its been awhile...

It’s been a long time since I’ve had the time to write, but my mom has been harassing me about it haha! In her defense I get to share all of my fun things with her over the phone, and she thinks that I should share with everyone else—and well I agree!

Work has been really busy right now. I officially have a kindergarten class in the mornings and then 2 classes in the afternoon, so I’m busy with work, grading and lesson plans. I really enjoy my job, my coworkers and of course my cute kiddies. They are so precious and they’re all helping make my time here great. We have a big performance coming up in November and so we have been working hard at that, and my Starfish class is definitely going to rock it. We’re going to sing California themed songs; California Dreamin’, California Girls and Surfin’ U.S.A and they are performing a mini-musical. I’m so proud of them and how fast they are learning their lines, the lyrics and the dance moves.

These kindergartners (my Starfish class) are 6 years old (American 5 years) and 2^nd year English learners and their learning ability and the things that they have to do blows my mind. Yet, they do it with no problem; they read, write complete sentences without help, add/subtract and complete multiple workbooks. They are so smart, funny sweet, caring and loving! 

My other 2 classes are fun too! My ESL 1 (1^st yr learners—1^st & 2^nd grade) class is doing great; they are all almost all speaking in complete sentences, able to read small storybooks and write sentences. I really enjoy them and they are so much fun, I’m proud of how much they have improved since I have been here. My BCG4 class is the challenging one, there are only 3 boys in that class and they are more worried about their angry birds and video games but they are getting better with their written and spoken grammar so that makes me pretty happy!  They are fun to talk to because they speak well and we can have some pretty funny conversations. 

I’ve gone and done a few cool things these past couple months besides the normal routine. I’ve gone: to an Island off the West Coast of Korea, white water rafting with some coworkers, an amusement park, an aquarium, museums and a palace. And even got to go home and see my family and friends at the end of July. SO these past few months have been great!

Here are some great pictures from a few of the things I’ve done:

In CA for my God-Daughter Malina's 1st b-day (July 2011)

jenny and I in CA..my partner in crime this week and bestie always

Incheon Island--layed out and dug for clams and oysters

So beautiful where we went rafting--not on this part of the river but close..

CiS teachers/supervisors--after some fun Rafting and swimming in the Lake

Some cute little jellyfish at the Aquarium...

At the Deoksusung Palace

Learned how to write my name in Korean

Starfish Class on Chuseok, (Korean Thanksgiving) wearing their traditional attire

 

 

 

Starfish Class rockin' California Girls <3

"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  --Matthew 19:26

My Busy life...

So these past few weeks I have been staying busy with work and traveling. I went to a music street festival, it was pretty cool the bars were packed with foreigners and acoustic music and cheap drinks. I got to go to a River for the weekend, BBQ, beer pong and soju drinking games with a couple coworkers and a Korean teacher and her Korean friends. It was a fun weekend and It was really beautiful. I have never been on a speedboat or tubing or anything cool like that. So I got to do that and just be out of the city and enjoying some good food and good times.

So I have seen many different things, people and places in my short amount of time here. I think that I am blessed to have been surrounded by such great and fun people. I am also pretty fortunate that I live in a city that has somewhat of a foreign population, a lot of military and teachers in the area. So when I go downtown and walk through the market not everyone is Korean (not that it’s a bad thing, but at times an overwhelming thing). I miss seeing a variety of people, all shapes, sizes and colors. Here it can be pretty repetitive, but thankfully there are 10 foreign teachers at my school alone, so that really helps break it up. Coming from LA--where everyone is so different to here can at times transmit a sort of culture shock for me.

