Lots to write about, but my thoughts are somewhat scattered and I need to finish preparing for going to school tomorrow.
I'm excited about teaching.
I miss my family and home.
I really want to find a church home soon... but I don't want to be hasty either. Visited an awesome church today with Bok ja, but the main service was in Korean, which was somewhat problematic for comprehension, unfortunately.
I'm thankful for Skype.
I'm thankful to be back in my own apartment. I'm excited to spend more time with another English teacher from orientation that loves Jesus and lives here.
It's nice to get back to creating some type of "normalcy" - whatever that means.
Still trying to adapt to the food.
Need to learn to read Korean.
Need to start utilizing the fitness center in the basement of my apt. complex.
I'm thankful for the internet.
I want to make a budget soon... but I'm still trying to figure out what my living expenses will be.
I miss China and bamboo (as opposed to metal) chopsticks.
I am so thankful for Hil and the sweet time we had together last night.
I'm thankful for Skype.
I need to not frequent my favorite Italian coffee shop so much.
I want to watch a movie in English.
I don't like "gray" areas when it comes to decision-making.
I'm never ever going to even attempt to go grocery stopping at a major store on a weekend again. It's like Christmas shopping the Day after Thanksgiving - chaotic and draining!
I feel more homesick when people talk in Korean when I'm trying to participate in the conversation (i.e. listening at church, Korean English teacher's meeting, less formal settings when I'm with Korean friends/teachers).
I like Bok ja and her family so much.
I am tired of/don't like making decisions sometimes.
Tomorrow I get to be a real teacher.
I love Jesus and am so thankful for life in Him. There truly is no greater joy than knowing Him and making Him known!
Good night.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Orientation Pics...
Brief Summary of Orientation: I learned several helpful things for teaching and am excited to TEACH! I also enjoyed learning more about Korean culture. I met several really neat people and am thankful for new friends. (Although, I will admit, I wasn't terribly extroverted... I guess I decided to focus on getting to know a few people somewhat well, as opposed to tons of people on the surface.) The week was unnecessarily too long and I was definitely ready to get back to settling into life.
Some random highlights:
Meet Mr. Spam-Ears. This is the result of boredom after dinner... and leftovers from a rather unappetizing dinner. Josie was the main creator; Taryn, Sara, and I added a few touches. Perhaps we missed our life calling and should be artists instead.
Sitting in the Dining Room, enjoying random conversation and making creations out of our food. Sara's roommates sat with us. Amanda is hiding, but Terry is smiling.
My roomies: Taryn and Josie! We had such a sweet time together. I'm really thankful for those girls!
The main point of this picture was to try to capture the mountains and the sunset. Turned out okay... but was totally better in person (as always seems to be the case with sunsets).
Another roomie pic.
Josie and I were bored because we got to our meeting early. So, we played with Taryn's camera and made her sweet messages like this one. Good times.
We visited the National Museum Friday afternoon. We only spent about two hours there and didn't get to see a whole lot, but it was free and perhaps I'll return at some point this year.
Museum buddies. Pictured: Me, Sharon, Kay, Sam, Sara, & Josie. We had a nice time exploring together (although the extremely weak coffee was somewhat of a disappointment).
Fan Dance at the Closing Ceremony. I had a front row seat, which was sweet for taking pictures.
Drummers at the Closing Ceremony.
Goodbye roomies (for now). We're planning to hike a mountain together next Saturday for Chuseok (Thanksgiving holiday for Koreans). I'm looking forward to seeing them again!
Sara and I - after surviving a full week of SMOE orientation!
Some random highlights:
Meet Mr. Spam-Ears. This is the result of boredom after dinner... and leftovers from a rather unappetizing dinner. Josie was the main creator; Taryn, Sara, and I added a few touches. Perhaps we missed our life calling and should be artists instead.
Sitting in the Dining Room, enjoying random conversation and making creations out of our food. Sara's roommates sat with us. Amanda is hiding, but Terry is smiling.
My roomies: Taryn and Josie! We had such a sweet time together. I'm really thankful for those girls!
