New Years Eve

Just got back to the apartment after spending an afternoon
in town.  The walk there was icy.

Yes, it was cold out.  However I had a late lunch in a small
pizza place.  The owner spent several years in the USA.
He remembered how hard it was to get Korean food in the US,
so he worked hard to provide familiar food to foreigners.
Aka, pizza.  He was evidently one of the first in the Daegu area.

While in town, I was able to buy baskin robbins ice cream
on sale.  Also went to PB to pick up bread and couldn't
turn down a sparkling white grape juice bottle.

Getting back was difficult.  The traffic was pretty slow.
However was in Jain, the trusty Taxi man helped me to arrive
safe and sound.  Thanks to him, I didn't walk back in the dark
on ice.  Something I had feared.  Totally paid him, with
oranges as a tip.

Now I am sitting here creating the most unique blog post ever!

HAPPY NEAR YEAR'S EVE!!!

Eye Smile

Just something cute.  I pointed out to one of my students that when she took pictures of herself with her phone, she opened her eyes super wide and it made her look extraterrestrial.  Her friends agreed with me.  I explained that she was prettier when she acted normal because her eyes would crinkle in the corner when she smiled.  Another student piped up, saying that was an eye smile.  Eye smiles are always prettier.  I then got to explain that you know when a person is smiling for reals and when it is fake.

Monday's Birthday Pictures

Thanks to Willis, I have pictures of this morning.  Yay!

Birthday Mondays

So evidently on Saturday after I left campus for the book club, the English teachers were chilling at school with a cake for me.  That was really thoughtful of them.  Come Monday morning, I am sitting here with yummy cake and Porporo Character tops that are edible.  Yummy ^_^  It was a fun surprise and really made my day.

Birthday

Today was my birthday.  I had an enjoyable time forcing myself to wake up and head over to the school for classes.  The staff greeted me with bright and joyful salutations.  Geoffrey apologized he couldn't find a can of frosting and gave me a huge bowl of donuts instead.  Charles gave me cocoa flavored hard candy.  Food is always a safe bet lol.  Anyrate, got through my classes and ran to town for the book club.  And that, my friends, is when the real fun began.

The book club consists of three Korean females and myself.  We met at one of their apartments and inspected her new living quarters.  It was the largest living space I have seen in Korea yet.  The living room was spacious with large bedrooms and amazing bathrooms.  One of which even had a bathtub with a glass divider separating that part of the room from the rest.  The true jewel was the kitchen.  It had part of the counter extend into the room as well as an oven.  She won't use the oven because she doesn't know how.  I quickly volunteered to teach them how to make cookies, cakes, and casseroles   They laughed and said to some bake anytime, and they would help eat it.

For my birthday, Emma brought a cake.  It was a normal cake with layers, whipped topping and filling, chocolate drizzle, and fruit slices.  I claimed the strawberries and served everyone large generous portions that generally female Koreans wouldn't touch.  They are very particular about their weight and what society might think of them.  Still we all enjoyed.

Afterwards I met up with a friend downtown.  We went to a Turkish place for supper.  From there he helped me learn exactly where the different streets downtown were and what was where.  That was fun and we got a lot of exercise.  I ran into the Mannam group that I had done the flashmob with.  They were selling handmade Christmas cards for orphans.  We ended up going to a Norabang.  My first trip.  It was a blast.  We bought an hour, got a room, pulled out the music list, picked a few songs, and sang like our voices were more professional than they really were.  It was great.  I even got some scores with the highest being 82% accuracy which really surprised us.

Afterwards we saw the time (11pm) and ran for the subway.  We caught one of the last ones to the stop where his car was.  Got in and he drove me back to school.  He took the mountain route.  When we got to the top, he pulled over and turned off the lights.  I opened my door and looked up.  Orion sparkled in the heavens.  I was so surprised at all the beautiful stars.  I haven't seen them in so long.  Reminded me of the farm, the endless trips to and from the farm at night, and of Mauna Kea.  Was spectacular.  I just got in.  It is almost 1am.  I have never stayed out so late, but it was such a wonderful birthday that I don't mind.

