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Sitting in Starbucks...

The hustle and bustle of Seoul city life stands in stark contrast to the lulled conversations of those sipping coffee next to me. I plan to enjoy the next few minutes by sipping my own over-priced specialty drink.

The cool air comforts as I watch so many brave the heat and humidity just feet beneath my perch. Men walk in business suits, women in jeans, dresses, and fancy clutches. Groups of people pass - children, families, friends, workers - all intent on their destination, few wanting to linger in the sun.

As my people-watching session ends, I make one important note to self: next time - no iced specialty drink. Too much ice, too little coffee, too much money.

Me

I agree =)

Finally... another update from Korea

Please forgive my lack of creativity in this update - a bulleted list is the best I can do with the wanderings crowding my head. I guess that's what happens when one lives fourteen hours in the future (wink) =)

Since the last letter in November (yikes, that long?):

* I visited Thailand for eight-ish days (end of November - December 5th). I traveled there very last minute (as we had no students for a few weeks and were given the opportunity to take unpaid vacation). Because of this impromptu decision, I traveled alone but very much enjoyed my time in the sun. I spent my days kayaking, snorkeling, riding elephants, white-water rafting, rock-climbing, touring islands, exploring monkey caves, and relaxing on the beach. It was a great experience and a much-needed break from work. Visit my facebook page if you want to see pics.

* I spent the last three weeks in December preparing for our month-long student program. This time around, I was a co-leader of a House (competing groups of students try to win events that lead to an overall winning house at the end of the program. prizes are involved) =) I was also the leader of Craft Club so I spent many hours preparing lessons and materials for craft time.

* Christmas and New Year's were nothing special here as I worked both days (we had middle school students those weeks and I worked 1-9pm). It was nice to receive packages from home and it allowed me to decorate my room a bit. I was ever-so-thankful for the cards, gifts, and words of encouragement.

* Our month long program ran from January 4-29. We had 280 students who were a blast to be with. I loved leading craft club: we decorated t-shirts, made magnets and erasers, folded 3-D Christmas/winter ornaments, crafted hanging lanterns, knit scarves, created beaded jewelry, and designed memory books. I also loved co-leading my house of young teens. Our theme this month was 'time travel,' and my house, "Caveman," beat out "Time Twisters," "Alice in Wonderland," "Past, Present, Future (PPF)," "Einstein's Starship Chickens," and "Planet Express" to clinch the Winter VIP 2010 House Championship =) Needless to say, I was quite busy planning and teaching in January.

* During the first week of February, I taught in our adult program - working with university students in the education department. This was a huge highlight for me as I had been trying to get into the adult program for a few months (there is a long waiting list) =)

* From February 7th through the 18th, I visited dear friends in Turkey. Although I did not do much sight-seeing, (plans changed soon after I arrived), I had a great time relaxing, homeschooling, and walking around Istanbul. I can now say I've ridden on the bridge that spans Europe and Asia. How fun!

* Upon arriving back to Korea, I began observing/training for our Teacher Training Program here in English Village (a program that teaches certified Korean teachers to teach English classes in English, rather than teaching English classes in Korean). This is a great opportunity for me (it offers benefits, would be a good challenge for me, is a coveted position, and fits nicely with my background and training). That said, however, it means I would need to re-sign at the end of my contract this July. Because I am not sure I want to stay in Paju (the middle of nowhere, Korea) for another year and a half, I have a month to decide if I want to continue in this program (and thus re-sign) or not.

* I am currently looking into teaching English in Turkey as they have a great need for native speaking teachers. I would likely live in Istanbul and be connected with the Christian church there. It would be a great opportunity for me to minister and serve the Muslim peoples. I definitely felt an excitement about Turkey when I visited, however, I am praying for God's will and direction as to where I teach next.


