Countdown to Visit #1

It's still raining every day here in Korea. I know that's not much consolation to the people in NC still in a drought. Trust me, if I could, I would send the rain your way. Today is has actually stopped raining, but is still overcast. I miss the sun. And as much as I enjoyed my visit to Seattle, this affirms my thoughts that I could never live there. I hate not having any sunshine.
The week went by quite slowly. It was back to a five day program, and the week seemed to drag on. The best news is that it is only 11 days until my sister and nephew come to visit. They are my first visitors and the 1st of 3 goals. Mt first goal was to make it until they came. So, I think I will make it. My 2nd goal is to make it to Julie's visit in September and my 3rd goal is to make it until my parents visit in December. If I can make those 3 goals, then I can hold on until my contract is up. I am planning for Melanie, Austin and I to visit Jeju Island while they are here. It is supposed to be the "Hawaii of Korea". I should have lots of pictures and news from their visit. Please pray for their safe travels Aug 7-17.
The kids this week were co-ed middle school. Pretty smart. I am teaching in the Broadcasting station though and that is proving to be quite challenging. Teaching them is easy if you are telling them what to say and do. They are excellent and repetition. But, if you ask them to think creatively, it is like pulling teeth. It is really difficult for them to cultivate a new idea in English. So, this week when I have asked them to create a commercial, it has been disastrous. I have basically ended up telling them what to say. So, now with week 2, I may try something different. Next week, I will switch on to the Library station, so that will be a new challenge.
Hope you guys are enjoying your summer at home. Send me emails!

A LONG short week

Hi Guys-
One more week in the record books. We worked in the office Monday and Tuesday preparing materials for the special programs. The kids arrived on Wednesday and we jumped right in. The were so cute and didn't seem much different from the kids we see week after week. You always get to bond the most with your homeroom. I had 12 kids and they were pretty low level, but we had prepared with activities involving pictures.
I was back on Mom's Kitchen for one more week, which I love teaching. We made M & M cookies again, and it was quite a hit. The kids loved the cookies and were quite impressed with themselves. We had a quiz show on Wednesday night which was all about jobs. (pictures of a person and multiple choice on what they were). The kids had a great time. Thursday was a long day with 7 consecutive lessons with no breaks. Then Thursday night we had planned a "Superstar Program". The kids rotated between 5 booths: Athletic, Drama, Books, Music and Arts. My friend Gail and I ran the Drama booth. Basically what we did was have the kids draw an animal mask out of a bag and then had them locate the flashcard that corresponded to their animal. (i.e. the cow had a picture of a glass of milk) As the kids completed each booth, they earned a star point so that by the end of the evening, they had a SEEC Superstar. It was a lot of fun.
The kids left yesterday and we all promptly went to take a nap! Thanks to everyone that sent me email this week. I was in need of some encouragement! Take care and check in with me next week!

Homesick and Hopeful

So not a lot to post in the past week. The kids came and went. They were middle school girls and I couldn't tell you what one of their names was. I know that sounds heartless and I don't mean it to, but really it's the truth. They were sweet enough girls and I enjoyed them while they were here- but honestly- I am in such a need of a break.
Fortunately- this week is a little different. We are having a shortened week program for some special kids. This week is for disadvantaged kids. We have orphans and extremely low income kids coming for a 3-day program. I am truly thankful for this opportunity to give back to kids who would otherwise never have an educational opportunity such as this. There were over 400 applicants and our supervisor selected 126. The priority went to orphans and those with the lowest income levels followed.
There will be a lot of challenges this week. The kids will be from areas all across Seoul. So, they will all be strangers. There English level may be lower than anything we have previously seen. At the same time, I am hopeful that these kids will benefit the most from a smile or apat on the back. I feel drawn to helping kids in situations such as this. It is through this type of giving, that I feel truly blessed. I will keep my camera on me the next three days.
Hope you all are doing well and I will update at the end of the week. The kids arrive on Wednesday and leave on Friday. Until then, thoughts are appreciated but prayers are coveted.

The Fourth in Korea

Just wanted to wish you all Happy Fourth of July and let you know I did celebrate the day here. We grilled out sausages and hamburgers (Australian Beef) and shot some fireworks. It was really bittersweet as I LOVE this holiday at home and was wishing I was with family. Enjoy the pics...