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.