Survivor

When expats come to South Korea, they often either bring a hobby or pick up a new hobby.  I've seen many fill their spare time (or not so spare time) with things like extreme motorcycling, rockclimbing, kitesurfing, photography, cooking, NFL news, hiking, drawing, reading, volunteering, sewing, acting, hair accessories, etc.  People might just do it as a hobby for themselves, a service or business, or a way to meet others.  Something that makes this place more like a home.

For me, I have picked up or improved upon hobbies myself.  I'm still big into artistic things, most notably drawing.  I love to read and write.  I've picked up photography a little, though not as much as others who are more hardcore.  Something though that I have also started is watching whole seasons of a TV show instead of an episode here or there.  I finally am learning what some of my friends are so excited about.

One TV show I am rewatching tonight is the very first season of "Survivor."  I remember this season and hearing the theme music is very nalstogic.  You see, it played in the summer time when I was at my grandparents farm.  I remember the dying late afternoon sun casting shadows on the ground as I helped water the flowerbeds and garden.  Then Grandma and I would watch Survivor while we prepared supper.  Precious memories of perhaps my most favorite place on earth.  The farm.  So re-watching it brings those memories back fresh and I treasure them.  Even if summer's humidity was a bit on the sticky side and mosquitoes and chiggers annoying.  Good memories of a time, place, and people I care about.

Bus Ride

Tonight virtually everyone on the bus was going to an apartment complex in Gyeongsan or to Namsan.  On the bus, I was standing in the aisle because there wasn't enough seats.  So were several others.  As a foreigner, I am well aware I stand out and that every expression or behavior is observed by someone.  So I figured that I would make sure not to take the first empty seat in order to not appear to be a "selfish foreigner."  After letting someone else have a seat instead of me three times, a man at the very back stood and made his way past me to the side door.  I looked at where he had been sitting.  It was the back seat at the end of the aisle.  In order for the two people on either side of it to get out, I would have to stand and move out of their way.  Koreans are small enough they they wouldn't have to do this.  Figuring I would be an inconvenience if I sat there, I didn't take it but continued to stand.  I figured another Korean would soon take the seat.  No one did and after a few bus stops, the man returned to his seat.  Then we reached the apartment complex that is along the route and half the bus seriously got off.  My mouth dropped open.  I have never seen a bus empty so quickly, even at this stop.  I turned and saw a seat near the back open now. I was just thinking about taking it when the guy who had stood earlier motioned to it and said, "sit down."  I happily obliged.

Orphans and Santa

Went to town today to finish buying the gifts for the gift bags for orphans that I had been given charge of.  Walked into e-mart and past another foreigner.  Like a good expat, I duly didn't talk to him.  Actually, that is more of a habit now instead of purposefully ignoring them.  He was an older gentleman.  At one time his hair most likely was a light brown.  But at that moment, dressed in everyday clothes and glancing at me with a twinkle in his eye and gentle smile on his face... I was sure I was looking at Santa.  The white hair and beard couldn't have been fake.

Needless to say, I felt a rush of happiness and a feeling of being home.  I couldn't help it.  After I walked past and into another aisle, I realized I really wanted to see him again.  So I looked for him.  But Santa was nowhere to be found.  I was sad about that, but then I remembered the smile he had given me and I felt all warm inside again.  Who said Santa was just for kids.  When you are far from home, he is for you too.

Showers

Good morning everyone.  Another cold day in South Korea.  A very cold day.  Not the only one saying that either ;)

All the 3rd graders in middle school are studying for high school exams.  The 1st and 2nd graders are taking finals right now.  Not sure what High School is up to, but I think that my high school class is canceled for this week so waiting to hear more on that.

