Well, hello.
It’s been a long time.
And who’s fault is that?
Well…..mine.
Yes, I’m back. Finally. Maybe some of you wondered where I’ve been in the blogosphere for the past, oh, six months. I started last year so strong….Ah, well. Life happens, and mine certainly happened with a vengeance. So in summation, I’ll fill in everyone on the happenings of my life. Most of you already know these things, but I believe there are a handful of people who don’t really know all of the details.
So, with that: the grand entry of my life for the past few months.
In April, Chaz and I made the decision to renew our contracts and stay another year at our same schools in Korea. Some of you may be wondering why I didn’t switch schools….frankly, I wonder myself. All I can say is I think I had a few really good weeks at my school, renewed my contract, and then things went crazy. By the time I completed my contract, I was half-bald, bare-bones, and blind with rage and frustration with my students, and some administration. But another contract I did sign, so I look for the best in the coming year. I figure I renewed with my school for a reason, so I must have some work to do here. I know I’ll be used in ways I can’t fathom yet, so I am looking forward to that.
The rest of the semester before summer break went by quickly. April, May, June, July. Really, once June hit, it was “goodbye, summer!” My mom came for a visit to the ROK for two weeks in June, and we had a blast! I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have someone (especially my mom) come and visit. We got to show her our home, our school, our friends, our life, and our city in Korea. I believe after she left, she had a clearer understanding of why we love our life here and want to experience it for another year.
Two days after my mom left, it was time for another wonderful visit…STEVE & KIM! Our married-hetero-life partners! Around the time we decided we wanted to renew our contracts, Steve and Kim decided they’d like to join us teaching in Busan. A few months after beginning the process of teaching in Korea, they were here. Actually here. In Busan. The great thing: they live a mere 15-minute walk down a mountain from us. A city of 3.6 million, and they’re 15 minutes WALKING away. So great. Besides the addition of Steve & Kim, they brought with them a delightful Iowan named Kayse. Now, in our repertoire of Iowa girls in Busan, we have Kate, Kim, Kelly, Kat, Kayse. Apparently, “K” names are standard for girls in Iowa.
Mid-July finished the first semester of school (remember, Korean schools begin the school year in March, not in August), and then brought on Summer Camp. Like Winter Camp, it promised to be a blast. I had a class of 10 boys (and an incredibly adorable 8-year old girl who had better English skills than all of my students), and we decided to do a challenge of a camp: TOEFL. To any of you who don’t know, TOEFL is the test that non-native English speakers take to assess their understanding of English in the classroom. My students would have the option of taking this test later in life in order to study overseas. With my low-level students, we had to adapt the curriculum a bit, but I was so proud of what they accomplished. I also noticed that some of the students had been holding out on my during the school year…..I promised them they would not remain invisible (as they liked it) anymore!
After a month of showing the newest arrivals the ropes, we were looking at the completion of our first contract, and a month’s vacation of home. When leaving, I wasn’t sure I was ready to go home yet, but as soon as I saw that beautiful Iowa landscape, I was home. My heart was stirred by the space and the sky and the GREEN. Probably the most shocking cultural transition occurred on the plane. We began our journey in Seoul, and then flew to Japan on Asiana (my favorite airline). In Tokyo, we transferred to United for our flight to Chicago. In Asian airlines, they are about comfort and respect for their passengers (I’ve flown Asiana, Korean Air, ANA…all wonderful). I was used to quiet, calming voices, and smiling faces. As soon as we boarded United, it was another story. “Sit down and shut up!” Was basically the rule. It was shocking to hear the brash, commanding voices, and see the unpleasant faces. Oh, America, how I missed your ‘tude.
Once we got over that shock, the rest of the trip felt like we hadn’t left home. I frequently had to remind myself that a year really had passed and my friends and family had experienced a lot and changed as much as I had. A birthday party of our nieces, Chuck E. Cheese, and Adventureland packed the first week. (I haven’t mentioned how ADORABLE our nieces are yet, have I?) Then, the farm, cookouts, shopping, and relaxation filled the next. The rest of our time home fluctuated between Chaz’s fam, my fam, Ames, Chaz’s fam, and my fam. The trip to Ames was awesome…we both had stirrings of love biking down the streets we used to. Great Plains, Hickory Park, and Stomping Grounds were much-needed meals. And Harvest Vineyard. I cannot describe the joy I felt walking into the presence of that church family. Tears were definitely brought to my eyes, and I was just so incredibly happy to be there. I also want to give a shout-out to my brother and his roommates, Joe and Dustin, who made us feel so welcomed and loved through our weekend spent with them. I smile just thinking about it.
The final cookouts with our families (Chaz’s on Tuesday night, mine on Wednesday) were great. It was wonderful to see everyone one last time, and basically re-live our sending-offs from last year. We look forward to seeing our family again next year.
Now here we are, a month into our second year in Korea. While I’m still struggling at school, and this school year is bringing even more challenges to handle, I look back at where I was a year ago, and know that I’m so much more prepared for them. While I’m still finding my way as far as teaching goes in Korea, I’m optimistic that I’ll have much more success this year….even though I anticipate failures as well. I just keep telling myself that it will only get better from here, and this is how I know I can keep going another year. Looking forward to sharing another year’s worth of adventures with you!
(and I really will try to maintain my blog this time…try at least.^^)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
After School Class Project
While I'm working on some other posts about our recent escapades in Busan and throughout the countryside, I'll leave you with a video of some student projects we did today. We've been working on restaurants and food in my after school class, and today they created commercials for their restaurants they have previously created. These are some groups with pretty good English skills from my Level 1 after school class. Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
And then comes today...
I love Korean food. I feel that I've expressed this many times either on this blog, on Facebook, or if you chat with me at some point. Gamjatang, bibimbap, samguypsal, galbi, dwen jang jighe.....I could go on and on about all of the delicious, healthy fare available to us in Korea. I love eating school lunches (strange, huh?), going out to a restaurant, and trying my hand at homemade Korean food. That being said...
I have food poisoning.
Most of you probably don't care to hear this, but I thought I'd share my experience with one of the hazards of traveling/living overseas. Last night, I awoke at 1:30 to rid myself of the poisons in my body. Yes, I'm talking about pooping and vomiting. This bout is my second since coming to Korea, and I have to say that I sympathize with all out there who have experienced the horrors of food poisoning. I've *ahem* cleared my system and have been filling my body with water and nothing else until it's clear I can handle substance.
Now here's the twist: both times I've had food poisoning in Korea have been from Western foods. First experience: expired sour cream (and yes I know, that makes me look like an idiot). This experience: not sure, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with the fried chicken we ate. Fried chicken that Koreans have become obsessed with after the West brought it here.
So kudos to you, Korea, for having food that doesn't make me sick, and thank you, Western World, for introducing your fried, greasy, synthetic, dairy-infatuated foods with Eastern cultures. I really appreciate that one.
(okay....somedays i do appreciate a good ole burger and fries....today is another story)
I have food poisoning.
Most of you probably don't care to hear this, but I thought I'd share my experience with one of the hazards of traveling/living overseas. Last night, I awoke at 1:30 to rid myself of the poisons in my body. Yes, I'm talking about pooping and vomiting. This bout is my second since coming to Korea, and I have to say that I sympathize with all out there who have experienced the horrors of food poisoning. I've *ahem* cleared my system and have been filling my body with water and nothing else until it's clear I can handle substance.
Now here's the twist: both times I've had food poisoning in Korea have been from Western foods. First experience: expired sour cream (and yes I know, that makes me look like an idiot). This experience: not sure, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with the fried chicken we ate. Fried chicken that Koreans have become obsessed with after the West brought it here.
