“COFFEE BY DANIEL”

I know I’ve mentioned the new coffee shop in town. But, have I mentioned I’m obsessed with it? It’s the perfect place to wait for a bus to Seoul. Since I missed my bus this afternoon, I had an extra hour to enjoy its inviting, antique décor.

Kim Sang Yoon is the bubbly, charismatic owner. My friends and I love his “wild tufts of hair”, and he dresses so nicely.

I caught a glimpse of the roasting process as he made one of his specialty lattes. This time he created a foamy “girlfriend” for me. Not a fluffy teddy bear like last time.

As I sipped on my girlfriend, we chatted about life. I learned he designed three similar cafés in Seoul. And go figure he studied coffee in Milan, Italy. What better place? No wonder he’s so good at making foam designs!

Sang Yoon and his wife met at one of his coffee shops in Seoul last year. I can tell he adores her, just by how giddy he got when sharing about the first time she came in for some java.

We also talked about photography. I saw some of his pictures. He gave me free cake, and then drew me a detailed map of areas to photograph around Seoul.

I lost track of time, but thankfully checked my phone with just minutes to spare before the next bus departed. I quickly gathered my belongings, and headed for the door.

It felt awkward, but I assumed it was because I had to leave in such a hurry. He didn’t say anything until I was practically out the door.

"5,000 (KRW), please."

I hadn’t paid for my latte. How embarrassing!

I fumbled for the money, feeling my face blush. After how wonderfully he treated me, it must have seemed like I was trying to get away without tossing him a few bucks.

I’m sure he knows I didn’t mean to (almost) leave without paying. I’ll be sure to make up for it next time. I can hardly wait to see what he designs for me next.

THE BOY NEXT DOOR

I have several students that require extra help. Since it’s still the beginning of the new semester, my co-teachers and I have planned activities to aid us in identifying our students in need of one-on-one assistance. In every class there seems to be at least two or three.

It just so happens one of these students is my neighbor. He literally lives in the apartment next to me. I hear him everyday, and never realized how behind he was in class.

Last week I took note of how hard it was for him to simply answer, “How’s it going?” By now most students his age are way beyond this point. How did the boy next door slip through the cracks?

Today my co-teacher and I conducted a simple quiz. We were reviewing ordinal numbers in class, and wanted to see if students could identify and spell them correctly. First. Second. Third. Fourth. And so on.

At first glance it looked like everyone was fine. But, upon closer observation I realized the boy next door was pretending to write. When I stood over his shoulder, he covered his paper. When I attempted to lift his notebook, he held on as if I was trying to take away his only possession in life.

The boy next door didn’t want me to know he was struggling. He didn't want his peers to see either. He was embarrassed, so I helped him as discreetly as possible. I understand fitting in is one of the biggest challenges kids face anywhere in the world. Peer pressure can be such a hindrance when it comes to learning.

Even if everything seems to be okay on the surface, someone right next to you might be having a hard time with something. Check in. Observe the signs. I’ll definitely keep the boy next door in mind, and I’ll do what I can to provide him with the extra help he needs.

LIFE IS FULL

Life is so full, isn’t it? Sometimes I feel guilty napping because I don’t want to miss a beat. Other times I nap for two or three hours after school, snoozing for at least an hour of it. I should probably learn how to apologize in Korean so I can say sorry to all my neighbors. Snoozing in the morning is one thing, but twice a day is a bit much.

Thanks to my out-of-control snoozing, I slept through Taekwondo tonight. But, I didn’t want to miss yoga, or coffee with friends. So, I pulled myself out of bed just in time to be late for yoga class.

I randomly had the opportunity to watch a “Brazilian Butt Workout” video via YouTube with my yoga instructor after class. It was probably one of the most awkwardly amazing moments of my Korean life so far. She needs my help to purchase the DVD, and have it shipped to Korea. Little does she know I live for such missions!

There’s a cute new coffee shop in town. I don’t know what it’s called, but it serves up what I’ve named, “Teddy Bear-face Lattes”. The owners are a young couple from Seoul. They roast their own beans, and truly take pride in the artistry of everything coffee. Their willingness to stay open late, to accommodate nearly a dozen of us foreigners in Ochang, was fitting for how charming their café truly is.