The main point of this picture was to try to capture the mountains and the sunset. Turned out okay... but was totally better in person (as always seems to be the case with sunsets).
Another roomie pic.
Josie and I were bored because we got to our meeting early. So, we played with Taryn's camera and made her sweet messages like this one. Good times.
We visited the National Museum Friday afternoon. We only spent about two hours there and didn't get to see a whole lot, but it was free and perhaps I'll return at some point this year.
Museum buddies. Pictured: Me, Sharon, Kay, Sam, Sara, & Josie. We had a nice time exploring together (although the extremely weak coffee was somewhat of a disappointment).
Fan Dance at the Closing Ceremony. I had a front row seat, which was sweet for taking pictures.
Drummers at the Closing Ceremony.
Goodbye roomies (for now). We're planning to hike a mountain together next Saturday for Chuseok (Thanksgiving holiday for Koreans). I'm looking forward to seeing them again!
Sara and I - after surviving a full week of SMOE orientation!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
SMOE ORIENTATION
SMOE stands for Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. I have been at orientation all week with approximately 250 other English teachers from all over the world - USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, etc. All of us are employed by SMOE... and most people here are pretty well-traveled. It's fun to talk with people that love to travel and see the world.
Orientation has been helpful, for the most part. I have to admit, I really wasn't looking forward to it at the beginning, but now I'm thankful for the experience. Although there are many things that could be improved, I've enjoyed making new friends, learning more about Korean culture, and I now have several more tools to add to my teacher toolbox (my roommate is laughing at me right now for that last phrase).
Speaking of roommates, I've had a wonderful time with Taryn & Josie (pictured below). We have had so many times of random laughter... and lots of great conversations. We all share a similar sense of humor, which is kind of nice.
I'm looking forward to hanging out with them more this upcoming year.
This was our first night at orientation. Sara, myself, Taryn, and Josie had a "chocolate party." We had a few chocolate parties when I was in college... and somehow the idea came up and was a wonderful start to our week. We definitely had a lot of giggles. It's fun being a girl.
This is a sample of what our meals are like in the Hyundai Learning Center. The soup was actually pretty good - the Korean version of chicken noodle soup without the noodles, I guess. In the upper left hand corner, you may see some light purple octopus legs. I'm afraid that I didn't do such a good job trying the food on this particular occasion. Some of the food has been okay this week... I'm looking forward to the more authentic Korean restaurants, though.
Last night, we had traditional Korean dancing lessons. It was definitely an interesting time... I'm not sure that my dancing skills improved all that much...
Orientation lasts until Saturday... Tomorrow we are giving mini-teaching lessons.
Orientation has been helpful, for the most part. I have to admit, I really wasn't looking forward to it at the beginning, but now I'm thankful for the experience. Although there are many things that could be improved, I've enjoyed making new friends, learning more about Korean culture, and I now have several more tools to add to my teacher toolbox (my roommate is laughing at me right now for that last phrase).
Speaking of roommates, I've had a wonderful time with Taryn & Josie (pictured below). We have had so many times of random laughter... and lots of great conversations. We all share a similar sense of humor, which is kind of nice.
I'm looking forward to hanging out with them more this upcoming year.
This was our first night at orientation. Sara, myself, Taryn, and Josie had a "chocolate party." We had a few chocolate parties when I was in college... and somehow the idea came up and was a wonderful start to our week. We definitely had a lot of giggles. It's fun being a girl.
This is a sample of what our meals are like in the Hyundai Learning Center. The soup was actually pretty good - the Korean version of chicken noodle soup without the noodles, I guess. In the upper left hand corner, you may see some light purple octopus legs. I'm afraid that I didn't do such a good job trying the food on this particular occasion. Some of the food has been okay this week... I'm looking forward to the more authentic Korean restaurants, though.
Last night, we had traditional Korean dancing lessons. It was definitely an interesting time... I'm not sure that my dancing skills improved all that much...
Orientation lasts until Saturday... Tomorrow we are giving mini-teaching lessons.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Detergent, Meal Times, and Church
Total Ditz
So, I'm pretty much the biggest ditz ever! I decided to do some laundry before packing for orientation... and managed to make it to the laundry room just fine, paid for the laundry, started the wash cycle and everything. I then went down to put my clothes in the dryer and realized... I forgot to put detergent in!!! Oh dear...
