Saturday, May 30, 2009
More Teaching
In March, I wrote a long, elaborate post about Learning to Say NO. Well, I need to learn that lesson again. I was approached with another teaching opportunity a few weeks ago and said yes. This means that I now have a total of five after school classes. On Thursdays, I am now teaching eight classes - starting at 8:50 am and finishing at 8:45 pm (with time for lunch and dinner, of course). This was my choice. I don't think it was a good one. I feel like all I do now is teach and prepare lessons. It's exhausting. Next semester, I need to do a better job saying no.
Demo Teaching Lesson
Demo Lesson Update
My demo lesson was on Monday, May 18 a couple of weeks ago. I think things went well. Most everyone was happy: my co-teacher[s], principal, and superintendent. The students behaved nearly perfectly.
We had 20-30 people observing our class. The quarters were definitely tight, but I was thankful we were able to use the classroom instead of the library!
Teaching as a team makes such a difference!
Mrs. Ko
During the speaking activity: controlled chaos.
After the lesson, my co-teacher felt so relieved and happy. I thought I would be too... but actually found myself feeling disappointed/frustrated. The feedback session that followed our lesson was entirely in Korean (except for when I was asked to give an impromptu speech). It seemed that feedback was positive from the body language/atmosphere that I could observe. But I had no idea what was going on. I heard references to yeonga seonsaengnim [English teacher] - I knew they were talking about me but had NO idea what they were saying! I was mostly frustrated because I would have liked to hear their feedback. I found it ironic that the handout they gave to all of the teachers that attended said Teaching English in English.
During the feedback session - my principal is the woman standing in white.
Although I was really frustrated, the next day, I was reminded once again that God has blessed me with an amazing group of teachers. All of the English teachers went to the Outback for dinner after school in celebration of our demo lesson being finished. It was a special treat. The food was good, but the time spent with the teachers was even more meaningful. My main co-teacher had taken notes of all of the things that were said during the feedback session after our demo lesson. She translated them for me, which was SO encouraging and helpful. After spending so much time and energy preparing for the demo lesson, it was nice to hear feedback. Even more meaningful, each of the English teachers shared [in ENGLISH] their own thoughts and feedback about the demo lesson Mrs. Ko and I had. It was a blessing and encouragement to me.
I definitely learned a lot from the whole demo teaching experience. I'm thankful for the relationship that grew between Mrs. Ko and I. I'm thankful for the opportunity to experience what it's like to actually co-TEACH and co-lesson plan. I'm thankful for the new classroom supplies that found their way into my classroom. I'm thankful for the new resources in our little English library. I'm thankful for the opportunity to grow as a teacher. I'm thankful for the opportunities to learn more about Korean culture. Definitely a good growth experience...
My demo lesson was on Monday, May 18 a couple of weeks ago. I think things went well. Most everyone was happy: my co-teacher[s], principal, and superintendent. The students behaved nearly perfectly.
We had 20-30 people observing our class. The quarters were definitely tight, but I was thankful we were able to use the classroom instead of the library!
Teaching as a team makes such a difference!
Mrs. Ko
During the speaking activity: controlled chaos.
After the lesson, my co-teacher felt so relieved and happy. I thought I would be too... but actually found myself feeling disappointed/frustrated. The feedback session that followed our lesson was entirely in Korean (except for when I was asked to give an impromptu speech). It seemed that feedback was positive from the body language/atmosphere that I could observe. But I had no idea what was going on. I heard references to yeonga seonsaengnim [English teacher] - I knew they were talking about me but had NO idea what they were saying! I was mostly frustrated because I would have liked to hear their feedback. I found it ironic that the handout they gave to all of the teachers that attended said Teaching English in English.
During the feedback session - my principal is the woman standing in white.
Although I was really frustrated, the next day, I was reminded once again that God has blessed me with an amazing group of teachers. All of the English teachers went to the Outback for dinner after school in celebration of our demo lesson being finished. It was a special treat. The food was good, but the time spent with the teachers was even more meaningful. My main co-teacher had taken notes of all of the things that were said during the feedback session after our demo lesson. She translated them for me, which was SO encouraging and helpful. After spending so much time and energy preparing for the demo lesson, it was nice to hear feedback. Even more meaningful, each of the English teachers shared [in ENGLISH] their own thoughts and feedback about the demo lesson Mrs. Ko and I had. It was a blessing and encouragement to me.
