I am safe in Corea ... Korea

Hello,

I wanted to let everyone know that I am safe. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you &help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10. He is protecting all of us. WE GUCCI!! (Slang for "We are good!") Keep us in your prayers... more to come soon! : )

Thanks for the love... : )

Q & A about My Life in Corea Korea

Hello everyone,

Thanks so much to the new subscribers via blogspot.com, youtube, and facebook. I appreciate your support so much. I have had more views on the last video in the first week than I ever expected. I am so happy because my youtube page is not popular. Please pass the URL or link around to your friends, family, co-workers and other people in your life that are interested in living abroad. Also, even if they are not interested in living or traveling abroad please pass this to them because they might know someone who is interested. This a great experience. Below is the link to questions that were submitted by some of you.

Thanks so much!! : )
Q & A about My Life in Corea Korea

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!!!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to this blog and to my youtube page. Please click the link below. SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE!!! Thank you!! http://www.youtube.com/user/skubi08?feature=mhum

How to Erase Corean classroom boards?

I just got a tutorial on how to erase the board. Really!? I thought we were teaching English. Get you some bizness!!

Answer: Make circles, instead of wiping down the board "straight"... please do this in every class, it makes the board clearer.

Me: *blank stare*

True Story (as my homeboi would say lol)

What do you want to know about Corea (Korea)?

Hello,

To all my subscribers! Thanks so much for the year you have followed my life in Corea. As I have mentioned I will be leaving April 11th. I have 146 days remaining as of today. This is your time to ask any question you want about my experience here in Corea and I will post a video response to your question. Feel free to ask anything you want, there is no limit.

Thanks again!! :)

Dating as a Foreigner in Corea (Korea)

Dating as a foreigner in Corea (Korea.) Please watch the video and share your thoughts. This video was made because my BFF and I did a question and answer poll, via facebook. This was one of the best questions. I have shared my answer, please share your thoughts. Shout out to Patrina "Trina" Adger for such a great question! I also apologize for the long waited. : )

Dating as A Foreigner in Corea

P.S - 148 days... and counting.

Food for thought...

As of today, I have exactly 179 days and counting!!! : ) So, for my next journey my hope is to follow God's well and not allow other's to confuse my path.

Food for thought:

Sometimes, we have to be like filters & sifters. Seperating necessary information from unnecessary info... NOT unwanted info. Sometimes, unwanted info is still vital & necessary. At times, people mean well by giving their directions & opinions, however, they're actually a distraction. In all areas, seek God & know where He is guiding you.

She's BACK!!!

Hello All!

I was in the USA for 2 weeks for my high school reunion! We had a blast, it was so nice to see some old faces. Also, was so glad that so many people were interested in my experience here. Of course, as usual I have to apologize for taking so long to update this blog. I have really been on the go. Starting with a pre-vacation to Busan Beach. Finally, Thursday, September 16th arrived and I was off to the USA... Dallas, TX. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends. Then, later in the week I went to Topeka, KS to visit my mom, sisters, nieces, nephews, and of course to attend my 10 year high school reunion! I have many pictures I will post and share with you. Overall, my time there was great. After, being there I was actually excited and ready to come back to the ROK/ROC (Rep of Korea/Corea.) I was surprised that I was ready to return. One thing I realized is that I think I was ready to return because I knew what was enstore for me next. The next phase in my life. I will reveal that later, so please stay tuned.

Pictures coming soon! :)

1st & 2nd graders singing Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes... Acappella!

Friday, was the last day of Summer English Camp for my 1st & 2nd graders. It was also the final concluding day for all Seotan & Naesoo Elementary Camps. I am so glad that the camps are finish. It is a lot of work, however, my school is great with the camp hours, so I am thankful for that.


In the conclusion, of the camp I had the 1st & 2nd grade students sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" Acappella, and oh they had to sing it by themselves. I did not sing with them. I wanted to see how well they knew the song. My kids did, soooo great! I can claim them as my students! They know the song well. Remember, most of these kids did not know English before taking English classes this year or last year. Most of them have never spoken to a native English teacher. This is great and very brave of them. They enjoy the song and were a riot to work with... stay tuned for more from Me @ Seotan Elementary School! :)


Please watch the video Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes... ACAPPELLA!!! :)

A Look at What Soju does to you...

