Well, what a WHIRLWIND adventure I've been having. This is Day 5 for me in Korea and man oh man have things been interesting. I don't want this to be a long post but bear with me. It's the first post since arriving and I have quite a lot to share.
Flight in 1 word: LONG
It's a 14 hour flight (non-stop). Have you ever had to sit for 14 hours straight? I have, and let me tell you, it's not the most comfortable of positions...lol. The plane was huge but the seat pitch (leg room) was small. I had a window seat which I liked cause I could lean against the side to take naps. I should've listened to my dad when he said to buy the neck pillow.
Food was good. Movies were great. Most I'd seen but I got a chance to watch the few I hadn't. A friend told me to try not to sleep too much on the plane because jet lag is serious. Well, I slept. Not as much as I was planning to. The guy in the middle seat next to me had his light on pretty much the whole flight and I left my eye shade thingy in the bag that was in the overhead compartment and...the seat belt light was on a lot due to turbulence...lol.
After 4 movies, and several other hours of whatever. I arrived, safely, in Korea. Going through customs was easy. I was worried I might loose luggage but they all came pretty quickly through baggage claim.
Apartment - Ho!!: BEAUTIFUL
I don't know if the cab driver that took me to my apt did this on purpose or if the scenery is just that amazing but the ride was great. I was in this tricked out mini-van cab with a stereo system, decent size TV playing Tom & Jerry with Korean subtitles. The scenery was beautiful. I saw everything from open fields to tall skyscrapers. Incredible horizon and breathtaking overlook onto the water. The airport is on it's own island.
My apt is great. It's in a nice area, controlled access and not as small as I was expecting. There's a lot of closet space, small kitchen and bathroom and living area. The bathroom is probably the more difficult of places to be in. There's no defined shower space or curtain so at first water was getting everywhere...lol. I'm figuring things out though. There are many other native English speaking residents that I've met thus far so I don't feel isolated or alone. I've met some great people. I'm really close to many subway and bus stations but walking is pretty easy too. There's multiples of everything here so I can walk a few blocks and find whatever I'm looking for.
School: EXCITING
I started working on Monday. Due to jet lag, I couldn't get to sleep Sunday night and as a result woke up at 3am on Monday (getting better). My school is a 30 minute walk from my apt. Needless to say, I'm getting quite the workout twice a day. I went out Sunday to find the school, making sure I knew how to get there. I didn't, which resulted in me getting lost in Seoul for 2 hours...lol. I found my way eventually and am even finding new routes.
The teachers are very welcoming and interested to know a lot about me and my decision to come to Korea. My experience as a teacher provides an advantage to understanding the school, students, staff and curriculum and because they know my background, they threw me right into the thick of things. I was teaching on day 1. I'm working with 3-6 grades and I see each of my classes once a week. They call me "Delia Teacher"...lol. I love it. Whenever I say something in Korean, they giggle. We're in the 2nd semester of the school year so in March, the students will matriculate to the next grade level. I didn't think I'd like working with the older kids, but I'm enjoying it. My co-teachers are amazing!! They're patient, understanding and challenge me to get right to work and be creative, which, if you know me, I love. The curriculum is pretty much mapped out but I have the freedom to spice it up!
Well, that's all I can get in for now. Check back soon for more updates, pictures and an exclusive on being in the midst of a TYPHOON!!!
Until next time...
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
At the airport!!
A few hours from now I'll be leaving the US!!!
Update!!!
I'm on the plane. It's hot as crap and there's no space!!! Note to self: save up to spring for business class next time. Sheesh!!
This'll be my last post from the good 'ole US of A.
Passport: check
Luggage: check
Courage: check
Tears: absolutely
God: never leave home without Him
So long!!
Until next time...
떠날 시간
Update!!!
I'm on the plane. It's hot as crap and there's no space!!! Note to self: save up to spring for business class next time. Sheesh!!
This'll be my last post from the good 'ole US of A.
Passport: check
Luggage: check
Courage: check
Tears: absolutely
God: never leave home without Him
So long!!
Until next time...
떠날 시간
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Manifesting In My Dreams...
For those of you who know me well, you know that I have always had very vivid, imaginative dreams. They're like mini-realities floating around in my brain that manifest when I'm sleeping and because I'm a restless sleeper, I tend to have more than one per night. Last night, I had 2 (that I can remember vividly). I'm always being told that I should write them down and am starting to do so today. Just thought I'd share with you cause guess what, they were about me leaving...