The hardest part to get used to here is all the staring. These people stare at you like you are an alien, it’s pretty crazy. Now, if I were back home I would say something to them, but here they wouldn't understand or they would think I am the rudest person that they have ever met. I know I am tall, tan, crazy hair and not skinny--facts I will openly state, but sometimes they stare at me like "Do you know what you look like?" why yes, yes I do haha. It doesn't hurt my feelings, it’s just annoying. I have come to a point especially if they are people my age that when they stare at me I stare right back and they don't really like that, for the most part. Haha

But being here right now is honestly exactly where I am supposed to be. Yeah I miss my family and friends back home, but I know they love me and are always there for me, holding on to that thought and the faith that I have in Jesus helps me through the days or moments of doubt of myself and my decision I have made. The letters, emails, Skype phone sessions or just even little mentions on Face book—mean more to me now than ever before SO thank you friends for the moments of encouragement and love!
Peace and Love :)

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart."- Elizabeth Foley

ps. I finally got my alien card, so I am no longer an illegal citizen haha and I even got a phone (a pretty cool one at that!)

only in korea.

So there are some things here that I have never seen anywhere else--some acts of kindness, some rude and some just downright strange!

-So the kind:  that they treat their elderly with so much kindness and respect (as far as I have seen). For example: we are on a crowded subway or bus and an old woman comes on, a younger person will get up and offer them their seats. Its pretty kind, something I would never expect because for the most part they are rude.

-They are very impatient people, like I was on a crowded subway and when getting up from my subway seat to get off people just saw me motioning to get my stuff and they rushed to sit down, didn't even give me a chance to stand up that was so irritating I was like excuse me, can you give me a second to get up and they just kept pushing so I just stood my ground for a second so they couldn't sit haha. That's what they get for being impatient haha.

-Strange: 1. the other day I was walking home from the Market (downtown) and I saw a little kid walking his pet which I thought was his dog but I was wrong, he had his cat on a leash. Never in my life have I seen that one haha.
2. Okay so you know how you can buy fruit from people out of their vans or trucks especially in where we used to live in La Puente...normally it’s the best oranges or fruit. Well they have that here but as they are driving through your neighborhood they are announcing it over an intercom thing. The first time I heard it, I thought we were under attack or something no joke. I don't speak Korean, so how was I supposed to know he was saying fresh fruit haha Man, and you cannot escape those guys! I guess only in Korea.

1 Month down.

(National Korean Musuem)

Man time seems to be flying by! I have been here a month already it's pretty crazy. I pretty much work all day long so by the time I get home its about 8pm and after about 10 hours of teaching kids all I really want to do is eat dinner and relax maybe once I get used to this schedule I will want to go out during the week but its a good way to save money! We had a couple days off this month during the week which was nice. Our first one was Childrens Day (compare it to Mothers/Fathers Day--something we should adopt in the U.S haha), and it fell on Cinco De Mayo so a couple of us went to Seoul and had some mexican food, it was pretty good not as good as my moms but good, and Margaritas it was a fun day. That was actually my first time down to Seoul and we went to a city called Iteawon and its jam packed with foreigners its like walking the streets in LA or something, there was a taco bell, quiznos and starbucks on like every corner, so it was fun.

We had another holiday this past tuesday for Buddha's birthday and so I got to experience a little Korean culture and we went to the National Museum of Korea, and that place was huge at least 2x bigger then the Getty in LA, had a nice time it was good to see other things besides party places haha. Even got to eat at Papa Johns, and it was sooo good tasted just like back home. I went to a DJ festival last weekend which was a lot of fun, everyone was just dancing, drinking and having a good time I am really glad that it worked out and I was able to go.

(a little decoration in my apt.)

--I bought some wall stickers to put up on my walls, thought it was going to be just on big sticker you put on, definitely not the case. Had to put it together piece by piece but I really like the way it turned out :) It perfect spot I am going to hang up any cards or pictures I get from Home here.

I am having a good time, learning a lot--not just about another culture but I am learning a lot about myself. It can be challenging at times, because in the end I'm by myself. Sure, I have made friends and they are all great but in reality I am here alone and I am so grateful to be a believer becuase I would be so lost without Gods love and strength. Everthing happens in Gods time and in his way so that is how I know this is the right thing and right place for met to be right now. God's love and grace are more then enough for me and really help me get through everything. I am thankful! Peace and Love :)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

My apartment.

So a quick note-I am finally all unpacked and organized. All thats missing is my pictures to decorate my walls and maybe a couple other things that I can buy here to make it look a little fancier. Here are some pics!