Been taking showers in the evening over in the girl's dorm during studyhall.  My shower doesn't have hot water long enough except to quickly (very quickly) wash my hair.   Obviously two minutes doesn't cut it.  I had mentioned it to Emma who talked to Michelle (high school girl's dean) who then offered the dorm facilities.  Since it is just across the road and I could have the shower room to myself, I accepted.  Makes this girl very happy.  Been taking my time since it is reserved for me from 8pm to 9pm.

The school's maintenance crew came over to my place to look at my hot water heater.  Keith said he was wondering what was going on because he saw out the window both maintenance workers walk into my place, then Michelle running over (literally, Koreans run places) a few moments later.  I explained that they were checking out my hot water heater and Michelle translated for me that it was just the way it was.  So maybe they will install a larger one.  If they do install a larger one, I might be able to wash with hot water in the washing machine.  How nice is that idea :)

Anyrate, that is the basic news there.

News (and self praise)

The festival at the elementary school in Pahong yesterday was a success.  Many principals and teachers commented on my portfolio that showed the many worksheets, quizzes, and tests I have create.  They were envious of the materials and resources I had made.  Creativity is sadly lacking in Korean schools.  They do not know how to make their own.  Union College has taught me well.

At the festival, there was a reporter.  He interviewed me on who I was, where I was from, how long I had been in Korea, and why I was at the festival.  I could hardly say because I was told to.  Instead I explained I was getting a view of how other schools taught their students.  Except for a high school, our school was the best.

I made it into the news at anyrate.  Also, because I promoted Union College, my college's name also appeared in the news.  Koreans are not used to the word "college" and so he kept trying to add University at the end.  "Union College University" and "Union College and Lincoln Nebraska University."  I finally wrote it out for him and labeled college, city, and state so that he would understand.

Here are the links to the news as well as to the photo.

http://222.239.76.25/~ynnews/board.php?board=kkkpohang&config=&command=body&no=993
http://222.239.76.25/~ynnews/data/board/kkkpohang/file_in_body/3/bbefc0b03c0ce.JPG

What is said about me is really just one sentence.  The reporter didn't elaborate on anything, but instead mentioned all the main events.  So I guess my presence was a main event.

I'll include a copy of the translation of where I and my two students appear from google since I doubt many of you reading this can read Hangul.

Mindy and Mr. Yeungnam thirty-six Middle School Native teachers in the state of Nebraska located in the U.S. Central Great Plains Dance   a sophomore at and fluent commentary seam wells Kim, Hyun - Ji Yang,

Pahong and a Sore Throat

Yesterday I was approached by a teacher and told I would be going to Pahong for an elementary school's English festival today.  Surprised, I agreed.  I was worried by evening though because my throat was starting to hurt.  Didn't sleep last night at all.  I half fell asleep and had crazy dreams where my throat was torturing me.  It wasn't restful.

Today I got up, taught one class, then was ushered out to the car.  I talked with a teacher and it was arranged that I would visit a hospital and get meds while in Pahong.  We started driving and after awhile we reached our destination.  We set up our booths and then went to the hospital.  While there, it started to snow.

By the end of the day, everyone was worried because the snow was sticking and covering the ground in about a quarter of an inch.  Doesn't seem like much, but it was enough to cause everyone to be wary.  The buses drove with their emergency flashers on and the taxis have never been so slow.

The teacher who was bringing me and three other students back was really worried about me because of my sore throat.  She bought me oranges.  It is Korean culture to go to work when you are sick.  I assumed that meant no one cared about you.  I was wrong.  She was so concerned that she ended up paying a taxi to take me back to school.

One of my students was translating for me and explained that the Korean teacher was worried.  I pointed out people got sick all the time.  She said I was special.  That the teacher was worried for me and that she, the student, was also worried for me.  Honestly I have been sicker, but it felt really good to have such caring evidenced to me.

The roads are icy enough that Sabbath School is canceled in the morning.  So I can rest.  Something I intend to do a lot of over this weekend.

