It's been a few weeks since we've written and I'm wondering if people are starting to lose interest. I hope not. When you go on vacation, you remember how to relax, but you also forget your normal routine of life you were living before you went on vacation. That's where I'm at right now. I'm back from vacation (have been for a week and a half), but it's taking me some time to remember how I got everything done in the time I am given. So it's been pretty hard to do it all and the blogging ball got dropped. Sorry about that, my faithful ones who check this regularly.
Right now I'm at Nowon English Village, a different branch from the Suyu one that we normally work and live at. Rebs is in class, "training". The teacher she's with said she was tired and was just going to have the kids play games. She's tired because she's filling in for someone. But this is just an example of how laid back Nowon is compared to Suyu. For those of you who don't know, Rebs is going to be transferring to Nowon starting next week. The job came open a couple months ago and she wasn't doing so well with the type of environment that Suyu is--spontaneous and chaotic mostly. I've been managing okay. I think I just learned when to check out and mind my own business. But it's hard sometimes because you have to not care too much about anything you're doing. That type of environment encourages complacency. So I walk the fine line of non-caring complacency and intentional laid back teaching.
How did I start talking about Rebs and end up on myself? Anyway, Rebs is transferring. She's looking forward to it, where you sometimes work full days, and sometimes you don't come in until 2pm. You have a break in the middle of the day from noon until 4pm always. The classes are smaller and the administration is supposed to be reasonable. It's a small enough environment that it's easy to build relationships and when something's wrong, it can actually be fixed. There is a very small chain of command so things are less likely to get lost in translation.
Why am I here, you ask? Well, all this week, Rebs and I are working at a restaurant. Yes, I know we came to Korea to be English teachers, but leave it to Korea to decide we're going to be restaurant employees for a week and it to make total sense in their heads. We did it last night, but had no idea what was expected of us until the moment we started. We had been told to wear a white shirt and black pants because it was a nice restaurant, and that we would be working from 6-9pm. Other than that we knew nothing but to come to Nowon. So we showed up here and looked around a bit. Rebs observed a class while I read a book. Then at 5:15 a girl rushed in who we'd been told would take us there. She acted in a hurry and said, "okay, I'm ready to go." She said it as if we should have been expecting her at any moment. So, being the smart people we are, we followed her. When we got to the restaurant, they had us change clothes and sit down. We met the owner who spoke broken English and then ate dinner. Then the people from Gangbuk district office, the people who had arranged the event, showed up. All the people acted scared because these people were of much importance. I think if you don't stand up and give certain people the most respect, you can get in alot of trouble and lose your job. So we met them and shook hands. They decided to sit down and practice on us, even though we didn't know what was going on still. They practically picked Rebs up out of her chair and handed her a menu. I guess it was time to start. She took their order and talked with them. They had her sit down. She talked with them for several minutes. Then some other customers showed up and it was my turn. This ended up being what we did all night. Take orders and sit and talk with people. I guess you can consider that work.
Anyway, I have to go now and do it all again.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Pohm/Dee-chan by bing khao (Thai for we're going climbing)
Sawadee kop,
Dusty and I will be in the glorious kingdom of Thailand Feb 4th - Feb 16th and are not planning to see or touch a computer until we return to Korea. Therefore, you probably won't be hearing from us unless something crazy happens such as we contact a serious infectious disease; get bit by a poisonous snake, scorpion, or centipede; taken away in a tsunami; or robbed by a crab-eating macaque (monkey). Leave it to me to be dramatic and cause everyone to worry. Just so you all know, the likelihood of any of these things happening is very slim but we did purchase travelers insurance so we've taken necessary precautions.
We got our vacation extended four more days by taking a few days of unpaid vacation. We are both extremely excited! As of now, all we have is our plane tickets and the name of the place we're planning to stay the first night (we arrive at 1:00am in Phuket). So, the rest of our vacation is totally unplanned. We've packed a climbing/travel guidebook, gear, and a few clothes and who knows where the wind will take us. This is the most alive, free, and unburdened I've ever felt in my adult life.