Caught in a midnight rain without an umbrella quenched my soul’s thirst. It was exactly what I needed, and I was so happy to share the walk home with a new friend. We chatted as if it wasn’t pouring. With every wet stride, we stepped deeper into conversation. The rain puddled our thoughts.

I’ve decided three things. Life is too short to worry about being late. You can still get that Brazilian butt you’ve always wanted in the end. Why leave sugar out of coffee? Always add a pump or two of sweetness to every sip. And never use an umbrella during a warm, spring rain. Water is perhaps our most basic need, isn’t it?

Life is indeed full.

‘KLEVORATE’ OR COLLABORATE

I’m so glad to have talented and motivated co-teachers. It makes the biggest difference. All three of them are very professional, and genuinely care about the well being of students. Our work environment is friendly, and we have so much fun together during class, at lunch, and/or while planning.

I’m especially grateful for my main co-teacher. Her English name is Catherine, but most of the students call her “Cat Teacher.” Some also refer to her as “Meow, Meow Teacher", which makes me laugh a lot.

‘Cat Teacher’ and I are most similar. We have the same sort of work ethic, and often come up with comparable ideas for class. Most importantly, the students respond well to her, and I’ve been highly impressed with her style of teaching.

Something else I really appreciate about my co-teachers is there willingness to actively participate in lessons. They’ve also provided a lot of positive feedback, and have helped me come up with ways to improve activities.

This afternoon 'Cat Teacher' and I were dreaming about the future. Both of us want to enter teaching contests because we’re overachievers. We also plan to make music videos for class. In them we’ll be singing and dancing to English expressions. I couldn’t be happier.

“Today, I was happy because of you,” she said.

I told her I felt the same way about her, and asked if she knew what the word ‘collaborate’ meant. We talked about the importance of collaboration, and how well we’ve been working together.

When I got home, I received the following text message:

Chase,

could u let me know the word that u told me… I don't know the meaning of that…pronunciation is like this ‘klevorate’… can u spell that for me?

It meant so much to know she was still thinking about what we discussed earlier.

‘Klevorate’ or collaborate. It doesn’t matter. We’re doing it. Co-teaching is a joint effort. It takes building relationships. Teamwork. Cooperation. I’m blessed to have co-teachers that understand this concept. They know how important it is to work together in order to succeed. This is going to be an incredible school year.

"OFF DAYS"

I think Tuesdays are my “off days”. The day everything seemingly goes wrong in a week. Good thing I like messes.

Last Tuesday was filled with tears from the start. One of my co-teachers was upset about something. Students were sick. I was sick. Then I served the ball right into the back of my principal during our “mandatory” staff volleyball match after school. Not over the net. Not high enough to hit the ceiling. Not wildly out-of-bounds. No. It was a direct hit. Thankfully, he laughed.

Tuesdays also happen to be one of my longest teaching days. Usually I’m only at my desk for a few minutes. In between classes and/or during lunch, I’m running around cutting, editing, copying, and/or pasting to prepare for classes.

Today, some of my students cried during class. More students were sick. I’m still sick. I had to help break apart two boys fighting in the hall. And we had technical difficulties with a computer and projector in the English classroom. It’s always a scramble to rearrange a lesson on the spot. I ended up standing on a chair, which made everything better.

I actually appreciate ‘off days’. They make the good days seem even better, and I learn so much about how to react in certain situations.

Even on the bad days I remain thankful for this opportunity. There’s no other place I’d rather be. No other job I’d rather have. And I wouldn’t want what happens from day to day to happen any other way. Life is meant to be messy! Dig in and get dirty.

TO BE HUMAN

This past weekend I really upset a friend. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt someone. But, I make mistakes. I’m human after all. Nothing makes me any more or less perfect than you.

It wasn’t necessarily something I did; it was what I didn’t do. I invited this friend to a birthday party, and ended up unintentionally ignoring him most of the night. Instead of making him feel included and welcomed, I just sort of left him alone—to fend for himself. I can be so selfish sometimes.

I wanted to be the life of the party. I wanted to be with everyone. I wanted to do everything. I was only concerned with me. Me, myself, and I! If only I could blame the soju. Unfortunately, the problem runs deeper than intoxication. It’s something inside all of us. Self-centeredness.