I definitely learned a lot from the whole demo teaching experience. I'm thankful for the relationship that grew between Mrs. Ko and I. I'm thankful for the opportunity to experience what it's like to actually co-TEACH and co-lesson plan. I'm thankful for the new classroom supplies that found their way into my classroom. I'm thankful for the new resources in our little English library. I'm thankful for the opportunity to grow as a teacher. I'm thankful for the opportunities to learn more about Korean culture. Definitely a good growth experience...
Teacher's Day
Teacher's Day
Friday, May 15 was Teacher's Day in Korea. Several of the high school students came back to visit their middle school teachers. Lots of teachers had big bouquets of flowers on their desks accompanied by many visits from students. So many teachers were so happy.
I was really surprised when one of the high school boys that I taught last year came to visit me. He was waiting for me in the Teacher's Office when I got back from lunch. It was SO sweet of him to wait for me... he even brought a carnation for me. I was overcome with his thoughtfulness... and incredibly embarrassed/ashamed because I didn't remember him! (With 800+ students, it's just about impossible to get to know all of my students.) We chatted for a little bit, but I was so confused, I didn't even think to ask him for his email address! It was definitely one of my worst moments as a teacher, I think. I wish I had remembered him... definitely felt like a failure of a teacher. I wish I could know my students on a deeper level...
Friday, May 15 was Teacher's Day in Korea. Several of the high school students came back to visit their middle school teachers. Lots of teachers had big bouquets of flowers on their desks accompanied by many visits from students. So many teachers were so happy.
I was really surprised when one of the high school boys that I taught last year came to visit me. He was waiting for me in the Teacher's Office when I got back from lunch. It was SO sweet of him to wait for me... he even brought a carnation for me. I was overcome with his thoughtfulness... and incredibly embarrassed/ashamed because I didn't remember him! (With 800+ students, it's just about impossible to get to know all of my students.) We chatted for a little bit, but I was so confused, I didn't even think to ask him for his email address! It was definitely one of my worst moments as a teacher, I think. I wish I had remembered him... definitely felt like a failure of a teacher. I wish I could know my students on a deeper level...
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Heart Check
The last few weeks have been... well, interesting to say the least. To put it simply, I've found myself "worried and upset about many things" (like Martha in Luke 10:41). I've found myself distracted with so much BUSYNESS, exhaustion, homesickness, uncertainties, and feelings of
anxiousness.
Rather than being in love WITH Jesus, I've been busy trying to DO a lot of stuff. Not a good idea...
Last weekend, we had a special speaker (Andres Bisonni) visit our church for a revival meeting. One of the things that he said really convicted my heart:
Your love for Jesus and Jesus alone will keep your fire burning. Your passion for missions, for the lost, for people, for prayer, etc. will come and go. But if you have love for Him, you will be passionate about these other things. You will love what He loves because you love Him!
This was not a new revelation for me, but a good reminder. Something I really needed to hear...
I'm so thankful that God is faithful, regardless of whether or not I am. I guess that's what makes Him faithful, huh? I love the way that He continues to pursue my heart, even though I'm so COMPLETELY unworthy! I feel like God especially encourages my heart through music. I stumbled upon the music of Phil Wickham last week and haven't been able to stop listening to his love songs to our King. My favorite song of his: Divine Romance. One of his albums is posted on his website for a free download (which was a sweet surprise and blessing). Another song that has been incredibly encouraging to me is By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North. God's hand is so gracious... I really don't deserve this love.
Lord Jesus, consume my heart again. Be my everything. Give me a heart like Mary's - eager to just sit at your feet and listen. Thank you for loving me enough to draw my attention back to you... may my soul yearn after you!
Psalm 84:1-2
anxiousness.
Rather than being in love WITH Jesus, I've been busy trying to DO a lot of stuff. Not a good idea...
