Just Another Day in the Life of Sarah Lou....

I went hiking today for the first time in my life!  I went with a friend from South Africa.  I was more than appreciative that she had time to accompany me on the hike.  If I had gone by myself I know I would have gotten lost!  It was breathtaking to say the least, not to mention a wonderful workout, especially for the legs!  As cold as it was, I managed to work up a pretty nice sweat.

As we hiked she explained to me so many things about her country.  I now know (although I may not fully understand), the reasons as to why blacks are called, "blacks" or "colored".   Why was she telling me all of this?  Because I asked!  Before she started she explained that it could be a sensitive topic and that she didn't want me to take offensive.  I understood.  After she explained all of this, she went on to tell me more about South Africa.  I explained to her that I had never been to her country and had only seen movies about various places.  To my surprise, she informed me that a lot of what I have seen (in Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda for example), really happens.  All I could think to say was, "Unbelievable."  She went on to share more of her experiences of living in South Africa.  I asked if she wanted to go back after her contract expires in Korea and her response was that yes she planned on returning. She was born and raised there and her family is there and she loves her country despite what may be oppressing some of the people there.

Being here in Korea and hearing stories about other countries makes me even more proud to say that I am a United States Citizen.  Yes, we (America) have our fair share of problems and issues.  Yes, there is still hatred and prejudice.  BUT.....we are free!  Women can work and have children, we can go to another state as we please, our children don't have to work in fields, we have laws that govern and a justice system, that although we may not all agree with, is still in place.

Yes, I am proud to be a United States Citizen and being here makes me appreciate America that much more.

**Having issues posting pictures so I will try again tomorrow!** 

Pictures.....

Here are a few pictures from the weekend......

Saturday night I enjoyed dinner with my co-teacher Mrs. Kim (from the elementary school), the vice principal, his wife and son.  His son is a freshman in high school and speaks impeccable English.  He was the "translator" for the night.  During our conversation, I asked him about school, his studies, and what time he usually goes to bed.  Like most Korean students, he told me that he gets home at about 10 p.m., goes to bed at 12 a.m., and wakes up at about 6 a.m.  When asked about sleep, his reply was, "No time for sleep.  School work comes first!"

Mrs. Kim, co-teacher from Samseang Elementary......

Vice Principal, his wife and son "the translator" 

My favorite...SUNFLOWERS! It's a little wilted, but nonetheless pretty!

This is a supermarket (bottom)......and a gym (top).  I go to both!
It's not a 24 Hour Fitness, but it works for me! 

Very Interesting

Here are a few interesting things that I learned today......

1.  If you remember from an earlier blog I wrote about Koreans and how they age (they are already one years old when they leave the womb)......I also found out that they only age at the beginning of the new lunar year, which can change every year.  So if I were Korean, I would turn a year older on January 1st, not March 5th.  Their birthdate is just that....a day that they left their mother's womb.

2.  Kids at schools in bigger cities are much meaner than those in the smaller towns like my own. 

3.  If a student brings a weapon to school, specifically elementary or middle school, there really isn't anything teachers or administration can do.  They can only suggest counseling or that the child go to another school.  If the parent(s) don't agree, the child will remain in the school.  The school cannot kick the child out.  If the student is in high school and brings a weapon, then (and only then) can the student be expelled.  I assume this is because students pay for high school and elementary and middle school are provided because it is Korea's obligation to students.
**On a side note here, my co-teacher told me that she has never heard of a student bringing a weapon to school.  When I shared with her about one of my past students bringing a gun to school she was shocked.  She later explained to me that students usually fight physically, using their fists and legs to kick.

4.  After talking to my students, it seems that they do not realize that there is another world outside of Korea.  So many of them have no intentions of ever leaving, but there are quite a few who would love to have an opportunity to come and study in America.

5.  According to my co-teacher, Korea is changing.  Things are not how "they use to be".  Students don't want to think on their own and are lacking (good) common sense.  I told her that in some instances, American and Korean students are the same.  While all American students do not fit this statement, sadly, so many of them do.  I think the biggest difference between Korean and American students is that Korean students are so much more focused on and dedicated to their education.  It seems, from my own observations, that this attitude begins at the middle school level.  A perfect field trip would be to take a group of Korean students to America for one month, and then take a group of American students to Korea for one month! 