You might ask... "What is Soju?" ... my response.... SOMETHING DANGEROUS!! Soju, is a liquor made in Korea, from what I have been told it is not regulated, therefore, since it is not regulated the consumption of Soju can effect you differently each time. For example, one day you maybe able to drink many glasses or shots of Soju and not get drunk, but the next day or a week later you might get drunk off of one glass. I do not mess with the stuff. I am not trying to be no where I am not supposed to, especially without my knowledge.

Well, JAN (Jessica and Nancy (My ROK BFF) (ROK BFF = Republic of Korea Best Friend Forever) discovered this man in the subway knocked out on Soju. Have fun with the video, and again. I don't make this stuff up I just report it. If you have a weak stomach DON'T WATCH THIS VIDEO! LOL!!!

Please click the link to view the video A look at what "On Soju" looks like

Seotan Summer Camp 2010 1st & 2nd grade

The first and second graders are learning about the parts of the body. Please watch them, this is their first day learning the song. For their first day and only learning the song in 30 minutes, I think they are doing a wonderful job!! They are a handful, but I am so proud of their ability to grasp the language quickly.



Please see the video Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes

ENJOY!!!

Color Mud Painting @Mudfest 2010

This was the best event I have attended, so far since I have been in Korea. We had a great time. If you did not see the Mudfest pictures, please see those pictures. Also, please see the video of me getting painted in color mud. It is just one of the various events, for more info about the Mudfest and the various activities see my blog post from August 1, 2010 with pictures.

Please watch the link My Color Mud Painting

Mudfest 2010

Checkout some of the pictures from our roll in the mud, which is held annually in July in Boryeong City at Daecheon Beach. This was the 13th annual event and my first event, of course. I had so much fun! You think who wants to roll around in mud, but they have several normal events in the mud. The events consist of a mud slide, mudball fight, mud wrestling, color mud painting and then a mud drop. Also, there are other events happening and different vendors selling items to foreigners and mostly Korean food is sold. There is also a lot of drinking if you are into that, but wasnt feeling that so opted out of drinking at this event. ;) I enjoyed myself and would go again if I was in Korea next July, but I won't be. :)

Contract in Korea

Hello Everyone,

Here is an update about me in Korea. Well, as you all know I have been here, since October 4th of 2009.  Well, I will actually not be returning home just yet... I will be staying an additional 6 months. I will now be leaving April 12, 2011.  I will also be coming home for my Topeka High School reunion, September 24th to 25th. I will start of my vacation in Dallas Sept 17th and conclude it in Topeka, KS September 27th.

Thanks for following my life in Korea! Please continue to read and watch with me! So, much more exciting things to come with the help of the Lord.

Stay tuned...

Arirang Korean Radio Station

During my week of vacation, last week, I decided to explore around Seoul during my time off during the week, since some of my friends were on vacation, but others were still working. It was a little difficult to make major travel plans. Well, on my way back to Nambu bus terminal, where I catch the express bus back home to Songtan, a lady stopped me and asked me if I speak English and wants to interview me because they are trying to promote Korea and she wanted to ask me about my stay here, and how I like Korea.  Of course, I couldn't turn the spotlight off... so I agreed to be interviewed.  It was my 5 minutes of fame, of course I said YES!!! Lol!


I was thinking she asked the wrong, but right person.  I was thinking I would take the might and hit the stage, maybe do a little number, sing a little something for the listeners! Hehe! Not really. 

Here are some of the questions she asked me.  

Why did I come to Korea?
How do I like Korea?
What do I do here for fun?
Do I like teaching? Is it easy to teach or difficult?
Where do I live (specifically, what city in Korea)?
My answer for this are always difficult. I always wanted to travel abroad and at the time Korea was the happening place, easy place to get a gig, in my opinion. It was a place where my brother had lived because he was stationed here in the Army twice and he spoke highly about Korea. He told me I would fit right in, I would be fine and I would love it.

