No Way!

Would you like to have an ATM machine that not only gives you money, but allows you to pay your bills (gas, water, electric, rent), AND balances your checkbook for you?  Ha, ha!  Well move to South Korea and you can have exactly that!  The ATM does it all! Oh, but there is more! What if you forget your debt card?  No worries!  As long as you have your bank book (pocket size) you can still take care of your business.  Just slide your book into the machine.  Do you know how many people would be able to (maybe) better manage their money if we had this?  Genius idea!  

Students are preparing for their mid-term exams next week.  Middle school and high school students will take between 7 and 8 exams over 3 days.  Many have been studying very hard, even on the weekends.  One of the high school teachers asked me today if I could meet with her just to talk.....about anything, in an attempt to improve her English.  Of course, I agreed.  She is pretty good already though, but like I always say, "perfect practice makes perfect".  I noticed that she wore wedding bands on both hands.  I asked her if she was married and she looked at me like, "Are you crazy?"  I asked her why and after she stressed that it was her own personal opinion, she said that she does like men, but she doesn't agree with how Korean wives are treated by their husbands.  She went on to say that she does know that it is much different in America.  Her next question to me was, "Are you married?"  I just smiled and replied, "One day, but no, not yet.  No rush."  

I learned that after the third year in high school, students will take a university entrance exam.  They will fall into two categories: if they score high, they will attend one of the top universities in Korea; if they score low, they will attend a university that is, well not so much "at the top".  The majority, with the exception of maybe 1 or 2, go to college!  Even if it is a two year college, they still go! 

Enjoy the pictures below.  Sooner or later, I will figure out how to download videos!  Until then....

One of my English classes.  The girls were a little shy.... 

Students working hard on their Chuseok assignment.

A few of my boys during our Free Talking time.....the young man holding up both hands, Nak, will be moving to Chicago with his family in a few days.  Smart young man, I hate to see him go, but I am very happy that he will have the opportunity to study in America! 

The GREAT, all in one ATM machine!

Another English class working hard.  No one wanted to have to stay after class with "Sarah Teacha" to finish, especially not during their 10 minute break time!

Concluding thought for today: 

Living Fee: 110,000 won (not as much as you think....feel free to look up the conversion)

Gas bill: 25,000 won

Establishing relationships with my Korean students.....PRICELESS!  

Watch Out!

Today was the first day back to school since the Chuseok Holiday.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and for the most part, my students had a good week off.  I had to make some of my high school boys to push-ups today because they were talking while I was trying to teach. (I don't play that!)  I think they learned their lesson. They weren't too happy when they got up off the ground, and they sure were quiet when they sat back down! (I only made them do 10 and they are complaining!)

I made an observation, well a couple actually, but the I will only share one.  Students meet their teachers in the classroom.  Teachers sit at their desks (there is a big office where each teacher and the vice principal have their own desks, not like the states where each teacher has their own classroom), wait for the bell to ring and maybe 3-5 minutes later go to the class that they have to teach.  Here is the observation...although students may "run a muck" and act wildly while the teacher is not yet around, please believe as soon as the teacher steps foot in the class, ALL foolishness is put aside and students get ready to learn whatever is going to be taught.

**Side note--where is the principal's office?  The principal has his (I have yet to meet a female principal),  own office.  The office is HUGE.  My principal at the middle school has a big (BIG) round table with 8-10 (if not more) orange leather chairs going around it. It reminds me of (kind of) a United Nations Meeting!  His desk overlooks the mountains with a nice computer.

In one of my classes today we were talking about family.  Of course, I had to show a picture of mine and I explained what nieces and nephews were.  They hadn't heard of this.  I soon learned that they refer to their uncle as "Big Daddy".  I couldn't help but to laugh!  It was too funny!  Then one of my students said, "I went to Big Daddy's house!"  I was like whoa!  Then I thought, well what do they call their aunts? Big Momma?!?!? (This was clearly the laugh of the day!)