Praises:

* I have been here eight months now and it has been an amazing experience. I suppose most of it is still surreal - am I really living and teaching in Korea? =)
* The new teaching position is a highly respected position and would be a good challenge for me. Regardless of whether or not I stay in the program, I am learning a lot throughout my time observing the lessons.
* I found a second church service that is led by a native speaker who used to live in NY City. This is a huge blessing as I have been able to spend most of Sunday afternoons with him, his wife and kids, and closer church friends.
* English Village is starting to have more students now that the swine flu scare is passing.

Requests:

* Direction as I decide what to do/where to teach next.
* Friendship - all of my closer friends have left the village (finished their contracts).
* Peace as I continue to fulfill God's plan for me here in Korea.

Thank you all for your continued correspondence. As always, if you want more details, have questions, want to offer insight, or just plain want to say hi, please email me and I will respond when I can. Technology is an amazing blessing and I don't want to let it go to waste =)

Take care and have a great weekend.

Renee

New Update from Korea

A bit overdue, but here nonetheless: an update =)

Four and a half months have passed as I continue my journey on the other side of the world. I have done many things throughout my time in Korea: new and old, near and far, exciting and mundane. Since we last conversed, I completed my first half marathon (in a time of 1:51:18). It was a great experience, but I have to be honest and say that I didn’t particularly enjoy the running process =) I did finish, as was my goal, and was able to raise $300 for an organization that gives life and hope to struggling young women . That was a huge encouragement to me (and one of the only things that motivated me to train, and consequently, finish the race) =)

The rest of October was quiet, as was much of November. Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of coordinating a Western-style harvest party for Korean children. A Korean friend (and co-worker) asked me to organize a fall/thanksgiving-style party for his church’s elementary English program. We sang English camp-style songs, raced for (and with) apples and pumpkins, and I taught the children how to frost and decorate sugar cookies. To wrap up the party, we had a traditional American Thanksgiving meal (complete with turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie). My favorite part was seeing stacks of pizzas sitting alongside the Thanksgiving trimmings (as pizza is considered American and is a treat for students). =)

In terms of work, things have been a bit slow. English Village has not had students or visitors for the last three and a half months, and consequently, that has changed much of what I thought I was going to be doing here. Instead of teaching, I have spent most of my time writing new curriculum for when students are expected to come in the new year. While that has been fun, eight weeks of preparing, writing, and revising lessons can take a toll on a person (especially when that person was hired to teach children). All in all, I am thankful that English Village has provided opportunities for me to stay working and, therefore, get paid. Yes, it is monotonous. Yes, it can be challenging. And yes, I wish I were teaching. Soon, I tell myself – soon, I will teach again =)

That said, I have still enjoyed my time here. This past weekend I visited a Korean radio and television broadcasting station (KBS). My church group was given a private tour, allowed to watch a famous boy-band rehearse, and photographed showing the weather on television (not for real, mind you) =) It was great and I enjoyed the experience.

Most recently, due to the lack of students, and therefore finances, English Village has offered us the opportunity to take unpaid vacation for a couple of weeks. I am actually traveling to Thailand this coming Friday (27th) and staying until December 6th. This will be a much needed break from lesson planning/writing, and there are supposed to be students when I get back (if the school does not cancel between now and then). It has finally gotten cold in Korea so I am looking forward to the warm weather, sunny beaches, and majestic scenery. This trip will also be a nice break from living and working in the same place 24-7. (Plus, when you can spend $20 or less (per night) on a four star hotel, who wouldn’t want to go on vacation in Thailand?) =)

I think that’s it for now. I’m sure I will have pictures and updates from my trip, but feel free to email/facebook/blog me about any questions, comments, etc. I love to hear from everyone – especially as the holiday seasons come and go.

Mmmmm...

Great homemade bagels. Best when still warm from the oven, spread with cooled cream cheese. A reminder of home =)

I did it!!

I trained, ran, and completed my first half marathon! And on my birthday nonetheless. So fun =)

Here's the proof...