As you can see, I've added a slideshow to our blog and many of you have asked if we can upload more pics. I'll try to do that soon after we get back. I just added several albums to my facebook so if you are my friend you can just check them out there. If you're not my friend, well then you're just going to have to wait. We'll be sure to take plenty of pictures while we're in Thailand and will be sure to post a blog when we return so you all know we made it back safe. We love you all.
Sawedee kaa,
Rebs
Dusty and I will be in the glorious kingdom of Thailand Feb 4th - Feb 16th and are not planning to see or touch a computer until we return to Korea. Therefore, you probably won't be hearing from us unless something crazy happens such as we contact a serious infectious disease; get bit by a poisonous snake, scorpion, or centipede; taken away in a tsunami; or robbed by a crab-eating macaque (monkey). Leave it to me to be dramatic and cause everyone to worry. Just so you all know, the likelihood of any of these things happening is very slim but we did purchase travelers insurance so we've taken necessary precautions.
We got our vacation extended four more days by taking a few days of unpaid vacation. We are both extremely excited! As of now, all we have is our plane tickets and the name of the place we're planning to stay the first night (we arrive at 1:00am in Phuket). So, the rest of our vacation is totally unplanned. We've packed a climbing/travel guidebook, gear, and a few clothes and who knows where the wind will take us. This is the most alive, free, and unburdened I've ever felt in my adult life.
As you can see, I've added a slideshow to our blog and many of you have asked if we can upload more pics. I'll try to do that soon after we get back. I just added several albums to my facebook so if you are my friend you can just check them out there. If you're not my friend, well then you're just going to have to wait. We'll be sure to take plenty of pictures while we're in Thailand and will be sure to post a blog when we return so you all know we made it back safe. We love you all.
Sawedee kaa,
Rebs
Friday, February 1, 2008
Preparing for the New World
If you didn't know already, Rebs and I are going to Thailand. In fact, we're leaving this coming Monday night. Work has become quite slow recently because of the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year to non-Koreans). So our administration put the offer out to anyone who wanted to take an extended vacation. We could take unpaid days to continue our vacation. So as of yesterday, we are no longer going to Thailand for 7 days, but 12. Yes, 12 days of sunshine, beaches, huge multi-pitch limestone cliffs, and lots of fruity drinks and Thai food.
This vacation has been long awaited by us because we had about a month and a half of non-stop Korean kids, 10 days at a time. If you emailed or skyped us, you know how exhausted we were sometimes. We are soo looking forward to actually getting tans and wearing t-shirts and shorts in the middle of winter. I think the weather in Korea has been pretty much the same as it is in America right now--cold, cold, and more cold.
This vacation hasn't come without a few setbacks though. Two weeks ago, we ordered a new climbing rope and quickdraws, both essential to sport climbing, which we will be doing alot of in Thailand. We ordered it just in time to get it here before we left. But yesterday, we got a letter, instead of a package in the mail, saying (after having a Korean co-worker translate for us) that our package was stopped and waiting in customs. We had to call and fill out an online form, all of course in Korean. The line was busy, but today we had our coworker call again and this time we got through, only to find out that we are going to have to pay an 18% customs tax. So our gear is now costing us roughly $200 just to get it here. On top of it all, we get to go to customs to pick it up on Monday before we go to the airport so that we can take the gear with us to Thailand. Ahh, the life of Korea. I guess I don't really care that much because in 3 days we'll be in Thailand.
One interesting thing for you and a very different thing for us is that this is our first vacation that we are taking having not planned at all. Granted, we have many ideas of what we would like to do. But many of the people we've talked to here suggested we just show up without plans. Most of the Thai people speak English and usually it is less expensive to do it this way. Be proud of us; it's a big step for us. We've always booked at least where we're staying before we show up. But the thing with Thailand is that there are so many different places to go around the area of Phuket that you never know what you're going to find. We know we want to go to Railey and climb. We want to go to Koh Phi Phi (where they filmed "The Beach") which also happens to have rock climbing. Rebs wants to ride an elephant. I think that will be funny to watch and take pictures. We're going to take both the digital and film cameras, and will hopefully get some great pictures for memories and some cool abstracts as well. Rebs wants me to re-teach her how to use the film camera. We'll see what I actually remember first. But it should be fun either way.