I went for a (very nice) run this evening and what do you know!?  This lady almost hit me with her car!  I looked at her like, "YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS LADY! I KNOW YOU SAW ME, ESPECIALLY WITH THIS BRIGHT PINK SHIRT ON AND BLACK TIGHTS WITH REFLECTORS...GEESH!"  I know you may be saying, "Oh Sarah be careful!" I don't know how much more careful I can get!  The drivers here do not yield to pedestrians!  I had to get in the street because I had to cross.

And finally, I went to the post office (by myself!) and mailed a few things to my niece and nephews!  It was way easier that I thought it would be.  The only thing was that I had securely taped the box I was going to send.  I told the man what was in there, and he clearly didn't believe me.  He took out a box cutter, cut the box open, looked inside, and then taped it back up.   Despite all this, I felt good walking out of there and thought, "Mission accomplished!"

Stay tunned for more!

Pictures from the DMZ and Olympic Park

North Korea is right behind me!  Just past this wall!!

You must stand behind this line to take a picture!

DMZ

Yesterday we experienced the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).....also known as the Spot of Division between North and South Korea.  It was such a rich experience.  (Sorry, you will have to wait for the pictures...and there were some areas where pictures were not allowed at all.  They were very strict about this...very!  Side note..at one point where we were able to literally look across and see North Korea, one guy tried to take pictures and the soldier came over and said, "Let me see your picture!"  Needless to say the guy had to delete the picture and the soldier watched him and looked through ALL of his photos until it was deleted.  They even have a line that you MUST stand behind in order to take pictures...serious business)  Here is a little bit information about the tunnel that we went to....

The 3rd Tunnel was discovered at the point of just 52 km away from Seoul, in the administrative district of Paju in 1978.  The tunnel is 1,635m in length, 2m in width, and 2m in height.  Also, it is as large in scale as an army of thirty-thousand fully-armed North Korean soldiers to pass through within an hour.  This is the largest one among those that have been discovered up to now, and we can certainly guess how strong a North Korean plot to invade the South was at that time. 

Going into the tunnel everyone had to put on a helmet.  It was surreal.  There were even places where you could see the dynamite holes from when the tunnel was formed.  Me being as short as I am, had no difficulity walking though, but Ivory on the other hand, had a few problems because of his height.  He was actually too tall to walk through and kept on hitting his head! The walk back up was a workout!  Once we got out of the tunnel, we took off the helmets and waited for the rest of our group.  As soon as I took off mine, I noticed the ladies at the information desk looking.....at my hair.  They were SO fascinated with it!  Because they were nice about it, I explained how the lady did it and how I maintain it.  (Yes, they spoke English and understood what I was saying).  She told me that it was beautiful! :)  Luckly, I had just gotten it done the day before! :)  



We also went to the bus station that takes one from North Korea to South Korea.  It is no longer being used, but there is hope that it will one day be put to use.  The tour guide explained to me that in order for this to happen, the North and South government must meet and discuss some kind of agreement.  Until then, it will only be used as a tourist attraction. I also learned that there is a bridge called the "Point of no Return," meaning that once you cross the bridge to North Korea, you WILL NOT be able to return to the South.  If you want to live in North Korea, you have to give up your rights as a South Korean citizen and if you want to live in South Korea (good luck), you have to give up all of your rights as a North Korean citizen. 

For the most part, most of the Koreans I have come into contact with are very kind people.  I spoke with a girl today as I was going to the sauna.  Her name is Lucy.  She was born in Seoul and just finished from the university (college).  She has worked at the sauna as a front desk receptionist for about a month.  As she asked me about how I like it here, she shared with me that she is ready to leave......leave Korea.  Her dream is to go back to Chicago (she has been before).  I told her what is getting me through and helping me make this transition, reading and prayer.  Her face lit up and she said, "Oh, you are so positive!  Thank you very much!"  As I went on about my business, I felt bad for her mainly because I am able to go where I want when I want and thankfully have the means to do so.  Then, I prayed for her. 

Whew!  Until next time..... 

Happy Chuseok!