Adventures in Korean Cuisine
Anyway, today I was a little more adventurous with food. At lunch, I tried octopus, quail eggs, ginger leaves... and some other stuff that I can't exactly remember. Hil took us to a restaurant with tons of side dishes before church:
Although I didn't try every single dish that you see pictured here, I tried well over half of them, which was a big accomplishment for me. :)
Dinner was super-spicy, but I managed okay - although I had to make a special request for my own little bowl of rice. Otherwise I would have been in big trouble! I'm TRYING!
Like the bibs they gave us? It really would have been good if they wouldn't have added all the extra spicy stuff... it was almost like a pizza. I go through so much water at mealtime! Oh well, at least I'm getting my daily quota in... :)
Young Nak Presbyterian Church
Sara and I went to church with Hil - Young Nak Presbyterian Church. The service began at 3 p.m. I really appreciated the Scripture reading (Psalm 105:1-6, 45) and teaching (Philippians 2:1-11). We also sang a worship song called Arms of Love, which was especially meaningful:
I sing a simple song of love
To my Savior, to my Jesus.
I'm thankful for the things You've done,
My loving Savior, my precious Jesus.
My heart is glad that You've called me Your own.
Cause there's no place I'd rather be than
Then in your:
In Your arms of love,
In Your arms of love.
Holding me still, holding me near,
In Your arms of love.
Next week we'll be visiting Bok ja's church/Navigators fellowship, which I'm really looking forward to as well.
So, I'm pretty much the biggest ditz ever! I decided to do some laundry before packing for orientation... and managed to make it to the laundry room just fine, paid for the laundry, started the wash cycle and everything. I then went down to put my clothes in the dryer and realized... I forgot to put detergent in!!! Oh dear...
Adventures in Korean Cuisine
Anyway, today I was a little more adventurous with food. At lunch, I tried octopus, quail eggs, ginger leaves... and some other stuff that I can't exactly remember. Hil took us to a restaurant with tons of side dishes before church:
Although I didn't try every single dish that you see pictured here, I tried well over half of them, which was a big accomplishment for me. :)
Dinner was super-spicy, but I managed okay - although I had to make a special request for my own little bowl of rice. Otherwise I would have been in big trouble! I'm TRYING!
Like the bibs they gave us? It really would have been good if they wouldn't have added all the extra spicy stuff... it was almost like a pizza. I go through so much water at mealtime! Oh well, at least I'm getting my daily quota in... :)
Young Nak Presbyterian Church
Sara and I went to church with Hil - Young Nak Presbyterian Church. The service began at 3 p.m. I really appreciated the Scripture reading (Psalm 105:1-6, 45) and teaching (Philippians 2:1-11). We also sang a worship song called Arms of Love, which was especially meaningful:
I sing a simple song of love
To my Savior, to my Jesus.
I'm thankful for the things You've done,
My loving Savior, my precious Jesus.
My heart is glad that You've called me Your own.
Cause there's no place I'd rather be than
Then in your:
In Your arms of love,
In Your arms of love.
Holding me still, holding me near,
In Your arms of love.
Next week we'll be visiting Bok ja's church/Navigators fellowship, which I'm really looking forward to as well.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A Sweet Saturday...
Meeting up with Bok ja...
Here Sara and I are standing with Bok ja at Hanyang University. We made contact with Bok ja via the Gorham's in Arizona (some of our very dear family friends). Bok ja and her husband just arrived back in Seoul last Friday after spending four years in the States at Arizona State University. They have 2 1/2 year old twin daughters. We didn't get to meet their girls today, but hopefully soon.
Bok ja was incredibly hospitable toward us! She took us to a restaurant at the university where we had bibimbop, a traditional Korean dish, which I enjoyed very much! I think Bok ja ordered my dish to be less spicy, but I'm not for sure. It was delicious - an over-easy egg mixed in a bowl with rice, lettuce, noodles, and other stuff (not exactly sure what it was).