So anyway, if you write us email or facebook messages or whatever and we don't answer, you'll know why. We're not taking our laptop with us because it's kind of a liability in a 3rd world country. I don't want to have to carry it on my wherever we go. and parents, don't worry, we got traveler's insurance for while we're there. we're being responsible. :) hopefully we'll have some awesome pictures to share with you when we come back.
This vacation has been long awaited by us because we had about a month and a half of non-stop Korean kids, 10 days at a time. If you emailed or skyped us, you know how exhausted we were sometimes. We are soo looking forward to actually getting tans and wearing t-shirts and shorts in the middle of winter. I think the weather in Korea has been pretty much the same as it is in America right now--cold, cold, and more cold.
This vacation hasn't come without a few setbacks though. Two weeks ago, we ordered a new climbing rope and quickdraws, both essential to sport climbing, which we will be doing alot of in Thailand. We ordered it just in time to get it here before we left. But yesterday, we got a letter, instead of a package in the mail, saying (after having a Korean co-worker translate for us) that our package was stopped and waiting in customs. We had to call and fill out an online form, all of course in Korean. The line was busy, but today we had our coworker call again and this time we got through, only to find out that we are going to have to pay an 18% customs tax. So our gear is now costing us roughly $200 just to get it here. On top of it all, we get to go to customs to pick it up on Monday before we go to the airport so that we can take the gear with us to Thailand. Ahh, the life of Korea. I guess I don't really care that much because in 3 days we'll be in Thailand.
One interesting thing for you and a very different thing for us is that this is our first vacation that we are taking having not planned at all. Granted, we have many ideas of what we would like to do. But many of the people we've talked to here suggested we just show up without plans. Most of the Thai people speak English and usually it is less expensive to do it this way. Be proud of us; it's a big step for us. We've always booked at least where we're staying before we show up. But the thing with Thailand is that there are so many different places to go around the area of Phuket that you never know what you're going to find. We know we want to go to Railey and climb. We want to go to Koh Phi Phi (where they filmed "The Beach") which also happens to have rock climbing. Rebs wants to ride an elephant. I think that will be funny to watch and take pictures. We're going to take both the digital and film cameras, and will hopefully get some great pictures for memories and some cool abstracts as well. Rebs wants me to re-teach her how to use the film camera. We'll see what I actually remember first. But it should be fun either way.
So anyway, if you write us email or facebook messages or whatever and we don't answer, you'll know why. We're not taking our laptop with us because it's kind of a liability in a 3rd world country. I don't want to have to carry it on my wherever we go. and parents, don't worry, we got traveler's insurance for while we're there. we're being responsible. :) hopefully we'll have some awesome pictures to share with you when we come back.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Goodbye Cheese Balls, Hello Milk
Umm... so yesterday... I kinda, sorta finished off the cheese balls. Yes, I finished that big huge bucket all by myself while sitting in front of the TV. Dusty helped a little along the way, but not much. Now I have gas. "Dusty, I'm sorry that I'm so stinky." Just goes to show how little self-control I have. Although those cheese balls were really good, I'm glad they're gone. I told Dusty not to buy them anymore. He agreed. Also, he asked me yesterday if I could lay off the milk. That made me angry and defensive because I'm a bit possessive of my milk. Anyone who knows me well, knows this about me. The thing is, I've just gotten over being sick for three weeks. During this time I literally drank zero milk which was incredibly difficult for me. So now that I'm healthy again, I'm kinda into my milk. However, in my defense, I'm still drinking much less milk than I used to back home. The reason? Well, there are two reasons. One is that the gallon of milk doesn't exist in Korea. We buy 1000mL cartons which is the equivalent of maybe 1/3 of a gallon of milk. Also, we have no car, so anytime we go to the store and get milk, we have to carry it home. Usually Dusty carries it in his backpack.