Today is the last day of school for the week because of Chuseok!  Chuseok is the Korean Thanksgiving, instead of our one day of enjoying family, friends, and food, their holiday lasts a total of 3 days! I have learned that it is during this time that they pay homage to their ancestors by going to the cemetary and cleaning around the tombstones and leaving flowers, etc.  There is a lot of food that is prepared during this time, and so many gifts are given.  For example, all of the teachers recieved a big (not to mention heavy) bag of rice and fruit today at school!  The city will be shut all the way DOWN!  Good luck finding stores that will be open...and there is no such thing as last minute shopping!  I am looking forward to seeing and experiencing this brand new holiday.

Learning and Laughter

Today I taught at the elementary school!  The kids are so full of energy, which is exactly what I need to be around....what a perfect fit!  

In my 6th grade class, which is a class of 2 children (12 years old), the little girl asked me, "Teacha, how old are you?" I told her that I couldn't tell her, because in America students don't (usually) as their teacher's age (at least mine don't, and if they do I don't tell them!) Her response, which was in Korean was, "But you are in Korea!"  Somehow I understood what she said, and I couldn't help but to bust out laughing!  It was too funny.  And then she looked at me looked at me with the sweetest look on her face!  Of course, I ended up telling them my age.  

The elementary students had a Korean festival yesterday and I wish I would have been able to attend.  One of the things that they did was a traditional Korean dance.  After class today, my co-teacher gave me two of the fans that were used in the dance!  They are pink (of course!).  I will be sure to take a picture and put them on here.  

I learned so many new things today from my co-teacher.  As you read a few of these, think about how you would feel (if the shoe fits....)

1.  If you are a working Korean woman, you can only have 1-2 kids!  My co-teacher has two kids, but she wants 4.  She can't have 4 though because she works.  Her family is completely separated....completely.  She lives in Seoseok with her little boy, her 2 year old daughter lives in Chuncheon with her grandparents and great grandmother, and her husband lives in Wonju.  She (my co-teacher) only sees her husband and daughter on the weekends, and it is a pretty long drive.  Keep in mind, Seoseok is a very rural area. 

2.  Teachers can only work at a school 3-5 years and then they are sent to work at another school.  It's not like in the U.S. where teachers can stay at the same school for eons! 

Everyday is something Brand New !  I'm just glad and thankful that I am able to experience it all! 

Another Week Down.......

This week has been full of ups and downs, but I am still smiling and have joy within.  I love my students here, even the ones who try to give me a little bit of trouble.  They are very respectful and for the most part try hard to learn/improve their English.  The best part so far is that I am noticing that my students are gaining confidence in speaking English! If they have a question, they ask!! 

I also notice that although Korean students know how to study long and hard (school from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and then hogwon...private tutor until 9 p.m.), they are not taught how to think critically.  Most things are remote memorization.  I'm working on a solution, at least one for the time being. 

I am getting better at remembering their names, which is a task within itself!  (It seems like the names all sound alike).  As I try to pronounce their names they ask, "Sarah teacha, do you want my English name?" (which would be like Kim or Jenny)  I tell them no, I want to learn their Korean name.  You should see the looks on their faces.  What is even more priceless is when I speak to them in Korean (broken of course, but nonetheless...), or when they walk up to me and ask, "Teacha, what's my name?"  Then I proceed to tell them their name, which they think I have forgotten.  That makes them so happy.  One of my boys told me today that I was a fashionista!  I couldn't help but to laugh! 

You may find this interesting.......(yes, another countdown!)
1. Students here are placed not by ability, but by age.
2. Middle school (and elementary and high school) have 1st grade (14 years old), 2nd grade (15 years old), and 3rd grade (16 years old).  So Korean students finish high school when they are 19 or 20.  They use to hold students back years ago, but they did away with that "system".
3. Regardless if a student does not do well, they are passed on to the next "grade", again everything is based on age.
4. High school is only 3 years, not 4 like the U.S.
5. Koreans add one year to their age.  So a first grade middle school student would be 13 in America.  My Korean age is 30 (29 + 1).  Why do they add a year to their age?  It was explained to me that Koreans believe that as soon as the baby is in the womb, the first year of life begins.  So this means when then leave their mother's womb, they are already 2 years old! 