I like Korea, I mean yeah sometimes it is hard to handle being away from home.  However, for your first time abroad I would say this is a good location. I am saying that from this being my first location. I feel like I fair pretty well here. I know it could be soooo much worse! Despite some other things that have happened to me, which I will blog about later. Korea, isnt so bad and there are enough foreigners here to make you feel comfortable.  Korean people do try to speak English and can help you when necessary, but if they in a hurry move out the way!!! LOL! They will knock you down, being in a hurrry! :)

What I do here for fun? Well, recently I participated in the Mudfestival out in Boryeong. I also am going rafting this weekend, during the summer Korea is a fun place, you can hangout at all the beaches with friends. Skydiving, bunjee jumping and many more events are offered here. Just be safe, have a good time and its all at a reasonable cost, most of the time.

Teaching is easy for me, I think its more of my area of expertise. Not that I am an expert because I am still learning, but it comes natural for me.  That would be a better choice of words. :) I really do find it to be easy because most of the kids enjoy learning English, so it does make things flow smoothly.

I live in Songtan, twin city to Pyeongtaek, many foreigners also call it "Osan" because of the United States Air force Base... named Osan.

Well, I had a good time interviewing with them and they also asked me to request a song. I went with "Summer, Summer time" by Will Smith, since it is the summer season and that is a great summer jam of all time!

Catching up.... stay tuned!

I haven't blogged in over a month. My apologies, but that should tell you that I have so much great stuff to upload for you all. I have taken more than a few pictures of the Mudfest, BBQ, hanging around Itaewon...AGAIN events... I know most of you love the videos. I post things to this blog, facebook, and youtube so please forgive my tardiness. This is the week to stay tuned because as I calm down. I will have time to upload these great events for you.

I also will be going rafting this weekend, so I will be able to include those events, followed by a DMZ tour of the line between North and South Korea, no we do not cross over into North Korea, so no worries. Also, I will be going Bunjee jumping and will film that... take care!

Stay tuned...

Elections in Korea

June 2nd was Election Day in South Korea. I love the way they honor Election Day, it is a national holiday and schools, banks, and other public businesses are closed in honor of this day. Also, in preparation for Election Day, Korea has trucks driving around from early morning to late night. The trucks drive around playing music most of the time and other parts of the day they have different representatives for each candidate speaking about why they should elect a specific candidate. I think this is a cool way to get people involved, get them out to vote and really support your country.

On another note, one of my phone students told me that most Koreans will vote for someone based on their last name and blood relation to them.  Remember, Koreans mostly come from one specific race or ancestory... Korean. So, they can track their ancestors as far as a 100 years. My student asked if this is the way Americans vote... uh no, its even more difficult for us to track our heritage back 50 years, let alone 100 years! However, if you are voting on the basis of family name and relation, the purpose of voting is lost.  I explained to him that we vote based on the merits the candidate possess to serve all people in a country, state, city, school, etc.  In short, my student did vote for someone named Kim b/c they share the same family name, and b/c he believes the candidate is his blood relative, so he should vote for him.  Lastly, the entire family must vote the same way, this is just another Korean tradition. Is it right or wrong? Well, I guess it depends on your definition of whats just and what is unjust. *shrug shoulders* If you ask me I won't be voting that way... I will still base my decision on merit and my personal opinions of the candidates character.

Finally, another student mentioned to me that he would not be voting, well he wasn't sure if he was going to vote. He doesn't like the candidates, he thinks it is a silly competition, the candidates never do anything, and probably another reason he doesn't vote is for the reason I just listed above. Voting for someone, but not basing your decision on merits is almost as bad as not voting. However, how would he feel if his right was taking away from him? Something to ponder, so get out and vote Korea!

How do you show you care for someone when there is a language barrier?

How do you show you care for someone when there is a language barrier?  How can you be nice if words have no meaning to someone who doesn't share the same language?