So yes, we actually got into an argument over milk of all things. After we talked through things and resolved the conflict, I went to the fridge to get some water (even though I really wanted some milk). And what do I find? Dusty has hidden the milk behind a bunch of stuff in the fridge. Are you serious? You think that hiding the milk from me is going to stop me from finding it and drinking it? No way, Jose. Today, I went to 7-11 all by myself and bought three 1000mL cartons of milk. That should last us a few days. Ah, married life.
Also, this was published by Rebs... not Dusty
So yes, we actually got into an argument over milk of all things. After we talked through things and resolved the conflict, I went to the fridge to get some water (even though I really wanted some milk). And what do I find? Dusty has hidden the milk behind a bunch of stuff in the fridge. Are you serious? You think that hiding the milk from me is going to stop me from finding it and drinking it? No way, Jose. Today, I went to 7-11 all by myself and bought three 1000mL cartons of milk. That should last us a few days. Ah, married life.
Also, this was published by Rebs... not Dusty
Funny Moment
So yesterday I had a funny thing happen. I was doing an activity called "Domino" with about 8 teams of 15 kids in our auditorium. Each team gets a bucket full of differently colored plastic rectangles about the size of dominoes. We give them different shapes to make in about 5-10 minutes each for about 45 minutes. It's a teamwork activity.
They have speakers set up all around, and during the group activities, we usually play from a plethora of cd's that are by the sound board. I had asked Kyle, our supervisor, to put some music on in the beginning, and he happened to pick a cd that I'd made for a while back. I had forgotten what was on it, but it was a good one. Then, about half way through the class, my brother-in-law's song came on the speakers.
So here I am, surrounded by 75 Korean children frantically scavenging dominoes to build the tallest tower, and one of the most peaceful songs comes on. It's called "If I had an Old Guitar". It has somewhat of a country/folk-like rhythm to it. A good blend of rustic and melodic. I smiled and then started laughing to myself. The song is about being sick and tired, and using the rhythm of the guitar to cure yourself. So there I was surrounded by chaos, but I wasn't really focused on any of it. It was just what I needed, in the most ironic of places. Maybe you get it. Maybe you just had to be there.
They have speakers set up all around, and during the group activities, we usually play from a plethora of cd's that are by the sound board. I had asked Kyle, our supervisor, to put some music on in the beginning, and he happened to pick a cd that I'd made for a while back. I had forgotten what was on it, but it was a good one. Then, about half way through the class, my brother-in-law's song came on the speakers.
So here I am, surrounded by 75 Korean children frantically scavenging dominoes to build the tallest tower, and one of the most peaceful songs comes on. It's called "If I had an Old Guitar". It has somewhat of a country/folk-like rhythm to it. A good blend of rustic and melodic. I smiled and then started laughing to myself. The song is about being sick and tired, and using the rhythm of the guitar to cure yourself. So there I was surrounded by chaos, but I wasn't really focused on any of it. It was just what I needed, in the most ironic of places. Maybe you get it. Maybe you just had to be there.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Coincidence... I Think Not
So today was another amazing, blessed day for us. We went to church and Dusty got to share his testimony in front of the congregation. I was full of joy and tears filled my eyes as I listened to him speak. After the service, an American couple our age came up to introduce themselves. As we talked, we learned that they are from Arkansas, have been married about as long as us, and are avid rock climbers. What?!?! How crazy that we meet them on the other side of the world. Similar to us, their home away from home was climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. So as we learned more about each other, we all started to grow more excited as we realized how amazing an opportunity we have to become friends and share our greatest passions... God and climbing. Like us, they are English teachers however, they live about two hours south of us in a rural area of Korea. They teach in the public schools mostly to children whose parents are farmers. They have been here about 1.5 years so they know all the good climbing areas and know a lot of people in the climbing community. I'm just so amazed at the fact that we met them. They try to come up to Seoul about once a month to go to our church, stock up at Costco, and run errands. They also have a car which means they can come visit us anytime.
