WORK HOLIDAY

For the past few days I helped prepare about 100 students from four area elementary schools for a trip to Australia/New Zealand. A few were from my school, so it was fun to reconnect with them over break.

The trip is part of an exchange program. These Korean students will spend three weeks living with host-families, and attending classes for a full cultural immersion experience. What a fantastic opportunity for them! And at such a young age. So glad I got to be a part. The Land Down Under was also my first overseas experience.

During our three-day workshop, I facilitated classes focusing on asking permission, dialogue to use to describe sicknesses, and writing travel journals. Other topics included etiquette, emergencies, shopping and money, as well as classroom English.

I am thankful for chances to do some extra work during my school’s holiday break. Instead of gallivanting off to exotic places like most of my fellow Foreign English Teachers, I am staying in Korea to work. Not the best way to spend vacation, but everyday feels like vacation for me.

Next week I will conduct evening workshops concentrating on public speaking/radio broadcasting for a group of advanced eighth grade students. It will be my first time teaching Korean middle school children. I am excited and nervous, but looking forward to partnering with Chungbuk Foreign Language Institute for Students (CBFLIS), another area education center.

SOMETIMES IN LIFE

Sometimes in life you just have one of those days.

Sometimes in life people steal your bank account information and go on shopping sprees at Victora’s Secret and Bloomingdale’s. Sometimes in life you’re stuck on the phone with your bank in the United States at 3AM from Korea. Sometimes in life your bank thinks you’re suspicious because your address on file isn’t actually your address, and you can’t provide a phone number to be reached at because you don’t live in the country anymore.

Sometimes in life you have to teach a full day of classes after barely sleeping. Sometimes in life your students are really great. Sometimes in life your students are really rambunctious and downright rude. Sometimes in life you literally shiver because there’s no heat in your office in the middle of winter. Sometimes in life you meet a very important person before realizing marker is smudged all over your face. 

Sometimes in life your only option for lunch is fish eggs wrapped with intestine. Sometimes in life you know you're eating some type of organ, but you just chew it down with a smile because people are watching and waiting for your reaction. Sometimes in life you just pretend what you’re eating is really good, or is something completely different than what you’re actually putting in your mouth. Sometimes in life you’re thankful for food no matter texture or taste.

Sometimes in life you can’t figure out how to use a photocopier because all the instructions and buttons are written in Korean. Sometimes in life you just have to press buttons and see what happens. Sometimes in life when you just press buttons nothing happens. Sometimes in life you need help from others. Sometimes in life you need to ask for help again and again because you can’t remember what you were just shown to do because the buttons and instructions are still in Korean.

Sometimes in life you just have one of those days. Sometimes in life all you can do is laugh at it, them, and yourself. Sometimes in life.

TWO FOR ONE

She waited for me after yoga class. I took my time getting dressed, as I didn’t know anyone was waiting.

As soon as I left the building, someone shouted my name. It was my yoga instructor. She had something in her hands to give me. It was a warm bottle of peanut-flavored drink.

“Two for one,” she said with a smirk as I accepted her gift with two hands.

‘Two for one’ is the term Koreans use for, “buy two get one free”.

I laughed and simply said, “See you tomorrow.”

I absolutely adore my yoga instructor. We haven’t had a lot of interaction outside of class, but I hope to change that soon.

The creamy peanut concoction kept me warm on my walk home. It also brought back the taste of a favorite beverage of mine from Guyana, South America. Peanut Punch. For a few moments I felt like I was floating.

What I appreciate most about my yoga instructor is her sense of humor. Often in the middle of class she’ll burst out laughing, then cover her face in shame. This causes a chain reaction, and makes me laugh uncontrollably too. Thankfully it doesn't take her long to regain focus, as we’re lost without her leadership.

I also appreciate her blunt personality. It's not rude, just to the point. She says what’s on her mind, doesn't seem to bother with the small stuff. And she always makes fun of my inability to do the splits or touch my toes. Somehow everyone else in class can. I blame it on my ethnicity.

I really look forward to my yoga/more-like-dance classes. Posing to the beat of classics such as “Hit Me Baby One More Time”, “Wind Beneath My Wings”, and ABBA just makes my day. I also look forward to a furthering a friendship with my yoga instructor.

MORNING RAID

I woke up to the sound of my doorbell. Either it was my landlord, a surprise visitor, or the person who comes to check the gas at really random times. I wasn’t about to get out of bed, so I just laid there hoping they would go away.

