Africa that I met at church last week on Saturday. It was refreshing to speak English and share classroom stories. The best part of the week was going to COSTCO with Portia and her friend Jenane! I got Quaker oatmeal :) There is nothing more comforting then oatmeal (well maybe oatmeal and coffee). I also got meat that I recognize. Honestly, my change in attitude is largely due to the fact that I have eaten well these last few days. I tried to meet with the other teacher that I flew over with on Sunday, but the bus I needed to take was a half hour late (another annoying aspect of the buses, sometimes they never show up) and so we weren't able to find each other. Thankfully we have a raincheck for Thursday.
Today after the second open class I went out to dinner with the 3rd/4th grade co-teacher. She is such a sweet heart. She took me to an Italian restaurant because whenever the kids asked me in class what my favorite food was I'd say: spaghetti. She has also been giving me little Korean snacks to take home. I think she is worried because I don't eat nearly as much as they do during lunch. After dinner we walked around the University that I live near. It was a great way to end a stressful day. I will admit: I am enjoying the 60 degree evening weather in Ulsan compared to the 30 degrees my family is getting back home. :)
On a very unrelated topic I am loving the "October Baby" Soundtrack.
I think that is it for now. Bless!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The First Four Days
These last four days have flown by but at the same time have been some of the longest days I've experienced.
From the moment my plane touched the ground in Ulsan I didn't have a minute to myself until late that night. I was whisked away to my school (Okseo Elementary) by a teacher to meet the vice principle. Then she took me to the doctor (so I can be cleared for a residency card) where I was shuffled around from different rooms to check my vision, hearing, weight, heart, and if I am on drugs. Then I went back to the school to meet two of the three co-teachers I'll be working with. I was given workbooks and was also asked to look over a few lessons that night. But the day didn't end there! The same teacher that picked me up drove me to my apartment and then walked with me to the grocery store. As soon as she left me I left to find a coffee shop so I could get on the internet. Needless to say by the time I got into bed it was late here but early back home.
The next morning I hoped on a bus and quickly realized that nothing looked familiar and that counting the stops wasn't going to help. By the time I admitted to myself that I was lost I was late for school and I jumped off the bus at the first stop that had a pay phone. I called the school but they didn't understand me. As I was trying to communicate that I was lost but on my way I noticed a taxi coming so I hung up and got in. Thankfully the school had given me a little notebook with important information in it (like the school address). After five minutes in the taxi I realized I had forgotten my two workbooks at the pay phone! That's when I started to feel awful. Some first impression I was making, late and I lost their books. I made it to school twenty minutes late and was rushed (literally) into the classroom where I sat in the back to watch.
I was expecting the Korean classroom to be a quiet and respectful place but what I saw seemed unorganized and loud. The teacher taught in Korean and the kids spoke in Korean to each other throughout the whole class. I am still puzzled at what they learned that day, but maybe the class was just as frazzled as I was since they didn't start class until I showed up. I am sure after a week of teaching there my perspective will change.
After that one class I sat at "my desk" and looked up bus routes in hope to never get lost again. No one came to see me until lunch, which is provided through the school. It is going to take me some time to get used to the different spices they use and chop sticks! I tried to use them but the vice principle took them away and handed me a spoon. Talk about a humbling experience.
After lunch I went back to the classroom and one of my co-teachers asked if I was a Christian. This question took me completely by surprise because I had little interaction with her thus far. I told her I was and she got really excited. By the end of the day she gave me a print out of bus information to an English speaking church.
Another co-teacher took the bus home with me so I wouldn't get lost and she also helped me figure out the stove, the hot water, and the internet (all of which I couldn't get to work that morning). I am very thankful for how sweet those ladies have been to me. I'd probably be sitting in some coffee shop lost writing this but instead I am in my warm apartment listening to Jeremy Camp.
Can you believe all of the above is only two days?!