A smile,
A nod,
A gesture
A smile with your eyes, etc
Many of these things I have seen in Korea, it is nice to know that some people are allowing themselves to express themselves in a positive manner, to those that are different from them.  It sure makes me glad that my mother stressed the importance of knowing a man's (woman's) worth by their character and actions, rather than how they look physically. The heart is important, and yes sometimes you can notice a good heart without speaking the same language. Also, not allowing a persons physical characteristics distract you from, knowing their character is mighty important.

Boat Ride @ Yeouido - Han River

Last weekend, I went on a Boat Ride/Cruise with the Que's fraternity. You won't see any pictures of them, but you will see pictures of the surrounding areas on the island.  It was a good time to hang with friends and enjoy time with fellow foreigners. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

I don't know what you said, but I DO know what you said...

I love it when you are in another country and you can't communicate to each other yet you know exactly what the other person is saying and they understand you as well. I have had 2 incidents recently, where all I could do was smile or laugh... that's better than frowning, eh!?

One ajuma (older lady) comes up to me and says something in Korean, she has a big smile on her face and looks as if she wants to pull my cheeks. All I can assume is she thinks I am so cute! LOL! Or fat! Haha! Either way she was smiling and so peaceful when she said it, couldn't have been too bad, right?! ;)

The second incident was with another ajuma.  She is walking up a 100 steps, and when she gets to the top, she says something in Korean like "Whew!"  I meet her at the steps and laugh and she knows I understand her completely, b/c I laughed. Haha! She then says something else in Korean. So, I know that she had to say something like "I am tired." "Those stairs killed me" or "I ain't never coming this way again".... something of that nature, lol! Poor ajuma! : (  Those steps are brutal too!

I love it when these things happen! Again, its better than all the bad things that I could see, right!? :)

Hope you enjoyed!

Register with your local Embassy

***IMPORTANT*** : )
When traveling overseas it is imperative that you register with your country's local embassy. You can do this online in 10 minutes. All you need is your sensitive info, along with your passport# and expiration date. It's as easy as 1-2-3. : ) The registration is not just for short or long-term trips, it is imperative that you register anytime you are leaving the country.  In case, anything should happen while you are overseas, your country can locate you or have a better idea of where to find you. If you, are a USA citizen, I have the website below for you.  Also, if you are a South African citizen, I have the webiste below for you as well (b/c I have many friends from S.A.) If you, are reading this and you are a citizen of another country please google the information and contact your nearest embassay or consulate.

USA citizens: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
South African citizens: http://www.southafricanembassy.fi/?s=rosa

Thanks and enjoy your weekend! :)

Mistakes

Is anything really a mistake or are mistakes just lessons?! Everyone makes mistakes. Life is a school! A learning process. And some lessons are more painful than others, but that's just how it is. The sum total of our experiences is what makes us who we are... all good experiences would not result in the strong, interesting, beautiful people we are. :)

I did not write this, but I heard it on a tv show, that I watch frequently. The name of the show is "The Secret Life of an American Teenager" This quote was very encouraging to me the other day, and I wanted to share.

Itaewon and other places around Korea

Hanging out with friends in Itaewon last weekend. It was so nice outside I had to go to Seoul and while I was there I saw more of my friends. You will also see different random pictures of things in Korea. The way some people dress is interesting to me, the ads in the subway, and of course you will see the pictures of me with friends. Enjoy!


This ad was up in the subway in Korea. Of course, I liked it because there are Africans in the ad with the Korean guy. :)

 

She was fierce in that green outfit!

My buddy Big Mike

My two mentoree's and princesses in training jk!  Chas (right), Me, Esha (left)

Arabics or Indians (not sure, sorry) in Korea... see there are many foreigners here! :)

Pictures of Gangnam, South Korea

Pictures of my friends and I in Gangnam. This is a nice and live area for tourist to hangout.  My friends and I just finished lunch at Butterfingers, they serve breakfast allday, so you know I was happy to be there. It was good too. I didn't even leave syrup on the plate, shame? I know! Lol!

Take a look!