So kudos to you, Korea, for having food that doesn't make me sick, and thank you, Western World, for introducing your fried, greasy, synthetic, dairy-infatuated foods with Eastern cultures. I really appreciate that one.
(okay....somedays i do appreciate a good ole burger and fries....today is another story)
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Good Day.
Yes I took a hiatus. And yes I've had a lot going on. And maybe I'll update on it. ^o^ I blame it on Chaz....because he's my husband, and I can.
But for now...I'm going to write a happy post about my happy day because most of my posts about school are depressing and angsty. So basically, if you're into teaching, you may find this interesting. If not....sorry, could be boring! After Spring Break, I came back to school to teach a new school year of English Speaking.
Scratch that.
I came back to school to wait for a week and a half to teach as my schedule wasn't ready. At the beginning of the school year. No schedule. Ah, well, such is teaching in Korea. Now, I've been teaching for the past three weeks with new Level 1 students, and my previous Level 1s and 2s moved up a notch on the hierarchy of the school system. It's been great to come back and see my old students. See how they've changed, matured (or continued in their immature patterns) with their newfound responsibilities as older students. This semester I'm teaching 20 hours (meaning 20 different classes) throughout the week, and I have two different after school classes: one meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays, the other Thursdays and Fridays. 24 teaching hours total. Two less than last semester, which isn't bad at all. I have three new co-teachers, one previous co-teacher, and one Eunah (who I'm actually co-teaching with this semester). I've had much more success with co-teachers this time around already, and I'm looking forward to continually working with and succeeding with them.
Now that logistics are over....to my good day.
Today I had two Level 2 classes, and two classes of Level 1. My Level 2 classes this year (previously Level 1s) I'm convinced are a wonderful class. The class as a whole seems full of smart, nice boys who are good students and possess relatively good English speaking skills (compared to other classes). I began today with the students who stand at the front gate and bow to the teachers, actually bowing to me and greeting me.
~In my school, a group of class leaders must stand at the entrance gate and welcome the teachers each morning. It's hit or miss whether I get a greeting (meaning I'm not seen as an "actual" teacher). I count it a good day when I'm greeted.~
This day I was greeted. Good sign. First period brought me my joy for the day. The class was full of smart, personable Level 2 boys, so I was already gearing up for a good time. Their first lesson in my book is "I Hope I Will Fly Someday." Basically, it's discussing future goals/dreams, and also works on discussing events and feelings. I began class with having students finish the sentence, "When I was a child, I dreamed I would be a ________________." Students then had to draw themselves in that role. They had to think about a silly dream they had as a child and complete the activity. I prefaced it with my childhood dream: to play in the NBA and be the next Michael Jordan. This got many laughs as, clearly, I'm no Michael Jordan. It also helped students get a bit creative with their answers. In Korea, creativity is squelched (not purposely) because they're much more focused on becoming good test-takers than creative, problem-solvers. It's difficult to get students to think outside the box because they'd much rather take notes and memorize as that's what they're used to. My students threw themselves into this activity with a fervor I've not yet seen. When finished, I had some chefs, a world dominator, some scientists, a Superman, and a Power Ranger (to name a few). We definitely had a great range of childhood dreams in the class, and students loved sharing and hearing their classmates dreams. After some book speaking activities, we returned to the beginning activity to bring it to today. Students had to fill in the blank, "When I grow up, I hope I will be a _______________." Being the feel-goody teacher I am, we ended class with discussing how we can work now to achieve our dreams, and, sappily, I wished them success in all they dream to do.
Go ahead, laugh at me. Make fun of me. But this day was one of those rare moments when activities translated and everyone had fun. Success. Little by little.
But for now...I'm going to write a happy post about my happy day because most of my posts about school are depressing and angsty. So basically, if you're into teaching, you may find this interesting. If not....sorry, could be boring! After Spring Break, I came back to school to teach a new school year of English Speaking.
Scratch that.
I came back to school to wait for a week and a half to teach as my schedule wasn't ready. At the beginning of the school year. No schedule. Ah, well, such is teaching in Korea. Now, I've been teaching for the past three weeks with new Level 1 students, and my previous Level 1s and 2s moved up a notch on the hierarchy of the school system. It's been great to come back and see my old students. See how they've changed, matured (or continued in their immature patterns) with their newfound responsibilities as older students. This semester I'm teaching 20 hours (meaning 20 different classes) throughout the week, and I have two different after school classes: one meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays, the other Thursdays and Fridays. 24 teaching hours total. Two less than last semester, which isn't bad at all. I have three new co-teachers, one previous co-teacher, and one Eunah (who I'm actually co-teaching with this semester). I've had much more success with co-teachers this time around already, and I'm looking forward to continually working with and succeeding with them.
Now that logistics are over....to my good day.
Today I had two Level 2 classes, and two classes of Level 1. My Level 2 classes this year (previously Level 1s) I'm convinced are a wonderful class. The class as a whole seems full of smart, nice boys who are good students and possess relatively good English speaking skills (compared to other classes). I began today with the students who stand at the front gate and bow to the teachers, actually bowing to me and greeting me.
~In my school, a group of class leaders must stand at the entrance gate and welcome the teachers each morning. It's hit or miss whether I get a greeting (meaning I'm not seen as an "actual" teacher). I count it a good day when I'm greeted.~
This day I was greeted. Good sign. First period brought me my joy for the day. The class was full of smart, personable Level 2 boys, so I was already gearing up for a good time. Their first lesson in my book is "I Hope I Will Fly Someday." Basically, it's discussing future goals/dreams, and also works on discussing events and feelings. I began class with having students finish the sentence, "When I was a child, I dreamed I would be a ________________." Students then had to draw themselves in that role. They had to think about a silly dream they had as a child and complete the activity. I prefaced it with my childhood dream: to play in the NBA and be the next Michael Jordan. This got many laughs as, clearly, I'm no Michael Jordan. It also helped students get a bit creative with their answers. In Korea, creativity is squelched (not purposely) because they're much more focused on becoming good test-takers than creative, problem-solvers. It's difficult to get students to think outside the box because they'd much rather take notes and memorize as that's what they're used to. My students threw themselves into this activity with a fervor I've not yet seen. When finished, I had some chefs, a world dominator, some scientists, a Superman, and a Power Ranger (to name a few). We definitely had a great range of childhood dreams in the class, and students loved sharing and hearing their classmates dreams. After some book speaking activities, we returned to the beginning activity to bring it to today. Students had to fill in the blank, "When I grow up, I hope I will be a _______________." Being the feel-goody teacher I am, we ended class with discussing how we can work now to achieve our dreams, and, sappily, I wished them success in all they dream to do.
Go ahead, laugh at me. Make fun of me. But this day was one of those rare moments when activities translated and everyone had fun. Success. Little by little.
Monday, February 08, 2010
My name's not Alexander, but....
...this is a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day.
Is it sad that I'm already this depressed and disillusioned after I've already had a month of Winter Break?
Is it sad that I'm already this depressed and disillusioned after I've already had a month of Winter Break?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Vacation...
...is awesome.
Thailand is amazing: food, fun, beach, weather, friends, motorbikes, etc. etc.
A detailed account of our trip is coming soon (you know me and my wordiness). Our last day here will be spent on the beach, reading. We'll be back to Busan February 3rd, and we can't wait to reconnect with everyone.
Pumping hearts for Thailand!
Thailand is amazing: food, fun, beach, weather, friends, motorbikes, etc. etc.
A detailed account of our trip is coming soon (you know me and my wordiness). Our last day here will be spent on the beach, reading. We'll be back to Busan February 3rd, and we can't wait to reconnect with everyone.