I didn't realize what I had done until it was too late. My friend departed, leaving me with six missed calls, and several distraught text messages.

What really impressed me about the situation was how well he was able to communicate his disappointment. Expressing feelings in a second language isn’t easy.

Bad manners.

Rude.

Disappointed in you.

I never thought someone I care about so much would ever use those words to describe me.

I thanked him for being honest, and apologized profusely the next day. But, actions speak louder than words, and mine spoke loud and clear the night before. I don’t think ‘sorry’ will ever be good enough.

All I can do is hope healing comes through learning and forgiveness. I’ve learned a valuable lesson, and am so thankful something in need of changing was brought to my attention. I’m just sad it came at the cost of hurting another human being—a friend.

Whether he forgives me or not is his choice. I’ve done all I can, and will walk away from this experience a better person.

RYAN AND I

Ryan and I are like a married couple. He holds my bag. He waits for me. We fight about seemingly everything, but nothing at all.

We dance together. We eat fatty food together. We drink soju outside convenience stores together. Best part is we can be ugly together.

Now we’re both addicted to those stupid claw-machine games that rob children (and apparently adults) of money. That’s right. I said it. I’m not denying I have an obsession with winning toys. At least I’m not alone.

Ryan and I enable each other to do most things. This means we literally couldn’t stop trying to win stuffed Pororos, pink squirrels and these random raccoon-looking things.

By the time our out-of-control spree was over, we hit up several different machines, bagged ten stuffed animals, and attracted quite the audience.

Ryan and I even devised schemes. We had signature moves. We shared tips, skills, and combined our resources. Talk about a perfect Honeymoon for an odd-couple.

I’m so thankful for Ryan’s friendship in Korea, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on those machines again.

IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

I’ve been working much harder this semester. I can’t believe it’s already been a month. Pushing myself to go above and beyond the work I did last semester is my daily goal. To be honest, I can’t keep up with everything. But, when have I ever been able to?

In addition to following fairly strict (self-inflicted) lesson planning guidelines, I’ve been intentional about meeting with my co-teachers before classes. This is to ensure all of us understand the materials, and how we’re going to present each lesson together. It takes a lot of effort, but I can tell it’s paying off already.

Recently, I’ve offered to take on some extra classes to help ease the workload of my co-teachers. Besides instructing, many Korean teachers have several other duties and responsibilities. The last thing any of my co-teachers wanted to do was add three extra classes to plan for and teach every week.

I’m excited about this opportunity. I’ll be teaching one extra fifth grade, and one additional sixth grade class after school every week. The program is designed for advanced students. Classes are also much smaller in size. Normally I teach about 40 students per class. After school, I get to connect with ten.

One of the biggest challenges I face as a Guest English Teacher at a large elementary school is meeting the needs of all students. I simply can’t. In each class I have advanced learners, intermediate learners and some students that can’t even read or write the English alphabet. How am I supposed to plan a 40-minute session to teach all students the same content?

What I do will never be enough. And that’s okay. But, I’m constantly replaying lessons in my head, wondering what could have gone better, and coming up with new ideas to use in class. Even while I brush my teeth or take a shower.

Peace Corps is often referred to as, “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” I believe the same is true for teaching. My job never ends. Every interaction in and out of the classroom is an opportunity. Call me crazy, but I love it. All the extra work is totally worth it.

KIND OF A BAD ATTITUDE

I feel like I’ve had kind of a bad attitude about meeting people lately. It’s not that I’ve been mean or negative to anyone. I just haven’t felt as excited about making new friends as I usually am.

I can’t keep up with the friends I have, so why make new ones? Of course I don’t fully agree with this thought. Meeting new people and making friends is fun. But, I already struggle with maintaining healthy, balanced relationships with most of my closest friends, and even family members. Do I really need to make more friends?

I don’t have time. This is only true because I don’t make time for friends. I focus on other areas of my personal and professional life, and leave little time to simply hang out and enjoy time with friends.

There’s plenty of opportunity to meet incredible people in Korea. Many other Guest English Teachers share the same passions and interests as I do. However, I’m not diving into these relationships as I normally would. I’m not asking the extra questions. I’m not putting forth the effort it takes to develop deep and meaningful connections.

