Looks Like You're On Your're Own Kid.....

The new school semester begins Tuesday, March 2nd.  Although my co-teachers will no longer be at the school, I will continue to be optimistic. They were sent to work at other schools.  Mrs. Cheoung, whom I worked with the most, had no choice but to go to another school because her position was terminated. When she explained to me what was going on, I was surprised to say the least. She promised me that we would get together at least once a month.  Mrs. Young, who made sure that things were always going well with/at my apartment, had put in a request to leave so that she could be closer to home.  She was carpooling with other teachers; an hour-long drive to and from work everyday.  I know that this is what she really wanted, especially since this is an important year for her daughter who will be graduating next February.  She assured me that we would keep in touch.

So, now my co-teacher is....Mr. Kim.  We have had a few "stormy days" lately.  Since he has neglected to tell me certain things, I have been left to figure things out on my own. Even with and in these situations I try to be optimistic and still speak kind words and have kind thoughts toward him.  When I feel like I do need to speak up for my self, there is no attitude in my tone (although I very easily could), and I think about what I am going to say before I let it come out of my mouth.

To add to this, my hair lady went to her country (Cameroon)...for Christmas.  After talking to her husband, I learned that she won't be coming back until April or May.  "What!?" I asked him.  "What am I supposed to do with my hair? I was her best customer!" (I really am....)  He laughed and told me that her "co-workers" could do my hair (none of whom I have ever seen at her shop).  On top of that she is pregnant and due in May, so I know she won't be returning to do hair for a while.

So....I found a "new" lady from Nigeria.  I am thankful that my hair turned out okay, but I will not be returning.  The entire time I sat in her chair I was nervous, and she knew it.  (I brought my own hair products from my hairdresser in the states.)  As she was twisting my hair, I watched how much pomade she used and under my breath I said, "She is using too much!" She heard me.  At first I wasn't going to make a big deal about it, but then I thought, I better speak up!!! So I did.  She assured me that she wasn't using as much as I thought she was, but was putting it on the top of her hand so that she wouldn't have to keep on sticking her fingers in the container...

Super long story short, as soon as I got home you can already guess where I was...in the mirror!  She (in my opinion) damaged (yes it is possible to damage dreads, especially when they are still in the "teenage stage") 3 of my locks! (I was H-O-T!!) It's only three but STILL! I do not play when it comes to my hair, just like any other black woman! I haven't gone through my entire head yet, and I HOPE that I don't find anymore.

From now until the time I return to the states in June, I will be doing my own hair.  It is doable, I'm sure I can manage.  I took a few "mental notes" when my hairdresser in the states was maintaining my hair.  The only thing that I have to try to find now are hair clips.  I went into a Korean salon and tried to ask where I could buy them (hair clips) in my (best) Korean (with the help of my dictionary).  All three of the women tried to explain as best they could and in the end, one of the women gave me a clip. (?) Right.  I thanked her nonetheless.  Here's to yet another brand new adventure.........stay tuned.........

Biggest Church in the WORLD

Today I had the opportunity of attending Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul.  Although it was a task getting there, it was well worth it.  The message came from Genesis 28:20-22, "Jacob's Prayer".

This church is said to be the largest church in the world, serving more than one million (count as of 2007, so I am sure the church is serving many, many more today).  There are a total of seven services with a translation of eight languages.  They have an international section for those who don't speak Korean and will need a translation. I attended the 11 a.m. service....

Front View of the Church

Standing in "line" waiting to go into the sanctuary....

Inside the sanctuary....one glimpse...

Pulpit....

Praise and worship team...

Headphones for listening to the sermon....8 languages...

Choir...I felt like I was at a concert....

 

Lemons and Lemonade

With so many changes underway for the new semester, all I can say is....

When life hands you lemons, do the best that you possibly can to make a tall, sweet glass of lemonade...

                                                  *                                  *                                  *

I saw a little boy today on my way home from work, he couldn't have been anymore than 3 or 4.  He was in his own "little" world running and playing with whatever he could find on the ground.  I noticed he must have just gotten a new pair of sneakers....Nike Air Force Ones, and I also noticed that his mother or father were no where in sight.  As I got closer to the small child, he stopped and looked down at his untied shoes.  He tried so hard to tie them.  By this time I was (literally) standing in front of the lil guy watching him trying to make the "bunny ears" and the "loop".  As I continued to watch him, he didn't notice me.  I bent down and tapped his shoe as if to say, "I'll do it for you", and proceded to tie his shoes.  I made sure to double knot them just in case he wanted to resume running around.  Of course he knew no English.  When I got up, I continued walking and looked back to see the boy still looking at me, I understood his eyes as if they said, "thank you".  As small and insignificant as this may seem, this was the highlight of my day...

High Tech Parking Garage

You would really have to see this to believe it!

This is the parking garage at Cosco. My co-teacher's sister, who is an employee there, explained it to me....

The driver drives their car in and gets out....

Cars are then loaded like an elevator and
taken up to whatever floor it goes on....

At the end of the day, the silver box at the right is where
the owner of the car punches in their "number"....

Their car is brought down to them. They don't have to walk up any stairs....
The price paid for working so hard...as it was explained to me.