Did you catch all of that!?  It's all apart of the Korean culture! 

안 녕 히 게 세 요
Ahn-n' young-he kah-say-yoh
Goodbye

One Word.....BEAUTIFUL!

On Monday night three teachers that I work with, including myself, stayed at the math teacher's house.  At first I will admit that I was a little apprehensive, mainly becuase she lives in the mountains.  For those of you who really know me, you know that Sarah don't do no mountains!  This is the same math teacher who invited me to live in her spare house (in Seoseok...where my school is) so that I wouldn't have to catch the bus to work; I would be able to ride with her.  So, I would live with her during the week and go back to my apartment (in Hongcheon) on the weekends. 

On the way up to her house, I was in TOTAL awe!  All I could think about was the book of Genesis when God was creating everything....."and it was good" (SO GOOD).  That night, after we had a delicious meal (her and her husband know that I don't eat pork so they ordered chicken for me...), and we all got ready to go to bed, I thought about where I was.  The word beautiful does the place NO justice (and of course, I forgot my camera....grrrr!).  One would have to go and experience it for themselves to get the full feeling of what I am trying to describe here.  I guess I was so amazed because to know that God could and did create such beautiful things is so mind-blowing to me!  The house, oh the house(!), was so meticulously put together (by her husband and his "crew"), it looked like something out of a magazine.  It was made of clay and pine wood, but looking at it, you would never guess that. 

After a friendly game of badmitton (with her husband, I think he beat me!), I thought about asking the math teacher if I could maybe come once a month just to "get away" from the hustle and bustle of Hongcheon and Seoul.  I will keep you posted.....

Until next time...
Tal me to pie yo (See you later)   

Enjoying Seoul.....

This weekend was somewhat eventful.  It felt good to be able to go to Seoul with the girls to just hang out and relax.  We were able to find a nail shop, although, it is nothing like my spot in the states! We were still able to enjoy the services nonetheless!

I met a Soror from Texas who is in the Army.  She reassured us that she would be our "mother" while we were here.

I am preparing for another week of school.  This is the last week before Cheouseok Holiday, which is the Korean Thanksgiving.  Interestingly it lasts for 3 days.  I am teaching my middle school kids about our Thanksgiving Holiday in comparison to their Cheouseok.

Below you will find photos of my apartment (of which I am very thankful for....3 bedrooms, a full bathroom, and more space than I know what to do with!); the weekend in Seoul and the hotel we stayed in.  Please excuse the disorganization of the photos....

Until next time.....

No Words

I can't help but to share all of the good things that God is allowing to happen to me on a daily basis.  

One of the math teachers offered to let me live in her house (I would have it to myself).  In the beginning she was going to charge me for utilities (gas, water, etc.).  She lives in the town where I teach, so I would ride to work with her instead of riding the bus.  She suggested that I live in Saesoak (town where I teach) during the week and Hongcheon during the week.  Needless to say I told her I would think about it....this was at the beginning of the week.  Today my co-teacher told me that she (the math teacher) wouldn't charge me anything if I wanted to live in the spare house!  If I didn't want to stay there all week, she said that I could just go and stay whenever I wanted to.....

I also found out that one of the teachers from the elementary where I work on Fridays is going to pick me up every Friday for work! What does this mean? NO BUS!!!! and I can save that bus money!  Hearing this, all I could do was smile and look upward!  

Last week, when I met one of my high school classes I noticed a swastika on a notebook.  I explained to my students why my face was so frowned up when I saw it and they understood.  We had a brief discussion about Hitler, hatred, Jews, etc.  I didn't realize until afterwards what they were trying to explain to me....that that symbol means something COMPLETELY different in Korea.  When I walked into the classroom today the symbol was on the board again, AND it had how their symbol is different from the swastika.  It was a definite learning moment for me and it all made sense!  I thanked the students for 'schoolen' me! (The symbol is different because of the strokes.....the way that it is made).

