It's officially been seven months since I've been here. Wow. Not sure how I feel about that... I have been noticing a new appreciation for Korea in my attitude most recently. It's refreshing. Perhaps I'm entering into "Phase 3" of culture shock now...
The past week has been full as usual. Several highlights:
Our English Bible Study officially started after school on Monday. I'm looking forward to having it be a regular part of my week again.
Had dinner with Kang Bo-gil (the art teacher at my school) on Monday night. I absolutely love hanging out with her. I was blessed by our time together.
I've finally started taking Korean lessons (it's about time...). Kyunghan (one of my dear co-teachers from last semester) is my private tutor. We'll only be having one lesson each week, but it's a start. My new co-teacher, Lee Hye Eun, is also taking advantage of every opportunity to add to my vocabulary. It's good for me.
Wednesday was Parents Day at Cheongryang Middle School. Thus, my 5th period was an open class for the parents to observe. I had probably about 8 -10 parents actually come. I couldn't have asked for the class to go more smoothly. The students were behaved perfectly and I was happy with my lesson. It was kind of fun. ^^
Thursday I had lunch with Kang Meesuk. I really cherish our times together... and I think she does too. Although there's a big age gap between us, it doesn't seem to matter much at all. She's a dear friend to me. I find myself praising God for her so often.
I've had several more opportunities to get to know my students this year already. I think having my own classroom helps. So many students seem to enjoy stopping by. I'm thankful to be able to get to know them better. Yesterday, one of my students came to my desk and chatted with me for nearly a half hour. I felt a bit like a camp counselor again... in a good way, I think. I'm being reminded that I'm working with teenagers that come from difficult home situations. Sometimes I forget to consider their home life... I think my heart is starting to grow more for my students, which I'm thankful for.
Today one of the baseball players burst into the classroom and boldly proclaimed, "I LOVE YOU TEACHER!!!" I still don't know quite how to respond to these middle school boys... usually I just smile and laugh. They totally cheapen the phrase... and make me laugh a lot. I'm trying to imagine middle school students in the States acting the same way... and I just don't really see it happening.
There are so many cultural differences in school that I've just grown accustomed to now. I often forget that it's not normal (in the States) for boys to sit on each other's laps... that girls don't usually hold each other's hands... that students don't habitually beat on each other in jest (or maybe it's just been a long time since I've walked the halls of a middle school in the States)...
Classes are going well. I'm feeling more and more like a real teacher. I feel SO incredibly blessed to have my own classroom with so many resources. I'm also really thankful for my co-teachers this semester. Initially, I wasn't super-excited about having my co-teachers change. However, I'm already seeing so many blessings with this new season at Cheongryang. My main co-teacher is incredibly optimistic, eager to help, and SO encouraging.
Today we had our weekly English teacher meeting. It's at this time that I usually present my lesson for the upcoming week. My lesson plans for next week are a little risky... there's potential for things to go incredibly well... or fail miserably. Several of the co-teachers looked uneasy as I described the activities (the students will be doing a Treasure Hunt activity). But my main co-teacher (and head of the English dept.) was totally supportive and optimistic that things would go well. I'm SOOOO thankful for her! And I'm thankful that my other co-teachers are willing to take a risk and put forth the effort to make it work well. We'll see how it goes next week...
Anyway, I need to get some sleep now... I've got another busy weekend ahead! =)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
WHITE DAY - love, love, love!
About White Day...
On Friday morning, all of the male teachers at our school gave chocolates to the female teachers in celebration of WHITE Day - March 14 (Saturday this year). White Day is another one of those couples' holidays that Korea seems to have in abundance. On White Day, men are expected to do something special for their wives/girlfriends. (It is the opposite on Valentine's Day). Couples also celebrate Peppero Day (11/11 - peppero are candied sticks) & Christmas as couples' holidays... The single people like to celebrate Black day on April 14. Apparently, all the single people are supposed to get together and eat jajangmyun (Chinese noodles with black sauce) and hopefully hook up. Definitely makes me chuckle... Oh Korea!
Lovely Surprises...
