Identities

We, as in humans, are quite unique.

I took a look at my dog and realized he has very few identities that he is considering at any given moment. You are either one of his family members, friends (basically my dad and me), suspicious beings (my house gardeners, postal workers, and some of my friends), or a living being worthy of biting (mice, possums, birds, lizards, you get the point).

For us identities that we are dealing with simultaneously extend from ones that we can affect(political views, religion, friends, school, vocation) and ones that we have very little say over (our ethnicity, physical height, family). We associate very strongly with our identities as seen through genocides and crusades, or even the common college football game.

These identities can all exist within us, but when push comes to shove...Which identity stands before all others?

You decide.

Graduation Looming

Now, it's my turn.

Plans are altered, dreams are shifted, relationships are developed, experience is gained, and graduation is now looming.

The once casual "What are you doing after college" questions are turning into the more serious "What are you doing after college" questions. On paper the questions seem the same; however, the timing makes all the difference.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27)

From union organizing to private wealth management, my plans have swayed constantly throughout college. Exposure to a multitude of fields has left me dazed...What should I pursue? What is God's plan for me?

Ultimately, I am to pursue after God and in this, glorify him. Be a man after God's own heart, just like King David.

So what are my plans? I trust and have faith that God's plans will be sovereign over mine, so let my plan be at his mercy. Praying for discernment and guidance, I am at the mercy of a sovereign God, thank goodness.

Long-term is school planting, in countries and regions where literacy and opportunities are hard to come by, in order to spread the gospel message through students and then to families.

I am aware of living in a dynamic world where circumstances and situations shift in response to an almighty God. Open to new opportunities, paths, and experiences, I am excited for what is to come. At the same time, a bit apprehensive for the unknown. Regardless, I am but a weak servant in the hands of a mighty master.

"Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1)

"What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1 Corinthians 4)

The Dream that was Korea

During my orientation program in Korea I heard over and over again to be prepared for reverse culture shock when I return to the states. Falling back on my past experience in England and France, I thought that reverse culture shock is very much a myth. However, after returning home, reverse culture shock has been very active in my mind.

Reverse culture shock, getting used to home again, missing the temporary home abroad, or whatever you want to call it...there is one thing in common: There are times of extreme longing for something I can't point my finger at. As I go through my busy routine, the idea that I was even in Korea and all that I experienced wisps away as if it never happened. But random small events trigger a longing for once was my regular life in the past 6 months. These random events include emails from Korean co-teachers, seeing elementary students walking around, messages from friends made in Korea, movies, and more. It's time to be honest. As much as I wanted to come back home, I fell in love with Korea. I can still see my students running around me pelting me with snow balls, the excitement in their eyes as we play Mafia, me making silly dances for Row, Row, Row your Boat, and taking Gosuk buses all over Korea. People ask how I am adjusting. I am adjusting fine if that means doing my usual routine and doing what needs to be done. However, my heart still aches for once was. As time passes, Korea is becoming more and more of a dream. A dream easily recalled, but becoming less and less real.

Forever in my heart, a tribute to Jangpyeong.

Rushing forth

Finally, a moment to myself.

These past few weeks have been a drastic shift from my serene lifestyle in the Korean countryside. My last week in Korea was spent in my father's hometown of Suwon, watching dramas with my grandmother, visiting friends in Seoul, watching movies, hiking with my cousins, and saying my goodbyes to relatives.

As I approached my date of departure, I was reminded of how uncomfortable I am towards goodbyes and reunions. While some people like to stretch these events out, I like the subtle nature of a simple hello and see you later. It may seem as though I am cold or obtuse; however, I am merely trying to flee my feelings of discomfort. Selfish, yes. Malicious, never. Perhaps subconsciously I am afraid of great reunions or departures because of events in my life. Regardless, I am very fond of those around me, but it may not appear so at hello and goodbye.

Well, here I am back in Los Angeles.

First week: moved into my apartment in Westwood, helped my friend get engaged, witnessed another close friend get a girlfriend, discovered my favorite hiking trail burned down, and more.

Second week: start school, get accustomed to my schedule, buy books, daily reunion dinners, buy and set up a new car battery for my Honda, wait in line for a parking pass, and more to come.

Busy, yes. Drained, no. I do have to admit that I love my moments alone (I think I wrote about my introverted nature in a previous post). Rushing forth, I have had few to no moments to reflect on where I am at this point. The beginning of a new year marks the beginning of a new school year, a new home, new schedule, and a career. Thankfully, some things are never new.

Undeserving

Middle school girls at the church.

My boys at the church.

All my students at the church.

Again.

Students playing in the snow.

Soccer in the snow.

