The past three weeks I have been teaching at an English camp held at my school. Local sixth graders come from nearby public schools to learn about how Westerners spend seasons and holidays. Imagine trying to explain the journey of the Pilgrims to a bunch of kids that can barely say the correct colors. I am definitely getting a crash course in ESL. The interesting thing is the similiarities between Eastern and Western cultures. One of my students spent six months in the States and knew about the horrendous violence that occurred between the settlers and Native Americans. I asked what happened in Korean history to see if I could draw any ties together. The kids immediately divulged about Korea's history of violence and oppression. I had no idea how much Korea has been tormented by China and Japan over the last few centuries. It makes our history seems so YOUNG at times.
The last half hour of camp was spent watching "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving". It officially marked the kick-off for my Thanksgiving holiday. The rest of the "true" Thanksgiving day in Korea was spent chaperoning a Sadie Hawkins dance. Yes, I dressed up and danced my heart out. I celebrated with a sushi feast afterward.
In spite of seaweed and rice, I did get to enjoy some authentic Thanksgiving food. TCIS has a sister school up in Suwon (a suburb of Seoul) that volunteered to host a joint Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday for the two schools. I spent the morning frantically shopping for gifts for my family, then hopping a train and two taxis to arrive at the school. I played an hour of intense basketball with my headmaster, pastor, and several other teachers, showered quickly, then headed off to eat a HUGE meal with my extended family. I couldn't help but walk into the crowded cafeteria with a sense of vagueness. The scene wasn't quite right. The magohony buffet at my parents' house wasn't there; filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, and the random dish of cottage cheese in the Japanese bowl my mother secretly likes to sneak into every meal. My grandfather wasn't there to banter with me and constantly telling me I need to "beef up". Wrigley wasn't there giving the irrestible look of manipulative pity that forces me to give him endless amounts of turkey.
Instead, I saw my second cousin feeding her three children and allowing everyone to hold them so she could sneak a bite of turkey. I overhead conversations about my other cousin Phil coming to visit for three months and coach basketball. I talked with my pastor about a new bible he picked up for me. I heard my friends talk about homesickness and feeling out of sorts. I chatted with my friend Meredith about the going out for jazz and dancing that evening. As Charlie Brown would say, good grief!
I still have to catch myself sometimes at the radical difference life has taken since August.
On another note, happy belated Thanksgiving! To my mom and sister- Happy Chusokae! (minus the obscenity Mals!) I am grateful to have you all in my life, despite the six thousand mile distance.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Oh the places you'll go!
It's cold in Korea. Finally. I cannot believe I am admitting this, but I hunger for the seasons to change. The slow ebb of fall crept into Korea quietly, then exploded into a wonderful palette of crimson reds, appleish yellows, and fiery burnt oranges. I could not WAIT for a free weekend to get out of my sleepy little city and into the arms of nature. (Yes, Mom, I did see some "tree maidens" on the way. I am finally starting to look at the window when I ride in a car/bus!)
Two weekends ago I hosted a French toast breakfast for a few of my new island friends that came into town to visit. Keep in mind I didn't actually COOK anything, but provided the food, eating space, and scintillating conversation. I dread the day when I will actually have to add cooking food to my repertoire as a hostess.
After breakfast, I headed with twelve other teachers to Songnisan National Park. It boasts of a giant golden Buddha, a hermitage where female monks used to dwell, and amazing fall colors. I was salivating at the chance to see nature at her finest.
Upon our arrival, a half hour walk into the forest led us to the golden Buddha, including every resident within an hour of the park. It was PACKED! Someone muttered once to me I should avoid any Korean national parks on a Saturday. Numerous Koreans were decked out in the latest hiking outfit and boots. I felt shabby in my purple fleece jacket! I am beginning to see why I should wait to travel to a park on a random Tuesday. My friends and I were desperate for some quiet. We traveled up to a hermitage where female monks used to live. We finally found a quiet path, soaked in the silence by walking quietly up the hill, then began throwing leaves at one another. So much for the solitude. :) Upon our arrival at the hermitage, I heard some female monks chanting. It was a peculiar sound coming from a human being. The guttural echoes of their prayers sounded vastly different from my own. I couldn't help but listen in utter curiosity.
On the way back we stopped to see the golden Buddha. I don't understand the draw to Buddhism. He just looks like a big, fat guy to me. Doesn't the Eightfold Path teach about balance and temperance? Buddha sure didn't worry about his waistline.