I am pleased to report that my first White Day was quite pleasant, with some lovely surprises. My dear friend Bok ja surprised me with a red rose (made out of soap) and some chocolate hearts. She explained to me that, as she was praying for me, she was thinking, If I was in a foreign country all by myself without a boyfriend, I think maybe I would feel sad... so I should do something special for Holly and remind her of the incredible love God has for her. She's so sweet! She had no idea that I'd never celebrated White Day before, so I had NO expectations for the day at all. But she decided to just bless me with sweet reminders of the love of the Lord.
Love, Love, Love!!!
In addition to the lovely rose and chocolate, she shared three verses with me to remind me of the incredible love of the Lord:
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39
Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible,
I would not forget you!
See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15-16a
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
God totally surprised me and blessed me through Bok ja. Her perspective on White Day is the same perspective my college friends and I shared concerning Valentine's Day for many years. It's just a good day to be reminded of the Lord's love - love that NEVER fails...
It's interesting that Bok ja felt that she needed to remind me of God's love. During my time in Korea, I've had so many people say to me at different times, "Wow, Holly! God must really love you a lot... look at how He's blessed you with ______." I never quite know how to respond to that. I always want to say... He REALLY loves you too!!!!! At times I am totally overwhelmed with the love of the Lord, especially when He demonstrates that love tangibly (through teachers at school, friends, family members from home, etc.). Other times, as silly as it sounds, I find myself questioning the Lord's love! I know it's ridiculous but it does happen from time to time. Who am I to question the love of the Lord?!
Just in case I didn't get the memo...
The Bible study in our church devotional for this weekend was titled, "You are Mine and I Love You." It's all about Isaiah 43 and the fact that our ultimate security lies in knowing who we are in Christ and how much He loves us. I know this post is already getting long, but there are a few more verses I simply MUST share:
But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.
I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.
Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?"
~Isaiah 43:1-13
How thankful I am for the love of the Lord! His love endures forever... never fails... never disappoints... never ends. It is truly incomparable! I'm thankful for His very CLEAR reminders this weekend... so refreshing for my heart!
My White Day concluded with an evening out with great friends - eating delicious Mexican food, going to a Board Game Cafe, and singing karaoke at a Noraebang. The last song we sang was, All you need is love, love, love. All you need is love, love, love. Love is all you need.
I've got all that I need!
On Friday morning, all of the male teachers at our school gave chocolates to the female teachers in celebration of WHITE Day - March 14 (Saturday this year). White Day is another one of those couples' holidays that Korea seems to have in abundance. On White Day, men are expected to do something special for their wives/girlfriends. (It is the opposite on Valentine's Day). Couples also celebrate Peppero Day (11/11 - peppero are candied sticks) & Christmas as couples' holidays... The single people like to celebrate Black day on April 14. Apparently, all the single people are supposed to get together and eat jajangmyun (Chinese noodles with black sauce) and hopefully hook up. Definitely makes me chuckle... Oh Korea!
Lovely Surprises...
I am pleased to report that my first White Day was quite pleasant, with some lovely surprises. My dear friend Bok ja surprised me with a red rose (made out of soap) and some chocolate hearts. She explained to me that, as she was praying for me, she was thinking, If I was in a foreign country all by myself without a boyfriend, I think maybe I would feel sad... so I should do something special for Holly and remind her of the incredible love God has for her. She's so sweet! She had no idea that I'd never celebrated White Day before, so I had NO expectations for the day at all. But she decided to just bless me with sweet reminders of the love of the Lord.
Love, Love, Love!!!
In addition to the lovely rose and chocolate, she shared three verses with me to remind me of the incredible love of the Lord:
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39
Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible,
I would not forget you!
See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15-16a
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
God totally surprised me and blessed me through Bok ja. Her perspective on White Day is the same perspective my college friends and I shared concerning Valentine's Day for many years. It's just a good day to be reminded of the Lord's love - love that NEVER fails...
It's interesting that Bok ja felt that she needed to remind me of God's love. During my time in Korea, I've had so many people say to me at different times, "Wow, Holly! God must really love you a lot... look at how He's blessed you with ______." I never quite know how to respond to that. I always want to say... He REALLY loves you too!!!!! At times I am totally overwhelmed with the love of the Lord, especially when He demonstrates that love tangibly (through teachers at school, friends, family members from home, etc.). Other times, as silly as it sounds, I find myself questioning the Lord's love! I know it's ridiculous but it does happen from time to time. Who am I to question the love of the Lord?!
