A Day to Remember Part 2

So, as I was saying...the morning was crazy but doable....So, after I finish with this school at 1:50 p.m., I am due to be at my next school's after-school program by 2:10...did I mention I work in the countryside of the city? There are no direct buses & no frequent taxis in sight. So, I call the taxi driver that gave me his card. Someone answers but hangs up in my face. I know my Korean sucks...but dang! LOL.

I call another taxi number, and the lady kept hanging up on me. I keep right on calling back until she decided to dumb down the conversation for me and listen. We ended up on the same page, and a taxi came shortly after that. Much to my dismay, I arrived to the after-school program 10 mins late on my first day!! <insert sad face here>

The administrators were very understanding, and shuffled me right in to work. The kids seemed to enjoy watching my short PowerPoint presentation introducing myself. They were just tickled pink to see pictures of my family and what not.

Phew! The clock struck 4:40 p.m. and my day was complete. 8 classes in one day! I'm tired, but feeling accomplished. I'm actually doing something that matters, and the kids aren't all burnt out by the time they get to me. Now, to find a way home!!! I was so ready to go, I packed my bags and walked my happy feet down the winding dirt road to the main street. Confused on the bus to get back home, I flagged a taxi, and luckily met some co-workers at the E-Mart up the street. We shared a taxi home. All I kept thinking to myself is...I have to do this ALL over again tomorrow.

SN: Tomorrow (Tuesday) came and went without much of a stitch. I got out early and caught the bus to my first school (avoided the entire taxi drama) and arrived early. I had caught sight of the bus number that ran past my school the previous day (Monday), and just set out for a morning adventure. It was pretty straight forward. It happened to be upper elementary and middle school testing day, so I had absolutely NO classes! That was grrrrreeeeeat! I had the entire day to plan really cool lessons for my after-school kids.

Back to our regularly scheduled program: I am enjoying myself so far. It's too early for an opinion, but in the here and now, I like it! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I don't work past 2, so I have time to plan, plan, plan, and plan! AND to top it all off, my after-school program does count as overtime!! Woo-hooo! "Mo money, Mo money!" This goes along just great for my savings plan while in Korea. Look at God...in my Kesha and Layla voice "MIGHTY GOD!" Yeah, I'm not perfect, but I know from whom my blessings flow!

One thing I can say with certainty is this: I couldn't leap over hurdles in high school track, but in life's hurdles, it seems my jumps are getting stronger, higher, and more coordinated with every try. And with Grace & Mercy on my sides, I am invincible!

Until next time, try Gimchi (Kimchi) cooked; you might just enjoy it!!

A Day to Remember....SMH

So, today was my first day at the new schools. And what a day it was!! I think I handled it beautifully, but it was a rush rush, no time to breathe kind of day.

It started early, for one. LOL. And those of you who know me, know I'm not a morning person. Setting that aside, I put on my game face, and was ready by 7:45 am! 3 friends and I caught a taxi to the Sinchang Station to take the 8:02 subway to Onyang-Oncheon. We arrived at roughly 8:08, and went our separate ways.

I-thinking my Korean was pretty good-told the driver to go to Onyang  초등학교 /chodeunghaggyo/ which is how I was taught by my Korean co-teachers to say elementary school. So, we go around the block from where I used to live, and he tries to drop me off. So, I'm like, no ajeossi, Onyang blah blah blah...he's like, OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH, and starts driving again. He then arrives to Onyang-Oncheon Primary School...which is obviously not my school either. But he tells me to get out. The only good thing is that he was nice enough not to charge me the full fee because he took me to the wrong place (most taxi drivers don't care). 


I call my co-teacher and have her talk to him before he stops. Apparently that didn't help, because he still dropped me off at the wrong school!! Anyway, so I call her back, and let her know what's going on. I catch another taxi and he takes me to the right place. He obviously sees the frustration on my face, because he begins to explain that I must say /kunyang/ before the school so that they know which school to go to! Thank Goodness!! Now, I know! LOL. Since I got out pretty early, I was still on time for classes...although a little flustered.


