So I am so excited to report I have completed my first week in Seoul without getting run over by a scooter, eating anything suspect, or completely offending a native!! (that I know of)
We technically began our training on Thursday, but the schedule has been quite lax. We still have 4 more teachers that are joining us this week and have still had some remaining housekeeping items to take care of. We went Thursday afternoon to have our medical check-ups at the local hospital. That was an experience. We had our height, weight, eyes, ears, teeth, lungs, pee and blood checked. Of course, these are all precautions that most countries take to prevent diseases from coming in but it didn't make the experience any more pleasant! I am so thankful that I am with a "team" of teachers that can share in all of these things. I can't imagine taking a job here and being on your own to navigate some of the hurdles. Anyway- that took up most of the 1st day and our second day of training included "presentations" from some local school principles. I honestly think they are coming up with random things for us to do while we wait on the completion of the construction of the Education Center. I, myself, feel a bit guilty having not done much to have earned my keep thus far. However, from what I understand, this is the first time they have opened an English Center outside of Seoul and they are really hoping that the investment pays off. Since the Center is in such a remote village (about 1 1/2 outside of Seoul and pop. 55,000) they offer more benefits to the teachers going there. Most ESL teachers want to be in Seoul- but I am fine not being in the big city everyday. From what they showed us on construction plans, the center looks like it is going to be really nice. I think they want to treat us really well so that we will stay or that they will get a good reputation to recruit other teachers to work there. (don't worry Mom, I am not staying :)!)
This weekend we went to a local children's musical that my roommate's cousin was producing called "The Princess Party". Needless to say, it wasn't anything that any of us would have sought out- but since it was free- 7 of us went to watch it. It was actually quite entertaining, even though it was in Korean. They are so animated in their acting- that you could get the gist of what was happening. Jen's family took us out for Korean BBQ afterwards (yum) and then we wandered around that district for awhile.
This morning, 3 of us went to church with one of our teachers, Titus, to his church. It was really small- but SO FRIENDLY. The message was preached in English, Korean and Chinese. They sang hymns, taught the message (1 Peter 5:7) and then we split into our respective language groups to have a time of sharing. After that- they served us lunch- which was awesome. It was a great experience and I can't wait to see some other congregations to compare. When we move to Gapyeoung, there won't be an English speaking church there- so I am not sure how far we will have to travel for church.
So- back to work tomorrow morning. From what I understand, this week we will be working on editing the textbook lessons they have written. Once we get them edited, the textbook will be published for use all over S. Korea. Exciting! (and a bit of pressure for correct spelling and grammar!) I will post some pictures tomorrow of things I have done.
Hope you are all well and can't wait to hear from you!
molly
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