 (My kitchen and bathroom)

 (Bathroom--yes that is my shower there is a drain in the floor)

(My studio apartment <3 )

 (My laundry room and washer & Drying rack)

 (My wardrobe)

(Desk, dressers and book case)

I dont really have any complaints, everything works--the only thing I have not mastered is the floor heater, but at least I have hot water haha! Peace and Love.

What a week!

Blog:  What a week!

Whoa! Sooo many things to get used to and there is still so much to learn. This is going to probably be my longest post because I have been slacking but I’ve been trying to adjust to everything.  So, I started work on Monday which was really nice and so far I really like it here.  My first day was just an observation day, I watched a kindergarten class and that was fun, the stuff they do here compared to the states is so crazy. Their curriculum here is tough, and I think about kindergarteners I know back home and these kids blow them out of the water and they are learning all of this stuff in another language. Not knocking those I know back in the states—but it just opens my eyes to see how advanced academically Korea is compared to America, we really need to get it together back home J Anyways , that’s a whole other story, back to the important stuff me! Hahaha

So right now I do not have a kindergarten class, but I feel that will soon change—right now in the mornings I just prepare for my classes, and serve as a sub for the teachers that are absent. I do get to teach gym (PE) 3 days a week which is fun. The kids are super cute and so loving, and just like any 4-5-6 yr old a little crazy at times. They get 30 minutes to run around in a room, we play games like red light green light, duck duck goose,  tag and a game called fishy fishy, which they love. Basically its 30 minutes where they get to run around and get a break from the crazy work that they do. Crazy thing here compared to the states is that the students are very expressive toward one another, they hug, hold hands, give kisses on the cheek and constantly express their love for one another—gender doesn’t matter its sweet, there is a lot of love here and not really bullying, it creates a calmer work place. Also in Korea teachers can hug and tell their students they love them, hold their hands, much more touching compared to America.

I teach 3 classes in the afternoon. My first class which I have every day is an ESL class (8-10 yrs) and they are very new to English, this is their first year in English school and so their vocabulary is very low, but we as teachers have to encourage English only-they are not supposed to speak Korean in Class. If there is a big problem there are Korean supervisors/teachers aides that will help you translate if there is a problem and they talk to the parents for you as well.  Anyways, my first day teaching was great, the students liked me and they are diligent workers, but in this class one little boy was like teacher your leg fat and he kept raising his hand and saying look Alexandra teacher your leg big, you big and I mean obviously I am a bigger girl so it doesn’t hurt my feelings, especially cause generally kids have no filter so it didn’t bother me but he kept saying it over and over at this point annoying! So I finally told him no matter how many times you say that it is not going to change right? I know what I look like and it doesn’t really bother me so it shouldn’t bother you so how about we don’t talk to Alexandra teacher like that anymore it is not nice, and he said okay no more.  I’m sure it will come up again but so far so good haha.  I did have a crier on my first day in this class too, I felt horrible but I guess it was misunderstanding. He is an extremely shy boy and he thought he was in trouble but he was not he just did not understand me and I talked to my Korean supervisor and she talked to him and explained what happened and everything is cool now. But I thought oh great I made someone cry on my 1^st day, I felt really bad but other teachers were telling me that it happens all the time—because they just don’t understand sometimes.

My other 2 classes are very good and more advanced. I teach another ESL class but they are about 5^th and 6^th grade and they work very well but they definitely can talk, and I think it’s more because they probably don’t have the chance to do so in Korean school. But as long as they are talking in English it’s okay by me, they are a funny class and one of the boys definitely kept staring at me but again it’s because I am a big girl and that is virtually non-existent here, even some teachers here are really skinny by American standards and they still call them fat or big or whatever. Anyways, my supervisor told me that this class really likes me, they think I am a nice, cool and fun teacher, hopefully they don’t get too rowdy, have to crack the whip every now and then to show them who is the boss haha. My 3^rd class is probably the quietest but they have the most work so honestly they do not have a choice. They are in what is called a BC class and they learn a set curriculum whereas ESL classes do not. BC classes learn all subjects and the parents want them to work and not play, my BC class is in 4^th grade and they use American textbooks, social studies, vocabulary, and grammar science and reading comprehension, they do it all but they are very smart kids.