Just in case I didn't get the memo...
The Bible study in our church devotional for this weekend was titled, "You are Mine and I Love You." It's all about Isaiah 43 and the fact that our ultimate security lies in knowing who we are in Christ and how much He loves us. I know this post is already getting long, but there are a few more verses I simply MUST share:
But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.
I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.
Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?"
~Isaiah 43:1-13
How thankful I am for the love of the Lord! His love endures forever... never fails... never disappoints... never ends. It is truly incomparable! I'm thankful for His very CLEAR reminders this weekend... so refreshing for my heart!
My White Day concluded with an evening out with great friends - eating delicious Mexican food, going to a Board Game Cafe, and singing karaoke at a Noraebang. The last song we sang was, All you need is love, love, love. All you need is love, love, love. Love is all you need.
I've got all that I need!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Blessed by Teachers... again
Yesterday, I had a really encouraging day at school. Already, I'm SO thankful for this semester. Having my own classroom makes such a difference... and I'm enjoying the new teachers at my school. I've missed a lot of the old teachers too, though. Just as I was preparing to leave school Friday afternoon, Kang Meesuk invited me to have dinner with her and several other Cheongryang teachers - both former and present teachers. I enthusiastically accepted her invitation.
I count any time that I get to spend with Kang Meesuk as SO precious. I feel like she is a mother/aunt/dear friend to me... Since my first day at Cheongryang, she's always made it a point to make me feel welcome and has cared for me in countless loving and thoughtful ways. She is such a blessing and a true gift from the Lord. Last night, I thoroughly enjoyed riding in the car with her to the restaurant (even though we got a little bit lost). It was a real treat to spend the extra time with her. She even invited me to spend the night at her house during the week if I'm ever feeling like I need to be in a home environment... an incredibly gracious offer that I look forward to accepting!
Kang Meesuk, me, Mrs. Moon, & Jang Myungson.
Mrs. Moon was the teacher that started our morning prayer group last semester. She always brought us breakfast and once surprised me with a bunch of coffee on my desk. Another time, she bought a whole bunch of candy from COSCO for me to use as rewards in the classroom because she knew I was struggling with my students. I love Mrs. Moon... and I miss her now that she's moved on to another school. She's really happy at that school though... which I'm thankful for.
Jang Myungson is probably one of the cutest teachers at Cheongryang. She has such a fun personality and is incredibly kind and thoughtful. During winter vacation, she went out of her way to make sure I had lunch to eat at school... and often just checks on me, asking me how I'm doing. She was also a part of our morning prayer group last semester. I like her a lot!
This is Teacher Sohn. He is my self-proclaimed "Korean father." He moved on to a different school this year as well, which was a little sad for me. Last year, he came to visit my desk frequently and was always making me laugh with his silly jokes. Although his English is somewhat broken, I SOOO appreciate the effort he has made to communicate with me. His jokes kind of made me feel a little more at home - definitely fits in the same category of "cute" that I put my Dad and Grandpa in. =) He keeps on saying he wants me to meet his son... I'm not quite sure what I think about that! Regardless, it was great to see my "Korean father" again last night.
Here I am with two of my English co-teachers: Choi Seong Ok & Ko Yu Kyung. I worked with Teacher Choi last year and am excited to work with her again. She did most of the work for our English classroom. Teacher Ko is back at Cheongryang after spending last semester doing some studying in the States. I'm looking forward to spending more time with these women this semester.
It was definitely a great evening. I praise God for placing me at my school with such amazing people. It is definitely a privilege to know these people...
I count any time that I get to spend with Kang Meesuk as SO precious. I feel like she is a mother/aunt/dear friend to me... Since my first day at Cheongryang, she's always made it a point to make me feel welcome and has cared for me in countless loving and thoughtful ways. She is such a blessing and a true gift from the Lord. Last night, I thoroughly enjoyed riding in the car with her to the restaurant (even though we got a little bit lost). It was a real treat to spend the extra time with her. She even invited me to spend the night at her house during the week if I'm ever feeling like I need to be in a home environment... an incredibly gracious offer that I look forward to accepting!