When we first got to Seoul and began making some unlikely connections with people I'd think to myself, "What a coincidence, and what a small world it is." But you know, as stuff like this continues to happen time and again, I'm convinced it's more than just a coincidence. I'm beginning to think that God is fulfilling one of His many promises. God says in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Dusty and I came to Korea because we felt called by God. We came here on faith and God gave us the courage to leave all that was familiar and comfortable. Knowing that God promises to prepare our way, we chose to trust Him and follow where He was leading. Man, am I glad we took that leap of faith. Slowly, God continues to reveal His master plan for our lives one step at a time. What an incredible journey He's had in store for us all along. I guess when God says He prepares our way, He's not messing around. When He says I have plans to give you hope and a future, He means it. "God, You're simply amazing!"
On a lighter note, on the subway ride home we ran across a little fluffy lap dog that was wearing a sweater and shoes. Yes, shoes... on all four feet. Then I came home and took a great nap for about two hours. I had a really weird dream about my dog, Legend. Dusty's parents are taking care of her for us while we're gone. In my dream, we were meeting up with Dusty's parents for dinner and when I met them at the booth in the restaurant, I was shocked to see Legend sitting at the table with her two front paws crossed on the table and little purple bootie shoes on her feet. The first thought to cross my mind is that she'll never want to come back home because Dusty's parents spoiled her so much. I have weird dreams.
When we first got to Seoul and began making some unlikely connections with people I'd think to myself, "What a coincidence, and what a small world it is." But you know, as stuff like this continues to happen time and again, I'm convinced it's more than just a coincidence. I'm beginning to think that God is fulfilling one of His many promises. God says in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Dusty and I came to Korea because we felt called by God. We came here on faith and God gave us the courage to leave all that was familiar and comfortable. Knowing that God promises to prepare our way, we chose to trust Him and follow where He was leading. Man, am I glad we took that leap of faith. Slowly, God continues to reveal His master plan for our lives one step at a time. What an incredible journey He's had in store for us all along. I guess when God says He prepares our way, He's not messing around. When He says I have plans to give you hope and a future, He means it. "God, You're simply amazing!"
On a lighter note, on the subway ride home we ran across a little fluffy lap dog that was wearing a sweater and shoes. Yes, shoes... on all four feet. Then I came home and took a great nap for about two hours. I had a really weird dream about my dog, Legend. Dusty's parents are taking care of her for us while we're gone. In my dream, we were meeting up with Dusty's parents for dinner and when I met them at the booth in the restaurant, I was shocked to see Legend sitting at the table with her two front paws crossed on the table and little purple bootie shoes on her feet. The first thought to cross my mind is that she'll never want to come back home because Dusty's parents spoiled her so much. I have weird dreams.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Oh, Happy Day!
This will be random but sometimes I'm just a weird random girl.
1. I think I'm addicted to the cheese balls that Dusty bought at Costco yesterday. I like to walk around the apartment carrying the huge plastic container with me. Dusty just laughs. I think my mouth is getting a little raw from the cheese so I might have to take a break from eating them for a few days. It's okay though, I could stand to gain a little weight. My pants are getting too big for me and I don't want to buy new pants. I like my pants.
2. I've decided to stop shaving my legs until we go to Thailand for several reasons... (1) I have very thin, blonde, soft, leg hair (2) Dusty doesn't care if I shave or not (3) I'm curious to see how long my leg hair gets (4) I'm wondering if it will help keep my legs warmer (5) I wear pants all the time and nobody sees my hairy legs anyway. That's a lot of reasons.
3. Just one of the many reasons my husband is amazing... He made me french toast, maple bacon, and fresh strawberries for breakfast. They were the sweetest strawberries I've ever eaten. I'm wondering where those delicious strawberries came from since it's winter here in Korea.
4. I got to sleep in until 11am today. Ahh, I love being all snuggly under the warm covers.
5. Highlight of my day: I got to talk to my dad over skype for the first time since I've been here. He could see me but he's gonna have to figure out his webcam because I couldn't see him. That's okay, I know what he looks like. We talked for 1.5 hours. It was so nice to hear his voice. I love my dad.
6. I got my hair cut on Tuesday and although I just asked for a trim and a few layers I think my hairstyle is a little Koreanized now. They gave me many, many layers. All my Korean girlfriends tell me it looks more sophisticated.