And finally.  So, the EPIK Teachers in my Providence have to take a Korean language class.  In the beginning, I was thinking, "You can't be serious!" I was not looking forward to going (even though I knew I wanted to learn the language...) After 3 days of frustration I decided that I HAVE to be proactive and can't wait for the language to automatically come to me.  So, after getting upset and wanting to give up, I came home after class and decided to study, I mean really study.  And, after an hour and 30 min, I can proudly (and thankfully!) say that I know the Korean Alphabet and can slowly read it (key word slowly!).  I was too excited, so much so that I wanted to keep on going, but I had to get ready for work......nobody but HIM! 

What a day, what a day...

Today was such a GOOD day!  The song I had in my head pretty much all day, beginning this morning was Great is Thy Faithfulness...


I was on time (actually early) to work today and ended up not really having to teach because students had to take a listening test.  I was able to begin the first class of teaching the Korean teachers English.  I wish they weren't so shy about speaking English.

I met the nicest lady on the bus today.  She is Korean and she speaks wonderful English.  She taught me some new words and basic phrases and she even directed me to the Hongcheon Educational Office where I had to go today for Korean lessons.  As I continued looking for the place, I came across a few high school boys.  "HI!!" They were excited (I guess) to see an American.  I spoke and then asked them about the place I was going.  One then said, "Oh I know where it is! Follow me!"  Three of them then proceeded to take me to the building where I needed to go. They were sweet boys.

I also got a NEW washing machine!  I was too happy abou that.  It's cute...pink...of course!  The old one was broken...very broken!  It was filling with water even when it was unplugged!  Now, all I have to do is learn to read Korean!

Each day brings some kind of new adventure.  I am actually starting to be more at ease. Although I miss America; my family, my friends, and my dear Ivory, I STILL know that I will be ok.  I don't have any complaints, only gratitude and thankfulness.  Regardless--good, bad, or ugly, I will always be so full of thanks with a song on my heart.  

Not Again!!

And so.....

I got on the WRONG bus today!  Luckily, it didn't leave the station.  As the bus driver came around to collect tickets, he looked at mine and said, "Seoseok,  wrong bus!" (using broken English of course...)  As he said that, the bus I needed to be on was leaving!  This was a 8:00 a.m. by the way.  The next one wasn't until 9:45 a.m. and I had to be to work by 9 a.m.!  I called my co-teacher and explained what happened.  She understood.  I was mad at first, but then settled down when I started reading In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. (This is a VERY, VERY GOOD book by the way! Thanks Jean!)

I met my second group of high school kids today.  Oh I love them!  I did have to get on one young fellow for trying to mock me!  I was proud of all of them because their English is better than they think it is.  Thus far, I have met all of my students.  It's funny how I use to always say, "Oh I would NEVER teach elementary or high school!  NEVER!"  But since I have been here, I actually really, really like teaching elementary and high school.  Middle school....not so much.  In America yes, but here...I'll pass!  Though this bunch of middle schoolers aren't may favorite group, I will continue to do the best that I can to prepare and equip them for whatever life has in store for them.

I also found out today that I will be teaching English to the teachers at both the middle and high schools to improve their English vocabulary and conversation.  I'm actually looking forward to that!

Old News

I know we are getting ready for a new week, but this is from last week....I forgot to post it! (Opps!!)

Today I taught 3rd, 4th, 5th (for the first time in my life), and 6th graders! What a joy it was! I must say that elementary is not as bad as I thought it would be.  If I could get an elementary class with 2-12 students, I would say, "SIGN ME UP!"  My students were fun and of course very curious.  They wanted to touch my hair, and of course I had to let them....how could I not (they are too cute to say no....I'm a sucker I know).  Many asked, "Is that your real hair?"  They just couldn't believe it.  Eating lunch with the little ones was hilarious.  One little boy sat across from me and started at me the entire time.  Mrs. Kim, one of my elementary co-teachers, (who is another jewel to me), told him to stop staring and eat his food.  I felt so good today because I actually felt productive, I got a taxi cab ride for free (I have no idea how!  I tried to pay and the driver told me to go on...in Korean of course), after school the bus driver saw me taking pictures of the scenery and then asked me (again, in Korean of course) if he could take a picture of me (with my camera and then with his).  When I got off the bus he gave me two very beautiful photos of the view from the "high" hills.  He was very nice.