That was just the beginning of my day...stay tuned for Part II of a day to remember. I'm tired, and must be up at the crack of dawn again tomorrow...7-8 hours should keep the grouch away; I do not want her rearing her ugly head so soon!! LOL.


Until next time...breathe...things will get easier!

The time has come...

So, it's finally that time! I am out with the old and in with the new! My current contract ends on tomorrow at 6:50 p.m. I'm cancelling it early at 6 months, if you haven't heard. Seems as if everything is going smoothly...except for the fact that a mysterious problem with the bank occurred on my last payday (this past Friday), and we are not getting paid until Monday...but whatever...I know what to do if any stunts are pulled. Nothing they can do to bring me down at this point!! Plus, I have my "friends" on speed dial if/when I need them!

S/N: Be praying for a solution to a major dilemma of my coworker's...the things going on 'just ain't right!' While I'm rejoicing, this person is still struggling for freedom from bondage.

I've already completely finished moving from my old apartment with some help from my special friend...yeah, that's right, I have a guy friend! I am in a relationship after a long while of "singledom" and it feels nice. Funny, how time and experience changes how you view things. I'm much more prone now to being content with the simple things, like: the way he makes me laugh when I'm angry (for no good reason); his lightheartedness; his energy, and compassion. Anywho, that's a side note...this post isn't about him! LOL.

Getting back to the subject at hand-I am pretty much free and clear of the past situation after this last day of working. I'll miss my children immensely, but even their smiles won't keep me in a somewhat depressing situation. I think I may be teaching at an elementary school that many of them attend, and I know for a fact I'll be in the same area...so I'm sure I'll see them around. So many of them gave me their cell phone numbers when I told them I'm leaving this past Friday. Sigh...if only I could take them with me...even the one who lost his mind and hit me! He has regained his sense after being "dealt with" by teacher. LOL.

So, pictures of the new place are coming soon...I expect to have new stories to share with you; of work, and vacation time! Soooo very excited about the 9 weeks of paid vacation included in my contract. I expect to get a visit home soon. Next week, here I come, with bells and whistles on!!

Those who know a word of prayer, pray my strength in the Lord! (Full Gospel Baptist Church..haha).

It's the final stretch!!

So, I have less than 30 days before transferring to another school and starting a new contract. The "itis" has set in. For you that don't know what the itis is, it's kinda like "Senioritis," when it's your last year in high school or college, and you just get tired of the same ole same ole. You get tired of going to classes, you get tired of studying...you're just ready for it all to be over!

So, that's how I'm feeling now. I am going through the motions, and of course, I'm still teaching with the same enthusiasm (because I love the kids), but seeing the hagwon building just does something to my mood. LOL. I feel like I'm walking into a twilight zone when I'm there.

I literally speak, go into my classroom, put in my earphones, and prepare for my classes. When I'm done with that, I knit and think. SN: I love that I've learned how to knit, it is really soothing and allows me to think and create masterpieces (haha) with my hands! What do I think about? Just life as I know it, and about the life I wish to have. I do not "not" like Korea. I actually like it, when I am not forced to like Corean customs. Let me make myself clearer...

I like when I teach, with my own style, and the kids are responsive and learn. I do not like being forced to adhere to a very strict and boring curriculum. So, this semester, I've learned how to integrate fun, games, and my learning style, into the "strict boring curriculum," to make it less boring. Leaves little wiggle room, but I had to make it work for my sanity!

Also, I like conversing with Koreans. I do not like being made to feel as if I "have" to have a Korean friend, or I'm not really having a S. Korean experience. There are way to many social differences between westerners and the easterners I've met. If I met a Korean friend that wasn't just my friend when there are activities to do, I might feel differently. But, so far, it's mostly like; hey Delijah, wanna go out; or wanna go to dinner? Let's talk like we're friends! But when nothing is going on, I don't hear from them. And to be fair, they don't hear from me either.