I continue on my own search with Christianity. I am learning about discipline, prayer, and seeing God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as something more than a myth. It's a slow progression, but I am enjoying taking an intellectual approach to my faith. Some aspects finally make sense for the first time; others still baffle me. I guess it really is a life-long journey. I think it is cool that Jesus was a carpenter! :)
Two weekends ago I hosted a French toast breakfast for a few of my new island friends that came into town to visit. Keep in mind I didn't actually COOK anything, but provided the food, eating space, and scintillating conversation. I dread the day when I will actually have to add cooking food to my repertoire as a hostess.
After breakfast, I headed with twelve other teachers to Songnisan National Park. It boasts of a giant golden Buddha, a hermitage where female monks used to dwell, and amazing fall colors. I was salivating at the chance to see nature at her finest.
Upon our arrival, a half hour walk into the forest led us to the golden Buddha, including every resident within an hour of the park. It was PACKED! Someone muttered once to me I should avoid any Korean national parks on a Saturday. Numerous Koreans were decked out in the latest hiking outfit and boots. I felt shabby in my purple fleece jacket! I am beginning to see why I should wait to travel to a park on a random Tuesday. My friends and I were desperate for some quiet. We traveled up to a hermitage where female monks used to live. We finally found a quiet path, soaked in the silence by walking quietly up the hill, then began throwing leaves at one another. So much for the solitude. :) Upon our arrival at the hermitage, I heard some female monks chanting. It was a peculiar sound coming from a human being. The guttural echoes of their prayers sounded vastly different from my own. I couldn't help but listen in utter curiosity.
On the way back we stopped to see the golden Buddha. I don't understand the draw to Buddhism. He just looks like a big, fat guy to me. Doesn't the Eightfold Path teach about balance and temperance? Buddha sure didn't worry about his waistline.
I continue on my own search with Christianity. I am learning about discipline, prayer, and seeing God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as something more than a myth. It's a slow progression, but I am enjoying taking an intellectual approach to my faith. Some aspects finally make sense for the first time; others still baffle me. I guess it really is a life-long journey. I think it is cool that Jesus was a carpenter! :)
Monday, October 29, 2007
A moment of silence
Quite a bit of joy and tragedy has transpired since my departure from the States. Tonight I feel absolutely useless in Korea. I desperately want to be home for five hours to give everyone I know and love a big hug. Even my "sandpaper lady" of a professor from my graduate studies. Thanks for the term, Dad!
Through God's mysterious hand, I learned of a horrific tragedy surrouding the family member of one of my old co-workers. I did not know the person well, but the news really struck me. I knew her mom well. I wanted to help out SOMEHOW. Do SOMETHING. Distance of volcanoes, seaweed, and rocks does not allow me to do anything except call, email, think, cry, and pray. That's it. Sometimes the thought of distance feels pretty daunting.
Once again, as Miss Richfield 1981 so eloquently says, "Jesus always wins." He brought comfort and connection today. After discovering some horrible news, my heart just ached for my old school. I talked to my department head about the writing conference we had attended together in Seoul, when the tears started flowing. She held my hand, prayed with me, and told me a story about losing her two sisters in a car accident when she was twelve. On the day of her sister's wedding! I was astounded how much tragedy her family had experienced. Yet, she talked of the hope God brings. I looked at her in disbelief over her calm demeanour, but her sincerity was intoxicating. I couldn't help but hang onto her every word about hope.
I took a moment of silence to think about what she said. It followed me the rest of the day. I felt like the wailing, sensitive sister from the novel, "The Secret Life of Bees". Tonight, I wanted to set up my own wailing wall on my 9th floor apartment, put all of the grievances and burdens of everyone I know on little scrolls of paper, firmly shove them into the cracks, and just wail for all the pain in the world. A little ambitious and ridiculous, but the thought made me feel better. Especially at the thought that someone has already taken on all that. Miss Richfield 1981 was right once again.
Through God's mysterious hand, I learned of a horrific tragedy surrouding the family member of one of my old co-workers. I did not know the person well, but the news really struck me. I knew her mom well. I wanted to help out SOMEHOW. Do SOMETHING. Distance of volcanoes, seaweed, and rocks does not allow me to do anything except call, email, think, cry, and pray. That's it. Sometimes the thought of distance feels pretty daunting.
Once again, as Miss Richfield 1981 so eloquently says, "Jesus always wins." He brought comfort and connection today. After discovering some horrible news, my heart just ached for my old school. I talked to my department head about the writing conference we had attended together in Seoul, when the tears started flowing. She held my hand, prayed with me, and told me a story about losing her two sisters in a car accident when she was twelve. On the day of her sister's wedding! I was astounded how much tragedy her family had experienced. Yet, she talked of the hope God brings. I looked at her in disbelief over her calm demeanour, but her sincerity was intoxicating. I couldn't help but hang onto her every word about hope.
