Friday, December 7, 2007

First Post!

Hello Everyone!
This being my first post, I thought I'd start by explaining where, when, and why I'm going.

I am moving from Kalamazoo, MI to Gyeong-ju, South Korea in February of 2008. I have been hired to teach English at the World English Institute there, which is a hagwon (a private school specializing in one subject). I will be living in Korea for one year, during which time I plan to travel around the area as much as possible. My purpose in setting up this blog is twofold: to help friends and family keep up with my adventures, as well as to allow others to learn more about Korea (especially if they are thinking of going there).

Next, allow me to answer the inevitable question, "Why on earth am I going to South Korea?". I actually have more than one reason:
1. It has been a childhood dream of mine to live overseas.
2. I have been fascinated by Asia ever since taking East Asian History with Dr. Saxon when I was in college at Liberty University.
3. The pay is good and I get a free furnished apartment and health insurance.
4. Korea is a gorgeous country with a rich culture that I would like to experience firsthand.
5. Life was getting too boring for me.
6. The job market is Michigan is three levels below lousy.
7. I am an independant single woman and I want to make the most of it.
8. It's easier than moving to Europe.

So keep tuning in for the next exciting installments in the life of a Michigander headed for Korea!

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"Passage—immediate passage! the blood burns in my veins! Away, O soul! hoist instantly the anchor!
Cut the hawsers—haul out—shake out every sail!
Have we not stood here like trees in the ground long enough?
Have we not grovell’d here long enough, eating and drinking like mere brutes?
Have we not darken’d and dazed ourselves with books long enough?

Sail forth! steer for the deep waters only!
Reckless, O soul, exploring, I with thee, and thou with me;
For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared to go, And we will risk the ship, ourselves and all.

O my brave soul!
O farther, farther sail!
O daring joy, but safe! Are they not all the seas of God?
O farther, farther, farther sail!"

~Walt Whitman, "Passage to India"