It's pretty dreary and rainy outside today, so it was a particularly good day to stay inside and not do a whole lot.
I talked with a few different friends from back home today so it really warmed my heart and it was good to talk to them and was amazed as I was telling them I've been here for nearly 5 months. YES! Can you believe it? Nearly 5 months. On the 10th.
Even I can't believe it, because as I was walking out of my apartment to teach my cute kiddos from my EC3 class, as I watched the hustle and bustle of the street vendors, the bent over ajummas (old women) and as I looked upon the construction and the westernization around me, I too, was struck with the fact that truly, yes, I am in Korea.
This brought a smile to my face and a peace in my heart, because I am so happy to be here.
Let me just say I've only been here at work for about 45 minutes, and so far I have about 4 different humorous stories I could tell. So I'll start:
1. Robin (a Korean staff member, who speaks pretty good english) says to me, "Do you have a test?" I tell him, "Well... vocabulary test is on Saturday. Review test is today and speaking test on Saturday." (Keep in mind I'm a little confused why he's asking me)
He appeared to be a bit confused as well. At this point I was about to head back to my classroom since I had finished making my copies for the day and he starts to head toward my classroom. He turns around midway and says to me "Why are you following me?" He said it with such a seriousness, I couldn't help but laugh. I simply replied, "I'm heading to my classroom too!"
This is the same man that the other day, when I realized we were out of paper, I say, "Oh, SHOOT!" He looks at me and very candidly says "Jessica! I thought you were a good girl?"
I quickly realized he thought I cursed, and had to explain to him that I said shoot, not the other word. Robin is actually a new employee and I'm starting to see he's a pretty funny character!
2. So I'm in the process of looking for a bike. The plan was to go today, but alas, I'm sick... so I decided to not go out and about. So, one of the other Korean staff members, M.K. (who is also, pretty new) tutors some of the students with grammar. Although, his english.... not so good. But he tries very hard and likes to take us to dinner to work on his conversational english.
He said hello as I came in today and proceeded to say "So when do we go and ride bikes together?" I tell him kindly that I still don't have a bike, but I'm looking for one. I of course wonder how much of what I'm saying he understands, but still.... I try.
He eagerly says to me "I provide it for you. I take you to make sweet memory in Korea." (I kind of smile and nod) as he continues "Along beautiful Han River" He quickly points to some date in May and communicates to me that's when we'll go.
So apparently I have a bike date with M.K. in May. That should be interesting. :)
3. This story also involves M.K. (He's a funny fellow) but I was inside my classroom prepping for class when he knocks at my door. I motion for him to come in, but no avail. So I get up and greet him at the door. He's holding a pastel purple colored patent leather belt wrapped up. He says, "This is gift for you." I kindly accept and bow to him. See.... in Korean culture it is extremely rude to not accept what someone gives you. This belt is hideous, but goodness.... I thought it was so kind that he found it (whether it was lying on the ground in the street, or if he bought it) and thought of me. This brought a smile to my face and definitely a few chuckles out loud.
Don't worry... I'll upload pictures of this belt shortly.
4. This one involves the kids (keep in mind these were all within the first 40 minutes of arriving, so by this time I'm definitely not able to wipe the smile off my face).
I play my music on my computer before class starts while the students come in. The kids happened to come in during a song with a very strong beat. Instantly, my kids (all boys of course) :) began so start making sounds to go along with the beat of the music and shaking their heads. I only wish I would have brought my camera to capture how hilarious of a sight this was. Their immaturity and carefree character is refreshing and all I could do was embrace the childhood moment and join with them. We all had a good time and laughed as the song came to an end
It's times like these that I realize what an amazing blessing it is to be here to spend time with these kids!
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