I took a moment of silence to think about what she said. It followed me the rest of the day. I felt like the wailing, sensitive sister from the novel, "The Secret Life of Bees". Tonight, I wanted to set up my own wailing wall on my 9th floor apartment, put all of the grievances and burdens of everyone I know on little scrolls of paper, firmly shove them into the cracks, and just wail for all the pain in the world. A little ambitious and ridiculous, but the thought made me feel better. Especially at the thought that someone has already taken on all that. Miss Richfield 1981 was right once again.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Anything you can do Korean, I can do better.....
I eat for rice for breakfast (rarely), lunch, and dinner. I now bow to greet people good morning. I LOVE Korean hip-hop I prefer chopsticks to forks. I know the Korean alphabet. I can even handle kimchi once in awhile.
Welcome to my Korean life after three months. I feel like I haven't given a great snapshot about my true life over here. I am going to blog a little bit about my life and my school.
I work at Taejoen Christian International School. It was founded soley in the late 1950's by Presbyterian missionaries, but has since but supported by many different denominations. Our school is sandwiched in a little university area called Hanam De. It's packed with bars, restaurants, and cheap and wonderful coffee shops. I frequent the eating estasblishments and coffee shops quite avidly. I was sad to learn our school may move to another part of town in two years. It would be more spacious campus, but lack the social energy Hanam University brings. What will I do without ten coffee shops? Eat leaves?
I teach two different freshmen preps: Writing 1 and English 9. That's right. I have freshmen boys and girls ALL DAY LONG. I miss upper classmen at times, but I couldn't be happier with my sea of growing teenagers. Every Monday morning we start off the day with a "high/low" exercise talking about the joys and trials of the weekend. They are allowed to say "Switzerland" if they are feeling "neutral" and we move onto the next person. The exercise is cliche, perhaps a bit of a time waster, but it builds community and identity for the kids. They LOVE it! For the teacher fans of my blog, you should give overseas teaching a try. I only have to grade SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS. THAT'S IT. AND MY BIGGEST CLASS SIZE IS 17. Did my pitch work?
My professional, social, and spiritual life all revolve around school. I live four blocks from school. I work at school. I meet people to go out at school. I attend church at school. I take a yoga class at school. The thought overwhelms me at times how much I am at school. Ironically, I LOVE the community. I like being part of a small environment.
I also love leaving the small environment when my restlessness takes hold. Good thing Seoul, a city of 17 million, is about a one hour train ride away. The last four weekend I have hopped on the bullet train to partake in random adventures around the city. I have gone to the all night markets, eaten squid from random street vendors, witnessed the mystical tombs of past kings and queens, and shopped on the Rodeo Drive of Korea. I love the energy of Seoul, but I am always a little grateful to return to the slower paced speed of Daejeon
Three months ago, I was saying goodbye to my mom, sister, and friend Stephanie is Switzerland over wine and fondue. Now I talk to people over the Internet while eating kimbap and drinking aloe water. Life certainly changes dramatically in such a short time. I miss my family and my friends back in the States. I miss buying clothes because I'm too "big" for Korean standards. I wish I could buy shoes that fit my gargantuan feet. I miss Banana Republic. I really miss cottage cheese. Who am I becoming? Korean or American?
Thus begins the identity crisis. Or maybe better termed an identity FUSION. :)
Welcome to my Korean life after three months. I feel like I haven't given a great snapshot about my true life over here. I am going to blog a little bit about my life and my school.
I work at Taejoen Christian International School. It was founded soley in the late 1950's by Presbyterian missionaries, but has since but supported by many different denominations. Our school is sandwiched in a little university area called Hanam De. It's packed with bars, restaurants, and cheap and wonderful coffee shops. I frequent the eating estasblishments and coffee shops quite avidly. I was sad to learn our school may move to another part of town in two years. It would be more spacious campus, but lack the social energy Hanam University brings. What will I do without ten coffee shops? Eat leaves?
I teach two different freshmen preps: Writing 1 and English 9. That's right. I have freshmen boys and girls ALL DAY LONG. I miss upper classmen at times, but I couldn't be happier with my sea of growing teenagers. Every Monday morning we start off the day with a "high/low" exercise talking about the joys and trials of the weekend. They are allowed to say "Switzerland" if they are feeling "neutral" and we move onto the next person. The exercise is cliche, perhaps a bit of a time waster, but it builds community and identity for the kids. They LOVE it! For the teacher fans of my blog, you should give overseas teaching a try. I only have to grade SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS. THAT'S IT. AND MY BIGGEST CLASS SIZE IS 17. Did my pitch work?