In another respect, I have a Korean acquaintance that snubbed my calls for a month. Then, when I saw her, she was all like, "Delijah! I've missed you. I'm going to America in a month! We should do lunch!!" So, naturally, I'm like, ok. I wanted to share something with her, so I said...I'll email you. A day later I get a text message saying "I'm still waiting on your email." LOL. Um, I almost felt like when a guy you don't like starts reminding you to call him. LOL. I figure she just wants to practice her English with me at dinner anyway.  Sometimes, that's ok, but if I can't practice my Korean, then it's a one way street...Oh, that's the Korean way, I forget.

There was an incident at work today that just reminded me that if you're not useful to S. Korea in some way or another, you will definitely not be here; and even if you are useful in someway here, you still get treated like crap, just the solid crap, not the runny crap! LOL.

Do I sound bitter? I prefer to call it realistic. If it quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it's usually a duck. Anyway, I'm still holding on to my more positive experiences here in Korea, and looking forward to making more memories that I will smile about!

Going to Daegu this weekend for the first time; should be interesting. Then, I'm heading to a DMZ tour on next weekend. Ahhhhh, Lunar New Year is next week! 3 work days to go and I have 5 days off!! ASAAAA!!

Until next time, eat, pray and love! :-)

Hmmmm, Need to think this through...

All I can say is....Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone who've been following my blog, offering words of advice and encouragement, and praying for me!

I now have less than 60 days at my current school, and I'm seriously debating on whether to stay in March, or go home. 

I know I seem wishy washy, but that's just me considering every angle! 

I woke up this morning and groaned! Yep, groaned! Yes, I just had a week off for vacation, so that has some to do with it, but a question just kept going through my mind...Can you do this for another year and 2 months? Do you really wanna be doing this??

So, I need to find a quiet place and answer the question. I've been around a bunch of people (all the time) lately, and while that has brought me the happiness I wanted, now, I need to find peace in my own decisions, and that isn't derived from a bunch of people. Just me, myself, and I (and God) need to talk; converse; have a round table. <chuckle>

So, I'll be away from the net for a couple of weeks. I'll give myself however long it takes, but a change has gotta come if I'm gonna stay here!

I'll update you soon! Until next time, Love be thy roses!

So, I think I'm staying!

Well, well, well...January 1st, and I'll have approximately 58 days until I leave my current hagwon. I have been going back and forth about whether to stay or go...meaning, stay and look for another position, or go back to the States.

I've had so many thoughts about my life and the goals I have. Living and working in S. Korea played a vital role in reaching these goals, on paper. On the other hand, I simply could not see myself in this current situation for a whole year.

So, with that being said, I've thought long and hard about staying. I definitely have some criterion that have to be met for me to consider staying here longer. 1) A public school position 2) My own apartment is a must 3) I want to be living closer to my sister.

Let me break it down for you:

1) A public school position, although not without its challenges, is a far better deal than a hagwon. Here's why. The main goal of a hagwon is to make money. Even if the kids drive you up the wall day in and out, much won't be done, because the hagwons don't wanna lose enrollment (that = $$). Also, you could be working up to 10:00 p.m. or later at a hagwon. These kids go to school all day! I actually got a decent deal being off at 7:00 p.m. My current hagwon job is 30 hours/week. However, if employed by a public school, you're guaranteed to be off no later than 5-most likely before then. Yes, you work from 9-4, but only 20-22 hours of that time is actual teaching time. The other hours are "office" hours. In addition, public schools usually have a co-teacher assigned to your classes. Meaning, a Korean-speaking teacher will be in the classroom with you. I've heard that sometimes this cuts down on behavioral problems and misunderstandings. Depends on your co-teacher. Oh, and did I mention the 2-2 1/2 months of vacation when working at a public school vs. the 2 week (gotta fight for it) vacation at a hagwon? Icing on the cake, right?

2) Soooo, I got pretty lucky with my first roomie situation. I was roomed with someone who I instantly hit it off with. There wasn't much effort to it. Well, I've got a new roomie, and it's going pretty well, but it has taken way more effort. AND, what is a 28 year old woman doing having a roommate?!! You tell me. I have been pretty used to my own space since sophomore year of college, and I hated digressing to having to share my space; which is the reason for my 2nd requirement.

