Remember a few weeks ago when I was making myself passport pictures? Well, it was for my E-2 application. I got a job. In Korea. For at least a year. It’s in the southern suburbs of Seoul, at at university near Anyang. Ras and I will be working there together.  For reference, it’s 43 minutes by subway to Itaewon. Maybe you’re wondering, “But lao-ocean-girl, I thought you were going back to school?” To help explain things, this is part of an email I sent to a friend:

When I was home, I spent October-December taking classes at Portland State University. Since I had already been in Korea 4 years, I had an idea that I wanted to continue teaching and maybe get my Master’s in TESOL. Before jumping right in, I wanted to take some linguistics classes first, and make sure it was a path I really wanted to follow. Well, I found my classes challenging but eye-opening and received “A’s” in them. So… I’ve come to the realization that I want to be a “real” teacher.

Even though my classes were interesting and I learned a lot from my classmates and professors, my life at home wasn’t very fulfilling. I was staying in a spare room at my brother’s house. As much as I love him, it was difficult being comfortable in someone else’s home. The furnishings were his, he had a routine that was followed, a way of doing things, and TV shows that had to be watched at certain times - on the only TV in the house. Anyone who’s had to live at a friend’s or relative’s for a long time will understand what I’m getting at. Even though there was more than enough room for me, it would never really be “home” to me. In addition to the living situation, the travel bug was still biting. It’s a weird thing, but being in the States felt too comfortable and easy. There was no adventure in my day. If I needed something, I could easily get it done. People understood me. I know that’s a funny thing to say, but I enjoy the spontaneity and surprise that come from living (and traveling) in a foreign country. The difficulties that one might find in living abroad aren’t burdensome to me - they’re welcomed challenges.  I’ve learned and grown so much in the five years I’ve been abroad.  I definitely don’t want to live in Korea forever, but I’m expecting to be here for two more years while I continue my education online. I’ve now got goals and plans I’m excited about.  It’s good to be alive.

I received this random email from Rachael recently, who’s in Ghana. There was nothing to preface the situation that led up to this email, but it looks like I was added to her mass email list. It’s not hard to pick up the pieces and figure out what’s going on: someone stole money from the office where she works, and it was returned. It’s just amazing to see what completely different worlds we’re living in.

So it turns out the one million magically appeared in the
secretary’s desk this morning. She noticed it about 9am, when
almost all the staff was in the office (save me and one other
member – innocent, naturally). The money was not in the desk
when she closed the office yesterday evening at 5pm. The
messenger boy and the cleaning ladies hold the keys. They are
the prime suspects.

No one knows who took the money, but the threat of the oracle
obviously made an impact. Most of the staff is still demanding
the ritual be performed so we can determine who the thief was
(is). I am amazed at the steadfast belief in voodoo (ju ju, as
they call it here). I don’t know if my boss will follow
through. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m a bit disappointed that I don’t get to be involved in the
oracle, but I’m relieved the secretary has her money back. Her
family is using it to buy cement for their home. She was
rejoicing this morning. Meanwhile, the innocent staff members
are feeling anxious. Someone among us can’t be trusted, and
that’s not a good feeling.

I’ll let you know if there are any more developments.

Rachael

PS. Spent the day in the field this morning. We traveled to a
village where they are trying to change a customary law
regarding the dowry system. There is an increase in bachelors
in this area because they simply can’t afford to offer 4 cows to
their in-laws in exchange for their bride. The village is trying
to get the dowry down to 2 cows. On our way home, we passed
three women carrying crates of beans on their heads. Since we
were in a pick-up truck, we were able to offer them a ride to
where they were going. Turns out they were walking to the mill
to grind their beans, 17 kms away. Had we not picked them up,
they were in for a 32km walk. The sun was already setting when
they began their journey. I’ve been in Ghana for 4 months, and
the heat, garbage and beliefs don’t shock me like they used to.
Or at least I think that until I come across situations like the
one today.

Wow, I’ve been *really* busy with this camp.  I’ve got one more day, and my two weeks at this camp will be over.  I’m with the kids from eight in the morning until nine at night, but it’s really the easiest camp I’ve ever worked at. This is my schedule: 
8-12 - reading/academics
12-1 - lunch
1-2 - homeroom / finish projects / practice for talent show
2-5 - scavenger hunt / arts and crafts / gym / science projects
5-6 - dinner
7-9 - evening activity (movie, golden bell, talent show)

We only follow this schedule Tuesday through Thursday.  On Monday, the kids arrive and we level test them, they settle in, have dinner, and play ice-breaker games.  On Friday, there’s a closing ceremony, movie, lunch, and everyone leaves, including teachers.

Last week’s class was fun.  I had the high level 5/6th graders and we did a fashion show in drag for our talent show.  For this week, I’m teaching the youngest and lowest level students - 4B.  They’re a good bunch of kids too - very energetic.  As far as teaching kids in Korea, my favorite grades are 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.  They have enough vocabulary that ideas can be conveyed, and they’re not too cool to learn, like middle school students can be. Ras is working at his own camp in Pusan and I’m meeting up with him tomorrow night after his obligations are done.  His camp isn’t as organized as mine.  There have been a lot of complaints from the teachers, especially from Ras.  Since Ras directed over 30 teachers at an English camp in Japan last summer, he’s opinionated about how his disorganized camp should be run.  Basically, the camp is for kids who won a raffle for a free week at camp.  Therefore, the staff have told the teachers that they don’t care if the children learn anything while they’re there.  Ras doesn’t think that’s right and has been very vocal about all the things that are wrong with the camp.  You’d think they’d fire him, but instead, they made him head teacher!  Go figure.  He’s not sure he can change much about the camp, but will try - for the teacher’s and the kid’s sake. 

Anyway, that’s what I’ve been up to.  My camp finishes tomorrow afternoon and I’ll be in Pusan for one more night relaxing before going on my way.

Last night, a 4.8 earthquake shook Gangneung.  I didn’t feel it here in Pusan, but supposedly, it could be felt around the country.  Thankfully, there was no serious damage.

Not much going on the homefront tonight. Ras left this afternoon for his 3 week camp. He’ll be spending one week on the west side of Korea, and then two weeks in Pusan. As for me, I’ll be heading to my own two week winter camp tomorrow. I’m meeting with all the teachers tomorrow morning at 8am at Seoul Station and taking the KTX down to Pusan. It’ll be my third time doing this camp, so it should be a breeze. You know what I’m looking forward to the most??? Having someone cook three meals a day for me! Since coming to Korea, I’ve been living out of my backpack, and haven’t been eating regularly at all. For example, today I had pancakes for lunch (at Suji’s) and then a cup of ramen and a tuna fish sandwich for dinner. On top of that, Ras and I can’t eat much Korean food when we’re around Brad. So, having three (free) Korean meals provided a day makes me happy. I can’t wait to eat!

Posting will be light for the next two weeks, but there’ll be updates, for sure.