Pumping hearts for Thailand!
Monday, January 18, 2010
we're either crazy......or crazy
Sunday: Kelly and I searched frantically for plane tickets. Three hours later, we successfully booked two seats (on separate flights).
Today: I'm frantically packing, preparing, and gathering everything for a two week trip.
Tomorrow: We will leave for Seoul at 6:30 am to get to Incheon for our departing flights. Tomorrow night, Kelly and I will be in Thailand.
That's right...in two days, Kelly and I have planned a two week trip to Thailand complete with a skeleton itinerary. We have our tickets, we have a place to stay tomorrow night, and we have a destination for the day after. Chaz will join us (hopefully) next Saturday. This trip promises mountains, temples, ziplines, elephant rides, snorkeling, and major beach time. Hopefully. As Kelly said, "If we pull this off, it will be the most amazing thing ever!"
Please keep us in thoughts and prayers as we attempt to do the near-impossible. We'll keep updating as possible. Happy January, everyone!
Today: I'm frantically packing, preparing, and gathering everything for a two week trip.
Tomorrow: We will leave for Seoul at 6:30 am to get to Incheon for our departing flights. Tomorrow night, Kelly and I will be in Thailand.
That's right...in two days, Kelly and I have planned a two week trip to Thailand complete with a skeleton itinerary. We have our tickets, we have a place to stay tomorrow night, and we have a destination for the day after. Chaz will join us (hopefully) next Saturday. This trip promises mountains, temples, ziplines, elephant rides, snorkeling, and major beach time. Hopefully. As Kelly said, "If we pull this off, it will be the most amazing thing ever!"
Please keep us in thoughts and prayers as we attempt to do the near-impossible. We'll keep updating as possible. Happy January, everyone!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The grand holiday update
Christmas in Busan has come and gone, and so has the New Year. While it was definitely an irregular Christmas being away from home and family and traditions we have followed every year, it was an excellent one nonetheless with new traditions made and new experiences had. We've also had a wonderful past few weeks full of adventures and new loves. So hold on to your seats, this one's going to be a novel:
The Christmas excitement really began when we got a package from my parents. We were SO excited to see Christmas cookies!!! EEK!
As I said in the last post, Chaz and I worked to get into the Christmas spirit in the week leading up to Christmas. This included classic movies such as Elf, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. We had visits with friends (Kelly, Andrew, and Eunah) including hot chocolate, Christmas cookies sent from home, and cheese balls. Our friends Callie and Aaron (from Illinois/Minnesota) also had a Christmas party the weekend before Christmas, so it was fun to gather with foreigners, laugh, spread Christmas cheer, and exchange white elephant presents. One of those gifts included "official" Adjumah (older woman) wear complete with big hat, sleeve protectors, a straining bowl, and ankle weights. A-like so:
Christmas Eve brought the last day of school before winter break. It was a half day (thankfully) and included all of the teachers going out to eat. It was nice to celebrate with the entire staff. That night we went to the local Jimjilbang with some neighbors. The Jimjilbang was an experience I was greatly looking forward to but hadn't had before Christmas Eve. Jimjilbangs are public bath houses. So basically, you go, get naked with Koreans (guys and gals are separated), soak in tubs, scrub off dead skin, hang out in steam rooms, and just relax and get squeaky clean. After bathing, you put on scrubs and hang out in the common room (guys and gals welcome here) where you can relax on mats, buy snacks and drinks, etc. It's a great place to visit or to spend the night as it's only 7,000 won (less than $7) to get in and stay as long as you want. It was an awesome experience and a great way to spend Christmas Eve relaxing with neighbors. We brought our own potluck food in and Christmas music and sat around eating hummus, gim-bap, nachos, talking, and listening to music.
The night ended early, however, as all of us were going to Sung Ae Won orphanage the next day. At 7 AM Christmas Day, Chaz and I headed on the subway dressed as elves and carrying presents to join 43 other wayguks (foreigners) to spend the morning with 75 orphans under the age of 7. It was an excellent morning filled with teaching kids a song and dance, playing games, and then having them go through stations (face painting, balloon animals, coloring, Santa hat decorating, and story-time).
Santa even showed up and took his picture with all of the kids. Just when they thought there could be no more excitement, Santa "disappeared" only to reappear with a couple of his helpers (a girl dressed as Rudolph, and Chaz and I) to hand out a present to each of the kids. They were floored. All of the presents will be shared amongst them, but it was so special that each of them got to open a present on Christmas Day.
There was one girl who so reminded me of Mikawea and brought me back to Rwanda. She sat in the front row, and every time we said a kid's name who was sick (the sick ones were upstairs), she would scream, "Opsaio!!!!" meaning, "Not here!" She was just waiting for us to say her name. Then, when she got her present and opened it, a Hello Kitty stationary set, Her mouth dropped and her eyes grew huge. She just couldn't believe how wonderful it was. That is a sight I will carry with me. Chaz and I also got to join Santa and a few other foreigners to hand out presents to the sick kids upstairs. These were our favs as they were so excited to see us and immediately ran to us and gave us the biggest hugs. One girl jumped on Chaz's lap to ask for help putting her present together and colored on his hand. Just might have to take that one home. ;)
Christmas night brought even more wonderful events as Chaz and I opened gifts (he got me Apple couple's sweatshirts...perrfect). In case I haven't posted this, couples in Korea wear the same clothes. I'm not just talking about shirts....they get couple pants, couple shoes, couple coats, and yes, even couple underwear. So to fit in, Chaz got us the perfect, most nerdy couple shirts in the history of couple shirts. After our Christmas together, we joined my co-worker, Gyu-Seok, for a Christmas party. Because of language difficulties, we didn't know what to expect at all. All we knew was it was a Christmas party at a wine bar. We almost didn't go because we thought it might be too expensive, but Gyu-Seok talked us into attending. Come to find out, it was a Christmas party for an adult English club. It was a group of around 10 Koreans who meet every Sunday to practice English. They decided to have a Christmas party for the first time, and make it a wine party, so they rented a small room in a building, had Christmas music playing, set up a beautiful table with appetizers, and drank wine together. Chaz and I were guests of honor as we were the only two foreigners joining them. It was an absolute BLAST! We drank wine, chatted, and then played three games which had us all cracking up and breaking down comfort barriers. During one of the games, we all had to take turns singing or dancing (with one girl doing a "Sheckshy Dance"). Another game had people commanded to do embarrassing things (give a piggy-back ride, sing a love song to someone, kiss someone on the neck, etc). It was absolutely the perfect way to spend Christmas, and we thanked Gyu-seok over and over for talking us into coming. We hope to meet with the group again.
The day after Christmas brought us another Christmas party (it felt like home.....10,000 Christmas parties to attend) at our friends', Randy and Charlei's, house. They were the same couple who hosted Thanksgiving. Charlei's family had gotten into town the day before, so we had actual family for the gathering which made it so special. We ate tremendous food complete with turkey and ham. Glorious.
With the end of Christmas gatherings brought the end of my long weekend without teaching. I went back to work that Monday to do my four days of Winter Camp. During Winter Break, the school still holds optional classes for students to attend. These classes are usually fun, however, as teachers play more games since it is break. Also, they are only half-days, so most English teachers are let out by 12 to go home. I LOVED my Winter Camp. I had 18 students for three periods a day for four days. My theme was "Discover Yourself," so each day had a specific theme (myself, my family, my country, my world). We did vocabulary every day, projects (life maps, a newsletter article), and some games. Each day I posted their work in the room.