7. We get the next two days off to rest and play.
8. Tonight the second ten day winter camp ends with a graduation ceremony. It will conclude with a very entertaining dance party followed by hundreds of Korean kids asking for my autograph and crying because they have to say goodbye to all their new friends. It's kinda sad and funny at the same time.
9. Tomorrow, Dusty gets to share his testimony with the congregation at our church. After hearing his testimony our pastor asked Dusty if he would speak to everyone because he thought it would be a great introduction to his sermon. Dusty was a little shocked because he's always thought his testimony is somewhat uneventful. I'm excited to hear him speak and so proud of the man of God that he is. Also, in a month or so, Dusty and I are starting a young adults group at our church. We're really looking forward to the leadership opportunity.
10. Yesterday in my newspaper class, I had four kids fall asleep. They're so exhausted after 10 days of camp. They have structured class and activities from 9am-9pm everyday. No wonder. Anyhoo, two of the boys (teenagers) fell asleep with their arms around each other. It's refreshing to witness a culture so affectionate with each other. Even the men and boys. It's not uncommon to see them walking together holding hands or linking arms. No, they're not gay. It's just their culture. My Korean friends are the same way with me. They love to hug me and walk with me arm and arm. I like how expressive they are.
That is all. Oh, happy day!
1. I think I'm addicted to the cheese balls that Dusty bought at Costco yesterday. I like to walk around the apartment carrying the huge plastic container with me. Dusty just laughs. I think my mouth is getting a little raw from the cheese so I might have to take a break from eating them for a few days. It's okay though, I could stand to gain a little weight. My pants are getting too big for me and I don't want to buy new pants. I like my pants.
2. I've decided to stop shaving my legs until we go to Thailand for several reasons... (1) I have very thin, blonde, soft, leg hair (2) Dusty doesn't care if I shave or not (3) I'm curious to see how long my leg hair gets (4) I'm wondering if it will help keep my legs warmer (5) I wear pants all the time and nobody sees my hairy legs anyway. That's a lot of reasons.
3. Just one of the many reasons my husband is amazing... He made me french toast, maple bacon, and fresh strawberries for breakfast. They were the sweetest strawberries I've ever eaten. I'm wondering where those delicious strawberries came from since it's winter here in Korea.
4. I got to sleep in until 11am today. Ahh, I love being all snuggly under the warm covers.
5. Highlight of my day: I got to talk to my dad over skype for the first time since I've been here. He could see me but he's gonna have to figure out his webcam because I couldn't see him. That's okay, I know what he looks like. We talked for 1.5 hours. It was so nice to hear his voice. I love my dad.
6. I got my hair cut on Tuesday and although I just asked for a trim and a few layers I think my hairstyle is a little Koreanized now. They gave me many, many layers. All my Korean girlfriends tell me it looks more sophisticated.
7. We get the next two days off to rest and play.
8. Tonight the second ten day winter camp ends with a graduation ceremony. It will conclude with a very entertaining dance party followed by hundreds of Korean kids asking for my autograph and crying because they have to say goodbye to all their new friends. It's kinda sad and funny at the same time.
9. Tomorrow, Dusty gets to share his testimony with the congregation at our church. After hearing his testimony our pastor asked Dusty if he would speak to everyone because he thought it would be a great introduction to his sermon. Dusty was a little shocked because he's always thought his testimony is somewhat uneventful. I'm excited to hear him speak and so proud of the man of God that he is. Also, in a month or so, Dusty and I are starting a young adults group at our church. We're really looking forward to the leadership opportunity.
10. Yesterday in my newspaper class, I had four kids fall asleep. They're so exhausted after 10 days of camp. They have structured class and activities from 9am-9pm everyday. No wonder. Anyhoo, two of the boys (teenagers) fell asleep with their arms around each other. It's refreshing to witness a culture so affectionate with each other. Even the men and boys. It's not uncommon to see them walking together holding hands or linking arms. No, they're not gay. It's just their culture. My Korean friends are the same way with me. They love to hug me and walk with me arm and arm. I like how expressive they are.
That is all. Oh, happy day!
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