Last weekend, we had a special speaker (Andres Bisonni) visit our church for a revival meeting. One of the things that he said really convicted my heart:
Your love for Jesus and Jesus alone will keep your fire burning. Your passion for missions, for the lost, for people, for prayer, etc. will come and go. But if you have love for Him, you will be passionate about these other things. You will love what He loves because you love Him!
This was not a new revelation for me, but a good reminder. Something I really needed to hear...
I'm so thankful that God is faithful, regardless of whether or not I am. I guess that's what makes Him faithful, huh? I love the way that He continues to pursue my heart, even though I'm so COMPLETELY unworthy! I feel like God especially encourages my heart through music. I stumbled upon the music of Phil Wickham last week and haven't been able to stop listening to his love songs to our King. My favorite song of his: Divine Romance. One of his albums is posted on his website for a free download (which was a sweet surprise and blessing). Another song that has been incredibly encouraging to me is By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North. God's hand is so gracious... I really don't deserve this love.
Lord Jesus, consume my heart again. Be my everything. Give me a heart like Mary's - eager to just sit at your feet and listen. Thank you for loving me enough to draw my attention back to you... may my soul yearn after you!
Psalm 84:1-2
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Random Teacher Musings
In the last three weeks, I've only had four days of actual teaching due to testing, holidays, and workshops. I have lots of random thoughts about teaching as of late, so please bear with me.
An Empty Cup
If being a teacher is like being a cup, I feel like my cup has been near empty for the last month or so. I was really thankful to have a break from teaching so that I could have time to "re-group." I attended a workshop a couple of weeks ago, but was disappointed that there weren't a whole lot of new ideas for me to glean. However, I have an opportunity to attend a more formal workshop this coming Monday and Tuesday, so I am HOPING that I will glean some valuable tools.
Students, Students, Students
I'm realizing more and more what a privilege it is to have students. Over the past few weeks, my heart has been broken for my students as well as blessed/overjoyed:
I have a "demo" lesson coming up in a few weeks. This means that several teachers from other schools in my district will come to watch me teach with one of my co-teachers. We've been working really hard on our lesson plan. There have also been several challenges that we've had to work through in preparation for this lesson.
In the past, when I have observed other demo lessons, I have gone with the hope that I will be able to gain some helpful tools/ideas to improve my teaching. Most of the time, however, these classes are more like shows/performances. The teachers generally rehearse the lesson with the students several times before the actual demo lesson. Also, the students are generally top students (hand-picked for this class only). The teachers generally spend TONS of time preparing the lesson and print out all of their handouts in color. The co-teachers actually plan the lesson TOGETHER. Basically, a lot of things happen that usually don't happen. The lack of authenticity really bothers me. But I guess it kind of makes sense. I was really frustrated by similar things when I was working at Starbucks last summer (Reflections from a Barista).
The preparation experience for this demo lesson has been a good experience for me. I REALLY appreciate the co-teacher that I'm working with. I've thoroughly been enjoying the opportunity to get to know her better. She's worked really hard and it's SO refreshing to have someone to plan lessons WITH. We also have a very similar perspective on demo teaching. The lack of authenticity in most demo classes frustrates the both of us. We both want to present an authentic demo lesson with a real class of normal, average students.
In preparing for this lesson there have been some very frustrating moments - mostly from administration. There's a lot of pressure to have a "perfect" lesson. If one student misbehaves or if one thing goes wrong, it will be seen as a poor reflection upon our entire school [this is a cultural difference - Korean culture is much more community-oriented]. The English teachers have begged and pleaded for us to rehearse with the students. I finally agreed to rehearse - but only once.
I'm trying to have a balanced perspective with this whole thing. I really want to do my best - but that is always my goal. I want to honor my co-teacher and my school... and most importantly, the Lord. Doing work of excellence is great. I just don't like the whole performance mentality. But it's possible that I am confused about the actual purpose of these demo lessons. Maybe the purpose is for it to be a performance(?). I am sure that there are many other cultural barriers that are contributing to the challenges... I'm definitely still processing all of this... it's a "growth opportunity" for sure. ;-)
An Empty Cup
If being a teacher is like being a cup, I feel like my cup has been near empty for the last month or so. I was really thankful to have a break from teaching so that I could have time to "re-group." I attended a workshop a couple of weeks ago, but was disappointed that there weren't a whole lot of new ideas for me to glean. However, I have an opportunity to attend a more formal workshop this coming Monday and Tuesday, so I am HOPING that I will glean some valuable tools.