Kang Meesuk, me, Mrs. Moon, & Jang Myungson.
Mrs. Moon was the teacher that started our morning prayer group last semester. She always brought us breakfast and once surprised me with a bunch of coffee on my desk. Another time, she bought a whole bunch of candy from COSCO for me to use as rewards in the classroom because she knew I was struggling with my students. I love Mrs. Moon... and I miss her now that she's moved on to another school. She's really happy at that school though... which I'm thankful for.
Jang Myungson is probably one of the cutest teachers at Cheongryang. She has such a fun personality and is incredibly kind and thoughtful. During winter vacation, she went out of her way to make sure I had lunch to eat at school... and often just checks on me, asking me how I'm doing. She was also a part of our morning prayer group last semester. I like her a lot!
This is Teacher Sohn. He is my self-proclaimed "Korean father." He moved on to a different school this year as well, which was a little sad for me. Last year, he came to visit my desk frequently and was always making me laugh with his silly jokes. Although his English is somewhat broken, I SOOO appreciate the effort he has made to communicate with me. His jokes kind of made me feel a little more at home - definitely fits in the same category of "cute" that I put my Dad and Grandpa in. =) He keeps on saying he wants me to meet his son... I'm not quite sure what I think about that! Regardless, it was great to see my "Korean father" again last night.
Here I am with two of my English co-teachers: Choi Seong Ok & Ko Yu Kyung. I worked with Teacher Choi last year and am excited to work with her again. She did most of the work for our English classroom. Teacher Ko is back at Cheongryang after spending last semester doing some studying in the States. I'm looking forward to spending more time with these women this semester.
It was definitely a great evening. I praise God for placing me at my school with such amazing people. It is definitely a privilege to know these people...
Learning to Say "NO"
On Tuesday of this past week, my co-teacher asked me to teach two extra after-school classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00-8:30 pm at another middle school. (I'm already teaching two after school classes on Tuesdays and Fridays at my school). With the additional T & TH classes she asked me to teach, I would have the potential to make a significant amount of extra cash for each week... also, I'd be working with advanced students and I'd only have to prepare one lesson for each night. Definitely a great opportunity...
After spending a night thinking and praying about it... I said NO.
On Thursday, my vice principal asked me to start teaching a class every other Saturday.
I said NO.
Although I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunities... and could definitely use the extra cash, I just didn't have peace about taking them. Over the past few weeks, I've been feeling a bit over-committed with things at school & church and was beginning to wonder how I'd be able to fit time for PEOPLE in my schedule throughout the week. If I took the extra classes, I would have a very limited amount of room left in my schedule for "margin" and people.
Also, we've been talking about living with an eternal perspective in small group lately. While working to earn an income is certainly NOT wrong, I just felt like my heart wasn't right in taking the extra load. I've really been sensing the need to have more "margin" in my life... to have time and space to invest in eternal things, rather than temporal.
It's SO easy to slip into the flurry of activity and being busy for me... especially in Korea! As I was turning down these extra teaching opportunities this week, I was reminded that I live in a culture so different from my own! My co-teachers (most of whom are married and have children) are teaching after-school classes twice a week until 10/11 pm!!! I can't imagine being a wife and mother and being at school for that long! Even as a single woman, the prospect of 8 extra teaching hours made me feel stressed... Koreans are definitely CRAZY about education. No doubt about it.
Thankfully, I don't have to conform to the culture. I'm learning to pray for a Mary's heart in a Martha's world (I think my mom used to have a book with this title). I'm learning to say no and take steps of faith, trusting that the Lord will continue to provide for my every need in His perfect time...
Lord, you are more precious than silver
Lord, you are more costly than gold
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire compares with you!
After spending a night thinking and praying about it... I said NO.
On Thursday, my vice principal asked me to start teaching a class every other Saturday.
I said NO.
Although I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunities... and could definitely use the extra cash, I just didn't have peace about taking them. Over the past few weeks, I've been feeling a bit over-committed with things at school & church and was beginning to wonder how I'd be able to fit time for PEOPLE in my schedule throughout the week. If I took the extra classes, I would have a very limited amount of room left in my schedule for "margin" and people.