An entire day spent with friends in Cheongju helped bring about this realization. It has been seven months, and I hardly spend any time with this group of fabulous people. I need to change that.

We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by eating pancakes (and donuts), wearing bits of green, and watching Attack the Block—a recent movie about a teenage gang that defends a London neighborhood from an alien invasion. Sláinte!

Coffee helped us chatter the afternoon away, and to finish the day we went out to eat a deliciously massive Korean meal. It felt so good to just be. I did normal things! I wasn’t lesson planning. I wasn’t writing. I wasn’t on Facebook. I wasn’t taking photos. I wasn’t cleaning. I wasn’t doing anything but strengthening relationships.

I need to remain thankful for the people surrounding my life now, and not take them for granted as I so often do. I need to dig a little deeper, and push myself to get out there and meet more people. Thanks for this reminder, Cheongju friends! I look forward to many more adventures with you.

IT'S THE LITTLE (GREEN) THINGS

I was just as surprised to see them, as they were surprised to see me. Two of my students were standing in the elevator when the doors opened. All of us were in a hurry.

They recently started to attend my yoga class with their mother. One of them is in fourth grade, and the other is in fifth. At first it was a little awkward, but now I don’t care. Plus, I’m no longer the only one always late for class.

Kiley was holding what looked like a little pill bottle. As the elevator ascended to the sixth floor, she fidgeted with it some before dumping out its contents.

She looked to her mother for a nod, and then turned to me and said, “Teacher, this is for you.”

I held out two hands to accept her gift. It was a frog! A little green frog made of clay. I couldn’t believe how detailed it was. She even added eyes, a mouth and little webbed feet.

“Thank you!” I said, “I’ll put it on my desk at school.”

Her smile said she understood.

I carefully placed my frog in a gym locker before class. Even the slightest bump would break or smash that tiny thing. On the walk home, I carefully cupped the frog in my hands as if it were real.

Just as I was about open the door to my apartment, I accidentally dropped the frog and stepped on it.

Just kidding.

I set it safely on my shelf once inside.

It’s the little things that count. I absolutely cherish gifts from my students. Food is always appreciated, but something handmade means so much more. Kiley is one out of hundreds of students I’ll never forget. Not only is she in my yoga class, she’s also in my after school English class. I’m thankful for any opportunity to get to know my students more.

NO PAIN NO GAIN

I’m not going to lie. I lied to my Taekwondo Master. I told him I needed to leave Taekwondo early in order to get to yoga class. This is often the case, but tonight I simply didn’t want to put in the extra effort. I could barely stand, and my feet are blistered and bruised.

We’ve had a guest Taekwondo trainer for the past week, and he’s literally kicked me in the butt. He’s aggressive, he’s persistent, and he’s patient—all qualities of a good Taekwondo Master.

Class had actually finished on time; however, Master asked me to stay longer for more practice. God knows I need all the practice I can get, but kick after sidekick is absolutely exhausting. I feared he would keep me all night if I didn’t make up a reason to “have to” go. I stayed at least 15 more minutes, so don't totally judge me.

I’ve physically and mentally changed immensely since arriving in Korea nearly seven months ago. I knew this experience would be transformative, but I had no idea just how much I’d be able to accomplish and change in such a short amount of time. I’ve already achieved many of the goals I wanted to, and am living my dreams daily.

Bloody toes, some soreness, and/or a kink here or there is a small price to pay for how much I’ve grown. Being pushed to the limit in Taekwondo has reminded me it takes extra effort to succeed. Ask anyone who’s ever reached what he or she set out to do. You’ve got to do what it takes. Keep kicking no matter what. And don’t make up excuses to stop.

BOTTOMS UP!

I had my speech prepared this time. In case my principal called on me to say anything in front of all the teachers again. He didn’t. Go figure. But, I did get a chance to talk with him a lot. It was kind of a big deal.

As a way to welcome new teachers to Bibong Elementary, all staff went out for a traditional Korean meal. It was a fantastic array of delicately dressed appetizers, as well sizzling and saucy strips of beef and pork. Of course no traditional Korean meal would be complete without fermented bean soup. And slices of mandarins were served for dessert.

In some Korean schools, principals are treated like kings or queens. My principal prefers this treatment, so everyone bows down to him, stands up for him, serves him and/or says what he wants.