I forgot to mention earlier this week (and of course I forgot my camera....grrrr!)  The middle school and high school had a dinner for me and three other teachers.  One was retiring and two were leaving the school.  I had no idea it was going to be how it was! Oh my!  Koreans can drink!  The food (at least what I ate) was very good.  I had duck and Korean pizza, and cheese corn.  Korean culture is very strict and I tried hard to remember what I had read before coming here.  For example, when receiving something from an elder, you MUST use both hands to receive it.  Well, I messed this up when one of the teachers (I think it was the vice principal) was pouring my drink for the toast.  Mrs. Cheoung reminded me to use both hands.  The popular drink here is called "Soju" and you have to be very careful with it!  It tastes like rubbing alcohol.  I tried my best not to be rude, but there was no way that I was about to keep on drinking and drinking and drinking.  Heck, I barely drink now!  So what did I do?  I put water in my shot glass (that's what they use to make a toast) and toasted that!  (Soju is clear like water by the way). After a while when teachers were coming around to "fill" glasses I said no thank you and I think some may have taken offense.  I did later explain to Mrs. Cheoung that I am not a drinker and did not feel comfortable drinking when I don't want to. Eventually I was able to get my point across and she understood.

At the store/bus station down the street from elementary school...

I guess you could say that's just how they do.  Interestingly, speaking of drinking, in Korean culture, if there is a problem at work, guess where they are going to solve it?  Yhep! You guess it!  Over drinks!  And if one gets drunk?  They will still go to work the next day....on time.....and the problem from the day before is solved!

Included in this entry are a few pics; what I see on my bus rides and more views from my apartment.

From the bus.....

Taken from my balcony (9th floor)...
That is were I catch the taxi in the mornings (sometimes)...with
the blue roof......

Another view from my apt...

LOST....

Have you ever been lost?  Not just lost, but I mean really LOST?  Had NO clue where you were going and ended up walking in a complete circle?  When you realized that you had just walked a complete circle only to end up where you started off, where you mad or frustrated?

Well.....that is exactly how my day ended yesterday.  The taxi driver took me to the wrong apartments, but I couldn't get mad because he read the paper that I had given him.  When I got out of the taxi, I knew something wasn't right.  So I said to myself, "Self.....start walking."  Keep in mind I had a bag full of clothes (I had to spend the night at my co-teachers house in Chungcheon the night before), and a rice cooker that she had just bought me in the other.  To make matters worse...it started raining!  All I could do was smile.  Not cry, not get mad, maybe a little flustered, but that is it.  I walked one way, then turned around and went back, and on and on, and eventually ended up where I started off.  As I walked all I could think about was Psalm 23 and Psalm 27.  After about an hour of walking, I asked another taxi driver to take me home and THANKFULLY, he got me home.

The GOOD news.....where shall I begin?  How about a count down....

10.  Originally, I was assigned 5 (yes count them 5!) schools, 3 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high; only to find out today that it will only be 3!  PRAISE GOD!  It would have been a HUGE hassle because I live far from these schools.  Thanks to my Vice Principal Mr. Kim, he helped a sista out!
9. I got my ARC (alien registration card) today!
8.  My 2 co teachers have been WONDERFUL!!!  They have been more than patient with me.
7.  Although teaching in the U.S for 6 years was easy for me, teaching here is a daunting task, nonetheless I enjoy being at the middle school and working with the Korean students.  They are so respectful it is unbelievable!  Every time they see you, they bow and greet you by saying hello.
6. I am learning something new everyday! (Always a good thing!)
5. I learned a few Korean line dances today in P.E.  What fun it was!!!
4. I have a very special visitor coming for Thanksgiving....Korean Thanksgiving that is, yes it is in September.  (I will MISS being in Nebraska with my family though :( )
3. God's grace and mercy
2. God's grace and mercy
1. GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY---everyday.

So, as you can see, I have so very much to be thankful for.  And although I may complain (mom, Ang, IB), I really shouldn't because all things are working together for HIS good!

Until next time.......