ㅕㅜ샤ㅣ ㅜㄷㅌㅅ 쌰ㅡㄷ! 
(Until next time).......

   

Good Times

Highlights of this week:
1. Receiving some much needed "goodies" from mom and dad
2. Receiving a very sweet note from an old high school buddy (Thanks SFJ!)
3. Getting some good, sound, advice from a strong Christian woman I know (Thank you much YD!)
4. Waking up every morning and realizing that despite how I may be feeling, I have something brand new to be thankful for.....everyday


One thing I learned this week:
Students have to pay to go to high school! I was having a conversation with my co-teacher and she was telling me that after middle school, it is the child's (and their parents) responsibility.  The Republic of Korea has an "obligation" to provide free education only until (after) middle school!  The cost?  She wasn't quite sure, but she paid 190,000 when she was in high school.  By the way, they pay per semester.  So, the spring semester is February to June (or July...not too sure) and the fall semester is August to January.


Enjoy the pictures below from Seoseok Middle School Field Day and Festival (held back to back, on separate days....)

Students lining up according to their class.....it was COLD!

Getting ready for a good ole' game of tug-of-war!

Dance Competition among the classes....

Group of girls dancing during Festival....

Talented young man.....

Teachers performing dance, led by a few students......

LIGHTS OUT!

Do you remember the last time your lights went out?

What was your first thought...besides, did I pay my bill this month?

Who did you call?  What did you do?

As I was trying to multitask this evening, cooking dinner (shrimp, eggs, and rice), washing clothes, and about to tune in to Season 2 of my favorite show 24 with good ole' Jack Bauer, the unthinkable happened!  My electricity went OUT!

I HATE any kind of darkness, Lord knows I do, but I didn't panic.  Here were my thoughts:
I haven't gotten an electric bill yet so I haven't had to pay anything. 
Where are the flash lights?  Shoot there aren't any!  (my pops and favorite uncle taught me to always have flashlights with fresh batteries and candles on deck...)
Where is the candle?  In the drawer.  
Lighter, matches?  I don't know! 
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?

What did I do?

First, after realizing that I couldn't see ANYTHING, I got my U.S. cell phone and turned it on in hopes that I could get a little bit of light.  Remembering that I had just turned on my computer, I refreshed it to get more light. The Lord is my light and my salvation...... I propped my front door open to see if anyone else had the same problem.  Nope. The Lord is my light and my salvation....

I called my girl Lex to see what she did when her lights went out.  She did her best to give my some direction, but I couldn't find what she was telling me to look for.  I thought about calling my co-teacher, but then I thought, What can they help you do 30 minutes away? So, I went to find my electronic translator (thanks CP) and typed in the word "help".  After I practiced the pronunciation, I went to my neighbor's apartment.  Standing there, tears started to well in my eyes, not even knowing why I was getting ready to cry.  I didn't let them fall, there wasn't anything to cry about. I guess it was just an overwhelming feeling of emotions.  I rang the doorbell and she recognized me, as if to say, "Hi! You live next door."  I smiled, said "annyeonghaseyo" (hello), and then said "dowajuda" (help).  It didn't look like she was understanding me, so I showed her the translator.  I motioned for her to come with me and I pointed to her husband and motioned for him to follow too (why I needed him to come, I have no clue).

I thought that they would have to go all the way to the back of the apartment to turn a switch or something.  Instead, they poked their heads in, realized what the problem was, stood in the entry way and (he) lifted a small cover to the "breaker box".  He flipped the switch on and what do you know?  Lights ON!  I looked at both of them and said at least three times, "GAMSAHAMNIDA!!!!!" (the 'g' is pronounced like a 'c').  His wife smiled, nodded her head (a sign of you're welcome), and closed the door.  I got back to my multitasking........

I am thankful for friends who can offer help, family who have taught me what I think are basic survival lessons, such kind Korean people and that God calmed my fears and helped me to get though the period of not knowing what to do.