I finally moved into my apartment and out of the Love Motel I was apparently staying at. It was nice while it lasted but moving into my apartment makes this all seem that more real. I have yet to unpack because 1. I am tired when I get home and 2. I will probably leave it like this till I can’t find anything haha. The plan is to clean and unpack on Sunday so fingers crossed…pictures soon!

So for my first week of teaching, moving in and adjusting to everything has gone pretty smoothly for the most part-It’s gone by fairly quickly and I am thankful that everything is going smoothly!  And I know that I am safe here surrounded by God’s never ending and never failing love for me!

Peace and Love J

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

and it begins...

So I've made it to S. Korea! I've been here for the past two days and it has definitely been an adjustment period. When I landed it was so exciting and I was thinking I can't believe it, I actually did it--I am actually here! There was a driver waiting for me at the airport, which was pretty cool--I felt pretty vip haha, and then we were on our way to my destination. I guess the teacher that I am replacing is still living in the apartment so I am staying at a hotel in Uijeongbu, when I got here I saw the guy at the front desk was wearing a University Of California sweatshirt, so I thought hey, somone will speak English here, but I was wrong haha he must of bought that sweater here or something becuase he had no idea what I was talking about.

So, I go up to my room and it was pretty nice but I seriously for the life of me could not figure out how to turn the lights on, I was so frustrated I was clapping, I pressed all the buttons, I waved infront of them and nothing. I was soo frustrated but finally I figured it out, you have to put your key into this slot and it turns everything on, the tv, computer and most importantly the lights! It was a small victory, but I was definitely feeling overwhelmed. I had a little cry and was like what am I doing here, I just want to talk to my mom but of course no wireless and my cellphone didnt work here so I was just extremely overwhelmed. I was supposed to be meeting someone here from my school,.that was another challenge to call her but I finally got in contact with her and she came with books and paperwork and instructions for me to start work on Monday and I was so tired that I just wanted to talk to my mom, really thats all I wanted haha.

Thankfully there is a computer in my room, and I was able to email her and that helped a lot but I was so overwhelmed I just cried while I wrote to her. I think the emotions finally hit me, and they hit me hard--and I think she could tell. The whole time I was home I never really cried, I was just excited to go that it didn't really sink in that I would be in another country away from my family and friends, away from my comfort zone that I have lived in my whole life. I definitely freaked out but my sister found a way to call me --and me, my mom and my sister finally got to talk to each other and that helped me so much, just to hear their voices and know that they are always available to talk to me was awesome! It was a good way to end my long day, I was so exhausted from the 12 hr flight, so I just crashed out.

I slept and slept--this time difference thing is definitely taking some time to get used too. I woke up at like 3am and was just laying there like what the crap, but 3am here is like 11am CA time. Funny story though, I woke up and looked at my phone and was like wow I slept sooo long, its like 1130am but I'm still tired so I looked out my window and it was still dark--definitely forgot to change my phone to Korea time hahaha. I finally fell back asleep but I had my window open (there is now screen but i figured Im on the 3rd floor its fine) but then I heard a sound, like someone was throwing rocks at my window and I thought I don't know anyone here they must have the wrong window, but then I heard cooing and I look and a pigeon was trying to get into my room haha A friendly visitor. Overall, my first night here went as expected, emotionally draining haha But I am so thankful to God for blessing me with this opportunity and amazing family and friends!

Leaving on a jet plane

(from one of my Favorite movies! )

So its finally here, this long awaited journey officially begins today! I am all packed and ready to start this new chapter in my life. Getting to this point, of actually boarding a plane, has been a extremely long and often frustrating process but through Faith and a lot of Praying that everything would work out and well--here I am. I have decided that I am going into this new chapter in my life with an open mind, I'm sure there will be many times I want to quit or get homesick but I am just putting my faith in God that this is where and what I am supposed to be doing.