Snow

We have had snow flurries and a light dusting of snow before.  Today is the first day there was still snow on the ground after lunch.  Some of it had turned to ice, so you had to keep an eye out for the ice patches.  There isn't very much thankfully.  With the weather officially in the 20s in the evening and early morning, I have switched today to my winter coat.  The thick gray one my grandma had bought me.  Instantly my freshmen were commenting that I was so beautiful.  I wonder if they say this to butter me up or are truly meaning what they say.  It brings a smile regardless of the reason.

I'm keeping an eye on my students.  With the colder weather, they are more likely to get sick or have chapped lips and hands. I can't really help them with these problems, but I want to be aware if possible and if the opportunity arises then I want to help them.  Chap stick for example.

Sorry the picture isn't better.  Was trying to keep the light from the window from blurring the picture.  Also the lights are off in the classroom for a movie they are watching.  They even turned my light beside my desk off.  So this was the best I can do.  Hopefully you can see my smile and the pretty top I am wearing.

Another Blush Alert

Actually this isn't a blush alert... I saw in my stats that out of all the posts I have written on my life here, on Korean culture, and on trivia that the post with the most views was the one that was potentially an embarrassing topic.  So I decided to do an experiment and see if the title alone would general more views.

Still, I'm not one to waste a chance to write.  So Korean trivia time!

Oh wait, before the trivia, I want to share a link.  This link has any and all expats teaching in South Korea laughing so hard that the building shakes causing nearby Koreans to wonder if it is their first earthquake.  Here is it!  http://kikinitinkorea.tumblr.com/

Okay, now on to the trivia!  And yes, stole my info from google, but you should like it anyways.

1.  In Korea we eat with metal chopsticks.  I never thought about it but evidently the rest of the Asian world uses wooden chopsticks.  Metal is very difficult to use evidently so to see the 5 foreigners using them impresses our fellow Korean teachers.  In older days, the chopsticks were tipped in silver for the wealthy as it was assumed that they would turn black on contact with poison, thus saving the wealthy person's life.

2. The most prized rice in South Korea with the best flavor and texture is from the DMZ.  The most protected border in the world grows the best rice, on the South Korean side.  The people who dare live in there do not have to do military duty or pay taxes.  Of course they are in danger of stepping on land mines if they leave their houses so that is understandable.

3.  Koreans love being clean.  Even to the point of using a mop to clean the sidewalks of the city.

4.  Only in Korea would you find a bike randomly parked with no lock.  People do lock their bikes, but more people don't.  It is assumed that Koreans are really nice and kind.  That Korea is such a safe place because of that.  However, I want to point out that there are CCTV all over.  If you are in a public place, there most likely are cameras rolling.  A good thing for foreigners in the event of a traffic accident.

5.  Korea is huge on recycling.  I have never seen a place more concerned about recycling than here.  At home, you have a bucket or bag for all leftover foods.  There is a place for paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard.  If there is anything left over after that, then there are trash bags color coded by region.  Fast food places are no different in this.  You can't just dump your tray when you are done.

6.  Koreans who are promoting something (and yes, it is a common thing to do) wear sashes.  We don't know why.  They just do.  For any campaign or new issue they want to promote, there are people wearing sashes.  If you are lucky, they might be blaring some music and dancing too.

7. Finally there is the couple clothes.  Koreans are famous for their couple outfits.  Wearing the exact same thing but for their gender.  Hats, shirts, outfits, swimsuits, etc... So when I wear the same color as one of the male foreign teachers, I am careful to not sit near him at lunch.

Plane Tickets

Well it is official.  Three days ago I bought tickets online for between the states.  So with the school's tickets to and from the USA, I have the main part of my trip complete.  Took a bit of doing though.  Still, glad it is done :D  Now friends and family can work their schedules so that they can see me.  It has been a long year for some, and an even longer two years for others.