When he arrived shortly after everyone was seated for dinner, we stood up as if on cue. First thing out of his mouth was, “Sit down, America,” gesturing for me to sit down. Everyone laughed. Guess I’ll never fit in.

Throughout the evening, my principal was showered with praises and bottles of soju. It’s customary for teachers to kneel before the principal, and take a shot of soju with him (or maybe her). Always use two hands, and serve the principal first. You might even share the same glass.

By the time it was my turn to drink with the principal, he was quite drunk. I was actually a little relieved, as he becomes much more relaxed when he drinks.

My principal kept saying, “I love you,” followed by, “Excellent,” and “Handsome,” over and over again. I tried to give him some praise too, but I’m not sure it was communicated cleary.

He thanked me (via translation from one of my co-teachers) for all the hard work I’ve done, and then asked me to stay a second year. It meant so much to hear those words. I didn’t think he was paying attention to my work.

"Bottoms up!" he shouted as we raised our glasses and toasted to each other. What a fantastic seven months it’s been. Cheers to a great first semester, and an even better second semester ahead. Here's to looking forward to a second year in Korea too!

FLIP FLOP

Sometimes I plan a lesson and it turns out to be a flop. But, there’s a way to flip every flop.

This semester I’ve vowed to incorporate more activities that don’t require the use of technology in the classroom. Bingo seemed like a perfect start with my new third graders. However, I didn’t take several key factors into consideration.

Most of my third graders don’t know the English alphabet yet, which means they can’t really read or write. Although they do a good job when it comes to speaking, basic key expressions have to be repeated constantly, and in a variety of ways.

The Bingo game I planned required students to write the names of their classmates in 24 blank spaces. A student could use either his or her Korean name, or a made up English name to practice the expression, “My name is ________.”

My co-teacher and I discussed the potential difficulty of this task just moments before class was to begin. We decided it would be best for one of us to write each name on the chalkboard as it was said, after the other asked every student, “What’s your name?” It took almost 20 minutes for students to make their Bingo cards, leaving no time to actually play the game.

I suppose it wasn’t a total failure. Students did get the chance to practice dialogue a lot, but they were so confused and slightly disappointed when we had to end. I assured them we’d play the game first thing next class.

After asking my other co-teachers for suggestions, I made several adjustments to try with the following class. However, I didn’t think about the fact that Koreans might not play Bingo the same way I do (or at least my co-teacher for third grade doesn't). The way I described how to play wasn't what she translated.

After a few rounds, some students started shouting, “Bingo!” Indeed they had either a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line as I described. But, my co-teacher told the students they must get all three lines in order to get a ‘Bingo'.

After some quick and quiet debate, I backed down and went with the way my co-teacher stated. Once again the kids were confused, but thankfully one student managed to get a three-lined ‘Bingo’ just before class ended.

Nothing ever goes according to plan. Not in class. Not in life. But, I’ve learned the best thing to do when everything seems to go wrong is simply appear to be in control, remain calm, and call the shots. It’s kind of like when you mess up when singing or speaking in front of an audience. A good performer knows not to draw attention to it, rather just keep going like it never happened. It’s all about how you react, and some people are better reactors than others.

Flip a flop. Always learn from mistakes, and genuinely try to improve with every lesson. Turn a bad situation good. Happy flipping!

HYEJIN

I think what I like most about HyeJin is her desire to understand differences. Of course I am also enthralled by her beauty, and completely addicted to her smile.

I try to meet with HyeJin whenever I travel to Seoul. Usually we will share a meal, coffee and/or dessert over light conversation and laughter. Today we decided to dig deeper into the good stuff at Mellow Chocolate and Coffee café.

The tiny coffee shop seems hidden along one of many side streets in the Hongdae area of Seoul. However, the place was abuzz with a constant flow of chatter.

I had espresso served atop two scoops of vanilla ice cream—affogato style. HyeJin went with a fruit smoothie, light on the syrup. We shared a cheese quesadilla (as in I ate five pieces, and HyeJin had one).

Throughout the afternoon we discussed cultural dissimilarities, sexuality, life's circumstances, and seemingly everything else in between. What completely draws me to HyeJin is her open heart and mind. We come from such different backgrounds, yet we share so much in common.

