Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Embassy = Migraine

My plans suffered a traumatic blow again today. Dad and I had the train tickets purchased and were all set to go to Chicago tomorrow for my fifteen minute interview at the Korean embassy. Thwack! Those plans got shot out of the ballpark!

The lady at the embassy informed me that there are no interview times available until Friday the 15th and the paperwork will take two days to process. I will not be allowed to set foot on the plane until that paperwork is complete. So, guess who isn't leaving on the 16th, even though her ticket has already been purchased!

The more I pleaded and begged, the more obstinate the woman became. There is NOTHING that the chicago office is willing to do to help. It's ridiculous, but there's nothing I can do about it. That's the frustrating part. I keep doing everything right, and other people keep messing me up. It is really hard not to get depressed, furious, or both.

I e-mailed Marilyn and Cate (the director of my school) immediately, and heard back from both of them in a matter of hours (both women are excedingly nice and very prompt at responding--I really appreciate that). Cate is now going to move my ticket up another week, having me leave on the 23rd. I hate the idea of having to wait an extra week, and even more I hate having to further inconvenience my poor director, but this is apparently my only option. I am going to work so hard being the best teacher possible to make all this up to Cate!

Tips to anyone considering employment in Korea: Be prepared for your plans to frequently shift around, and learn the language of diplomacy. Also, be like me and pick a school with a REALLY sweet, understanding director. I also strongly recommend World English Service. Marilyn Innes is one of the nicest, most helpful people I have ever come across.

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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"