The conversation was also wonderful. Bok ja radiates with love for the Lord and is so kind! She took us to visit the Navigators group on campus. I think she came to know the Lord through Navigators and is still involved with discipling students and such. Sara and I are going to be visiting church with her next Sunday, which we are very excited about. Bok ja also invited us to join her in Bible Study!!! It was also incredibly encouraging for me to see a group of college age women rehearsing a song/skit for church tomorrow. The last verse they sang in English and ended with something like, "Here am I, Send me!" Almost brought tears to my heart... It's so exciting to see God's work among the nations!!!
Coffee Break
I've been surprised to find numerous coffee shops all over Seoul. Sara and I decided to stop for coffee after saying goodbye to Bok ja. It was a nice "debriefing" time, reflecting upon the week. This coffee shop is just around the corner from the Co-op, my apt. building (It was decorated in a very classy red, black, and white theme and totally reminded me of Jana Alexis!). My visits are going to have to be limited... the coffee is certainly not any cheaper than the U.S.... maybe even more expensive! So, it's just going to be reserved for "Date Night with Jesus." (When I was in VA Beach last summer with Campus Crusade, we had Date Night with Jesus once a week and it was such a sweet time to look forward to... and I think it is a tradition to continue here in Seoul...)
Overwhelmed... AGAIN!
I checked my email this afternoon and found a message from my co-teacher, Young Chae. She told me that Kang Meesuk (the Christian teacher that I had lunch with yesterday) was going to be stopping by my apartment to drop off some kitchen supplies for me. Unfortunately, I missed her by just a couple of hours! I took a picture of everything she left for me. I felt like it was Christmas again! Two serving trays, cooking utensils, a measuring cup (metric system), kitchen towels, coffee mugs (one of them says, "Coffee Lovers Only" which is SO perfect!), bowls, plates, cups, a knife & cutting board, calendar, storage containers, a knife and cutting board, and a random device that I don't know how to use (it is pictured in the back... and has lots of holes in it). If anyone knows the purpose, please let me know! Now the challenge is going to be finding space for all of these things! The Lord continues to amaze me with His faithfulness and provision - beyond what I could have imagined!
After unpacking all of the goodies from Meesuk, Sara and I went to search for the nearest grocery store - four subway stops away. The first man we asked directions for sent us on a wild goose chase (although Koreans are VERY kind and helpful... they don't like to admit if they don't know something... so they'll give directions even if the directions are completely incorrect). In this case, we walked for probably a good 20 minutes unnecessarily. But we got some good exercise and saw more of the culture and found an Italian restaurant that we hope to visit in the future. Two other people helped us find the LOTTE Mart. One man gave us wrong directions at first, but then ran after us to tell us the right way to go and even walked a little bit with us to make sure we were going the right way - so kind.
The Lotte Mart was HUGE and CROWDED. We only visited the main floor where most of the groceries were. I'm not sure how much cooking we'll actually do in our apartments. I think it might actually be cheaper to eat out most of the time. We'll see... I was excited to find wheat noodles and spaghetti sauce, peanut M&M's, and cheese... although I didn't purchase very much because we have orientation all next week (hopefully I will still have Internet access).
It was a good first Saturday in Seoul...
Here Sara and I are standing with Bok ja at Hanyang University. We made contact with Bok ja via the Gorham's in Arizona (some of our very dear family friends). Bok ja and her husband just arrived back in Seoul last Friday after spending four years in the States at Arizona State University. They have 2 1/2 year old twin daughters. We didn't get to meet their girls today, but hopefully soon.
Bok ja was incredibly hospitable toward us! She took us to a restaurant at the university where we had bibimbop, a traditional Korean dish, which I enjoyed very much! I think Bok ja ordered my dish to be less spicy, but I'm not for sure. It was delicious - an over-easy egg mixed in a bowl with rice, lettuce, noodles, and other stuff (not exactly sure what it was).