The school heater is fixed so I am once again working in a heated environment.  Makes a huge difference.  With so many late nights recently, I had not kept up with house chores.  Pleasantly happy that the laundry is caught up.  A student of mine likes to hang out sometimes and it is her influence that helped make that possible.

Speaking of that student, she is a Buddhist who takes her religion seriously.  Not just the praying part but also how you live your life.  She is hard working and her English has improved greatly.  She translates for me at chapel, vespers, and church.  Once a month, we go out on the weekend to town to hang out.  So her chances to learn English through conversation is making a difference.  This last weekend, she brought her notes along and I quizzed her for my final.  She passed with not a single mistake... as did over half the class.  Lol.

Anyrate, she showed me some of her breathing exercises and bows that she does as a Buddhist.  You know, it is more than for peace of mind that she does those.  It is really, really good for health.  By doing them every night, she is more limber than many girls her age.  She can compete with the boys in PE too.  She suggested that since I don't like exercising beyond walking, that I try at least just stretching.  That seemed easy enough and so last night that is what I did.  I simply stretched for 1.5 hours while watching two episodes of Star Trek.  Felt good to just do that instead of sitting like I do at work, home, on the bus, etc.

Okay so last weekend she taught me to stretch, is the inspiration for my clean house... one more thing I didn't say.  She loves Twilight so we went to see Breaking Dawn part 2 in the theater.  It was an amazing movie.  Sorry to those who can't stand it.  Let's just say I like and I'm on Team Jacob :)  Afterwards we went to a newly discovered Mexican place.  It was her first time eating Mexican food and she loved the hot sauce.  Might go there for Christmas.  I need to do something special for Christmas and my brother has made that option an option to consider.  That sentence doesn't sound right does it.  Sorry.  Been in Korea so long that I am starting to sound like my students.  Even a Korean teacher said that I was talking like the students.  My English ability, what little I had, has gone downhill a lot.  I use phrases that most Americans would find awkward simply because it is unusual.

Anyrate, enough of this novel.  Take care everyone!

Happy Tuesday

The heater in my office/classroom is broken so came to school decked with a hat, scarf, and gloves.  Missing Great Grandma Segebartt, so the scarf I chose to wear (even though it doesn't match my outfit) is one she made and gave me.  It is also the warmest scarf I own so double plus there.  Hopefully the heater can be fixed today.  The students were all cold yesterday.

Health Care Contrasts

This is why we need massive health reforms to our system. Obamacare isn't perfect, but at least it isn't just trying to strengthen the current system of stealing huge amounts of money from sick people.

I know that here in South Korea, the health skills, technology, and medical staff are higher quality than in the states.  Yet somehow the cost is a lot lower here than in the states.  

Happy Friday

It is a good day to be alive.  I have lots of plans for this weekend.  Sitting here with my Christmas lights and hot apple cider (Thank you Sarah!), I realized this is my last moment of being really alone for the next few days.

This afternoon I will rush to the bank to wire money home.  Hopefully after paying student loans I will have enough to buy tickets between states.  If not... well... then I will really be pushing it last minute on the 31st of December.  After the bank, I have an appointment with a massage therapist.  She lowered her prices (because this is Korea, you kinda have to) so for $55 I will go get my back worked on.  It is bothersome again.  After that, I will go pick up a carry-on suitcase.  It is the largest sized carry-on that airports allow and it fits in any overhead compartments that planes may have.  A truly rare thing to get in South Korea.  So if you travel here, travel with what you need already.  Not everything can be found here yet that Americans are used to having.  After that is the English Club at a cafe, and so won't get home until after 10pm.  A late night for me since I am used to going to bed around 10pm.

Saturday I will be teaching my three classes, of course, and then after church heading to town yet again.  This time to meet up for a Book Club.  That reminds me, I have to catch up to where the others are reading >_<  I missed the last two meetings.  Will hopefully get back to my place by 8 or so in the evening.