Saturday was less eventful but I walked to the grocery store so I could buy cleaning supplies. The rest of the day consisted of cleaning and unpacking. I was VERY pleased to find so many left treasures from the two previous teachers who lived here. A few treasures that are mine now are: two pillows, blankets, a comforter, towels, pots/pans/silverware, a rice cooker, a toaster, soap, learn Korean books, maps, hangers, a broom, picture frames, a mirror, and two cell phones! (hopefully I'll be able to get a pay as you go number with one of them). Even though those treasures aren't mine I find them comforting and they add a homey touch.
Today I was able to skype with my family before church. :] I almost didn't make it because some of the buses I needed to take (there are many buses that stop at the same stop but go different places throughout the city) never showed up. This time I got off on the right stop but went to the wrong church. I showed my printed map and a man told me how to get to the church in Korean. I just nodded my head and walked in the direction that he pointed. Thankfully a lady saw me wondering around with my paper trying to read the signs on the doors and told me which building it was in. The service was short but my heart was renewed through singing songs I have grown up singing. Everyone was very friendly and many of the attendees are also teachers. The majority of them are from South Africa and one takes the same bus as me to church! After church she showed me a short cut through the city streets to a main road and after we parted ways I decided I was going to face my fears of getting lost and I walked to my school. It took me 40 minutes but I found it and I now have a better understanding of the landmarks on the bus route.
I came back to my apartment feeling more confident in myself and in this city. Even though this city isn't an easy grid like Chicago or small like Reykjavik I know I'll be able to adapt just like I have before. I just need to take each day as it comes and continue to take steps forward through this open door.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Another Adventure
I am abandoning my attempts at customizing this blog (for now) because I have less then two hours before my flight leaves San Francisco. So please forgive the boring blue for now. :]
Ever since my study abroad experience in Iceland I have longed for another overseas adventure. The question was when and where. After a disappointing fall through back in 2011 I decided to try again in February 2012. I applied through Footprints and found myself in the waiting game once more. Fill this out, get this, wait, wait, fill this out, how does this sound? get certified, wait, go here, stamp this, mail that, wait, there is a spot, wait. You get the picture. I found myself blocking myself from making any future plans because I didn't want to get my hopes up again. With each step closer I continued my rehearsed response, "I hope to be in South Korea this fall teaching English."
One sunny day in August I was told a simple but honest truth: make plans! That night I had a heart to heart with God. I came away with an image of an open door. God gently told me "I opened the door for you and you are through." Then I was ask, "Why are you just sitting in the doorway?" Why was I sitting at the doorway? Why wasn't I confident in the open position that had been offered to me?
I started making plans that night. I started to trust that God was in control of the whole situation. A few weeks later (when I least expected it) I got the email I had been waiting for: my start date.
These last three weeks have flown by. With trips to Chicago, the farm, to target, to the doctor, and even to get my teeth cleaned by a friend. Thankfully I leave knowing all of the fair wells said are not goodbyes, but see you later.
Each day I take another step into the room God opened up to me. South Korea, here I come.
Ever since my study abroad experience in Iceland I have longed for another overseas adventure. The question was when and where. After a disappointing fall through back in 2011 I decided to try again in February 2012. I applied through Footprints and found myself in the waiting game once more. Fill this out, get this, wait, wait, fill this out, how does this sound? get certified, wait, go here, stamp this, mail that, wait, there is a spot, wait. You get the picture. I found myself blocking myself from making any future plans because I didn't want to get my hopes up again. With each step closer I continued my rehearsed response, "I hope to be in South Korea this fall teaching English."
One sunny day in August I was told a simple but honest truth: make plans! That night I had a heart to heart with God. I came away with an image of an open door. God gently told me "I opened the door for you and you are through." Then I was ask, "Why are you just sitting in the doorway?" Why was I sitting at the doorway? Why wasn't I confident in the open position that had been offered to me?
I started making plans that night. I started to trust that God was in control of the whole situation. A few weeks later (when I least expected it) I got the email I had been waiting for: my start date.
These last three weeks have flown by. With trips to Chicago, the farm, to target, to the doctor, and even to get my teeth cleaned by a friend. Thankfully I leave knowing all of the fair wells said are not goodbyes, but see you later.
Each day I take another step into the room God opened up to me. South Korea, here I come.
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