My professional, social, and spiritual life all revolve around school. I live four blocks from school. I work at school. I meet people to go out at school. I attend church at school. I take a yoga class at school. The thought overwhelms me at times how much I am at school. Ironically, I LOVE the community. I like being part of a small environment.
I also love leaving the small environment when my restlessness takes hold. Good thing Seoul, a city of 17 million, is about a one hour train ride away. The last four weekend I have hopped on the bullet train to partake in random adventures around the city. I have gone to the all night markets, eaten squid from random street vendors, witnessed the mystical tombs of past kings and queens, and shopped on the Rodeo Drive of Korea. I love the energy of Seoul, but I am always a little grateful to return to the slower paced speed of Daejeon
Three months ago, I was saying goodbye to my mom, sister, and friend Stephanie is Switzerland over wine and fondue. Now I talk to people over the Internet while eating kimbap and drinking aloe water. Life certainly changes dramatically in such a short time. I miss my family and my friends back in the States. I miss buying clothes because I'm too "big" for Korean standards. I wish I could buy shoes that fit my gargantuan feet. I miss Banana Republic. I really miss cottage cheese. Who am I becoming? Korean or American?
Thus begins the identity crisis. Or maybe better termed an identity FUSION. :)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
I'm proud to be a classy broad!
My principal invited me and three other single, female teachers over for dinner this past week. This was a complete first for me! Administrators intimidate me and I usually hide in my classroom. (It's a stupid childhood fear of getting in trouble from adults!) Nonetheless, he is warm, humorous, and an extremely gracious man. He would replace Micheal Scott any day!
After a stressful day of coaching and teaching, I strapped on my ipod and proceeded to "dance" my troubles away to Earth, Wind, and Fire. I had to be at my principal's house in one hour and I wanted to be relaxed and de-stressed. Lo and behold, as I turned to cross the street, my principal was simultaneously crossing the street and laughing at me. Actually, he was GUFFAWING!!! I turned CRIMSON and sheepishly took the earpiece out of my ear. We chatted briefly about the day, when he smugly asked me what music enraptured me to the point of idiotic carelessness with Korean traffic. I said Earth, Wind, and Fire and then, stupidly, asked him to join me in my street dancing.
Much to my chagrin, he strapped on an earpiece. Two set of arms and legs started dancing, rather jiving, to the beat of my music. For two full, exuberant minutes we were completely in sync to "September". Suddenly, my earpiece fell out.
The moment was over.
For a brief second, silence hit us both. Did we really just dance the street to Earth, Wind, and Fire? Like complete dorks?
Yes, yes we did. Luckily, smiles suddenly erupted on both of our faces. This was our little secret. Earth, Wind, and Fire would never be the same.
The secret didn't last long. The cat was let out of the bag at dinner that night. My sheepish smile came back at the thought of my ridiculous antics, but my principal made me feel sane again. He called me a classy broad and affirmed that any man should consider himself lucky to dance down the street with me.
Maybe he is a little bit like Micheal Scott. :)
After a stressful day of coaching and teaching, I strapped on my ipod and proceeded to "dance" my troubles away to Earth, Wind, and Fire. I had to be at my principal's house in one hour and I wanted to be relaxed and de-stressed. Lo and behold, as I turned to cross the street, my principal was simultaneously crossing the street and laughing at me. Actually, he was GUFFAWING!!! I turned CRIMSON and sheepishly took the earpiece out of my ear. We chatted briefly about the day, when he smugly asked me what music enraptured me to the point of idiotic carelessness with Korean traffic. I said Earth, Wind, and Fire and then, stupidly, asked him to join me in my street dancing.
Much to my chagrin, he strapped on an earpiece. Two set of arms and legs started dancing, rather jiving, to the beat of my music. For two full, exuberant minutes we were completely in sync to "September". Suddenly, my earpiece fell out.
The moment was over.
For a brief second, silence hit us both. Did we really just dance the street to Earth, Wind, and Fire? Like complete dorks?
Yes, yes we did. Luckily, smiles suddenly erupted on both of our faces. This was our little secret. Earth, Wind, and Fire would never be the same.
The secret didn't last long. The cat was let out of the bag at dinner that night. My sheepish smile came back at the thought of my ridiculous antics, but my principal made me feel sane again. He called me a classy broad and affirmed that any man should consider himself lucky to dance down the street with me.