Students, Students, Students
I'm realizing more and more what a privilege it is to have students. Over the past few weeks, my heart has been broken for my students as well as blessed/overjoyed:
- When I was administering speaking tests, I had so many students who just stared blankly at me when I asked them questions. [As a psych major, I have several thoughts about the speaking test - enough to probably devote to a separate blog post.]
- Some of the teachers told me that some of the 1st graders did some terribly violent things to one of their classmates.... all while video-taping it. I almost cried when I heard about it.
- I had five 3rd graders (9th graders) burst into my classroom this week simply to say, Teacher Holly, we love you so much! You are so beautiful! We love you! One girl gave me a hug. Then they left. The love that Korean students pile onto their Native Teachers is really something not to take for granted. I have a hard time picturing something like this happening in a middle school in the States.
- For the first time, I had two boys REALLY fighting in my classroom this week. I've had lots of students fight playfully, but this was different. It was a very serious fist-fight-trying-to-hurt-each-other-angry-kind-of-fight. I was shocked and realized once again that the students in my school have bigger problems than their studies.
- Two of my 1st graders came to class 20 minutes early after lunch. Such sweet girls. I really need to take advantage of these opportunities to get to know my students more.
- Had to take a razor away from a girl during class. The students motioned to me that she uses it to cut her arms. I'm not sure if they were serious about this particular girl. But I don't doubt at all that I have students that struggle with this.
- Saw one of my students that graduated last year visiting school this week. She's grown up so much and is doing so well. I'm SO proud of her.
I have a "demo" lesson coming up in a few weeks. This means that several teachers from other schools in my district will come to watch me teach with one of my co-teachers. We've been working really hard on our lesson plan. There have also been several challenges that we've had to work through in preparation for this lesson.
In the past, when I have observed other demo lessons, I have gone with the hope that I will be able to gain some helpful tools/ideas to improve my teaching. Most of the time, however, these classes are more like shows/performances. The teachers generally rehearse the lesson with the students several times before the actual demo lesson. Also, the students are generally top students (hand-picked for this class only). The teachers generally spend TONS of time preparing the lesson and print out all of their handouts in color. The co-teachers actually plan the lesson TOGETHER. Basically, a lot of things happen that usually don't happen. The lack of authenticity really bothers me. But I guess it kind of makes sense. I was really frustrated by similar things when I was working at Starbucks last summer (Reflections from a Barista).
The preparation experience for this demo lesson has been a good experience for me. I REALLY appreciate the co-teacher that I'm working with. I've thoroughly been enjoying the opportunity to get to know her better. She's worked really hard and it's SO refreshing to have someone to plan lessons WITH. We also have a very similar perspective on demo teaching. The lack of authenticity in most demo classes frustrates the both of us. We both want to present an authentic demo lesson with a real class of normal, average students.
In preparing for this lesson there have been some very frustrating moments - mostly from administration. There's a lot of pressure to have a "perfect" lesson. If one student misbehaves or if one thing goes wrong, it will be seen as a poor reflection upon our entire school [this is a cultural difference - Korean culture is much more community-oriented]. The English teachers have begged and pleaded for us to rehearse with the students. I finally agreed to rehearse - but only once.
I'm trying to have a balanced perspective with this whole thing. I really want to do my best - but that is always my goal. I want to honor my co-teacher and my school... and most importantly, the Lord. Doing work of excellence is great. I just don't like the whole performance mentality. But it's possible that I am confused about the actual purpose of these demo lessons. Maybe the purpose is for it to be a performance(?). I am sure that there are many other cultural barriers that are contributing to the challenges... I'm definitely still processing all of this... it's a "growth opportunity" for sure. ;-)
Jinjja!?
After the volleyball tournament, all of the teachers went out for dinner together again. I sat next to Teacher Lee Yun Sil (she came to my Christmas party last year). Although our communication is limited, we enjoy each other's company. One of the English teachers was sitting across from us, so he helped with translation.
