The Last Day at work. The Penultimate Day in Korea. I'm not sure that I'll have another post following this one After all, I have spend a year in Korea, and that's what this blog was about. Seems kind of silly to keep it up while living a normal life in the States. No - scratch that - I don't ever want a normal life.
Still, I don't think I'll be blogging about my adventure in the US.
It has been a full and wonderfully strange year. Goodbye, apartment. You have heard a lot of prayers, seen a lot of tears, and held a lot of dancing. I've looked out that window for about 365 days, at the Bongseon-dong skyline. Did you know that most of the time, even if it's sunny, the sky is white? Pollution is so endearing :-P
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Derriere
I'm not sure if everyone who reads this blog knows what goes on in my classroom every. Single. Day.
My 6-year-old students thought it was the best joke ever to tell me what a big bum I have. Seriously - EVERY DAY. We'll be in circle time and they will make up songs about my rear. When we go into the hallway for a bathroom break, they'll run over and give it a hug. Everything is about the bum.
True, it's larger than the average Korean woman's - but I'm no Nicki Minaj. Funny thing is, I don't mind the joke. I've always wanted to be curvier, to look like a woman.
My mom had a close friend when I was young, and she was quite curvaceous. At five years old, I announced to my mother, "Mrs. Brown is a good momma."
"Why, Leigh Margaret?"
"Because she has curves."
A good momma, a good woman, a good wife. I don't know why my young mind knew how a woman is supposed to look - but I'm grateful that this has always been my goal. Not to be thin. I feel that being thin is almost a curse (and something I've struggled to overcome most of my life.) Please don't be angry if you can't relate. Maybe you've always wanted to be smaller or skinnier than you are. My point is: Ladies - put some meat on! That's what makes the world go 'round!
Whenever the kids make a big bum joke at me, I laugh and ask them, "but is it good?" They tell me enthusiastically, "YES!" If I have taught my young, girl students anything, I hope that when they are aware of their bodies and how to care for them, they will choose to be healthy, rather than anorexic, simply because it's a worldly trend.
My 6-year-old students thought it was the best joke ever to tell me what a big bum I have. Seriously - EVERY DAY. We'll be in circle time and they will make up songs about my rear. When we go into the hallway for a bathroom break, they'll run over and give it a hug. Everything is about the bum.
True, it's larger than the average Korean woman's - but I'm no Nicki Minaj. Funny thing is, I don't mind the joke. I've always wanted to be curvier, to look like a woman.
My mom had a close friend when I was young, and she was quite curvaceous. At five years old, I announced to my mother, "Mrs. Brown is a good momma."
"Why, Leigh Margaret?"
"Because she has curves."
A good momma, a good woman, a good wife. I don't know why my young mind knew how a woman is supposed to look - but I'm grateful that this has always been my goal. Not to be thin. I feel that being thin is almost a curse (and something I've struggled to overcome most of my life.) Please don't be angry if you can't relate. Maybe you've always wanted to be smaller or skinnier than you are. My point is: Ladies - put some meat on! That's what makes the world go 'round!
Whenever the kids make a big bum joke at me, I laugh and ask them, "but is it good?" They tell me enthusiastically, "YES!" If I have taught my young, girl students anything, I hope that when they are aware of their bodies and how to care for them, they will choose to be healthy, rather than anorexic, simply because it's a worldly trend.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Change
Metamorphosis.
Shift.
Renewal.
All of these things take time and strength. I might have survived this lengthy year abroad, putting in the time, but certainly, I'm not strong. If anything, these 365 days have been a reminder of how fragile I am.
I never knew how deeply I could feel-
hurt,
love,
disappointment,
and loneliness.
I didn't know I liked kids so darn much. They give me so much joy.
I didn't know working with orphans could bless me more than it blesses them.
I didn't know that I liked running.
I've come to terms with being half introverted, half extroverted. There's no shame in being a social hybrid.
I understand now, how important knowledge is to me, and with that, the expansion of one's mind. I don't mean to sound New Age; I mean, simply picking up a book is relaxing, exhilarating, and refreshing, all at the same time.
I found out that I can cook a few meals delightfully well.
I've come to know God on a more personal level. It's fewer "Dear Lord...thee, thine, doth, wilst thou...?" and "Hi God, so here's what happened today...thanks for ...you're really wonderful for loving me and giving me all that I need." Prayer is a tricky thing for me, but I'm learning to open up and communicate; forcing myself to make good habits, in order to live a blessed and peaceful life.
I know now who my truest friends are. I don't say this to point a finger at anyone who fell out of touch with me, but rather to applaud everyone who found me worth the time and effort to call, write letters, chat with on facebook, or video chat with on skype and gmail. Family, friends - you are more dear to me than you realize. Relationships are precious.
I realized that I've caught the travel bug! I'm already planning roadtrips in the US when I return.