The conversation was also wonderful. Bok ja radiates with love for the Lord and is so kind! She took us to visit the Navigators group on campus. I think she came to know the Lord through Navigators and is still involved with discipling students and such. Sara and I are going to be visiting church with her next Sunday, which we are very excited about. Bok ja also invited us to join her in Bible Study!!! It was also incredibly encouraging for me to see a group of college age women rehearsing a song/skit for church tomorrow. The last verse they sang in English and ended with something like, "Here am I, Send me!" Almost brought tears to my heart... It's so exciting to see God's work among the nations!!!
Coffee Break
I've been surprised to find numerous coffee shops all over Seoul. Sara and I decided to stop for coffee after saying goodbye to Bok ja. It was a nice "debriefing" time, reflecting upon the week. This coffee shop is just around the corner from the Co-op, my apt. building (It was decorated in a very classy red, black, and white theme and totally reminded me of Jana Alexis!). My visits are going to have to be limited... the coffee is certainly not any cheaper than the U.S.... maybe even more expensive! So, it's just going to be reserved for "Date Night with Jesus." (When I was in VA Beach last summer with Campus Crusade, we had Date Night with Jesus once a week and it was such a sweet time to look forward to... and I think it is a tradition to continue here in Seoul...)
Overwhelmed... AGAIN!
I checked my email this afternoon and found a message from my co-teacher, Young Chae. She told me that Kang Meesuk (the Christian teacher that I had lunch with yesterday) was going to be stopping by my apartment to drop off some kitchen supplies for me. Unfortunately, I missed her by just a couple of hours! I took a picture of everything she left for me. I felt like it was Christmas again! Two serving trays, cooking utensils, a measuring cup (metric system), kitchen towels, coffee mugs (one of them says, "Coffee Lovers Only" which is SO perfect!), bowls, plates, cups, a knife & cutting board, calendar, storage containers, a knife and cutting board, and a random device that I don't know how to use (it is pictured in the back... and has lots of holes in it). If anyone knows the purpose, please let me know! Now the challenge is going to be finding space for all of these things! The Lord continues to amaze me with His faithfulness and provision - beyond what I could have imagined!
After unpacking all of the goodies from Meesuk, Sara and I went to search for the nearest grocery store - four subway stops away. The first man we asked directions for sent us on a wild goose chase (although Koreans are VERY kind and helpful... they don't like to admit if they don't know something... so they'll give directions even if the directions are completely incorrect). In this case, we walked for probably a good 20 minutes unnecessarily. But we got some good exercise and saw more of the culture and found an Italian restaurant that we hope to visit in the future. Two other people helped us find the LOTTE Mart. One man gave us wrong directions at first, but then ran after us to tell us the right way to go and even walked a little bit with us to make sure we were going the right way - so kind.
The Lotte Mart was HUGE and CROWDED. We only visited the main floor where most of the groceries were. I'm not sure how much cooking we'll actually do in our apartments. I think it might actually be cheaper to eat out most of the time. We'll see... I was excited to find wheat noodles and spaghetti sauce, peanut M&M's, and cheese... although I didn't purchase very much because we have orientation all next week (hopefully I will still have Internet access).
It was a good first Saturday in Seoul...
Medical Forms, Good Korean Food, & Gratitude
Yesterday I want to the hospital for a medical examination - part of the requirements of the Korean government for my Alien Registration Card. It was my first medical experience in a foreign country. Things went okay for the most part. I only had a difficult time concealing my laughter as I filled out the medical form. The two questions that made me smile:
1) Do you hear a voice/person talking to you?
I checked the "No" box, but wrote in the margin, "The only voice I hear talking to me is God's." I had to be honest... but definitely smiled as I thought about what their reaction might be.
2) What does it mean to measure twice, but cut only once?
I think I've heard this cliche in the US, but not all that often. I don't know why, but it really seemed funny to me that they would have that kind of question on a med. form. There was another question like that, but I don't remember what it was. Hopefully I answered correctly... otherwise they may think I need psychiatric help. Oh dear... lol.