Apparently, Teacher Lee Yun Sil was very impressed with my Korean manners and the few Korean phrases that I slipped into our conversation. When the English teacher told me this, I (trying to use as much Korean as I know - which is not much) responded with Jinjja?! (Jinjja means "really"). But in my feeble attempt to use more Korean, I ended up using very poor Korean manners, completely negating the teacher's compliment.
You see, in Korea, there is a sort of hierarchy in speech. People talk to their friends/peers differently than they talk to their superiors/people who are older. Since Teacher Lee Yun Sil is much older than me, I should have responded Jinjja-aiyo. But... I didn't. It was a little embarrassing. Fortunately, everyone laughed it off. And now I have another story to add to my collection. Oh dear...
Apparently, Teacher Lee Yun Sil was very impressed with my Korean manners and the few Korean phrases that I slipped into our conversation. When the English teacher told me this, I (trying to use as much Korean as I know - which is not much) responded with Jinjja?! (Jinjja means "really"). But in my feeble attempt to use more Korean, I ended up using very poor Korean manners, completely negating the teacher's compliment.
You see, in Korea, there is a sort of hierarchy in speech. People talk to their friends/peers differently than they talk to their superiors/people who are older. Since Teacher Lee Yun Sil is much older than me, I should have responded Jinjja-aiyo. But... I didn't. It was a little embarrassing. Fortunately, everyone laughed it off. And now I have another story to add to my collection. Oh dear...
We [were] the Champions: Part II
We had another teacher's volleyball tournament this past week on Wednesday. Everyone at school was pretty pumped up about the tournament. We got out of school 2 hours early and packed up for a 1 hr. ride to another school in the southern part of Seoul.
So many of our Cheongryang teachers (and even parents) came out to support us.
With Kim Oo Ju before getting started...
Unfortunately, the excitement quickly faded and we played two entirely pathetic matches - resulting in a quick elimination from the tournament.
It almost seemed like we were an entirely different team. Some people thought that perhaps the long weekend combined with hot weather and a long car ride contributed to our defeat.
Nevertheless, our Cheongryang community supported us and congratulated us for getting to the regional tournament. Perhaps next year we'll do better...
So many of our Cheongryang teachers (and even parents) came out to support us.
With Kim Oo Ju before getting started...
Unfortunately, the excitement quickly faded and we played two entirely pathetic matches - resulting in a quick elimination from the tournament.
It almost seemed like we were an entirely different team. Some people thought that perhaps the long weekend combined with hot weather and a long car ride contributed to our defeat.
Nevertheless, our Cheongryang community supported us and congratulated us for getting to the regional tournament. Perhaps next year we'll do better...
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Yongmasan Hike
Sara and I also had hiking on our adventures list.^^ Since Tuesday was a national holiday [Children's Day] in Korea, we decided it was a perfect day for hiking. Several of our OEM/Shinchon small group friends joined us, which was absolutely marvelous.
I was a little nervous about embarking on another hiking adventure since the last one was so challenging and exhausting for me (I was sick for an entire week afterward). So, I decided to do a little research ahead of time and decided that Yongmasan would be a great way to "ease" back into hiking:
Mt. Yongmasan, at 348 meters high, has stationary exercise equipment along the hiking trail and an octagonal pavilion halfway up the mountain. At the summit, there is a marker showing the mountain’s height above sea level and a large steel radio tower. As you walk down towards Mt. Achasan from the summit, you will find the ruins of a small fort of the Goguryeo era (BC37~AD668) built at a strategic point overlooking the area of Jungnangcheon Stream. On the way up, you will find numerous observation platforms from which one can see a great view of some of the landmarks of Seoul such as the Hangang Bridge, Mt. Namsan, 63 City building, and Gangnam COEX. In general, people start their hike from Mt. Yongmasan and go down to Mt. Achasan, or vice versa. Either trail takes about two hours. Some areas are steep, so it is important to wear hiking boots or trekking shoes. When going up the mountain from Yongmasan Station, make sure to stop by Yongmasan’s Waterfall Park. The largest man-made waterfall in Asia, where the central falls are 51 meters high, while those on each side are 21 meters. At regular intervals, the water volume increases making a stronger flow. (http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309631)
This is supposedly the largest man-made waterfall in Asia. We were looking forward to see it, but were really disappointed when we arrived and saw that the water wasn't flowing. But...