One of the best days was the "My Country" day. I had students do an Amazing Race (thanks to the idea from Charlei) where they had ten questions to answer about Korea that were scattered around the school grounds along with clues to where the questions were hidden. Students had to race around the school finding the questions (hidden at the soccer goal, front gate, library, cafeteria, etc.), and then answer the questions correctly. Then, we checked the answers, and whatever team had the most correct got candy. Students had a blast, and one of them even said, "Teacher, good adventure!"
I had an amazing time the entire four days and was sad to see it end. It was awesome to be able to spend some actual time with students where I could build on what we were learning (it's so difficult only seeing students once a week). It was the first time since coming where I genuinely enjoyed what I was doing and was a great reminder that yes, I actually LOVE to teach. I felt even better when I heard from the teachers that the students said they didn't want camp to end—something NO Korean student ever says...especially at my school. I hope the students visit me when the school year begins again.
New Years was great, but pretty chill. Chaz and I hung out with friends Gon and Matt (who visited from Seoul....he went to Iowa State and was friends with Kat in Ames, then met Kel last year), and then Kelly joined us after midnight (she was at a concert). We tried to stay up to see the first sunrise of the year (a tradition in Busan), but once it hit 4:30, I was ready for home.
To end the holiday season, we attended a Christmas Light Festival at Kosin University in Busan. It was great to look at the insane amount of lights and think of festivals back home. Although the holidays were quite different this year, they were great in a new way.
Now, I am relaxing at home as I am done with school for winter break. We have the last week of the school year beginning of February, and then the new school year beings the beginning of March. Chaz and I hope to take a trip the last week of January, but haven't made plans as of yet. I'm really looking forward to this new year and new decade as I know it will continue to bring excitement, love, old friendships, new friendships, reunions, and many adventures (known and unknown). Just as last year, one year from now I don't know where I'll be, but I'm not worried about the future, I just know wherever it is, whatever we're doing, Chaz and I will make it an adventure.
The Christmas excitement really began when we got a package from my parents. We were SO excited to see Christmas cookies!!! EEK!
As I said in the last post, Chaz and I worked to get into the Christmas spirit in the week leading up to Christmas. This included classic movies such as Elf, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. We had visits with friends (Kelly, Andrew, and Eunah) including hot chocolate, Christmas cookies sent from home, and cheese balls. Our friends Callie and Aaron (from Illinois/Minnesota) also had a Christmas party the weekend before Christmas, so it was fun to gather with foreigners, laugh, spread Christmas cheer, and exchange white elephant presents. One of those gifts included "official" Adjumah (older woman) wear complete with big hat, sleeve protectors, a straining bowl, and ankle weights. A-like so:
Christmas Eve brought the last day of school before winter break. It was a half day (thankfully) and included all of the teachers going out to eat. It was nice to celebrate with the entire staff. That night we went to the local Jimjilbang with some neighbors. The Jimjilbang was an experience I was greatly looking forward to but hadn't had before Christmas Eve. Jimjilbangs are public bath houses. So basically, you go, get naked with Koreans (guys and gals are separated), soak in tubs, scrub off dead skin, hang out in steam rooms, and just relax and get squeaky clean. After bathing, you put on scrubs and hang out in the common room (guys and gals welcome here) where you can relax on mats, buy snacks and drinks, etc. It's a great place to visit or to spend the night as it's only 7,000 won (less than $7) to get in and stay as long as you want. It was an awesome experience and a great way to spend Christmas Eve relaxing with neighbors. We brought our own potluck food in and Christmas music and sat around eating hummus, gim-bap, nachos, talking, and listening to music.
The night ended early, however, as all of us were going to Sung Ae Won orphanage the next day. At 7 AM Christmas Day, Chaz and I headed on the subway dressed as elves and carrying presents to join 43 other wayguks (foreigners) to spend the morning with 75 orphans under the age of 7. It was an excellent morning filled with teaching kids a song and dance, playing games, and then having them go through stations (face painting, balloon animals, coloring, Santa hat decorating, and story-time).
Santa even showed up and took his picture with all of the kids. Just when they thought there could be no more excitement, Santa "disappeared" only to reappear with a couple of his helpers (a girl dressed as Rudolph, and Chaz and I) to hand out a present to each of the kids. They were floored. All of the presents will be shared amongst them, but it was so special that each of them got to open a present on Christmas Day.
There was one girl who so reminded me of Mikawea and brought me back to Rwanda. She sat in the front row, and every time we said a kid's name who was sick (the sick ones were upstairs), she would scream, "Opsaio!!!!" meaning, "Not here!" She was just waiting for us to say her name. Then, when she got her present and opened it, a Hello Kitty stationary set, Her mouth dropped and her eyes grew huge. She just couldn't believe how wonderful it was. That is a sight I will carry with me. Chaz and I also got to join Santa and a few other foreigners to hand out presents to the sick kids upstairs. These were our favs as they were so excited to see us and immediately ran to us and gave us the biggest hugs. One girl jumped on Chaz's lap to ask for help putting her present together and colored on his hand. Just might have to take that one home. ;)
Christmas night brought even more wonderful events as Chaz and I opened gifts (he got me Apple couple's sweatshirts...perrfect). In case I haven't posted this, couples in Korea wear the same clothes. I'm not just talking about shirts....they get couple pants, couple shoes, couple coats, and yes, even couple underwear. So to fit in, Chaz got us the perfect, most nerdy couple shirts in the history of couple shirts. After our Christmas together, we joined my co-worker, Gyu-Seok, for a Christmas party. Because of language difficulties, we didn't know what to expect at all. All we knew was it was a Christmas party at a wine bar. We almost didn't go because we thought it might be too expensive, but Gyu-Seok talked us into attending. Come to find out, it was a Christmas party for an adult English club. It was a group of around 10 Koreans who meet every Sunday to practice English. They decided to have a Christmas party for the first time, and make it a wine party, so they rented a small room in a building, had Christmas music playing, set up a beautiful table with appetizers, and drank wine together. Chaz and I were guests of honor as we were the only two foreigners joining them. It was an absolute BLAST! We drank wine, chatted, and then played three games which had us all cracking up and breaking down comfort barriers. During one of the games, we all had to take turns singing or dancing (with one girl doing a "Sheckshy Dance"). Another game had people commanded to do embarrassing things (give a piggy-back ride, sing a love song to someone, kiss someone on the neck, etc). It was absolutely the perfect way to spend Christmas, and we thanked Gyu-seok over and over for talking us into coming. We hope to meet with the group again.
The day after Christmas brought us another Christmas party (it felt like home.....10,000 Christmas parties to attend) at our friends', Randy and Charlei's, house. They were the same couple who hosted Thanksgiving. Charlei's family had gotten into town the day before, so we had actual family for the gathering which made it so special. We ate tremendous food complete with turkey and ham. Glorious.
With the end of Christmas gatherings brought the end of my long weekend without teaching. I went back to work that Monday to do my four days of Winter Camp. During Winter Break, the school still holds optional classes for students to attend. These classes are usually fun, however, as teachers play more games since it is break. Also, they are only half-days, so most English teachers are let out by 12 to go home. I LOVED my Winter Camp. I had 18 students for three periods a day for four days. My theme was "Discover Yourself," so each day had a specific theme (myself, my family, my country, my world). We did vocabulary every day, projects (life maps, a newsletter article), and some games. Each day I posted their work in the room.
One of the best days was the "My Country" day. I had students do an Amazing Race (thanks to the idea from Charlei) where they had ten questions to answer about Korea that were scattered around the school grounds along with clues to where the questions were hidden. Students had to race around the school finding the questions (hidden at the soccer goal, front gate, library, cafeteria, etc.), and then answer the questions correctly. Then, we checked the answers, and whatever team had the most correct got candy. Students had a blast, and one of them even said, "Teacher, good adventure!"