Sunday is girls' day.  A group of us are going to finally see Breaking Dawn part 2.  I'm taking a student with me and this morning two other teachers decided to tag along.  Afterwards, will go to a Mexican place for lunch (Thank you Michael P. for showing me it's existence!).  Slowly make our way home via subway, bus, and finally taxi.  Then I can rest and relax ;)

snowflakes

This is a snowflake that my junior middle school student, Katherine, made for me.
We are making snowflakes to hang up.  Most of the are white.
She used special scissors and different colored paper.

Asia-Pacific Division

The Accreditation Association of Seventh-day Adventists, or the AAA as they like to call themselves, is here for a few days to see if this school should be allowed to continue.  They are visiting many schools for the same purpose.  They are really nice and kind, willing to help make this place a better place.  However knowing how to act and what they are thinking is hard on me.  So much pressure.

Today was an open class.  We had both parents as well as the members of the AAA here.  One of my classes was one that they were scheduled to come to.  Most teachers who had open class did presentations. I did a spelling bee with their vocabulary words.  So glad that I survived.

Bullying Follow-Up

I rewrote her story.  Will copy and paste it below:


((This story was inspired by one of my students. She wanted to share what bullying can lead to and the thoughts that a bullied person has.))

You Hate me, I Hate you.

Walking down the hall, she felt so miserable. Today was just like any other day, but it wasn't a good day. Just like everyday. It was a complete mystery to her why no one liked her. Looking out the window but not seeing the soccer field below, Elrain was lost in her thoughts. She didn't annoy anyone nor seek ways to anger others. In fact she did just the opposite. Elrain was always trying to be considerate. Countless times she went out of her way to not embarrass or hurt those around her. If only she wasn't so shy.

Hearing laughter below, her eyes adjusted. There was a group of friends outside playing around. She wished she could make friends. If only she spoke better, then maybe she could be more liked by others. Sighing, she turned away from the window and kept walking. Speaking well wasn't her only problem. Those in her class were competitive and all strove for As. She had a B, and it wasn't good enough. Just another aspect about her to pick on. Add that to the list of things she didn't do well: art, music, sports.

Truly she was a normal student. It just seemed like if there was something to pick on, others found it. That was the final question of life. Why did others hate her so much. Rounding the final corner, she headed down the long hall towards her homeroom. It was like the entire class was cheerleaders, urging her to mess up. She hated it. If only she knew she could talk to her teacher. Elrain had thought about that. Still, if she did, what would follow would be embarrassing trips to the principle's office. That would give them more ammo to tease her with. She couldn't do it.

As she walked, a "Hey!" interrupted her thoughts. Elrain started to turn around when a flying blur smashed into her. Falling, pain lanced through her knees. Laying in a crumbled heap on the ground, she looked at the boy who had bodyslammed her. Another classmate. Grimacing, she tried to get up and saw her stockings. They were torn and her knees were bleeding. Tears welled up but she bit them back. The boy turned to her and accused, "You purposely got in my way. Apologize to me for that." Elrain bowed her head to hide the inner pain his words caused, "Sorry." The whisper wasn't much, but it was all she could manage.

The group that had been outside came around the corner. They were still laughing. He got up and dusted himself off. As he joined them, the girls skittered away laughing about poor person germs. Another boy pointed out, "You touched her. Now you are contagious with a bad disease." The boy laughed with them and turned back to Elrain. Shoving her back down from her half risen position, he left with them. She sighed. The penalty for falling in the first place.

*****

Elrain slowly walked into her house. There was stew cooking in the kitchen, it's delicious smell filling the whole house. Her mother called out to her, "Welcome home Elrain." She didn't respond. Her mother poked her head out of the kitchen and saw Elrain's ruined stockings. Frowning, she asked worriedly, "What happened to you?" She looked at her mother, a moment of wavering. Then she realized how worried her mother would always be for her. She couldn't tell her. "I fell down," she said simply. Better that than the truth. "Oh, well try to be more careful," responded her mother as she went back to work in the kitchen.

