wanderlust: New chapter in Korea!

Getting into the swing of things here has been much smoother than I anticipated. Perhaps it is the sense of familiarity with the Korean way combined with the awesome orientation I received upon arrival that has given me a strong sense of comfort with life. In the whirlwind that has been the last few weeks, I feel a strong sense of support from other waygooks (foreigners) and those back home as well as a sense of peace that I can only attribute to trusting that this is where God has led me.

Like I mentioned, orientation was extremely helpful in engaging my mind to think like a teacher (because that's what I am now!). I did not find out anything about the school I would be teaching at until the very last day of orientation, a Thursday. As you can imagine, I was filled with anxiety and curiosity of what life was going to be like beginning the very next day. We packed up, loaded onto two Coach buses and left Daejon, the city that orientation was held in. We drove 3 hours to Busan and were unceremoniously dropped off at a school, where we were to be picked up individually by our co-teachers and taken to our new home. This experience was similar to those days in elementary school when you always fretted about being picked last in gym class. I am happy to report that my co-teacher, Su Yeon, showed up on time and didn't leave me hanging!

Su Yeon took me to my new apartment that is in a cramped area on the outskirts of the city. Although it takes quite a bit of time to go visit other friends (1 hr, 1.5 hrs, etc.), I am discovering that there are some good things about my neighborhood. At first it seemed to be kind of grungy with lots of stray cats (awe...) and composed of buildings squashed on top of each other. It is still all of those things, but there seems to be a strong sense of community among the foreigners in this area (although I have yet to see one on the street). There are a bunch of Korean restaurants around, a Home Plus (like a Target), a grocery store, coffee shop/bakeries, a specialty beer place, a singing room (karaoke!), and the beach (which I hear is only 10 mins away). I look forward to exploring that last one when it gets warmer! There's a woman, who is about my age, living in the same building who has taught here for the last year. She's been an excellent resource and is quite friendly.

The main problem living here is that when I look at the map, I still don't know where I live! Whenever I go out (the people always shout!), I hold tight to the address my co-teacher wrote down to give to the taxi driver just in case I get lost! :)

My first week of school began last Monday. I am so thankful for the day of "cancelled" classes that was announced a half hour into the work day. This allowed me to mentally prepare for the classes that would begin on Tuesday since I was so not ready for what I got myself into. I felt more confident once I received more information from my co-teacher and saw how things work at school. I have 21 classes a week with all levels of English-speakers. This middle school has lower levels of English which has proved a little difficult. All you teachers out there, let me know if you have any good ways to challenge all my students!

The last few days have been pretty good with a few doses of confusion, anxiety or embarrassment. Some of the girls seem fascinated with my eyes, as blue is not a common color around here. (Teacher, teacher! Blue!! Wooow!) The students love the pictures of my family and of Austin, so my intro class has been going well! My kids always ask me how old I am and I even got "what is your blood type?" (This is a common question, as it coincides with Korean "horoscopes" like being a Leo.)

My co-teachers (so far) have been helpful and kind. I made it to a bank a few days ago, so I finally have money and can decorate my apartment a little. The ping-pong teacher seems to have a fascination with becoming friends and practicing his English. It's fun to have co-workers who aren't afraid to speak with me because it can get lonely not understanding anything that is going on around me.

Over the weekend was crazy busy! Since I live so far away from things, I crashed on my Irish friend, Clare's, floor. Sleeping on the floor is actually awesome because Korean buildings are heated through the floor. It was the warmest place in the apartment!! We went out to a EPIK teacher gathering at a language bar (where foreigners and Koreans are welcomed to mingle), went to a volunteer dinner and then to a cat cafe! Yes, a cat cafe. It's exactly what it sounds like! There are a bunch of cats and you go have a drink and feed them if you like. What a concept! I also found a cute and trendy used English book store that may be one of my new favorite spots! Too bad it takes an hour to get there...

More to come later!