My family and friends are of them are supportive and loving--without them I would definitely be lost. I honestly feel more connected to my family and friends more then ever, all of them have just showered me with love, encouragement and prayers. And I am so thankful and blessed for everyone in my life! I thank God for this opportunity and I pray that I embrace every moment!

"Have I not commanded you? Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS! Do not be discouraged-for the LORD GOD will be with you wherever you go"--Joshua 1:9

2 WEEEEKS!

So I received my flight itinerary last night! I guess it doesn't get more official then that, well until I'm actually boarding the plane. This is so crazy! I leave in 2 weeks and feel like there is so much still I need to do before I leave, so many people to see and things to buy.

AGHHHH 2 weeks is just not enough time ha ha, but I guess I've known for over a month that I'm leaving. I think I just put it off as long as possible because I think I've been waiting for something to happen and it not to work out, but truly my Faith in God that this was going to work out in his time paid off. Now my ticket has been bought and it's as real as it gets. I am overwhelmed with so many different emotions but I'm ready!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who Love God and are called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28

Uijeongbu, South Korea

(This is a picture of Uijeongbu, South Korea from the summit Cheongbo Mountain.)

So for those of you who have not heard I'm moving to South Korea for about 12-15 months! I have so many emotions about this exciting new journey in my life but overall I am thankful to God for blessing me with such supportive family and friends.

Teaching is something I have always wanted to do since I can honestly remember, and teaching in a foreign country was always the ultimate goal. I wanted to teach in South Africa because I felt that was the place to go (and maybe one day I will) but after talking to my roommate Andrea and researched it more I felt like this would be a perfect fit. Andrea really encouraged me to go for it, she went to S. Korea to teach and when we would talk she would tell me how perfect I was for it and she thought it would be a great place for me. So she referred me to a recruiting program, I applied and got in but it was still a long process from there. I had to get so many documents for my Visa before they would even submit my application to any schools: resumes, passport, criminal background checks, fingerprints, transcripts, diplomas and  blood samples--OK OK not that far but seriously felt like that was what they were going to ask for next. The longest part was getting my Diploma and that came with a lot of financial obstacles with my School but through a lot of prayer and hard work, my school handed it over to me and I finally had everything I needed to apply for schools.

Now the scary part began! Now that I had all my paperwork in order it was becoming more and more of a reality, that I will actually be moving to S. Korea not to another city or state but another Country away from my family and friends and it was very real. So the next step was to apply to schools and this happened a lot faster then I thought it would, I had 2 requests: 1. I couldn't go until after my basketball season was over and 2. I had to be in a city or close to it--no farm land for this girl! So my recruiter found this listing and it was kinda perfect, 20 min. outside of Seoul and there are about 10 foreign teachers at this school (I'm considered foreign teacher). The next day she emailed me and told me that they were extremely interested in me and wanted to interview me that same day. I was super nervous & didn't want to tell anyone but ended up telling my parents and siblings--I think I just didn't want to get my hopes up, especially because it was my very first interview and I was really nervous. The school told me they would let me know the next day or so and I don't think I have ever checked my email that much in my life! Well 2 days came and went and I was a little bummed because I had not heard anything back yet from the school so I just assumed I didn't get it, then the weekend flew by and I was determined to find out either way so I emailed my recruiter and the next day she emailed me back and said I got the job! OMG- I thought this is really happening.

I was super excited but was still hesitant to tell anyone because I still needed to make sure of one more thing, so I only told my mom and of course she cried, but I made her promise not to tell anyone even my Dad. I just wanted to be absolutely sure before I went and told everyone. So I officially found out last Wednesday and wanted to make sure I told my parents, brother & sister first since they have been the most supportive in this adventure. Then I started telling my besties, coworkers, my team (well my Dad blew that one ha ha) and the rest of my family, I really wanted to do it in my own time and own way, I wanted it to seem more personal since it's honestly a major life change :)  So now I have to get my visa and plane ticket and I will be on my way around April 17th and it will be here faster then I hope I'm sure! I can't wait to share this experience with my family and friends, all the good and bad times, the laughter and the tears. Everyone has been super supportive and encouraging its so awesome and I am truly blessed to have amazing family and friends.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." — Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)