3) Location, location, location! This isn't really a need, but a want. I want to be able to get to my sister's place, in less than 20 mins; just for convenience

Well, I've placed my resume with several recruiters. I've also had some awesome friends give me the heads up on positions that are opening up. So, about a month ago, my friend recommended me to the Office of Education that she works for. They do all the hiring for the public schools in the area. She had to keep reminding me to send her my resume. I finally did. Another friend gave me the email address of a lady to contact at the same office! I contacted her, and dropped some names (lol), and she emailed me back to schedule an interview for last Friday. I went to the interview, and although some things did not go as planned, I was able to make it to the interview on time, and thought it went pretty well.

So, I had my weekend fun, and got back to reality on Monday. I saw one of the before mentioned friends, and she asked me had I heard back from the hiring manager. I said no, and in my head was thinking "but I hope that I do." Well, I go inside my apartment to check my emails on lunch break. Lo and behold, there's an email from the hiring manager saying that she's pleased to offer me the job!! ~insert two-step here~LOL

I am sooooo very stoked! In a matter of weeks, with the help of God and wonderful people who've given me support, advice, and encouragement, my situation has turned around! I feel like dancing! Okay, so getting back to the requirements; It fits all the requirements, but does not meet the location want. However, I'm still very excited to possibly accept the position. I know a gang of the employees already, and I'll be generally in the same area as now, give or take a few miles. I'd have my own spot, and with the vacation, let's just say I'll be home for Christmas next year folks!

A huge weight was lifted once I gave my resignation notice...now I just feel like I'm on cloud 9! Thanks for all of your prayers from near and far. All the advice, all the late night phone calls, and grandma, if you're reading (which I know you are), your grand babies are just fine! :-) I know you've been praying for us.

I'll fill you in on the regular happenings on another day. Today just warranted a blog post. Until next time, "It is never too late to be what you might have been." --George Eliott

90 days left and counting....

Yep, you read right! I now have 90 days left at my current school. I haven't decided yet whether I will take another position elsewhere...a lot to consider. But let me fill you in on the recent events (as of today... especially for those keeping up with my journey).

I finally had a meeting with the owner of my hagwon. He is also a pastor. I asked him to explain to me about why money was missing from my salary.

Long story short, he was very belligerent. he said the money had been taken for pension....except, he didn't enroll me in pension. He went into detail about how he was very "appalled" that I had contacted the National Pension Scheme to inquire about pension. He stated that "no one has ever had pension at this school. And if I, the CEO, Boss, doesn't even have pension, why would you?" Wow....can you say, I learned that I have self control today!???

I calmly asked him just to see what he would say, "Well is that required, or is it an option?" He replied: "It's legally required, but right now, they're not enforcing it. That's why I was so surprised to see the letter about you wanting to be enrolled. We have never paid pension, and to do so now, would mean we have to rewrite your contract. I'd be very upset if we have to pay pension. We are not a school worried about profit, and right now, we're in a deficit. It would be such a burden to have to pay pension; It'd be more than we planned to pay...That's why we wanted to hire Christians, so that they would be mission-minded and not worry about the pay."

My mind said "Errr????" LMBO! Didn't know you wanted Christians so you could screw them over!??? Also, there was an insurance issue...actually the fact that they would not enroll me in the National Insurance, that we discussed. He adamantly stated that it was not "the company's" job to enroll me in insurance, but mine. "Err???" My mind went again. So, I explained to him how the NHIC said that it was, in fact, his legal responsibility to provide me with NHIC. Of course, he said...well, then that means we'd have to pay you pension as well, and we're not prepared to do that. We'd have to rewrite your contract. No other teacher has asked for insurance, they always have their home insurance to cover them. I reiterated the fact that I'm "not" other teachers. SMH.

WOWZERS! But anyway, in the next 15 mins, I had offered my letter of resignation, gotten it signed, and finished the meeting. I feel so much freer. I did things the right way, and I feel great about that decision.

So, it's either a GREAT public school position, or home for me...the future destination is unknown at this time, but I know wherever it is, it's gonna be AWESOME, cause I'll be there. :-)

Thanks for following my journey till now....hold on to your trousers, it's not over yet!!!!!