Each dream is different but the overarching theme was saying goodbye. Not forever, just for now. In the first dream, I was a teacher, leaving behind my colleagues and students. It was tremendously difficult and bittersweet. Sound familiar? The difference this time was that I get a chance to say goodbye to my students. Something, I was not able to in "real life". It made the decision to leave much harder. On my way out of the school (which looked was a Victorian-style castle) one of the students grabbed my hand and pulled me down towards him, looked in my eyes and gave me a hug. I can't remember what if anything he said. All I remember is the overwhelming love that came from this student and the confirmation that in order to give anyone my best, I would need to be my best.
Second dream: I'm a student...see how this works...lol. In high school, practicing for a performance. Sidebar: it's crazy how close to my life these dreams were last night. Some are more outrageous. Last night was closer to reality.
Anywho, we're practicing and towards the end of practice our teacher announces that I may not be returning to school because I've been offered a chance to perform elsewhere (can't remember where). He also announces that we (show choir) has been asked to participate in a national competition but of course finding the money to send all of us is an issue. I suggest fundraising because somehow in my dream, I know that I'm dreaming and remember that in my "real life" my show choir did fundraising for a competitions. I'm telling you my dreams are TRIPY!! Immediately the response is "you won't be here", "how are you gonna help fundraise", etc... My response was, yes, I'm leaving, but I'm not leaving forever. I will be back and continue the rest of the school year so will be able to fundraise and participate in the competition. On our way out a close friend told me that it sucked I was leaving but was really glad that I was getting the chance to live out my dreams. There was some laughing, maybe a tear or 2. That's when I woke up.
I don't know how to decipher dreams. But, if I had to guess, my nervousness, fear, and stress from this move I'm making is being manifest in my dreams. I've always said that I don't feel stressed, I'm nervous but in a good way. I'm not scared. And I honestly didn't think I was, until last night. What's great about it though is that while those feelings are there, they aren't going to stop me. I'm still going. Subconscious nervousness and all. I'm ready for the challenge, the unknown, the differences, everything. Let my subconscious manifest the fear. I'll focus on God, He'll handle the rest. BOOM!
2 more days and counting. I wonder what my dreams will be like tonight!!!
Oh and if you're on Facebook, today is my brother Malcolm's birthday. Send him some love!!
Until next time...
신생아 아기, 호랑이도 무서워하지 않는다는
Each dream is different but the overarching theme was saying goodbye. Not forever, just for now. In the first dream, I was a teacher, leaving behind my colleagues and students. It was tremendously difficult and bittersweet. Sound familiar? The difference this time was that I get a chance to say goodbye to my students. Something, I was not able to in "real life". It made the decision to leave much harder. On my way out of the school (which looked was a Victorian-style castle) one of the students grabbed my hand and pulled me down towards him, looked in my eyes and gave me a hug. I can't remember what if anything he said. All I remember is the overwhelming love that came from this student and the confirmation that in order to give anyone my best, I would need to be my best.
Second dream: I'm a student...see how this works...lol. In high school, practicing for a performance. Sidebar: it's crazy how close to my life these dreams were last night. Some are more outrageous. Last night was closer to reality.
Anywho, we're practicing and towards the end of practice our teacher announces that I may not be returning to school because I've been offered a chance to perform elsewhere (can't remember where). He also announces that we (show choir) has been asked to participate in a national competition but of course finding the money to send all of us is an issue. I suggest fundraising because somehow in my dream, I know that I'm dreaming and remember that in my "real life" my show choir did fundraising for a competitions. I'm telling you my dreams are TRIPY!! Immediately the response is "you won't be here", "how are you gonna help fundraise", etc... My response was, yes, I'm leaving, but I'm not leaving forever. I will be back and continue the rest of the school year so will be able to fundraise and participate in the competition. On our way out a close friend told me that it sucked I was leaving but was really glad that I was getting the chance to live out my dreams. There was some laughing, maybe a tear or 2. That's when I woke up.
I don't know how to decipher dreams. But, if I had to guess, my nervousness, fear, and stress from this move I'm making is being manifest in my dreams. I've always said that I don't feel stressed, I'm nervous but in a good way. I'm not scared. And I honestly didn't think I was, until last night. What's great about it though is that while those feelings are there, they aren't going to stop me. I'm still going. Subconscious nervousness and all. I'm ready for the challenge, the unknown, the differences, everything. Let my subconscious manifest the fear. I'll focus on God, He'll handle the rest. BOOM!