...fortunately, the water turned on right as we were standing in front of it!
We were SO happy!!!
Our marvelous group: (back row) Sangbum, Zane, Daniel, Jina, me, Sara, and Carrie
(front row) Jiseun, Shaun, Cha-jin, Vince, and Yuri
Beautiful Carrie
Sara and I with Vince
Carrie, me, and Jina
Kind of a view of the city. It was a little hazy... thanks to the pollution.
Zane and Daniel
a very dark picture of me with Yuri
I definitely enjoyed our time together. I'm so thankful for the people God has placed in my life here in Korea!
It took us about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. to complete the hike. Our original plan was to start at Yongmasan and end with Achasan. But somehow along the way we got a little confused and ended up missing out on Achasan. Everything worked out just fine, though. I am thankful that this hike was much more manageable than the last one. I even had energy left over afterward! Definitely a good way to renew my appreciation for hiking.
After the hike it was definitely lunch time...
I tried my first bowl of mool namyeon (buckwheat noodles served over ice with some veggies). It was absolutely delicious (mashisoyo)!
Sara and Jina - we used scissors to cut our noodles.
me with Carrie
Since it was Children's Day and we were in the area, we decided to check out the Children's Grand Park.
But there were WAY too many people, so we decided to go home instead.
I was a little nervous about embarking on another hiking adventure since the last one was so challenging and exhausting for me (I was sick for an entire week afterward). So, I decided to do a little research ahead of time and decided that Yongmasan would be a great way to "ease" back into hiking:
Mt. Yongmasan, at 348 meters high, has stationary exercise equipment along the hiking trail and an octagonal pavilion halfway up the mountain. At the summit, there is a marker showing the mountain’s height above sea level and a large steel radio tower. As you walk down towards Mt. Achasan from the summit, you will find the ruins of a small fort of the Goguryeo era (BC37~AD668) built at a strategic point overlooking the area of Jungnangcheon Stream. On the way up, you will find numerous observation platforms from which one can see a great view of some of the landmarks of Seoul such as the Hangang Bridge, Mt. Namsan, 63 City building, and Gangnam COEX. In general, people start their hike from Mt. Yongmasan and go down to Mt. Achasan, or vice versa. Either trail takes about two hours. Some areas are steep, so it is important to wear hiking boots or trekking shoes. When going up the mountain from Yongmasan Station, make sure to stop by Yongmasan’s Waterfall Park. The largest man-made waterfall in Asia, where the central falls are 51 meters high, while those on each side are 21 meters. At regular intervals, the water volume increases making a stronger flow. (http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309631)
This is supposedly the largest man-made waterfall in Asia. We were looking forward to see it, but were really disappointed when we arrived and saw that the water wasn't flowing. But...
...fortunately, the water turned on right as we were standing in front of it!
We were SO happy!!!
Our marvelous group: (back row) Sangbum, Zane, Daniel, Jina, me, Sara, and Carrie
(front row) Jiseun, Shaun, Cha-jin, Vince, and Yuri
Beautiful Carrie
Sara and I with Vince
Carrie, me, and Jina
Kind of a view of the city. It was a little hazy... thanks to the pollution.
Zane and Daniel
a very dark picture of me with Yuri
I definitely enjoyed our time together. I'm so thankful for the people God has placed in my life here in Korea!
It took us about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. to complete the hike. Our original plan was to start at Yongmasan and end with Achasan. But somehow along the way we got a little confused and ended up missing out on Achasan. Everything worked out just fine, though. I am thankful that this hike was much more manageable than the last one. I even had energy left over afterward! Definitely a good way to renew my appreciation for hiking.
After the hike it was definitely lunch time...
I tried my first bowl of mool namyeon (buckwheat noodles served over ice with some veggies). It was absolutely delicious (mashisoyo)!
Sara and Jina - we used scissors to cut our noodles.
me with Carrie
Since it was Children's Day and we were in the area, we decided to check out the Children's Grand Park.
But there were WAY too many people, so we decided to go home instead.