Heading into the bathroom, Elrain pulled off her ruined stockings and threw them away. Then she got down the first aid kit and cleaned up her knees as best as she could. It wasn't a great job but they would scab over and heal. Turning, she went to her room. Her bedroom had always been a place of peace for her. She could hide here from the rest of the world. As she was growing up, she didn't go to the library to study or the mall for pleasure. Instead she always came here knowing that those kids at school could not reach her here.

Her cell beeped. Crushing stress filled her at the sound. They couldn't physically still come, but someone had gotten and shared her phone number. Pulling out her cellphone, she looked down and saw she had a message. Just one message thankfully. It was still the same though. Like it always was. Opening it up, she clearly could read "You are so ugly. Why a stupid person like you exists, I'll never understand. Why don't you die already?" She snapped it shut, the tears still held back with a fierce stubborn determination.

*****

Walking into homeroom, Elrain looked down at her desk. There were fresh scribbles there. She knew they were fresh because she always erased them. These ones were no different from the old ones. The same thing that she was texted. Bad words and phrases like "You are the most stupid girl in the school" and "you have to die." Groaning mentally, she pulled out her eraser to erase them yet again. She didn't want to look at them any more than she could help. Yet even after they were erased, the words burned red in her memory.

*****

Heading to lunch, the boy who had pushed her the day before her yells at her, "Hey!" Elrain turned towards him hesitantly. He accused, "Don't look at me. You will get me dirty with your gaze." She tried to be brave while she said, "Please don't tease me." He shot back arrogantly, "Why not?" Gulping, she struggled to say more but it was beyond her. No one would listen to her.

*****

It was after lunch when Elrain discovered her wallet was missing. Standing before her homeroom teacher, she had explained to him it had disappeared. His worry was evident and he responded, "I'll find it for you Elrain. Don't worry, it has to be around here somewhere." She nodded and turned to leave. It wasn't that she doubted his sincerity. It was that she knew it had been in her bag. It wasn't misplaced, but stolen.

Needing a break from everyone, she went to the only place she could hide. The bathroom stall. Slipping in and closing her eyes, she took deep breathes. Her peace was shattered by the sound of laughing girls. Several came into the bathroom talking loudly. One she recognized gloated, "I have her wallet. He stole it and gave it to me." Another responded, "Wow, but what if someone finds out? Won't you be the one in a lot of trouble?" The first threatened, " No, not as long as none of you say anything. If you do, you will be an outsider just like her!" They quickly promised their silence and left.

She waited until they were gone before slipping out. She could say something. However it would only cause a lot of problems and most likely would lead to more teasing. She didn't want to make them upset any more than she could help it. Also, it seemed like too much trouble. Besides, there was only some money, a membership card to a food place, and coupons in the wallet. Nothing truly important. She could lie, again, and tell her mother she simply lost it. Everything would be okay.

*****

Finally school was over. Elrain walked outside. She wasn't heading home. Not today. This time she was on the roof of the school. It was four floors high, and the view was a little dizzying to her. "See that!" One of her classmates was below and pointing at her. Another pulled out her phone. Elrain wondered briefly if she was calling the police or getting more friends to come watch. It didn't matter. They would be happy she was going to do this. How many times had they said they wanted her to die. So there was no reason for them to worry or be surprised. Why would they? They most likely were telling people she was outside about to commit suicide, to come and watch.

A teacher rushes outside and sees Elrain. Her eyes grow wide and she ushers the students back inside. Hearing running feet on the stairwell and the door opening to the roof, she glances back. Her homeroom teacher is there with concern on his face. Behind him are several girls, including the one who had her wallet. She felt breathless and uncertain before them. His concern she understood, but the girls had wanted this. They had tormented her. Why were they here? The girls began pleading with her. "What are you doing? Please come here!" "Please, don't. Stop." Words and more words. Elrain didn't understand. Just that they didn't want her to go near the railing.