2 more days and counting. I wonder what my dreams will be like tonight!!!
Oh and if you're on Facebook, today is my brother Malcolm's birthday. Send him some love!!
Until next time...
신생아 아기, 호랑이도 무서워하지 않는다는
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The Countdown Begins...
Well folks, this is it. In 10 days, I continue my journey to South Korea. Yes, yes, I said continue. This has been a long time coming and I'm so excited!! Lemmie provide some background for those who's initial response was "huh, what, when did this happen?"...lol.
I've always wanted to travel. I believe it's in my blood and starting now am creating a life where I can work, live and travel anywhere I desire. After graduating high school, I'd hoped to take a year off and travel around Europe. Sadly, I wasn't able to. Now, many years later, the desire is as strong if not stronger than ever, and this time...I'm not going to let anything get in the way.
I've been praying about this for quite some time and God has been opening doors I never thought possible. He's been guiding me every step of the way. While I'm about to travel halfway around the world to all new EVERYTHING, I'm at peace because I know I'm supposed to do this and more importantly, God's with me wherever I go. I'll explain more of the process at a later date...you'll have to stay tuned ;)
So, details right?? As mentioned, I leave in 10 days, August 24, 2012. I'll be away for the next year and hope to travel to several different countries and cities in Asia while I'm there. I'll have a small apartment and no car (oh I'm gonna miss my baby). I'll be teaching English to children in an elementary public school in Seoul, South Korea. Love the little ones, not too fond of the older ones...lol. I'm excited to learn Korean, try new foods, and navigate my way around a new city.
It's hard to put into words all that I'm feeling and experiencing but I'm making a commitment to keep this blog going. This will be my "lifeline" home to and with all of you. I'm asking you to please read, comment and during those times when I'm so homesick it hurts, encourage. Don't let me give up. Don't let me stop writing.
As you may notice, on the left side of my blog is a Bucket List. What's that for? Well, I'm glad you asked. I want to make sure I take full advantage of this next year and I want to share this experience with you. Do some research, check some things out. If you find something awesome you think I should do, see, experience, taste...lol...post it to the Bucket List. I'll make sure to do as much as I can (within reason ppl) and send you back photos and of course, a story.
Please also note that this blog may not always be presented in proper English. Rest assured, English is my first language, and I'm an excellent teacher but this is a blog. I'm able to write for many different forums...wink, wink.
Until next time...
사랑하는 마음으로
I've always wanted to travel. I believe it's in my blood and starting now am creating a life where I can work, live and travel anywhere I desire. After graduating high school, I'd hoped to take a year off and travel around Europe. Sadly, I wasn't able to. Now, many years later, the desire is as strong if not stronger than ever, and this time...I'm not going to let anything get in the way.
I've been praying about this for quite some time and God has been opening doors I never thought possible. He's been guiding me every step of the way. While I'm about to travel halfway around the world to all new EVERYTHING, I'm at peace because I know I'm supposed to do this and more importantly, God's with me wherever I go. I'll explain more of the process at a later date...you'll have to stay tuned ;)
So, details right?? As mentioned, I leave in 10 days, August 24, 2012. I'll be away for the next year and hope to travel to several different countries and cities in Asia while I'm there. I'll have a small apartment and no car (oh I'm gonna miss my baby). I'll be teaching English to children in an elementary public school in Seoul, South Korea. Love the little ones, not too fond of the older ones...lol. I'm excited to learn Korean, try new foods, and navigate my way around a new city.
It's hard to put into words all that I'm feeling and experiencing but I'm making a commitment to keep this blog going. This will be my "lifeline" home to and with all of you. I'm asking you to please read, comment and during those times when I'm so homesick it hurts, encourage. Don't let me give up. Don't let me stop writing.
As you may notice, on the left side of my blog is a Bucket List. What's that for? Well, I'm glad you asked. I want to make sure I take full advantage of this next year and I want to share this experience with you. Do some research, check some things out. If you find something awesome you think I should do, see, experience, taste...lol...post it to the Bucket List. I'll make sure to do as much as I can (within reason ppl) and send you back photos and of course, a story.
Please also note that this blog may not always be presented in proper English. Rest assured, English is my first language, and I'm an excellent teacher but this is a blog. I'm able to write for many different forums...wink, wink.
Until next time...
사랑하는 마음으로
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