Also, we've been talking about living with an eternal perspective in small group lately. While working to earn an income is certainly NOT wrong, I just felt like my heart wasn't right in taking the extra load. I've really been sensing the need to have more "margin" in my life... to have time and space to invest in eternal things, rather than temporal.
It's SO easy to slip into the flurry of activity and being busy for me... especially in Korea! As I was turning down these extra teaching opportunities this week, I was reminded that I live in a culture so different from my own! My co-teachers (most of whom are married and have children) are teaching after-school classes twice a week until 10/11 pm!!! I can't imagine being a wife and mother and being at school for that long! Even as a single woman, the prospect of 8 extra teaching hours made me feel stressed... Koreans are definitely CRAZY about education. No doubt about it.
Thankfully, I don't have to conform to the culture. I'm learning to pray for a Mary's heart in a Martha's world (I think my mom used to have a book with this title). I'm learning to say no and take steps of faith, trusting that the Lord will continue to provide for my every need in His perfect time...
Lord, you are more precious than silver
Lord, you are more costly than gold
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire compares with you!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Late...
This morning on my way to school, I rode the bus, as usual. I was reading a book on the bus, as usual. However, for the first time (on the bus), I missed my stop because I was concentrating on my reading so much. That's happened before on the subway... but never before on the bus on the way to school. This made me very LATE for school. I was embarrassed, especially because I had to wait outside the teacher's office for about 15 minutes while all the teachers were having their weekly morning meeting. Fortunately, I wasn't late for class though.
All of last week I was telling my students that if they are LATE for class, I will make them sing a song in English in front of the class. I guess I should have sang a song in Korean for my co-teacher...
Fortunately, I work with gracious people.
All of last week I was telling my students that if they are LATE for class, I will make them sing a song in English in front of the class. I guess I should have sang a song in Korean for my co-teacher...
Fortunately, I work with gracious people.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A New School Year
This past week marked the beginning of a brand-new school year with lots of changes at Cheongryang.
I think we have 20 new teachers altogether this year.
Several of my co-teachers have moved on to other schools. I miss them.
But I also have three new co-teachers. I'm excited to get to know them. =)
I also have a NEW classroom... and am feeling rather spoiled! The English teachers told me that they all "envy me." I am SO thankful for this classroom... definitely a blessing!
This is the wall right outside of my classroom. (All the other walls in the school are very drab and dirty).
I did not choose the decorations or sayings, but I think my teachers did a great job. Although practice makes permanent more than it makes perfect (as my Dad pointed out), I still like the bright colors and maps.
I was happy to see the "Don't be afraid to make mistakes!" That was a phrase I used quite a bit at the beginning of last semester. The teachers surprised me by putting it in big letters on the wall.
I also have a list of Classroom Rules posted:
1) LISTEN carefully!!!!
2) Be on time for class.
3) ALWAYS bring a pen or a pencil. (You'd be surprised how many students refused to do this last year)
4) No writing on the desks or walls.
5) No food or drink.
6) No cursing, swearing, or unkind actions.
I only wanted to have 5 rules, but the teachers added rule #5 to my list, which is okay, I guess. I spent a lot of time laying down the law this week, explaining the rules and consequences. I'm afraid that I spent too much time on the rules, but all the teachers ensured me that it's good to be firm and take the time necessary to lay the groundwork for the rest of the semester. I'd rather start off too firm. I learned a lot after my first semester of teaching! I almost feel like a real teacher!!!
The screen is a "Smartboard" - touch screen. Kind of cool...
I am feeling optimistic about this school year.
Expecting greater things in 2009...
I think we have 20 new teachers altogether this year.
Several of my co-teachers have moved on to other schools. I miss them.
But I also have three new co-teachers. I'm excited to get to know them. =)
I also have a NEW classroom... and am feeling rather spoiled! The English teachers told me that they all "envy me." I am SO thankful for this classroom... definitely a blessing!
This is the wall right outside of my classroom. (All the other walls in the school are very drab and dirty).
I did not choose the decorations or sayings, but I think my teachers did a great job. Although practice makes permanent more than it makes perfect (as my Dad pointed out), I still like the bright colors and maps.