TaLK buddies

Before heading to Korea I was warned by relatives to be wary of the many deceptive Koreans that will come my way. By the mercy and grace of God, I am deeply grateful for all the prayers and support that has led to me meeting some of the most caring and loving people I have ever met. Here in the countryside I have been taken care of and accepted more than I could have ever hoped for. In no specific order:

First, the kindergarten teacher. She embraced me immediately and throughout my stay here I have gone to her house to enjoy home-made cooking and the presence of family. Together with her daughter we played arcade games at Phoenix Park, ate roasted duck at a famous farm, enjoyed dog stew, watched New Moon in the VIP section in a Seoul movie theater, watched a Korean movie in a city one hour away on a school day, cooked dumplings together from scratch, went to a herb clinic to buy a month's amount of medicine for me, let me sleep over in the guest room, and constantly brought me snacks during the school day. Introducing me to her husband and friends, I was able to get to know the 6th grade teacher, her husband, and their 5 year old son. She was a definite undeserved blessing during my stay here.

Second, the 5th grade teacher, Jong Min Kang. He has been my closest friend at the school and in Korea through the 5 months. From late-night movies in the school library, random dinners out in Jangpyeong, driving me to Wonju to meet his friends, buying me the vitamins that I requested from his pharmacist friend, and just being my closest companion at school. We always eat lunch together in the cafeteria and he takes care of me when we go on school field trips. I plan on working with him in the future on a joint venture that we have talked a lot about. He is a man of character; moderate with his tastes and look. I knew I liked him when I went to his room and found a bible open on his desk. If I had been born and lived in Korea, he would probably be one of my closest friends.

Third, the 3rd grade teacher, Euji Kim. My mentor teacher and guardian. From picking me up in Yangyang, preparing barbecue dinners for me, buying all my food and furniture when moving in, taking care of all my requests, Euji has been such a solid presence during my stay here. Keeping in mind that she is pregnant and due in April, I have tried my best not to bring too many issues to her, but I can always count on her. Since she recently married and moved to Pyeongchang where she has no friends, she understood where I was coming from and always takes the initiative to make sure I'm ok and taken cared of. Man, what a blessing.

Fourth, the school staff. The principal, vice-principal, nurse, bus drivers, janitors, and all the teachers have all been very gracious to me. We've shared time on school field trips, night clubs, singing rooms, dinners, and more, and I am thankful to be working with such good co-workers. They are subtle in their humor, such as writing Pretty Jason next to my cell phone number on the main office's calendar wall and always making fun of the way I drink my coffee in the office. Great people.

Fifth, Jangpyeong Methodist Church. The pastor embraced me immediately as I agreed to teach English vocabulary and phrases on Wednesday evenings. Preparing dinner for me, the parents were extremely caring and supportive. I loved teaching the high school students as we went over 100 vocabulary words a week and laughed the entire time. I felt comfortable with them as I enjoyed the fellowship we had on those Wednesday evenings. On the final day, they threw me a huge surprise going away party with gifts (like banana milk because I said I liked it) and tons of food. i agreed to keep in touch with all of them, and they are all waiting for me to come back because I promised to return to Gangwon-do in the future.

Sixth, my relatives. Always having a place to go to on the weekends is very comforting. Heading to my grandma's place was always a joy because I knew I could comfortably sprawl out on the sofa and enjoy tons of amazing food. Going through picture albums of my family, I could catch up with my cousins and see the years pass by through the pictures.

Seventh, TaLK friends. Without my friends from TaLK, I would seriously miss home a lot more. Reminding me of home and just being able to speak English without wondering if I am understood was very comforting. Having friends across the country also gave me an excuse to visit random areas and try various cuisines.

Eighth, the students. From recesses to basketball games, I really enjoyed spending time with my students. One student told me that he changed his dream of being a police officer to becoming a basketball athlete because of me (they are impressed by my dribbling between my legs and spinning the basketball on my finger). The girl students were always very quick to complement, as in the library I would always be holdings the hands of the young students. Always asking me my age and who my girlfriend was, the girl students made me feel like a pop star. Although sometimes the students could get on my nerves in class, I have had so many happy moments with them and will never forget them calling out my name in the hallway every day.

Ninth, the intern teachers. I could always count on the intern teachers in the library to entertain me. One of them would always give me movies and things to do while sharing with me the young life of a Korean man in Pyeongchang. Pop songs, music videos, dramas, and places to have fun were pieces of knowledge I gained from the library. The other intern teachers invited me to their son's first birthday party, introduced me to Gangleung's bus system owner, and drove me around the seaside town of Gangleung. My visits to the library were always a joyous occasion.

Tenth, the people of Jangpyeong, Korea's bus drivers, restaurant owners, jjimjilbang managers, apartment manager, and more. Hospitality was shown in every way as I am extremely thankful to them.

The TaLK program has been a chapter in my life in which I was given a taste of God's ability to provide and the need for me to obey. I am forever in debt to the people of Korea and those who have supported me along the way.