Island [Mis]Adventure
The title of Sara's blog is Escapades: the Intentional and the Unexpected. That sums up our Monday adventure quite well. We intentionally planned to go to Muuido, a somewhat deserted, but peaceful island to spend our Monday. [We had Monday and Tuesday off of school due to Korean holidays].
Visiting the islands near Incheon (where the airport is - about 2ish hrs. away) was another item on our list of adventures. Because Sara had visited Muuido once before, so we thought we had a bit of an idea of what we were getting ourselves into...
However, we ran into several unexpected problems:
1) It took us much longer to get to the airport than expected (and we didn't leave nearly as early as we originally planned)
2) We took the wrong bus from the airport to the island. We asked questions and followed directions, but sadly, they were the wrong directions.
3) We didn't realize we took the wrong bus until it was much too late.
4) Although the weather forecast predicted sunshine and the 70s, it ended up being cloudy and windy (much to my chagrin, since I'd worn shorts and was hoping to get a little bit of sun).
By the time we realized we took the wrong bus, we decided that there simply wasn't enough time to get to Muuido and be able to enjoy it without rushing back to Seoul. After a brief time of lament, we decided to simply enjoy the day and explore the island that we found ourselves upon [Yeongjongdo] a bit before heading back to Seoul.
The top priority once we decided to stick around was to find some food. We were both pretty hungry!
Some delicious kalguksu (noodles with shellfish).
We then decided that a visit to the beach was in order.
But it was SO chilly...
So, we just stepped on the sand so that we could take our pictures... then headed to find some coffee [of course].
There was a very cute, frilly-looking (though quite dirty) dog sitting outside the coffee shop that we decided upon. The owner was very kind and accommodating. We snacked on leftover brownies while I sipped on my americano.
Then, we walked around a little more before heading back to Seoul. It ended up being somewhat anti-climactic, but definitely a good memory maker. It was a good reminder that we are indeed living in a foreign country. These mishaps are bound to happen.
The good news is, we were still able to accomplish our goal of visiting an island near Incheon. It just wasn't the one we were planning on. ^^
Visiting the islands near Incheon (where the airport is - about 2ish hrs. away) was another item on our list of adventures. Because Sara had visited Muuido once before, so we thought we had a bit of an idea of what we were getting ourselves into...
However, we ran into several unexpected problems:
1) It took us much longer to get to the airport than expected (and we didn't leave nearly as early as we originally planned)
2) We took the wrong bus from the airport to the island. We asked questions and followed directions, but sadly, they were the wrong directions.
3) We didn't realize we took the wrong bus until it was much too late.
4) Although the weather forecast predicted sunshine and the 70s, it ended up being cloudy and windy (much to my chagrin, since I'd worn shorts and was hoping to get a little bit of sun).
By the time we realized we took the wrong bus, we decided that there simply wasn't enough time to get to Muuido and be able to enjoy it without rushing back to Seoul. After a brief time of lament, we decided to simply enjoy the day and explore the island that we found ourselves upon [Yeongjongdo] a bit before heading back to Seoul.
The top priority once we decided to stick around was to find some food. We were both pretty hungry!
Some delicious kalguksu (noodles with shellfish).
We then decided that a visit to the beach was in order.
But it was SO chilly...
So, we just stepped on the sand so that we could take our pictures... then headed to find some coffee [of course].
There was a very cute, frilly-looking (though quite dirty) dog sitting outside the coffee shop that we decided upon. The owner was very kind and accommodating. We snacked on leftover brownies while I sipped on my americano.
Then, we walked around a little more before heading back to Seoul. It ended up being somewhat anti-climactic, but definitely a good memory maker. It was a good reminder that we are indeed living in a foreign country. These mishaps are bound to happen.
The good news is, we were still able to accomplish our goal of visiting an island near Incheon. It just wasn't the one we were planning on. ^^
Friday, May 8, 2009
Happy Parent's Day!
Today is Parent's Day in Korea. I'm pretty sure I have the best parents ever. Thanks so much for all of your love and support, Mom and Dad! I LOVE you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Marvelous May Weekend
The past weekend was marvelous and very full! I suppose it's best to share the highlights in chronological order...