“Thanks for helping me to understand different people, circumstance, and culture,” HyeJin said after our time together, “I think I'm learning a lot by our friendship…”

I am learning a lot from you too, HyeJin. Continue to share your radiance with everyone you meet. You have such a beautiful soul.

FIRST ASSIGNMENT: TRANSITION, ADAPT AND CHANGE

The first week of this new semester has totally flown by. So much has changed already—for the better. Days have been busy and long. Our English office had a makeover. Everything was everywhere for a while, but now my new co-teachers and I are settled in and functioning as a unit.

With three new co-teachers, come three new teaching styles I need to adapt to in the classroom. Co-taught lessons have gone really well so far, and I’m already looking forward to what next week will bring. Students seem very happy to see me again, and are warming up quickly to their new Korean English teachers.

My new co-teachers bring added challenge to my work as well. They push me harder than I was being pushed before, and they expect a lot. I like it. Although I miss my former co-teachers very much, I’m thankful for this transition. It serves as a reminder for how far I’ve come, and how much more I can do.

This week I’ve also felt a new sense of pride in my school, in my students, in the English department, and in the job I do. I hold my head higher as I enter each classroom, or walk down every hall. It’s refreshing.

Chatting over coffee and laughter was the perfect way to end our first week together. We discussed project ideas, Korea’s education system, and seemingly everything else in between. I feel absolutely rejuvenated and ready for anything. I even learned how to use the photocopier at my school (which was a very big success).

SERVICE

There’s no doubt I love Korean food. You’ll see many of Korea’s tasty dishes captured with my Instagram photo-snapping sprees. Oftentimes I don’t have a chance to cook, so I need something like a sandwich, a quick bite, especially on days I literally run from Taekwondo to yoga class.

Tospia is one of many places serving up pressed sandwiches in Korea. It’s a popular joint for students, and little shops that dish out the crust-less little pies are everywhere. For about two bucks I can get a snack of sustenance to make it through yoga without feeling famished.

I’m a regular customer at Tospia in Ochang, so I’ve gotten to know one of the evening workers quite well. She’s a younger woman, maybe in her early 30s. Even though she knows an impressive amount of English, our conversations are generally kept quite short. Just long enough for me to wait the two or three minutes for my sandwich to get toasted.

Somehow I feel taken care of every time I enter the shop. Like she’s someone in the community I can trust. Go to if I ever needed. At least for something to eat. Her smile is very warm, inviting. Perhaps this is why I go back so often.

I usually get the same sandwich. Teri Cheese. It tastes kind of like a hamburger with lots of cabbage smothered in a sweet, teriyaki sort of sauce. But, many other options are available too: Hawaiian, pizza, tuna, chicken, ham and cheese, as well as pumpkin and peanut.

"Do you like the pumpkin and peanut one?" I asked, curious.

"It’s too sweet," the woman shyly responded. "Do you like pumpkin?"

"Yes! I love pumpkin, and peanuts."

That was all I had to say. She immediately began moving quickly behind the counter. I knew exactly what she was doing before she even said anything. She was making me a pumpkin and peanut sandwich. “For service,” she simply smiled.

'Service' is a term used in Korea for when a shopkeeper or storeowner gives you something for free, for your service, as a way of saying thanks. Little words are needed to show appreciation.

It was just a sandwich. One I didn’t even like very much. But, her kind gesture made me feel so good. It was another reminder that I’m welcome in this place, one more example of Korean generosity. I couldn’t stop smiling about it as I left, assuring her I’d stop by again very soon.

SIX-BILLION-AND-SOMETHING OPPORTUNITIES

Not long ago I realized I'll never fully know, or even meet nearly seven billion people that share many of the same joys, sorrows, feelings, dreams and hopes as I do. Perhaps this seems like a given, but for me it was a profound realization. Make every interaction count.

Hey Chase, it was nice meeting you yesterday! My friend and I were talking how crazy it was that a chance encounter on the subway could allow me to meet someone who has so much in common...

That’s the message I received after meeting a young man named Trevor on Seoul’s Metro yesterday. Since Seoul has plenty of foreigners, I usually don’t bother or even glance when I see another person that’s different. Like me. However, I felt very drawn to Trevor and his friend. And it was no coincidence.

