Need the Rain...

So sometimes things in the midst of the storm are so bleak, you forget that no storm lasts forever. Case in point- the kids last week left on Friday. HOORAY! The picture on the left is my homeroom students, which I actually really liked. (not enough to ask them to stay) It was a really tough week and thank goodness our team survived intact. I was surprised at the lack of discipline we saw in the kids- but each school and class will have its own dynamic. After saying last week I was only going to give this three weeks before giving up, I feel much better now.

This week we had a whole new group come. The kids are much better behaved and the teachers from their school are much more involved and helpful. Added to that is that we have all become more comfortable in what we are doing and able to handle hiccups more easily. I am pleased to say that today I taught my last Drama lesson and the kids all had a great time. Next week I will move on to teach Computer Lab and Western Culture. I am really excited about teaching the Western Culture lesson- but the computer lesson will be difficult. These will be middle school kids (all girls) and they are qute familiar with computers. So- the difficulty will be in keeping them focused on the lady at the front speaking a foreign language instead of focusing on the computer sites they surf all day. But- these lessons will just be 50 minutes instead of 100- so I hope it will be easier.

The past few weekends, I haven't done much but hang around here. There really isn't much in Gapyeong, except for an International Jazz Festival in September. So, this weekend, I may try to venture to the next city over to see what's going on there. In Chuncheon, there is a large lake, so in the summer, there are lots of water sports.

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I guess sometimes you just need the rain so that you can grow strong through the challenges you are facing. Lots of rain last week. This coming week is also the "official opening" where there will be TV and newspaper coverage as well as the mayor and city council represetatives from Seoul. Big party next Thursday. If I can find a link for the coverage, I will post it.

Keep sending email. I need the connections from home!