I found out that I like living with fewer possessions. Too many belongings make me feel claustrophobic. Simple and nomadic is the ideal lifestyle for me.
I have learned how to continue with a commitment, even when it's not fun or I don't see a huge benefit for myself. My church, specifically, has been a great place to be included. It's not been without wounded feelings or being misunderstood. Some days, I'd really rather not go. But I need to be committed to a body of believers. To serve even when I don't feel like it. As Joyce Meyer put it so concretely: "To live beyond what I feel."
In that same vein, but in the opposite direction, I've learned to obey the quiet "feeling" I get telling me what to do. This is the Holy Spirit, I know. It told me to not go to India for Christmas, but instead wait for a missions trip in the future. Turns out, the girl I was to go with bailed and I wouldn't have had a travel buddy. Then, I felt that it was the wrong time for teaching in France, even if it was a short, two-month contract. I got a phone call that week from my sister saying she was engaged(!) and would I be the Maid of Honor/make her dress/help plan her wedding for July - thank you, Holy Spirit for speaking, and God, for making me sensitive to it!
If I think of any more random changes I've undergone, perhaps I'll post a "part 2."
For now, happy living-out-of-the-States anniversary to me!
Shift.
Renewal.
All of these things take time and strength. I might have survived this lengthy year abroad, putting in the time, but certainly, I'm not strong. If anything, these 365 days have been a reminder of how fragile I am.
I never knew how deeply I could feel-
hurt,
love,
disappointment,
and loneliness.
I didn't know I liked kids so darn much. They give me so much joy.
I didn't know working with orphans could bless me more than it blesses them.
I didn't know that I liked running.
I've come to terms with being half introverted, half extroverted. There's no shame in being a social hybrid.
I understand now, how important knowledge is to me, and with that, the expansion of one's mind. I don't mean to sound New Age; I mean, simply picking up a book is relaxing, exhilarating, and refreshing, all at the same time.
I found out that I can cook a few meals delightfully well.
I've come to know God on a more personal level. It's fewer "Dear Lord...thee, thine, doth, wilst thou...?" and "Hi God, so here's what happened today...thanks for ...you're really wonderful for loving me and giving me all that I need." Prayer is a tricky thing for me, but I'm learning to open up and communicate; forcing myself to make good habits, in order to live a blessed and peaceful life.
I know now who my truest friends are. I don't say this to point a finger at anyone who fell out of touch with me, but rather to applaud everyone who found me worth the time and effort to call, write letters, chat with on facebook, or video chat with on skype and gmail. Family, friends - you are more dear to me than you realize. Relationships are precious.
I realized that I've caught the travel bug! I'm already planning roadtrips in the US when I return.
I found out that I like living with fewer possessions. Too many belongings make me feel claustrophobic. Simple and nomadic is the ideal lifestyle for me.
I have learned how to continue with a commitment, even when it's not fun or I don't see a huge benefit for myself. My church, specifically, has been a great place to be included. It's not been without wounded feelings or being misunderstood. Some days, I'd really rather not go. But I need to be committed to a body of believers. To serve even when I don't feel like it. As Joyce Meyer put it so concretely: "To live beyond what I feel."
In that same vein, but in the opposite direction, I've learned to obey the quiet "feeling" I get telling me what to do. This is the Holy Spirit, I know. It told me to not go to India for Christmas, but instead wait for a missions trip in the future. Turns out, the girl I was to go with bailed and I wouldn't have had a travel buddy. Then, I felt that it was the wrong time for teaching in France, even if it was a short, two-month contract. I got a phone call that week from my sister saying she was engaged(!) and would I be the Maid of Honor/make her dress/help plan her wedding for July - thank you, Holy Spirit for speaking, and God, for making me sensitive to it!
If I think of any more random changes I've undergone, perhaps I'll post a "part 2."
For now, happy living-out-of-the-States anniversary to me!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Overcast Skies and White Queens
This morning's weather was overcast and moody. The air was somewhat warm, but there was a chilly breeze. Almost how I imagine Washington state would be. You know it's daytime only because of your watch, not because the Sun betrays its hiding place.
The day went surprisingly quickly. I didn't have time to be bored in class. Not really, at least. Some parts of the day drag for me. Usually, it's the space between 11:15-12:30 (bookwork and reading with the 6-year-olds), and my second afternoon class. 4:50-5:50. We have less material to cover and I try to spread it out so I don't get conned into playing games half of the time. I want to be a good teacher as well as a fun one. A class of only games doesn't benefit anyone. (Unless the games are educational.) I disguise learning vocabulary as hangman. I let them look at the list of words for a few seconds, to get an idea or hint of what the answers would be, then we play with the least. Each students gets a few words and then we discuss them and make sentences. Points are awarded some days (and some days the point system seems silly, so we skip that.) It's cute when they get excited about playing hangman. They have no clue they're learning ^_^
Two weeks and three days.