I had an amazing time the entire four days and was sad to see it end. It was awesome to be able to spend some actual time with students where I could build on what we were learning (it's so difficult only seeing students once a week). It was the first time since coming where I genuinely enjoyed what I was doing and was a great reminder that yes, I actually LOVE to teach. I felt even better when I heard from the teachers that the students said they didn't want camp to end—something NO Korean student ever says...especially at my school. I hope the students visit me when the school year begins again.
New Years was great, but pretty chill. Chaz and I hung out with friends Gon and Matt (who visited from Seoul....he went to Iowa State and was friends with Kat in Ames, then met Kel last year), and then Kelly joined us after midnight (she was at a concert). We tried to stay up to see the first sunrise of the year (a tradition in Busan), but once it hit 4:30, I was ready for home.
To end the holiday season, we attended a Christmas Light Festival at Kosin University in Busan. It was great to look at the insane amount of lights and think of festivals back home. Although the holidays were quite different this year, they were great in a new way.
Now, I am relaxing at home as I am done with school for winter break. We have the last week of the school year beginning of February, and then the new school year beings the beginning of March. Chaz and I hope to take a trip the last week of January, but haven't made plans as of yet. I'm really looking forward to this new year and new decade as I know it will continue to bring excitement, love, old friendships, new friendships, reunions, and many adventures (known and unknown). Just as last year, one year from now I don't know where I'll be, but I'm not worried about the future, I just know wherever it is, whatever we're doing, Chaz and I will make it an adventure.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Preparing for the Holidays
Christmas is almost here, and Chaz and I have been trying to get in the Christmas spirit. It's simply not the same away from beloved family and friends. Also, Christmas isn't a very big holiday in Korea. While there are Christmas displays and lights and children asking for toys, there's not the excitement of gathering with family and sharing the season. Christmas is more of a children and couple holiday.
So in preparation for the holiday, Chaz and I have had a week countdown to 크리스마스 (Christmas). Yes, only a week...haha. We have done other things throughout the month (decorate our apartment, Sunday Advent wreath, etc.), but starting Saturday, we are trying to do something every night to prepare for Christmas. This includes reading Advent scriptures, Christmas cooking, eating goodies, drinking hot chocolate & mulled wine, Christmas movies, crafts, parties, and gatherings with friends. I am looking forward to (what I see) as our culmination: the activity we have planned for Christmas Day. I feel that it will be a great way to spend Christmas away from home, as well as spend Christmas conveying the meaning of the season.
Tonight, we made Christmas cards, so I wanted to share those with you. We look forward to more activities throughout the next couple of days.
So in preparation for the holiday, Chaz and I have had a week countdown to 크리스마스 (Christmas). Yes, only a week...haha. We have done other things throughout the month (decorate our apartment, Sunday Advent wreath, etc.), but starting Saturday, we are trying to do something every night to prepare for Christmas. This includes reading Advent scriptures, Christmas cooking, eating goodies, drinking hot chocolate & mulled wine, Christmas movies, crafts, parties, and gatherings with friends. I am looking forward to (what I see) as our culmination: the activity we have planned for Christmas Day. I feel that it will be a great way to spend Christmas away from home, as well as spend Christmas conveying the meaning of the season.
Tonight, we made Christmas cards, so I wanted to share those with you. We look forward to more activities throughout the next couple of days.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Shout out to our friendly neighborhood produce seller
I just had to share this really quickly....we LOVE the fresh produce in Korea. It's been mandarin orange season for awhile, and you wouldn't believe how delicious and convenient these tiny oranges are. EVERYONE eats them and loves them like crazy while they're in season. You can buy HUGE boxes of them for $5 US, and you definitely have a stockpile for awhile. Produce can be purchased from supermarkets, convenience stores, and from trucks on the side of the road located just about everywhere. Cheap and convenient and most definitely delicious.
Today we bought our first strawberries. We've seen more and more trucks of strawberries appear, so we can only guess it's strawberry season? No idea. Anyway, we decided to buy some strawberries because we were going to dinner and dessert with some friends and thought these might be a good treat to bring. I'm not usually a huge strawberry fan because it seems difficult to find a good strawberry. There are tough strawberries, tart strawberries, hairy strawberries....it's too much of a gamble. But there was a man in a blue bongo truck selling a truckbed full of strawberries by our place, so we thought, "Why not?"
Here is our purchase:
Now, I know they don't look like much, but oh man, the friendly strawberry-man gave us strawberries to try, and they were THE MOST delicious strawberries I've ever put in my mouth. Even better than going to the strawberry patch back home and picking our own. They were sweet and soft and absolutely DELICIOUS. I keep sneaking berries when Chaz isn't looking, and I have yet to get a bum berry. I'm quickly becoming a huge strawberry fan.
Today we bought our first strawberries. We've seen more and more trucks of strawberries appear, so we can only guess it's strawberry season? No idea. Anyway, we decided to buy some strawberries because we were going to dinner and dessert with some friends and thought these might be a good treat to bring. I'm not usually a huge strawberry fan because it seems difficult to find a good strawberry. There are tough strawberries, tart strawberries, hairy strawberries....it's too much of a gamble. But there was a man in a blue bongo truck selling a truckbed full of strawberries by our place, so we thought, "Why not?"
Here is our purchase:
Now, I know they don't look like much, but oh man, the friendly strawberry-man gave us strawberries to try, and they were THE MOST delicious strawberries I've ever put in my mouth. Even better than going to the strawberry patch back home and picking our own. They were sweet and soft and absolutely DELICIOUS. I keep sneaking berries when Chaz isn't looking, and I have yet to get a bum berry. I'm quickly becoming a huge strawberry fan.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Poetry & Korean Middle School Boys
I’ve been working on a project the past month or so with my after school class. In case I haven’t mentioned, I teach an after school class of 13 Level 2 (8th grade) boys everyday for 45 minutes. Needless to say, 13 Korean middle school boys with one lone GET (Guest English Teacher) can spell a bit of a problem. Most of the time they like to play the, “Teeeaaachaaaaa! Don’t understaaaaand,” card. Anyway, they are quite fun, and they are the kids I’ve gotten to know the most over the past three months because I see them with the most frequency.
Aren’t they cute?
My class with them began with just playing speaking English games. The only issues there were they often decided not to play and instead just talked (because they didn’t understand instructions), and there really was no measurable growth happening. Nowhere the class was leading to. Being a teacher who likes to make way more work for herself than necessary, I set out to create some sort of curriculum for the class.
I tried following a book: BORING! The book I was given was all about grammar and parts of speech, and in Korea, they HAMMER grammar. ^^ Unfortunately, a lot of times students prefer this (studying grammar, taking notes, listening to lecture, memorizing) to more project based, critical thinking, and synthesizing information because it is what is familiar to them. Ask them to take notes on a 45-minute lecture, memorize, and write a report for tomorrow: done. Ask them to create an invention to save the Earth, draw it, name it, write two sentences about how it works, and present it at an “Invention Convention”: you want us to do WHAT??
Quite a difference from American schools.
I tried teaching about American culture: pop songs, advertising, holidays, etc. They weren’t having it.
Games, culture, music, book work, activities….I cycled through everything they suggested. So I decided I was going to do what I was interested in instead: poetry.