They didn’t.

The doorbell continued to ring. And ring. And ring.

There was pounding. Quiet pounding at first, followed by loud bangs on the door.

Who could it be? What do they want?

My apartment was a mess, I felt sick, and to top it all off I was naked. The last thing I wanted was a guest.

I stayed motionless, quiet.

After a few more desperate tries, the morning raid was over. I heard footsteps walk down the stairs, and the sound of the automatic door to my building opening. It was safe to go back to sleep. Or, so I thought.

Not long after I dozed off, the doorbell started to ring again. This time the attempts were more aggressive. Whoever it was kept a finger on the button. A constant, relentless ring filled my apartment. There was more pounding too. And I heard the doorknob shake. Somebody really wanted to get to me.

I pulled myself out of bed, quickly dressed and opened the door. It was my landlord with his big grin. He has the best little-Korean-man smile. We bowed a bunch. It was obvious I had been sleeping. He made an eating motion (which means he had food to give me), before going back to his apartment. We can only communicate through such acting.

He came back with a big bowl of rice cake soup and mandoo (dumplings), with a pile of kimchi on the side. It was served on a glittery tray. Just for me! This particular kind of soup is commonly enjoyed during holidays in Korea. Today is the last national day off for Lunar New Year.

Even though my landlord practically busted down my door to get me out of bed, I’m so thankful for his kindness. This is the perfect opportunity for me to write out a translated message of gratitude to him and his family, via the help of a wonderful Korean friend.

새해 복 많이 받으세요!

떡국 만들어 주신거 정말 감사드립니다. 저를 생각해주시는 마음씨도 감사드려요. 떡국 정말 맛있었습니다.

그리고 항상 돌봐 주시는 덕분에 아무런 문제 없이 즐겁게 지내고 있습니다.

그런데 너무 죄송해요, 오늘 아침에 떡국 주시려고 하셨을때 자고 있었거든요. 너무 오래 기다리셨던 것은 아닌지 걱정 됩니다.

다시 한번 새해 복 많이 받으시길 바랄게요.

-체이스

YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION

This is the time of year we should pause to reflect on all that has happened, and to think about all that is to come. Give thanks for a year of life, and hope for another. I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions, but I’m big on giving myself themes and missions in life.

A day in my life feels like a year sometimes. I’m sure you can relate. I can’t even begin to describe everything that happened and changed this past year. That’s part of the reason why I keep a blog to document the ins and outs, highs and lows of life’s experiences. Of course the most obvious addition to my timeline was moving to South Korea in August.

If you grew up in a Midwestern farming community like I did, you’d be familiar with the term, “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” It has to do with monthly weather patterns. To come ‘in like a lion’ means the month started with wild weather. To go ‘out like a lamb’ means the month ended calmly, pleasant and/or good.

My 2011 went out like a lion. Pretty sure it came in like one too. That’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, I’d rather have it this way. In times of turbulence, transition and change, I seem to grow the most.

Here, my life is transforming. So much so, I’ve themed 2012 as the year of transformation. This year I’ll physically, mentally, financially, and emotionally change in ways, shapes and/or forms I could’ve only dreamed of just one year ago.

I’ll learn the foundation of a foreign language. I’ll continue to build relationships, and cross-cultural bridges. The demands of Taekwondo and yoga will strengthen my mental and physical condition. I’ll hope for love, and emotionally prepare. I’ll plan to begin a master’s program. I’ll regain control of my finances.

How will 2012 change your life? What do you hope for in the Year of the Dragon? Surely it will start and end fiercely. Kind of goes with the territory of being a dragon. No matter what, it’s going to be a year of transformation for us all. Whether you want it to be or not. Welcome change. Invite it to blow your life apart in beautiful ways.

BARRED BY ILLITERACY

It’s an interesting feeling to be immersed in another culture, yet feel totally removed. Not isolated or alone. Just separated by barriers beyond my control.

Language is a cage, while at the same time a key to unlock the door to freedom.

I’ve been here five months. I’ve made plenty of Korean friends. I understand basic Korean expressions. I know Korean formalities, procedures. I have a good grasp on everything Korea. Yet, I’m caged.