Missions Night
Last Friday night was the Seoul-wide English Ministries Mission Night, featuring Loren Cunningham, the co-founder of YWAM. It was certainly different than I expected... but I was encouraged to be reminded that 1) God is working in ASIA and 2) God has called me to be here in Seoul, Korea for such a time as this.
Saturday Brunch
My friend Zane invited several of us over to his freshly-cleaned apartment on Saturday morning for brunch. It was a great time of fellowship. We watched the movie Once after brunch/lunch. I decided I really like the soundtrack: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/once/.
Skype Conversations
I'm SO blessed to know that the people I love at home also love each other - my friends AND family! Sometimes I'm just overwhelmed with the amazing people God has so graciously placed in my life. Oh, how I miss you all!!! What an incredible blessing it is to have Skype.
Adventures List Update - McDonalds, Brownies, 27 Dresses, & Sleepover
I think I mentioned previously that Sara and I made a list of adventures/things we want to do while we're here in Korea together. On Sunday night, four of the things on our list were accomplished. After church, Sara invited a group of us over to her apartment and we had McDonalds delivered. Our Korean friends thought we were pretty silly (which is pretty true), but we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. You just can't call and have McDonald's delivered in the US! (Gotta take advantage of these opportunities while we have 'em... lol).
Mission Accomplished!
Zane, Jina, and Cha-jin
(That's kimchi mandu in the middle of our otherwise very American meal).
While we were waiting for our McDonalds to be delivered, we made some delicious brownies in Sara's toaster oven. Brownies are kind of hard to come by in Korea, so it was definitely a special treat.
Sara was SO happy!
After dinner and brownies everyone else left, but I stuck around so that we could accomplish numbers 3 & 4 on the list: Watching 27 Dresses and having a sleepover. It was a delightful evening. I am pleased to report that I stayed awake for the whole movie and didn't even work on anything while I was watching it! And Sara blew up the air mattress her parents' used when they visited, so I had a nice comfy bed. The next morning, we made banana and chocolate chip pancakes, a very appropriate sleepover breakfast meal. We then set out for our next adventure... which I will be blogging about soon. =)
Missions Night
Last Friday night was the Seoul-wide English Ministries Mission Night, featuring Loren Cunningham, the co-founder of YWAM. It was certainly different than I expected... but I was encouraged to be reminded that 1) God is working in ASIA and 2) God has called me to be here in Seoul, Korea for such a time as this.
Saturday Brunch
My friend Zane invited several of us over to his freshly-cleaned apartment on Saturday morning for brunch. It was a great time of fellowship. We watched the movie Once after brunch/lunch. I decided I really like the soundtrack: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/once/.
Skype Conversations
I'm SO blessed to know that the people I love at home also love each other - my friends AND family! Sometimes I'm just overwhelmed with the amazing people God has so graciously placed in my life. Oh, how I miss you all!!! What an incredible blessing it is to have Skype.
Adventures List Update - McDonalds, Brownies, 27 Dresses, & Sleepover
I think I mentioned previously that Sara and I made a list of adventures/things we want to do while we're here in Korea together. On Sunday night, four of the things on our list were accomplished. After church, Sara invited a group of us over to her apartment and we had McDonalds delivered. Our Korean friends thought we were pretty silly (which is pretty true), but we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. You just can't call and have McDonald's delivered in the US! (Gotta take advantage of these opportunities while we have 'em... lol).
Mission Accomplished!
Zane, Jina, and Cha-jin
(That's kimchi mandu in the middle of our otherwise very American meal).
While we were waiting for our McDonalds to be delivered, we made some delicious brownies in Sara's toaster oven. Brownies are kind of hard to come by in Korea, so it was definitely a special treat.
Sara was SO happy!
After dinner and brownies everyone else left, but I stuck around so that we could accomplish numbers 3 & 4 on the list: Watching 27 Dresses and having a sleepover. It was a delightful evening. I am pleased to report that I stayed awake for the whole movie and didn't even work on anything while I was watching it! And Sara blew up the air mattress her parents' used when they visited, so I had a nice comfy bed. The next morning, we made banana and chocolate chip pancakes, a very appropriate sleepover breakfast meal. We then set out for our next adventure... which I will be blogging about soon. =)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)