That’s right…I began teaching my middle school Korean boys poetry. They actually caught on to rhyming better than I thought they would, and they seemed to enjoy the fact they were doing something challenging (and creative). Then I got the idea to modify the Poetry Out Loud competition they have in the states. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation contest started about three years ago. It is held in an effort to get students exposed to more poetry to enrich their lives. It’s also part of a school’s curriculum, so teachers can have all students participate instead of just a few like with extra-curricular speaking contests. Students memorize a poem and compete at their schools. I thought that it would be great to hold a modified version with my after school kids because A) it gave them a goal to strive toward (these students needed some sort of incentive) B) speaking poetry will help their rhythm and fluency and C) it’d be a great way for me to have some consistency in curriculum in my after school class (plus I knew I’d enjoy helping the students do a speaking contest). Students chose and practiced poems everyday for a month in a variety of ways in order to prepare for the competition. We discussed emotion, and how to display that when reading, physical presence, and practiced difficult words.
Today was competition day. Students at first were really reluctant to do the contest, but as soon as I pulled out the prizes, they were all serious and ready to go. I tried to recruit an audience and guest judges, but to no avail (teachers are busy, and I totally understand that), but I tried to make it as close to a serious competition as possible. I judged the students (based on volume, speed, emotion, and physical presence) as they read their poems using an evaluation sheet. All other students were quiet and served as audience members. Then, at the end I presented the top three with prizes and handed out evaluation sheets.
Here is one student reading his poem. He figured out his poem was more sad and self-reflecting, so he tried to implement that into his reading (I think he did a pretty good job):
I was pretty pleased with how this contest worked. Students took it somewhat serious, and I noticed them putting forth effort (some days more than others), so that excited me. I also noticed an improvement in their fluency, and especially an improvement when reading difficult words. Since I’ve watched these students for a month, I can see improvement whereas it’d be difficult for others. Will they be able to compete in a speech competition in the States? No. But I was proud of their accomplishments and the effort (the most I’ve seen from these students the entire semester) they put in today at the contest. For a first-time competition, I’m happy with how things turned out.
Aren’t they cute?
My class with them began with just playing speaking English games. The only issues there were they often decided not to play and instead just talked (because they didn’t understand instructions), and there really was no measurable growth happening. Nowhere the class was leading to. Being a teacher who likes to make way more work for herself than necessary, I set out to create some sort of curriculum for the class.
I tried following a book: BORING! The book I was given was all about grammar and parts of speech, and in Korea, they HAMMER grammar. ^^ Unfortunately, a lot of times students prefer this (studying grammar, taking notes, listening to lecture, memorizing) to more project based, critical thinking, and synthesizing information because it is what is familiar to them. Ask them to take notes on a 45-minute lecture, memorize, and write a report for tomorrow: done. Ask them to create an invention to save the Earth, draw it, name it, write two sentences about how it works, and present it at an “Invention Convention”: you want us to do WHAT??
Quite a difference from American schools.
I tried teaching about American culture: pop songs, advertising, holidays, etc. They weren’t having it.
Games, culture, music, book work, activities….I cycled through everything they suggested. So I decided I was going to do what I was interested in instead: poetry.
That’s right…I began teaching my middle school Korean boys poetry. They actually caught on to rhyming better than I thought they would, and they seemed to enjoy the fact they were doing something challenging (and creative). Then I got the idea to modify the Poetry Out Loud competition they have in the states. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation contest started about three years ago. It is held in an effort to get students exposed to more poetry to enrich their lives. It’s also part of a school’s curriculum, so teachers can have all students participate instead of just a few like with extra-curricular speaking contests. Students memorize a poem and compete at their schools. I thought that it would be great to hold a modified version with my after school kids because A) it gave them a goal to strive toward (these students needed some sort of incentive) B) speaking poetry will help their rhythm and fluency and C) it’d be a great way for me to have some consistency in curriculum in my after school class (plus I knew I’d enjoy helping the students do a speaking contest). Students chose and practiced poems everyday for a month in a variety of ways in order to prepare for the competition. We discussed emotion, and how to display that when reading, physical presence, and practiced difficult words.
Today was competition day. Students at first were really reluctant to do the contest, but as soon as I pulled out the prizes, they were all serious and ready to go. I tried to recruit an audience and guest judges, but to no avail (teachers are busy, and I totally understand that), but I tried to make it as close to a serious competition as possible. I judged the students (based on volume, speed, emotion, and physical presence) as they read their poems using an evaluation sheet. All other students were quiet and served as audience members. Then, at the end I presented the top three with prizes and handed out evaluation sheets.
Here is one student reading his poem. He figured out his poem was more sad and self-reflecting, so he tried to implement that into his reading (I think he did a pretty good job):
I was pretty pleased with how this contest worked. Students took it somewhat serious, and I noticed them putting forth effort (some days more than others), so that excited me. I also noticed an improvement in their fluency, and especially an improvement when reading difficult words. Since I’ve watched these students for a month, I can see improvement whereas it’d be difficult for others. Will they be able to compete in a speech competition in the States? No. But I was proud of their accomplishments and the effort (the most I’ve seen from these students the entire semester) they put in today at the contest. For a first-time competition, I’m happy with how things turned out.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
해피 땡스 기빙 (spelling courtesy of Gon)
Happy Thanksgiving from Korea!
As I'm about to lay down my head after this Thanksgiving Day in Korea, the sun is beginning to shine in Iowa. Today was bittersweet as I was thankful to be able to celebrate this, one of my favorite, of holidays in Korea, but I was missing my family a lot. It's difficult to believe I won't be at Grandma Landers's house in a few hours to eat and eat and eat and then relax with the cousins drinking Dad's rootbeer, and stuffing our faces some more with Grandma's veggie-beef soup and dumplings. However, Chaz and I are SO thankful we have great friends, Randy and Charlei, who prepared an absolutely fantastic Thanksgiving feast for us. Turkey (prepared to perfection), mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, mixed veggies, homemade biscuits, apple pie, pumpkin pie....it was fabulous! Best meal in Busan, fo sho! The company was also wonderful as we relaxed and watched television and chatted. Now I am properly stuffed and exhausted, the way it should be at Thanksgiving. We are also looking forward to celebrating the holiday with Kelly and some Korean friends this weekend, as well as with our new church family.
On this thankfulness-est of days, I am thankful for many things:
Living in Busan and fulfilling a dream of teaching overseas.
Being surrounded by mountains and ocean and so many other sights so unfamiliar to these midwestern girl's eyes.
Obnoxious middle school boys who fill my life with joy (and pain).
Great co-workers who do try to help me, even through a language barrier.
Excellent foreign friends who provide a precious link to sanity on those crazy days.
Understanding public transportation in a different language.
Friends back home. We miss you but are so thankful we get to talk to you!!
The support and love from our family back home. (Mom & Pops Schmidt, Papa Chuck, Mama Penny and Black Daddy, Ben, Sam, Apro, Bobert, Jon, Sounthone, Great Grandma, Grandma Irene, Grandma Landers, Grandma Betty, Grandpa Wilbur, and all them aunts and uncles and cousins)
The internet for making it possible to get said support and love.
Our nieces who, let's face it, rock the world.
Kat's help in those crucial, tough beginning moments in Korea.
Kelly, my 베프, for ALL of the great times in the past, and the new great memories we're making.
My husband, Chazlekins, who loves me more than I can even comprehend. Jesus-type of love. Selfless love.
I could go on and on and on because I am thankful for so much in my life, but I will only bore you. Instead, I'll leave you with a smile on this day. My students made Thanksgiving cards in my classes this week. I received a few, and here are two of my favs:
"Kate Teacher- You good teacher."
"English teacher- I am thankful for you because you are best."