I can only see what’s happening around me. I can’t fully participate. I’m kept apart. Barred by illiteracy. It’s an overwhelming realization. Something so simple has enough power to hold me captive. Even more profound is knowing I’m the only one who can breakdown what blocks my integration. One word at a time.

I want to be part of the world around me. Not just in it. I want to understand. I want to relate. I want to go beyond this tiny cage I’m in. Where I’ll no longer just watch or be the watched. I want to fly.

BIBONG'S WINTER ENGLISH CAMP 2012

Highlights from an interactive two-week English camp during winter break for 30 of my elementary students. Activities on the agenda included: guest speaker, a scavenger hunt, sock puppets, games, team-building initiatives, baking pizza and cookies, watching a movie, making a pinata, learning about Mexican culture in the United States, science experiments, and a party for our last day. It was a lot of work to prepare, but a good experience for all involved.

Check out my Facebook album for more photos!

HALF OF A COOKIE

It was as if Julia saw right through my superficial facade. “Teacher, can I help you?” she asked as I rushed about the room. 

I politely declined at first, but then thought about how big of a deal it was for her to ask. So, I found something she could do to assist. 

Today my patience was tested more than it has been since arriving in Korea. It was the second to last day of English camp. I was tired. But, there are no excuses for how close I got to exploding.

It all started when I wasn't able to set up for class ahead of time. My co-teacher was late, and the room was locked. As both of us scrambled to get everything ready, we quickly realized neither of us knew how to use the oven we would need for the main activity.

When I requested pans to bake cookies, my co-teacher gave me saucepans. When I asked for her to turn on the microwave, she plugged in another oven. When I needed the butter to be soft, she melted it completely. After each instance I remained calm, but inside I was fuming. Was I going to have to do everything myself?

In the midst of all this, the kids were rowdy. Of course! This is what happens when teachers are setting up during class, as opposed to before. Obviously, it’s not the best classroom management technique. I don’t blame my students for getting out of control.

After everyone had calmed down, and cookies were in the oven, I had a moment to process. Instead of feeling frustrated, I should have realized today’s lesson was also a learning experience for my co-teacher. She hasn’t had much practice baking. She’s never used the school’s kitchen. Why did I assume so much?

After the cookies were finished baking, Julia shared half of one of hers with me. That’s all it took to snap me out of my stressed, impatient kind of mood. Getting so annoyed is not normally part of my character.

Children definitely have a way of sensing things. I think Julia could tell I needed that half of a cookie. She helped more than she will ever know. Such moments are simply profound.

NO STOPPING CREATIVITY

Some of the props my students made for their puppet shows. January, 2012

Sock puppets made by my students. January, 2012.

I tried repeatedly to keep my students on task and failed. There’s no stopping creativity.

They wanted more time to make props for puppet shows, not to mention write extra, new scripts. Are they for real? Do I have the best students in Korea? Pretty sure I do.

I didn’t even think they would want to do a puppet show. Now, they were requesting extra class time to prepare. How could I not give it to them? All I could do was ditch the lesson plan, and allow them more time to create.

My students, and their collective imagination, continually amaze me. The puppet shows went better than expected. What was meant to be a simple activity to practice speaking English turned out to be an elaborate learning experience for all involved.

One of the many puppet shows my students performed. January, 2012.

EXTRA EFFORT

Teacher's life on a Friday night... January, 2012.

One of my contractual responsibilities as a Foreign English Teacher through EPIK is to facilitate two English camps per year. These two to three-week sessions occur during major school breaks. I’m in the middle of my first one right now.

English camp gives a select group of students the chance to further learn English through special activities and full immersion. That is, none of what we have planned to do is from a textbook, and everything is taught in English (with little to no translation).

I’ve quickly learned that teaching is about putting in the extra effort. Waking up early, staying up late, preparing ahead of time, not overlooking details, remembering small stuff because students will notice everything.

This first week of English camp has been so intense. My students are really enjoying the activities, which is what matters, but each has taken a lot of effort to implement. I’ve exhausted my budget, time and resources. And it’s been physically as well as emotionally draining.

All I can do is choose joy, choose laughter, and choose to be positive no matter how long a day is, how many hours of sleep I lack, or how much more I still have to do. I know I’ll get through. One activity at a time.

Cutting countless squares of tissue paper, boiling batches of Papier-mâché paste, creating a piñata, building a puppet theater, and organizing for the week ahead is more fun than going out on a Friday night, right? This is a snapshot of my life at the moment. I love it.