So the past weeks have been a little busy, from doing all those things you take for granted when you move into a place that has nothing, to just catching up with old friends, to just plain trying to catch up on things so simple as sleep.
Last weekend, I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in (K/G)wangju, which is located on the south-western end of Korea, opposite of (B/P)usan. I was invited by a now-good friend of mine who organized the whole trip; I just had to show up:) It was such a wonderful trip; one of my most memorable trips since I've been in Korea. Not only did I get to stay with a Korean family in their apartment, but I also got to be taken around with them, all over Gwangju and Boseong. They had the most adorable daughter, who, once warming to me, proudly went around telling everyone she knew "Have you seen the Canadian person? He's my best friend". There's nothing more cute than having a child lead you around, introducing you, in Korean, and bragging about you. I had such a wonderful time, and I was lucky to experience things with them, talk with them, and share in the experience. They were so gracious in taking me on a trip to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, and also to visit Boseong's famous Green tea farms.

It was good to get away from the congestion that is Seoul, and visit a part of Korea where things can be appreciated more, as opposed to always being in a rush. The members of my friends church were so polite and welcoming to me that I somewhat wished that I hadn't always decided on Seoul, and instead chosen a smaller city like Gwangju instead (pop.1.4 million). A definate blessing from God to be able to experience this part of Seoul!
Now, onto other things -
One of the nice changes that I've been able to experience now that I'm teaching at a public middle school has been an increase in the respect I've been shown as a teacher.
At my old institute, I was shown the utmost respect that was allotted for an institute teacher. For the most part, parents don't exactly put institute teachers on a pedestal. You don't need to major in English or have an education degree to teach at an institute, and it shows with a lot of the people who teach in each institute. The parents downplay the importance of specific teachers/institutes (they typically change English institutes if they feel they aren't being treated "right"). My kids knew me on a first-name basis, and if they noticed me out in public, they called my name, and treated me like their best friend. While this was nice, and showed they were comfortable around me, it was also disheartening, mainly because I've worked hard for my degree in education, and, well, everyone would like to be respected for what they do.
At my middle school however, while the students may talk behind my back, whenever they meet me, they show respect just like they do to the other teachers, which feels somewhat vindicating (I don't know why) The other day, after exercising at the local YMCA, I decided to gain back what I'd shed in the gym, and pick up a pizza at a local stall. Three students happened to find me waiting for my pizza, and, after being shocked that I was actually understanding the pizza-mans Korean, they couldn't stop bowing to me as they were saying goodbye as they were walking away (its expected of the students that, if they make eye contact with you, as a teacher, to politely bow their head to you - this never happens in most institutes as far as I know). It's kinda cool, and so far, its not getting old^^
Lastly, I just finished my day of travelling on Korean organized tour to visit two places in the southern provinces of Seoul. I'll post pictures of the trip earlier in the week. Until then,
God bless,