Since I'm thinking of it, I want to share something that is a great blessing. And something, mom, that I know you'll be proud of.
It's been my goal to teach all of my students about one of my favorite book series, The Chronicles of Narnia. I revised the story for easier comprehension on the my older students' monthly tests. They've come to appreciate the story and actually look forward to what happens next. One boy missed a test and he asked to see the passage so he could catch up on the plot.
I accidentally ordered a children's/comic book version of the The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. I meant to buy the paperback to give to a friend. For some reason, Amazon.com didn't specify that they were sending me a picture book with an abridged story. I thought it was useless until I realized how great it was to share with the 6-year-olds.
I read the books to them periodically over the last month. They were enthralled. This story captivates people. It's so powerful. But of course it would be - the story of Jesus, told in any manner is thrilling. So here were these children, gathered around and sitting up on their knees to understand the story more fully. 'What happened to Aslan?'
'Is the Witch bad?'
'Margy Teacher, what is 'stone'?'
'What boy has the sword?'
When I got to the part where Aslan dies, they were almost in tears. Their little faces knotted with worry. Then I turned the page and he was alive again - such relief and happiness! Every time I would close the book to continue with the day, they would sit there, a little stunned, trying to let it all sink in. Then the questions would flood again.
Today, after lunch, I returned to the classroom to find them huddled in two different groups. One circle of children had Sandy at the center and she was booming commands in her precocious English. She turned to me and said, 'I'm the White Queen, Margy Teacher! And they're all dead!!'
A little gruesome, I know, but it struck a chord with me. My little students loved this story so much that they were playing it when I wasn't in the room!
I was able to tell them that Aslan was like Jesus. Max goes to church with his family and so could chime in and explain who Jesus was. They let this sink in as well. I only hope that they'll remember these books and read the whole series when they grow and learn more English. I hope that they're intrigued by C.S. Lewis and want to know more of the author's works; maybe then they'll turn to the inspiration for the books. Oh, I hope I've done something good.
The day went surprisingly quickly. I didn't have time to be bored in class. Not really, at least. Some parts of the day drag for me. Usually, it's the space between 11:15-12:30 (bookwork and reading with the 6-year-olds), and my second afternoon class. 4:50-5:50. We have less material to cover and I try to spread it out so I don't get conned into playing games half of the time. I want to be a good teacher as well as a fun one. A class of only games doesn't benefit anyone. (Unless the games are educational.) I disguise learning vocabulary as hangman. I let them look at the list of words for a few seconds, to get an idea or hint of what the answers would be, then we play with the least. Each students gets a few words and then we discuss them and make sentences. Points are awarded some days (and some days the point system seems silly, so we skip that.) It's cute when they get excited about playing hangman. They have no clue they're learning ^_^
Two weeks and three days.
Since I'm thinking of it, I want to share something that is a great blessing. And something, mom, that I know you'll be proud of.
It's been my goal to teach all of my students about one of my favorite book series, The Chronicles of Narnia. I revised the story for easier comprehension on the my older students' monthly tests. They've come to appreciate the story and actually look forward to what happens next. One boy missed a test and he asked to see the passage so he could catch up on the plot.
I accidentally ordered a children's/comic book version of the The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. I meant to buy the paperback to give to a friend. For some reason, Amazon.com didn't specify that they were sending me a picture book with an abridged story. I thought it was useless until I realized how great it was to share with the 6-year-olds.
I read the books to them periodically over the last month. They were enthralled. This story captivates people. It's so powerful. But of course it would be - the story of Jesus, told in any manner is thrilling. So here were these children, gathered around and sitting up on their knees to understand the story more fully. 'What happened to Aslan?'
'Is the Witch bad?'
'Margy Teacher, what is 'stone'?'
'What boy has the sword?'
When I got to the part where Aslan dies, they were almost in tears. Their little faces knotted with worry. Then I turned the page and he was alive again - such relief and happiness! Every time I would close the book to continue with the day, they would sit there, a little stunned, trying to let it all sink in. Then the questions would flood again.
Today, after lunch, I returned to the classroom to find them huddled in two different groups. One circle of children had Sandy at the center and she was booming commands in her precocious English. She turned to me and said, 'I'm the White Queen, Margy Teacher! And they're all dead!!'
A little gruesome, I know, but it struck a chord with me. My little students loved this story so much that they were playing it when I wasn't in the room!
I was able to tell them that Aslan was like Jesus. Max goes to church with his family and so could chime in and explain who Jesus was. They let this sink in as well. I only hope that they'll remember these books and read the whole series when they grow and learn more English. I hope that they're intrigued by C.S. Lewis and want to know more of the author's works; maybe then they'll turn to the inspiration for the books. Oh, I hope I've done something good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)