Make sure you have a plan just in case if your lights go out!  :)

"Breaker Box"

The switch was flipped off.  I didn't even know it, until my neighbor flipped it on! 

Sarah Smile......Even Though.......

Another week down! Not that I'm counting or anything....(lol)

This week was very interesting, and by midweek, I had to "speak up" and share some of my concerns with my co-teacher (at the middle school).

Where should I begin? I will share only a few of the "mishaps" from the week......

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday students had to take exams, which meant that Monday and Tuesday students (and teachers) would be dismissed early.  Monday I came to work, dressed as usual....slacks, nice shirt, and of course....heels.  I noticed as other teachers were coming in that they had on jeans, sweaters, tennis shoes.  While was making this observation I thought, It's cool, they are dressed down because students are testing and they don't have to teach.....right? WRONG!  How about we were supposed to go HIKING! In the MOUNTAINS! How do you go hiking in the mountains with slacks and heels? Ha! Ha! YOU DON'T!  Lucky me though, I ended up not having to go (but I did want to go if I would have had on the right gear), because I had to take care of some business at the bank...that took almost 2 hours!

I found out Wednesday that I had to pay for my lunch, only after the monthly bill was brought to me.  When Mrs. Cheoung gave it to me, I said, "Whoa, hold on.  Please tell me what this is."  She explained it was the lunch fees for eating in the cafeteria.  Mind you, I never eat all of the food, only the rice and side dish (1 side dish out of like 5) as long as it isn't pork or beef.  I kindly told her that I would bring my lunch from here on out but still plan to sit and eat with the other teachers.

Despite all this confusion, when I finally saw my kids on Thursday I was all smiles!  They were just as excited to see me as I was them.  Since they had just finished rigorous testing, I decided to teach them some games.  And of course there had to be a prize for the winners......Snickers!  


I was all smiles again today after work because I found another supermarket waaaayyyy cheaper than the one by my apartment, AND they have identifiable items to eat!  AND I found a gym!!!!  Whoo-hoo!!!!!  It's on top of the supermarket!

Students playing "Bang!" after 3 LONG days of testing.  

Then and Now

Remember this picture of my apartment when I first moved in back in August?  Take a long look.  What do you notice?  (Hint: Something is missing!)

Look at 907 NOW! (and I got the light to work!)

Yhea buddy!  I got a couch!  I have been wanting/needing to get one since I stepped foot in my apartment in August.  I asked my co-teachers at my "main" school about getting one, and their response was, "We'll see, but why do you need one?" In my head I'm like you can't be serious lady!  For those who really know me, I have a smart mouth, but I kept my comments to myself that day!  I had to double check my contract to see if a couch was one of the items that would be furnished.......it's not.  I guess because Koreans don't really sit on them. (Side note, I guess that's why my co-teacher made the comment that she did, but I went to her apartment and what did I see?  You guessed it!  A LEATHER SOFA!)  

Anyhow, yesterday I asked my other co-teacher at my elementary school about where I could find a "nice" couch.  She looked up a place for me and gave me the directions.  So after work yesterday I went on a mission to find the furniture store.  Thankfully, I was able to read the Korean letters from the map and found the place within minutes! (And NO, I didn't get lost!) It is literally right around the corner my my apartment.  

I went back today and the lady told me that the owner wouldn't be back until 4 p.m. so I told her that I would come back.  In the meantime, I ran some quick errands.  At about 4:20 I was getting ready to head back down to the furniture store.  As soon as I walked out of my door, who do I see?  Two guys delivering the couch!  I was thinking, dag, I haven't even paid for it yet.  They brought it in, put it where I wanted them to, AND gave me a ride back to the store so I could pay!  

I can't lie, I was trying to be frugal and trying to see if I could go without one, but I just couldn't do it anymore.  I was tired of having to hunch over in the bed to do work, etc. and plus my back was starting to hurt. I am very thankful that I have the means to get the things that I both need and want.  It's funny how little things mean so much; me (finally) getting a couch, the young men dropping it off, the ride, the nice lady at the store, my co-teacher who found the place (and I forgot to mention she called the store to tell them I was coming).  All is (so) well in South Korea after all.