"To Mrs. Kate- I am thankful for you because you taught me about interesting American cultures and traditional things. For example, Thanksgiving Day and Macy's Day parade. Also, you taught me presidential pardon, Black Friday. Most of all Black Friday was very interesting and funny. From Samuel."
And the best one:
"Kate Teacher- I am thankful for you because you are the best teacher in the world." (okay, i MIGHT have coerced that one)
Enjoy this beautiful day!
As I'm about to lay down my head after this Thanksgiving Day in Korea, the sun is beginning to shine in Iowa. Today was bittersweet as I was thankful to be able to celebrate this, one of my favorite, of holidays in Korea, but I was missing my family a lot. It's difficult to believe I won't be at Grandma Landers's house in a few hours to eat and eat and eat and then relax with the cousins drinking Dad's rootbeer, and stuffing our faces some more with Grandma's veggie-beef soup and dumplings. However, Chaz and I are SO thankful we have great friends, Randy and Charlei, who prepared an absolutely fantastic Thanksgiving feast for us. Turkey (prepared to perfection), mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, mixed veggies, homemade biscuits, apple pie, pumpkin pie....it was fabulous! Best meal in Busan, fo sho! The company was also wonderful as we relaxed and watched television and chatted. Now I am properly stuffed and exhausted, the way it should be at Thanksgiving. We are also looking forward to celebrating the holiday with Kelly and some Korean friends this weekend, as well as with our new church family.
On this thankfulness-est of days, I am thankful for many things:
Living in Busan and fulfilling a dream of teaching overseas.
Being surrounded by mountains and ocean and so many other sights so unfamiliar to these midwestern girl's eyes.
Obnoxious middle school boys who fill my life with joy (and pain).
Great co-workers who do try to help me, even through a language barrier.
Excellent foreign friends who provide a precious link to sanity on those crazy days.
Understanding public transportation in a different language.
Friends back home. We miss you but are so thankful we get to talk to you!!
The support and love from our family back home. (Mom & Pops Schmidt, Papa Chuck, Mama Penny and Black Daddy, Ben, Sam, Apro, Bobert, Jon, Sounthone, Great Grandma, Grandma Irene, Grandma Landers, Grandma Betty, Grandpa Wilbur, and all them aunts and uncles and cousins)
The internet for making it possible to get said support and love.
Our nieces who, let's face it, rock the world.
Kat's help in those crucial, tough beginning moments in Korea.
Kelly, my 베프, for ALL of the great times in the past, and the new great memories we're making.
My husband, Chazlekins, who loves me more than I can even comprehend. Jesus-type of love. Selfless love.
I could go on and on and on because I am thankful for so much in my life, but I will only bore you. Instead, I'll leave you with a smile on this day. My students made Thanksgiving cards in my classes this week. I received a few, and here are two of my favs:
"Kate Teacher- You good teacher."
"English teacher- I am thankful for you because you are best."
"To Mrs. Kate- I am thankful for you because you taught me about interesting American cultures and traditional things. For example, Thanksgiving Day and Macy's Day parade. Also, you taught me presidential pardon, Black Friday. Most of all Black Friday was very interesting and funny. From Samuel."
And the best one:
"Kate Teacher- I am thankful for you because you are the best teacher in the world." (okay, i MIGHT have coerced that one)
Enjoy this beautiful day!
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Past Month...
This past month has been a whirlwind, and I apologize to those of you wondering, “Where in the world did Kate go now?” I’m still in Busan, and I’m still alive, and I’m still going strong. So, here’s my whirlwind update of the past whirlwind month:
In October, Kat left us for the great plains of Ioway. It was sad to see her go, but we spent one last excellent weekend before she flew away. Her last adventure? Climb Mt. Sinbul in Ulsan. It was an epic climb as we, unknowingly, took the steep, and sometimes perilous, trek up the mountain. Three hours later, however, we were at the peak to get an incredible view of the Korean landscape around us. Absolutely breathtaking, especially as leaves were changing colors. It was just what Chaz and I needed to even more fully appreciate the beauty of Korea, and just what Kat needed to remind her about why she loves Korea so much and wants to come back in January.
The week that Kat left, although sad, was also one for celebration as KELLY made her return to the Land of the Morning Calm. It was a joyous reunion after thirteen months of being apart as Chaz and I met her (a surprise to her) at the airport to welcome her back with Korean signs, hugs, hearts, and treats. It’s been absolutely wonderful living in the same city as her for the first time in five years. Although she lives a good trek across the city away from us, we still find many times a week we can get together, usually meeting halfway. I love having my best friend back (!), as well as a tie to home.
Halloween was also a blast, as we celebrated our first American holiday since coming to Korea. We met some friends for dinner, and all of us were decked out in costumes. Chaz and I went as Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley, and Korean children we met on the street laughed and ran away from us as we pointed our wands at them shouting spells. Yes, we are nerds. And we love it.
Besides major events, life continues to bring newness, but also comfort as we continue to become “pros” at living in Busan. We have started going to a church in the past couple of weeks. It has been great to fellowship with other foreigners, and even Koreans that attend the church. We also have enjoyed hanging out with some of Kelly & Kat's friends (and now ours too!) from Ulsan: Ji and Ots. We even got to attend one of Ji's Sk8ing competitions. Korean class has kept us busy, but we are also enjoying showing off our knowledge to our students. Every time I say something in Korean, my students all are shocked and say, “Whooooooooooooa, teacher!” Then they give me a “power clap” (our class symbol of a job well done). Okay, I might like to show off just a bit. It gives me a little confidence boost during an especially tough day or week. ^_^
Now we are looking towards the holidays with excitement, but also a bit of trepidation. We are excited to celebrate in Korea, but we are also sure that they will bring homesickness and a desire to see family. This will be the first Thanksgiving I haven’t spent with the Landers family, and I will definitely miss the food, the conversation, the laughter, the movies, and grandma’s vegetable beef soup and DUMPLINGS. sigh. I guess I’ll make it. We are also looking to winter break. We will begin winter break Christmas Eve, and the semester begins again the second week of February. However, during winter break, we will teach one week of Winter Camp, and then I will have two weeks of After School class. The plus side: both of these will be done with by noon everyday, AND we still get at least two weeks of actual break after they are over. Once the semester begins, we will have one or two weeks of classes, a week off for “Spring Break,” and then a new school year will start which also means I WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO THIS TIME AROUND. Really looking forward to that “new beginning.”
Rest assured, dear family and friends, we are still alive and well, just incredibly busy. I dream of simplicity and rest, but I know in a fast-paced culture, I will get less and less of this. I’m making it, though, and still enjoying life in Korea.
In October, Kat left us for the great plains of Ioway. It was sad to see her go, but we spent one last excellent weekend before she flew away. Her last adventure? Climb Mt. Sinbul in Ulsan. It was an epic climb as we, unknowingly, took the steep, and sometimes perilous, trek up the mountain. Three hours later, however, we were at the peak to get an incredible view of the Korean landscape around us. Absolutely breathtaking, especially as leaves were changing colors. It was just what Chaz and I needed to even more fully appreciate the beauty of Korea, and just what Kat needed to remind her about why she loves Korea so much and wants to come back in January.
The week that Kat left, although sad, was also one for celebration as KELLY made her return to the Land of the Morning Calm. It was a joyous reunion after thirteen months of being apart as Chaz and I met her (a surprise to her) at the airport to welcome her back with Korean signs, hugs, hearts, and treats. It’s been absolutely wonderful living in the same city as her for the first time in five years. Although she lives a good trek across the city away from us, we still find many times a week we can get together, usually meeting halfway. I love having my best friend back (!), as well as a tie to home.
