I'm sitting here on the patio of my officetel apartment, and I'm enjoying the remainder of this beautiful spring that we’ve had so far. And while my family back home has had the joy of experiencing snow when their should be plants blooming, here in Korea, spring has been the type of spring that you see on postcards and the like; not too hot, not too cool; just perfect. The cherry blossoms were in bloom for a nice long time, and it seemed just perfect; almost as if time stood still for a while. As I sit here (I've made it somewhat of a habit – I come home from work, make myself a tea, sit on my patio, and when I look out in front of me, it doesn’t seem like I'm in the middle of a major city with 13million plus people, and I read), I've been contemplating.
It didn’t last long, trust me. However, having just had a birthday, it got me thinking…as in those “what in blazes am I doing with my life” types of thoughts. This is my third birthday in Korea, and when I let that sink in, it got me thinking why I came to Korea in the first place.
Like most foreigners, I came to Korea planning on pulling a “One and done” type deal; pay off my student loans, not get attached, and enjoy the ride – that was my mantra. However, like many of those before me (and after, I'm sure) I got attached to the country, and decided to stay longer. I'm now working on my two plus years in this country, and while it really feels like home, I'm reminded of reason why many teachers feel guilty teaching here in Korea; we know that no matter what we would like to think, except for the small minority who marry Korean citizens, this job is not permanent – as in, the longer you stay, the more you're avoiding the obvious; that being, eventually you have to come home. I've been incredibly blessed wherever I've been to in Korea. Not only has God provided for me with friends and co-workers who have treated me so well, but I've also been able to explore and travel through other countries that I wouldn't have previously dreamt about while attending my old high school…(may it rest in peace). Never mind the traveling part, but being the worst English student in all of my high school English classes didn’t exactly make me think that I would be doing what I’m doing now (I'm ashamed to admit that I was the un-proud recipient of a 67% in grade nine and something worse in grade ten English). However, teaching English, and not wanting to be embarrassed by your students has a way of expediting your memory and understanding.
The other thing that that nanosecond of contemplating made me realize was how easy it is to fall in love with teaching here. Reading some of the other blogs from fellow teachers and residents of this country, you can see a trend – that is, students for the most part falling in love with their teacher. These children here have such a love for attention, that it’s the perfect union of teacher-student relationship. The students crave the attention that teachers can provide, and the teachers crave the attention of knowing that people from a different culture accept them. Take it from a teacher who had students calling him “Daddy” when I taught at my prior institute – these children crave attention – male or female, they love it, and respond in great measures when you show it.
Well, enough of the reminiscing. My tea has run out, and I'm going to get to reading my book before the sunlight runs out outside. If you're ever bored, check out some of the other blogs on Korea – they’re a much better read than mine, and they include pictures too….I won't lie, I'm generally too lazy to do all that work; all the more power to them. If one can't travel, its best to do it vicariously; much cheaper.
Take care all, and God bless,
me