These 'chance encounters' happen often in my life. Randomly bumping into a stranger, and instantly forming a relationship. Somehow we went from no acknowledgement of each other, to talking about Peace Corps in a matter of seconds.

I found out Trevor has been accepted into a Master's International (MI) program. Next September he'll start his education in Denver, and finish his degree after two years of Peace Corps service.

He's from Missouri, so we have the whole Midwestern "fields and fields of corn" thing going for us too. It also means he must have recruited through the Peace Corps Chicago Regional Office, where I worked for a short time as a Recruiter. I may have even handled his file.

I love making these random, but "for a reason" connections. Make every interaction count! You have six-billion-and-something more opportunities to do so. Since Trevor also works as a Guest English Teacher in Korea, we're already planning to get together this coming weekend. I look forward to it.

SPAM! AND SO MUCH MORE...

I’m no stranger to living in host homes, sleeping on floors, snoozing in hammocks, or sharing a bed. Name it. I’ve probably napped in, on and/or next to it at least.

After living out of a suitcase for a year after college, relying on the hospitality of others for many of my basic needs, I’ve learned to graciously and gratefully receive. Giving into humility by accepting assistance isn’t always an easy thing to do, but sometimes it’s the only option to get a meal or have a place to stay. Perhaps this is why small acts of kindness always leave a huge impression on me.

I’ve made many wonderful friends in Korea, but few have made as big of an impact on me as Sehoon has. He greets me every morning with simple text messages like, “Have a great day at work,” or, “Have a beautiful day!” Always followed by a ridiculous amount of emoticons in his signature way.

I know I can ask Sehoon for anything. I know I’ll always have a place to stay when visiting Seoul. Sehoon is a giver. What brings him joy is to make others happy. I see it in his eyes. How they light up when he makes me smile. He smiles with his eyes.

Sehoon plans to make a different Korean dish for me to try every time I visit. Today he made vegetable bulgogi (marinated meat) with rice, and a Korean-style egg roll (similar to an omelet).

After enjoying his delicious meal with wine, we rested before I had to leave. It was so nice and relaxing. I felt beyond content and completely comfortable in his presence. I didn’t want to go, but I had already made other plans for the night.

After meeting up with friends for a drink, I asked Sehoon if I could stay with him (even though I booked a bed at a hostel). He didn’t hesitate, and welcomed me back with open arms (and a toothbrush).

Sehoon doesn’t seem to have much in his small, basement apartment. But, whatever he has is mine as well. He even let me borrow some of his clothes (which were way, way too small). With free access to all his toiletries, I took a quick shower in the morning—even molded my hair with his “extreme hard” styling wax.

And I have no idea how he was able to whip it up so quickly, but eggs with spam and rice, as well as a glass of orange juice, greeted me when I came out of the bathroom. I devoured it with delight, feeling so loved and cared for.

I look forward to spending much more time with Sehoon, and I’m so thankful for his friendship. He’s the type of friend that makes me want to be a better person. He’s an example, a motivator, someone I value, trust and truly admire. I can only hope I get the chance to repay his small acts of kindness with my own little bits of love. Spam for breakfast is going to be a hard act to follow, however…

NEW BEGINNINGS

It’s a new semester. I have three different co-teachers. Bibong Elementary has another vice principal and 17 new teachers in all. My students are mixed up in different classes and grades. I feel like I’m starting all over again.

The other day I was asked to stand up and introduce myself in Korean to all the teachers at my school. I completely failed. One would think I’d have my act together by now. Thankfully my principal shouted, "I love you!" After which everyone clapped and laughed. Saved!

"It feels so foreign," one of my new co-teachers said to me as she began to unpack.

Suddenly, I’m like the expert around here, even though I’m the actual foreigner. "Please help us," she asked as I showed her where the elevator was.

Today I had the honor of bowing to my entire student body at our welcoming assembly. It's something I haven't had the chance to do before. Many of the students even cheered, which made me feel right at home.

Bowing is very important in Korean culture, but adults don’t usually bow to children. To be able to show my students I equally respect them in this way meant a lot.

I think I’m more excited than the kids (and other teachers) to be back in school. Transitions may be bittersweet, but change is unstoppable. A semester filled with so much joy, some frustration and plenty of cultural mishaps is ahead. Cheers to new beginnings!