Halloween was also a blast, as we celebrated our first American holiday since coming to Korea. We met some friends for dinner, and all of us were decked out in costumes. Chaz and I went as Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley, and Korean children we met on the street laughed and ran away from us as we pointed our wands at them shouting spells. Yes, we are nerds. And we love it.
Besides major events, life continues to bring newness, but also comfort as we continue to become “pros” at living in Busan. We have started going to a church in the past couple of weeks. It has been great to fellowship with other foreigners, and even Koreans that attend the church. We also have enjoyed hanging out with some of Kelly & Kat's friends (and now ours too!) from Ulsan: Ji and Ots. We even got to attend one of Ji's Sk8ing competitions. Korean class has kept us busy, but we are also enjoying showing off our knowledge to our students. Every time I say something in Korean, my students all are shocked and say, “Whooooooooooooa, teacher!” Then they give me a “power clap” (our class symbol of a job well done). Okay, I might like to show off just a bit. It gives me a little confidence boost during an especially tough day or week. ^_^
Now we are looking towards the holidays with excitement, but also a bit of trepidation. We are excited to celebrate in Korea, but we are also sure that they will bring homesickness and a desire to see family. This will be the first Thanksgiving I haven’t spent with the Landers family, and I will definitely miss the food, the conversation, the laughter, the movies, and grandma’s vegetable beef soup and DUMPLINGS. sigh. I guess I’ll make it. We are also looking to winter break. We will begin winter break Christmas Eve, and the semester begins again the second week of February. However, during winter break, we will teach one week of Winter Camp, and then I will have two weeks of After School class. The plus side: both of these will be done with by noon everyday, AND we still get at least two weeks of actual break after they are over. Once the semester begins, we will have one or two weeks of classes, a week off for “Spring Break,” and then a new school year will start which also means I WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO THIS TIME AROUND. Really looking forward to that “new beginning.”
Rest assured, dear family and friends, we are still alive and well, just incredibly busy. I dream of simplicity and rest, but I know in a fast-paced culture, I will get less and less of this. I’m making it, though, and still enjoying life in Korea.
Monday, November 09, 2009
I know I've been slacking...
I know I have so much to update. On the list:
—Mountain Climbing
—Kat's departure
—Kel's arrival
—Halloween
I promise to cover all of those topics in an incredibly large post very soon. However, time is short right now due to it being 11:09 and having to get up early for school, so I decided to write a quick update on current happenings. Life seems to be incredibly busy lately.
Among the list of current happenings includes Korean class. Chaz and I started taking a Korean language class midway through October. I can't believe it's slipped my mind to blog about it until now. We've enjoyed meeting Tuesday and Thursday nights with a group of 20 other foreigners to learn basics of Korean. It's already helped out tremendously as we've learned the Hangeul alphabet and can successfully read (slowly) Korean. Most of the time we don't know what the words mean, but there are many instances in which English words are "Koreanized," so as I'm reading, I suddenly realize I'm reading an English word.
For example:
피자=Pi-ja (pizza)
커피=keo-pi (coffee)
There are many more Konglish words, but those are two prominent ones that are noticeable. That's today's Korean lesson! Hope you enjoyed these little Korean tidbits.
—Mountain Climbing
—Kat's departure
—Kel's arrival
—Halloween
I promise to cover all of those topics in an incredibly large post very soon. However, time is short right now due to it being 11:09 and having to get up early for school, so I decided to write a quick update on current happenings. Life seems to be incredibly busy lately.
Among the list of current happenings includes Korean class. Chaz and I started taking a Korean language class midway through October. I can't believe it's slipped my mind to blog about it until now. We've enjoyed meeting Tuesday and Thursday nights with a group of 20 other foreigners to learn basics of Korean. It's already helped out tremendously as we've learned the Hangeul alphabet and can successfully read (slowly) Korean. Most of the time we don't know what the words mean, but there are many instances in which English words are "Koreanized," so as I'm reading, I suddenly realize I'm reading an English word.
For example:
피자=Pi-ja (pizza)
커피=keo-pi (coffee)
There are many more Konglish words, but those are two prominent ones that are noticeable. That's today's Korean lesson! Hope you enjoyed these little Korean tidbits.
Konglish Quote of the Day
"English—A flavor everyone can enjoy!" —Seen on one of my students' notebooks
Monday, November 02, 2009
Konglish Quote of the Day
"The time for trying for bright future! Though it is sick and tiring for you to listen to studying everyday, How about trying a bit more? The hardship you are facing now will reward you as a precious present. Why don't you enjoy the moment now?" —from my planner
Thursday, October 29, 2009
First Year Teaching Roadblocks
I miss my mom. She always knows how to listen to my rants and raves and respond appropriately. Not that I don’t continue to rant and rave to her via Skype, but it’s just not the same. We could sit at the kitchen table and I could rant about my students who I just can't handle, or the times I am sometimes lonely at school; my frustration with failed lessons, my feeling like I’m not a valuable member of these students' education, the lack of respect shown me at school… She’d swap with stories about her horrid 7th graders and the insanely amazing consequences she’d given them as a result of something they’d said or done in class. Then we could eat ice cream or homemade cookies and talk about the nice things about teaching. The students who smile sweetly and answer when you’re desperate for volunteers. The times when students are attentive because they know you’ve got a gem to share with them. The times when students are rowdy and running around the room but it’s a productive rowdy; the hum of ideas flowing from their lips because you’ve inspired them to creativity and their own learning. The times when students say, “Aha!” or “So THAT’S how you do it,” when you’ve explained something to them the 27th time and they finally understand.
Even though we could rant and rave about the awful things we’ve come in contact with, we’d always end with the positives. Because those are the reasons both of us teach. And if we don’t focus on those particulars, we’d completely lose faith. Those are what I need to focus on now. Even when those times are few and far between in my first year of teaching, that’s what I need to continue to strive for. Continue to try for. Continue to plan, plan, plan for. Continue to fail, brush myself off, and try it another way for. So that when all is said and done after this experience, these students will have made me a better teacher, and I will have made these students better learners and people.
Even though we could rant and rave about the awful things we’ve come in contact with, we’d always end with the positives. Because those are the reasons both of us teach. And if we don’t focus on those particulars, we’d completely lose faith. Those are what I need to focus on now. Even when those times are few and far between in my first year of teaching, that’s what I need to continue to strive for. Continue to try for. Continue to plan, plan, plan for. Continue to fail, brush myself off, and try it another way for. So that when all is said and done after this experience, these students will have made me a better teacher, and I will have made these students better learners and people.
Konglish Quote of the Day
"Everything's alright. Everyone's shouting black music." —On a t-shirt worn by a student. T-shirt depicted a black man with an afro.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Konglish Quote of the Day
"It was a time of happy, shiny people...the shiniest were in the uranium mines." —On a postcard I purchased in a stationary store
Monday, October 26, 2009
Konglish Quote of the Day
I'm starting a new segment on my blog entitled: Konglish Quote of the Day. I'm hoping to post one everyday during the weekdays (or at least once a week), so that I'm more often providing interesting tidbits from Korea while I could be too busy to write a lengthy blog. I'll post a quote I see in stores, on t-shirts, in my planner, etc. for your entertainment and laughing purposes. Without further adieu: today's Konglish Quote of the Day:
"Even we can not fly now, it doesn't mean we can't never fly. A dream that we have, we already to starting flying to the sky. Now let us fly to the sky." (from my planner)
"Even we can not fly now, it doesn't mean we can't never fly. A dream that we have, we already to starting flying to the sky. Now let us fly to the sky." (from my planner)
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