I definitely picked the right job! Teachers get their own special day here in Korea - May 15. We teachers were treated to gourmet cakes, fruit baskets, and other tasty delicacies. In addition, I got a lovely basket of flowers from one student, and a long-stemmed red rose from another. One little boy gave me a really neat key chain. I got cards from all of my older kindergartners. In short, I felt quite appreciated today.
I have to write about a conversation one of my friends recently had back in the USA. He was telling someone that he has a friend who is teaching in Korea, and she asked him if his friend found it hard living with no electricity! What's horrible is that that comment isn't unique! I heard dozens and dozens of similar ones before I left the US. I still can't get over how many people thought I was moving to a third world country. Or how many people asked if I was going to North or South Korea. Or how many people thought I wouldn't have access to the Internet for a year. I'm not sure whether it's prejudice against Asians, lack of education, or a scary combination of both. Either way, it's really sad.
On an unrelated note, I realized today that in just over a week, I will have been here for three months and my contract will be 1/4 of the way over. I confess, the thought saddened me. As excited and eager as I am about the opportunity to move on to the next country (although the process of getting my next visa is a headache I'm trying not to contemplate), I am going to have a very hard time when I get to my last day in Korea. This is truly one of the most beautiful, special places I have ever been. And as for the kids...all I can say is, they're the reason I wake up each morning smiling. I love 'em, even the monsters.
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