Last night, Sara and I met up with Hil for dinner in her area of town. It was probably the best Korean meal I have had thus far. They cooked our pork in the middle of our table in front of us. I forgot what it was called... but you wrap up the meat in lettuce and add some other random side dishes, pieces of garlic, and stuff it all in your mouth at once (if possible). I also tried some seaweed soup. It actually wasn't half bad. I enjoyed it better than the acorn jelly. It was nice to share a meal with Sara & Hil. It really is nice to communicate with Westerners and reflect on all the crazy little things that we observe/get frustrated with/ laugh about. I'm thankful for both of these girls... and looking forward to some slumber parties at Hil's. :)
With Hil...
with Sara...
I've been so encouraged by the Lord's presence and provision... with Hil, Sara, all of your prayers & emails/blog comments, indescribable peace, co-teachers, etc. Last night I got a phone call from Bok ja, a friend of some of our dear family friends in AZ. She and her husband were missionaries in the US and just got back to Korea a week or two ago. She invited Sara and I to come have lunch with her today. I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to see her... Rest assured, I will dedicate an entire blog post to our time with her and her family. :)
Much love to you all!
~Holly
1) Do you hear a voice/person talking to you?
I checked the "No" box, but wrote in the margin, "The only voice I hear talking to me is God's." I had to be honest... but definitely smiled as I thought about what their reaction might be.
2) What does it mean to measure twice, but cut only once?
I think I've heard this cliche in the US, but not all that often. I don't know why, but it really seemed funny to me that they would have that kind of question on a med. form. There was another question like that, but I don't remember what it was. Hopefully I answered correctly... otherwise they may think I need psychiatric help. Oh dear... lol.
Last night, Sara and I met up with Hil for dinner in her area of town. It was probably the best Korean meal I have had thus far. They cooked our pork in the middle of our table in front of us. I forgot what it was called... but you wrap up the meat in lettuce and add some other random side dishes, pieces of garlic, and stuff it all in your mouth at once (if possible). I also tried some seaweed soup. It actually wasn't half bad. I enjoyed it better than the acorn jelly. It was nice to share a meal with Sara & Hil. It really is nice to communicate with Westerners and reflect on all the crazy little things that we observe/get frustrated with/ laugh about. I'm thankful for both of these girls... and looking forward to some slumber parties at Hil's. :)
With Hil...
with Sara...
I've been so encouraged by the Lord's presence and provision... with Hil, Sara, all of your prayers & emails/blog comments, indescribable peace, co-teachers, etc. Last night I got a phone call from Bok ja, a friend of some of our dear family friends in AZ. She and her husband were missionaries in the US and just got back to Korea a week or two ago. She invited Sara and I to come have lunch with her today. I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to see her... Rest assured, I will dedicate an entire blog post to our time with her and her family. :)
Much love to you all!
~Holly
More About Cheongryang Middle School...
Logistics
I mentioned earlier that I would blog about my school... so here goes. I am teaching 7th and 9th grades (they call them 1st and 3rd) at Cheongryang Middle School. I am responsible for teaching 22 classes each week and have mandatory prep time when I'm not teaching - basically sit and my desk and do whatever I want. Since each class consists of 30+ students, I will have somewhere between 600 and 700 students!!! I only see them once a week, so I think it is going to be pretty much impossible to learn their names and get to know each one of them. That is unfortunate and somewhat disconcerting. However, I was excited yesterday because one of my students came to visit me at my desk yesterday just to say hi. The Lord is gracious and helped me to remember her English name (Stacy), which was even better!
Demographics & Job Description
On Thursday afternoon, one of my co-teachers (Ellis) told me a little more about the demographics of the school and my job. She informed me that Cheongryang is located in one of the poorest areas of Seoul. She also said that many of the children come from broken homes (one of her classes has 8 children from single parent homes - a high number for Korea). So, it's especially important for me to also give as much love, compassion, and care as possible to these kids. Due to the low SES, very few of the students receive extra training in English. [Most students in Korea go to a govt. school during the day and then a private school when they get home to practice their English and other classes... education is HUGE.] So basically, Ellis told me that the only shot these kids have to learn English is through ME - once a week in large classes! Talk about overwhelming...