Day-trip

Went to Seoul for a day-trip on Saturday. Met up with Joanna at Hongdae for some Mexican food (delicious burrito) and then went to Namdaemun to do some souvenir shopping with Lisa. Found a nice little clock for the kindergarten teacher and then went off to the Lotte shopping mall. After meeting up with the kindergarten teacher and her family, we decided to watch New Moon. Since the teacher's husband works for Lotte, we were able to go into this VIP lounge for a special viewing of the movie. I've never seen anything like it. The special screening had its seats set up in groups of 2 (for dates) with walls between every second chair (this way you don't see what another couple is doing). The chairs were mini-sofas with reclining leg and back rests. There was also a button to call a server who brought food and drinks to your private table. I was pretty mesmerized at the setting. The movie itself was ok, and I could see why lots of girls would like it. Since the movie ended late, we missed the last bus headed out of Seoul to our town. So, we took a 2-hour taxi ride back to Jangpyeong. Ok, it's time to start class...peace.

Trip to Sokcho

market time!

1st restaurant we ate at

Students throwing spinning tops

my first grade girls :)

teachers :)

other teachers :) (plus drivers)

night club...ARABIAN NIGHT

appetizer

our private charter bus on the right

aquarium

This past week and weekend were quite action-packed. During the week, my uncle came to visit me, the school had a small market, and I had a demo class in front of parents.

The school market was quite amusing as I watched children trade in their goods the day before for item tickets. With these item tickets, the students purchased goods that other students brought. As I watched the children huddling over the ping pong tables with the goods, I could only smile. I remember similar market events at my school where an imitation market would be in session. The students were all smiling and fighting over hats, books, soap, toothpaste, clothes, toys, pencil cases, and videos (VHS videocassettes). At the end of the market session, I saw a boy reluctantly take the last clothing item, a Von Dutch hat. Only a few years ago, Von Dutch was a very popular item in the states as well as in Korea, but now a Von Dutch hat is a left-over item at a student market in the countryside. Quite amusing as it reveals the capricious and fickle tastes that we have.

During the weekend, I went on a trip to Sokcho with the school faculty. Supposedly the trip was supposed to be an instructional workshop for teaching; however, we all knew it would simply be a time for the teachers to have some fun together. Right after school on Friday (my classes were cancelled), we took a charter bus to Sokcho. Stopping by a condo we had rented, we dropped off our stuff before heading to a sushi restaurant. As expected, 3 hours later, bottles of soju and beer were on the floor and all the teachers were hugging and talking to each other. I was on the receiving end on many lectures on Korean history, the beauty of Korean culture, and the blood bond I have with Korea. Older male faculty members who I usually never speak with were sharing their desire to be younger so that they could show me Korea and introduce me to all their friends. They also shared many things about how much they like me and how my parents raised me very well. This was a bit strange coming from men who don't speak to me very much in school. Anyways, after a quite sentimental and embracing dinner, we all headed to a night club. Now, this night club is not a hip-hop blasting, under 30 zone. Arabian nights (the name of the club) housed lots of 아저씨 and 아줌마. It was very amusing to dance with all the teachers under disco lights. I even slow danced with the kindergarten teacher (she had shared with me before the trip that she had never gone to a night club and had never slow danced with anyone). There was one noteworthy event that happened in the night club; one of the DJs stripped in front of the dancing floor to his crystal-laden underwear. All the 아줌마 were clapping and hooting in approval; I could only look away in shame. In the wee hours of the morning we headed back to the condo, and the principal, vice-principal, and other male teachers brought me into their room to listen to them talk about random things over fried chicken and more drinks. Somehow, I was able to return to my room and sleep on the floor. The sleep was not very peaceful, as teachers would walk in at random times in the morning for a quick nap before returning to their rooms to play cards and drink some more. At 8AM, we headed to a restaurant that served Korean hang-over soup and then went to the condo to have a "workshop." We all sat around a table for 2 hours sharing our teaching experiences, which was quite difficult for me because I didn't really know how to communicate all I felt to the teachers. They repeatedly asked me to tell them the best way to learn English, but I couldn't give a straight answer because I don't believe there's any strict pattern or guideline to learn English. Learning a language is different for everyone, depending on their learning styles and backgrounds. However, I did share that the key for me in learning a language is to have fun and to have someone instill in me the confidence to continue instead of constantly pointing out mistakes and shortcomings while practicing. My emphasis on independent learning (developing the seed of interest on your own time) seemed to be a bit foreign to the other teachers, which I can understand because many of Korea's students don't seem to have their own private time after endless hours spent in private academies and school. Regardless, I did like the teaching workshop at the condo. Later we stopped by an aquarium and another seafood restaurant before heading back to Jangpyeong.