The Gallery

Last week I was asked to teach a few extra English classes at one of my elementary schools.  I agreed to do it, not because I will be getting paid for it, but because I have such a good time with the 3rd thru 6th graders.  I enjoy this particular elementary school, and it doesn't help that the kids spoil me rotten.  For example, a few students gave me small birthday gifts, which consisted of candy.  One of my 6th graders handed me a small package the week after my birthday apologizing because she didn't give it to me the week before.  It was a small memo book with a note that said,

Dear Sarah, 

Happy Birthday!

Last Saturday was your birthday. 

I didn't know that last English class. 

I want to celebrate your birthday in Korea. 

Even though it was late. 

You are always happy and nice. 

So I am glad to learn English from you. 

I wish you will meet Abraham as a husband. 

(ha-ha)

Be happy. 

Love 

Sua Lee

Fast forward to today....my co-teacher, Mrs. Kim,  from the elementary school, came and picked me up so that I could select the teaching material for the students' extra English classes.   After we left the bookstore we stopped at a small multipurpose store.  It was here that Mrs. Kim informed me that I would need to start wearing a face mask on days it looked foggy outside.  She went on to explain to me that it is not fog, but instead yellow dust that is blowing over from China, and that it is not good for your health.  Needless to say, she bought me about 12 face masks, told me when to wear them, and how often I can wear one mask. She also showed me how I can tell that the yellow dust is in the air.  

Later we met up with Mr. Lee and his son, the vice principal, his wife, and his son to eat dinner.  We went to a takkogi (tahk-koh-ghee) restaurant (chicken).  After good conversation (the vice principal's son was the "translator") and a delicious meal, we headed to the Gallery, which is a Korean cafe for more conversation.  When I was asked my age the question of marriage came up.  I revealed my age and stated that yes, one day I would like to/plan to marry.  The vice principal's wife said (through her son) that they have a daughter who is a year older than me who is married with her first baby.  I laughed....literally, adding that I plan on finishing all of my schooling (yhep, I'm going for the BIG one next!) first and then begin working on a family because to me it would be easier that way.  "Oh, good, good!" was the response I received.  

As the evening began to end, Mr. Lee shared with me that I am loved and respected by the other teachers as well as the students.  He also told me that he enjoys my class because he is able to learn English with his students while I teach.  Before we all left the cafe, he told me that they (Mr. Lee and his son, the vice principal, his wife and son, and Mrs. Kim) are my new Korean family.  

      

L to R: Vice Principal, me, Mr. Lee's son, Mr. Lee, Vice Principal's son and wife
Not pictured: Mrs. Kim