I was happy to see the "Don't be afraid to make mistakes!" That was a phrase I used quite a bit at the beginning of last semester. The teachers surprised me by putting it in big letters on the wall.
I also have a list of Classroom Rules posted:
1) LISTEN carefully!!!!
2) Be on time for class.
3) ALWAYS bring a pen or a pencil. (You'd be surprised how many students refused to do this last year)
4) No writing on the desks or walls.
5) No food or drink.
6) No cursing, swearing, or unkind actions.
I only wanted to have 5 rules, but the teachers added rule #5 to my list, which is okay, I guess. I spent a lot of time laying down the law this week, explaining the rules and consequences. I'm afraid that I spent too much time on the rules, but all the teachers ensured me that it's good to be firm and take the time necessary to lay the groundwork for the rest of the semester. I'd rather start off too firm. I learned a lot after my first semester of teaching! I almost feel like a real teacher!!!
The screen is a "Smartboard" - touch screen. Kind of cool...
I am feeling optimistic about this school year.
Expecting greater things in 2009...
Saturday, March 7, 2009
End of Vacation Highlights
The remainder of my vacation ended a week ago. Some highlights...
Spending time with Sara's parents - showing them around Seoul and thoroughly enjoying their company! This picture was taken at Gyeongbokgung - a palace that Sara and I visited toward the beginning of our time in Seoul.
Celebrating Sunghee's birthday with Zane and Janis. It was fun to half surprise her.
She treated us to Noraebang (a private karaoke room) afterward.
Friday morning, I met up with some friends for amazing pancakes for breakfast... but I forgot to take pictures! Definitely delicious...
Finally visited Namsan Tower and got a good view of the city. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't like to take pictures at night. =(
Sara and I with Jon Baker, one of my friends from college. It was fun and random to meet up with him in Seoul. He spent his first night in Korea getting to see Namsan Tower... definitely more exciting than mine and Sara's first night in Korea!
Locks at the foot of Namsan Tower... a thing that most Korean couples like to do. They each buy a lock and chain them together on the fence and then throw away the key. This symbolizes that their love will last forever or something... It doesn't really seem all that special since practically every couple does it. Korea is such a couple's world sometimes... lol!
I'm SO happy to have my Sara back in Seoul!!!
Zane, Janis, Sara and I took a water taxi for the first time with Sara's parents. We had planned on taking a boat tour of the Han River, but found out that the tours weren't running this time of year. The water taxi was fun and random to take instead. We went to Yeouido, a small island in the middle of the Han River in Seoul. We visited the 63 Building (it has 63 floors) and ended up going to a sweet aquarium. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures(again!)... it was a marvelous way to end vacation, though!
Spending time with Sara's parents - showing them around Seoul and thoroughly enjoying their company! This picture was taken at Gyeongbokgung - a palace that Sara and I visited toward the beginning of our time in Seoul.
Celebrating Sunghee's birthday with Zane and Janis. It was fun to half surprise her.
She treated us to Noraebang (a private karaoke room) afterward.
Friday morning, I met up with some friends for amazing pancakes for breakfast... but I forgot to take pictures! Definitely delicious...
Finally visited Namsan Tower and got a good view of the city. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't like to take pictures at night. =(
Sara and I with Jon Baker, one of my friends from college. It was fun and random to meet up with him in Seoul. He spent his first night in Korea getting to see Namsan Tower... definitely more exciting than mine and Sara's first night in Korea!
Locks at the foot of Namsan Tower... a thing that most Korean couples like to do. They each buy a lock and chain them together on the fence and then throw away the key. This symbolizes that their love will last forever or something... It doesn't really seem all that special since practically every couple does it. Korea is such a couple's world sometimes... lol!
I'm SO happy to have my Sara back in Seoul!!!
Zane, Janis, Sara and I took a water taxi for the first time with Sara's parents. We had planned on taking a boat tour of the Han River, but found out that the tours weren't running this time of year. The water taxi was fun and random to take instead. We went to Yeouido, a small island in the middle of the Han River in Seoul. We visited the 63 Building (it has 63 floors) and ended up going to a sweet aquarium. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures(again!)... it was a marvelous way to end vacation, though!
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