Monday, June 23, 2008

The Latest Updates

Sorry about the gap in entries again. I do try to write each day, but sometimes, it's just out of my hands. Here, for anyone who's interested, are the latest updates in my life abroad:

~I have caught yet another illness from the kids! Honestly, it's beginning to seem like I'm always getting sick over here! Luckily nothing that I have caught has been serious (although the bronchitis did make me want to hide under the bed and pray for death). Right now, I have something very odd that has given me a sore throat, a bad cough, and a REALLY upset tummy. One of my kids said to me today, "Teacher, are you okay? Your face look like dead human."

~The rabbit died. I'm sorry to say, I really wasn't all that upset. I know it sounds hard-hearted, but while rabbits are very cute, they are also quite stupid. Please no hate-mail from rabbit-lovers over that statement!

~I found a fantastic new church in Busan. It'll mean an hour bus trip there and back each Sunday, but it's really worth it. I also met some terrific new friends.

~I came within less than two inches of getting hit by a car today when somebody decided that the sidewalk I was riding on looked like a good place to drive. After my shaking stopped (about ten minutes later!), I discovered that I was fine.

~I found out where to get oatmeal and dill pickles here in Korea (Home Ever in Pohang). Haven't had a chance to get out there yet, but I'm hoping to on Sunday before I go to Busan.

~In over a month's time, I still haven't killed any of my plants!

~I agreed to help groom some students for a speech contest, which means paid overtime for me, as well as the chance to spend extra time with some of my favorite kids. Assa!

~I'm getting a dog tomorrow. Mom and Dad are going to think I'm nuts, but I've thought it through thoroughly. More details on that tomorrow. And yes, in answer to everyone's question, the dog will be going with me when/if I leave Korea. And yes, Mom, I am allowed to have one in my apartment.

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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"