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.