Maybe he is a little bit like Micheal Scott. :)
Sunday, October 7, 2007
m-flo and all its brilliance
I continually get introduced to Korean culture when I step out of the English speaking bubble. Perhaps sideswiped would be a more appropriate adjective. This past weekend I attended a Korean/Japanese hip-hop fusion concert at the Walker Hill Hotel in Seoul. I was one of two Caucausian people in a sea of Asians. I hate admitting this, but I felt overwhelmed at moments being the minority, and getting stared at incessantly. I have traveled before and been ogled at, but this felt different. I LIVE here now. I am part of the society. Where do I really fit as a waugukin? (Foreigner in Korean) What's the big deal about being a tall, blonde girl with a mass of curly hair?
I got the answers to some of my questions later in the evening. I attended the concert with my good friend Jon, but he is a Chinese-Canadian and blends right into the Asian mix of people. He and I had excellent conversations that night about foreigners. I asked him,"Why are white people such a big deal in Asia?" He said it's because of the scarcity of foreigners that make us (in reference to white people) such an anomoly. Some Asians view whites with extreme curiousity, while other times view whites as an annoyance and simply don't exist.
Sadly, racism evolves at times as a result of the curiousity and/or annoyance. We got a bigger dose of this divide when entering into the casino part of the hotel in search of food. Jon was stopped for his passport while I just got to mosy on into the casino. We joked about it a little, but decided it needed further investigation. After breaking it down to DJ Clazzi till 2:30 in the morning, we decided to try and make our way into the casino. We even pretended to be a married couple the second time to test. They only stopped him! The blatant treatment of him vs. me was jaw-dropping.
Further conversations that weekend with my other new Asian friends, led to further evidence of this ethnic divide. My friend Christine told me she clung to Asian groups in college. Her friends back in Boston tease about having more white friends in Korea than she did in the States! I couldn't help but analyze my own friendships back in the States. Some are diverse, other homogenous. Is this something I need to worry about? Is there a competition to have more diverse friends?
The answer I concluded was yes and no. People will naturally gravitate to what is familiar, whether it revolves around race, culture, or gender. This is not always a bad thing. But what turns ugly is blatant racism, predjudice, and close-minded thinking. One way I noticed to overcome that is breaking down these barriers with intentional effort. Have a meal. Ask about each other's culture. Make an effort to visit homes or participate in celebrations.
I realize this is all easier said than done. It sounds too much like holding hands and singing kum-by-ya around the campfire. But it can work. I have witnessed it repeatedly over the last few months. Just one of the few lessons I have continued to learn during my time in Korea. Who knew that a hip-hop concert could open up door to such amazing conversations? Thank goodness for m-flo and all their brilliance! (Check out the group on youtube!)
I got the answers to some of my questions later in the evening. I attended the concert with my good friend Jon, but he is a Chinese-Canadian and blends right into the Asian mix of people. He and I had excellent conversations that night about foreigners. I asked him,"Why are white people such a big deal in Asia?" He said it's because of the scarcity of foreigners that make us (in reference to white people) such an anomoly. Some Asians view whites with extreme curiousity, while other times view whites as an annoyance and simply don't exist.
Sadly, racism evolves at times as a result of the curiousity and/or annoyance. We got a bigger dose of this divide when entering into the casino part of the hotel in search of food. Jon was stopped for his passport while I just got to mosy on into the casino. We joked about it a little, but decided it needed further investigation. After breaking it down to DJ Clazzi till 2:30 in the morning, we decided to try and make our way into the casino. We even pretended to be a married couple the second time to test. They only stopped him! The blatant treatment of him vs. me was jaw-dropping.
Further conversations that weekend with my other new Asian friends, led to further evidence of this ethnic divide. My friend Christine told me she clung to Asian groups in college. Her friends back in Boston tease about having more white friends in Korea than she did in the States! I couldn't help but analyze my own friendships back in the States. Some are diverse, other homogenous. Is this something I need to worry about? Is there a competition to have more diverse friends?
The answer I concluded was yes and no. People will naturally gravitate to what is familiar, whether it revolves around race, culture, or gender. This is not always a bad thing. But what turns ugly is blatant racism, predjudice, and close-minded thinking. One way I noticed to overcome that is breaking down these barriers with intentional effort. Have a meal. Ask about each other's culture. Make an effort to visit homes or participate in celebrations.
I realize this is all easier said than done. It sounds too much like holding hands and singing kum-by-ya around the campfire. But it can work. I have witnessed it repeatedly over the last few months. Just one of the few lessons I have continued to learn during my time in Korea. Who knew that a hip-hop concert could open up door to such amazing conversations? Thank goodness for m-flo and all their brilliance! (Check out the group on youtube!)
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