Before I could feel too overwhelmed, Ellis proceeded to tell me something that was SO encouraging. She told me that rather than focusing on trying to teach the students many things, I need to RELAX & ENJOY my job.... and just try to make English class fun. (How's that for a job description? I think I might be able to handle that...) I am not expected to give any exams, so that helps to make the atmosphere more relaxed. Basically, I think the logic is... if we can get the students to practice speaking English more with me (an intimidating foreigner, apparently), then they will have more confidence to speak to other foreigners in the future, which automatically gives them opportunities to practice English. So, one of my major goals is to INCREASE student talk time dramatically - a challenge since most of my students seem to be incredibly shy.
I'm actually impressed with their philosophy of education - at least as it pertains to me (minus the large, only once/wk. classes!). I like the idea of focusing on making learning fun and interesting rather than throwing a ton of standards and pressure upon teachers (like we do in the States). It's kind of interesting... I have TONS of creative license. They gave me a textbook (just yesterday), but have strongly encouraged me to devise my own lesson plans. Apparently, there hasn't been a whole lot of success with the textbook. I appreciate the freedom, but a little bit of structure/direction would be nice. Fortunately, I have some really helpful websites to refer to for resources.
Yesterday afternoon, I was given one minute notice (literally) that I was supposed to have a meeting with the 9th grade English teachers in the lunch room. You would expect that since they are all English teachers, they would have been communicating in English, right? Of course not! It's difficult... even they are intimidated to speak English to me when they are around each other. So, most of the meeting consisted of me looking at them wide-eyed, hoping that I would get some translation. The meeting was somewhat helpful, though. They outlined their expectations for me (in a round about way) and told me they want me to prepare lots of worksheets, pictures, videos, etc. We discussed different ways to increase student talk time... but I'm not sure that they liked my idea of pairing the students up to practice English together (they told me that the students would just speak in Korean to each other). So... I've got my work cut out for me! They also informed me that they want to see my lesson plans a week from Monday (I will be at orientation all week). It would have been kind of nice to know earlier this week... I've just been sitting at my desk catching up on emails and studying little bits and pieces of Korean because I didn't have anything else to do! (Hil laughed when I told her about this and just nodded her head... apparently it's typical to find out these things much later.... after time has passed that could have been used more efficiently.)
Extra Classes Already...
Yesterday I was informed that I am "required" to teach an after school class two days a week for two hours. They will be paying me extra for the extra classes, which will help with Sallie Mae... I think I will like the after school classes because I will have much smaller classes, so hopefully I'll be able to get to know those students yesterday.
Co-Teachers
I've really been enjoying getting to know my co-teachers!!! They are all SOOOO friendly and welcoming. I've had two conversations this week that have been particularly encouraging to me.
The first one took place Thursday afternoon with Ellis (English name), one of the English teachers (she's the one that told me to relax and enjoy). Ellis is single, just barely 30, and has a pretty high proficiency in English. She has volunteered to teach me some Korean, to take me around Seoul, and to even go places outside of Seoul with me... because according to her, she has LOTS of time since she's single. Please be praying for her... I'm not sure where she's at, but I think I might have some opportunities in the future to share the joy of the Lord with her. So, also be praying for opportunities and courage for me to share!
The second encouraging conversation took place yesterday afternoon during lunch with Meesuk Kang. She teaches moral education and her desk is right across from mine. We ended up being at lunch at the same time and sat down together. She spent 2 years in the US before, so she also speaks English very well. Meesuk Kang is a Christian and loves the Lord very much. I asked her how she came to know the Lord and she explained that during her time in the US, she had a host family that took very good care of her and showed her the love of Christ. Her life has never been the same since! She told me that she prays for the Holy Spirit's leading before each class - a quick, but very powerful prayer! I also had the opportunity to share my story with her - when my personal relationship with Jesus began, why I'm in Korea, etc. It was such a sweet time of fellowship! Both of us are very excited about our new friendship. I'm looking forward to many more conversations with her. She is incredibly genuine... and knows what it's like to live in a different country, so she's been extremely sensitive to anticipate things that I may need. I was so excited after having lunch with her - I was nearly giddy (hard to imagine, I know)! It's just so sweet to see how the Lord is answering prayer... thanks again for your faithful prayers!
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