Bali Bali

I walk up the stairs and hear- "Ms. Amazing, Ms. Amazing!" I blow kisses to the crowd of children as if I am star and they are my fans. I have changed my name several times since I started teaching. One month, I wrote a different name each day on the board which varied from Ms. Beautiful to Ms. Sunflower to Ms. Pretty Pink Petal. Ms. Amzing seem to stick, however it is the kids that are truly amazing - they are the future of Kimchi Land. Korea focuses strictly on education, education, education. Korean school, English school, Chinese lessons, ballet class, piano lesson, violin lesson, art class, Bible study and Taekwondo. I had my kids do a timeline on "A usual day" - Hands Down...these kids work harder than any American child.... and most adults. Over 90% of my kids didn't go to bed until 1am. Keep in mind these kids are 7 years old!! One kid didnt go to bed until 3am on some nights. These kids aren't staying up late watching TV, they are doing Homework!! At times, I have felt sorry for them but then I quickly remind myself that this is the Korean way, this is their culture, this is what they value, this is their future. An average household Korean family has 1.4 children. The average family spends over 1/3 of their income on their child's education. Not only are the Korean children growing up in a fast pace society but the adults are like energizer bunnies. Work hard, play even harder, sleep when you die. Work 12+ hour days and then go out and eat, drink and drink some more. Resturants, clubs, bars, singing rooms, jimjilbongs, and PC bongs are all open 24 hours a day. Koreans call this "bali bali" meaning "quickly quickly". My life here has also become bali bali. I hold a lot of respect for the Koreans and for the people that have built this cutlure after being taken over several times by the surrounding countries. Korea doesn't have natural resources that help them to compete in the global economy, so instead they rise above with education. For this, I smile when looking into the eyes of my students and blow kisses with love.

Honey Nut Cheerios

Fresh out of the bed. Still have sleepy eyes. Sippin' on come coffee and eating a bowl of Honey Nut Cherrios. You may be wondering, 'Can you really buy them in Korea?'- The answer is 'No.' but I have friend in the Military that can hook me up with all the must-haves of America.

-- So as I crunch on them, I get flashbacks of my old house in Kasson, sitting on my kitchen counter watching Inspector Gadget before my mom calls "THE BUS IS HERE!" and Shelby and I start rushing out the door as Mom stamps her kiss on us. - - - Is this homesickness? Can the taste of my childhood past make me miss America? I ofcourse miss my family and friends but if I had to list what else i miss, the list would be short.. and it would be as simple as Honey Nut Cheerios.

Asking the question...

Today is a day of reflection for me... I came to Seoul to answer the ultimate question, "What is my purpose in life?". The question has been asked and now I just need to keep the noise quite so that I am able to hear the answer. I don't feel like I have had my epiphany yet but my heart tells me I'm on the right track. I sense my time here in Korea is coming to an end, with 6 months left in my contract, I feel it's time for a new adventure and a new country. I'm not sure where this new place will be or what it will entail but it will come in do time- this I am confident of. I call my mother to ask for advice - "What should I do after Korea?" "Where should I go?" and her answer is the same as it has been since I was a little girl, "Follow your heart!" Frustrated at times, I think to myself- what kind of advice is that? what does that mean? And then on days like today, its dawns on me. Go back to the basics- reflect on my God given talents, keep my feet grounded, and my mind open. The question has been asked, and now I shall await the answer.