One of the girls said, "Listen to our words. Come here." Listen to their words? Elrain felt disgust and anguish when she heard that. Why should she? They had never listened to her when she asked them to not tease her. They were the ones who had given her messages full of bad words. They were the ones who left horrible words and phrases on her desk. They were the ones who wrote abuse on the blackboard. They were the ones who put trash on her seat. They were the ones who laughed at her and teased her. They were the ones who pushed her around. They were the ones who stole her wallet. They were the ones who threw trash at her, laughed at her, made fun of her, shoved her around, and stole her wallet.

She always had to say she was sorry. She was always apologizing. Why should she when she never did anything wrong?

They kept saying, "Please! Don't do that!"

She just wanted them to be quiet. They were so noisy. But of course, they wouldn't hear her voice.

So it was her turn.

"I hate you." Elrain said the words clearly and strongly, then turned and grabbed the railing and slipped over it. Standing on the ledge, her voice and life were finally hers to control.

*****************************************************************

In regards to the story I had just written. The student who inspired it is safe and didn't try to kill herself. However, she is very serious when she says that bullying can kill. I agree with her. Humans kill humans. Words might not break bones like sticks and stones, but they can emotionally and mentally destroy a human life.

You Hate Me, I Hate You

A student in one of the International Classes wrote a story.  Her grammar is not the best.  When a teacher showed me her work, I was impressed and decided to share it with you unedited.  You can't just read it, because of the grammar, you must really read it.

"You Hate Me, I Hate You" by Elrain

They hate me.  Why?  I don't know.  I didn't make them feel annoying
or angry.  Exactly.  I didn't speak well.  I am really shy.
They can hate me because I'm ugly.  But other people who are ugly
have their friends. Also I don't have any special ability.
I didn't get very good grade.  Sports, art, music... most of the things too.
I am just a normal student.

But why they do to me?
They hate me.
They want to me to be something wrong.
Fall down, lost things, and die.
Of course I thought saw to teachers.
but I'm so afraid things that might happen
after that.  I have to go to police office,
teacher will call me to their office,
and they will tease me more.

"Hey!"
I turn back and a boy runs to me.  He is same class with me.  Ah?
He comes to my way.

He pushes me and I fall down.  My stockings get torn and my knee
get bleeding.
"Stupid.  You have to avoid."
"Sorry."

Other students are laughing and pass by me.  He dusts off his clothes
and runs to them.  Girls are laughing like he is poor, and boys avoid
him and say 'you're so dirty.'.  It must be a joke.  He shouts 'One
more time!'.  He pushed me because it was penalty of losing game.
Yes, it might be.

I come back to my home.  Mother sees my stockings and asks.

"What happened to you?"
"I fell down."
"You have to be more careful."
"Okay, I know."
"I don't want my mother feel worry about me.  So I lied."

I throw away my stockings.  I go into my room and look the door.  It
is a room for me.  They couldn't come into here.  But these days, they
send a SNS or text messaging.  Today is lucky day.  Only one person

send a message.  It said I'm really ugly and stupid, and I hat to be
die.

A year before, they didn't tease me after school.  Because they
couldn't meet me.  I dont' go to a academy so they can't meet me.
Also I barely went out.  I just stay in my room.  But now, they know
my phone number so they send me a message.

I come to school.  There are lots of scribbles on my desk.  'Most
stupid girl in school.'  'You have to die' and lots of bad word to me.

"Hey!"
A boy who pushed me calls me.  I turn to him.  He pushes me one
more.  I see him and he shouts to me.

"Don't see me with your dirty eyes  Go away!"
"Please don't tease me."
"Ha. Why?"
He doesn't listen my word.  I'm so tired.

And I lose my wallet.  Where is it?
I can't find.  I said it to my teacher.
and he said he would find.
But I don't think he can find it.
I believe him, but my wallet was in my bag.
So Someone should steal my wallet.
I go to a toilet and I hear some girls voice.

"See this.  It's her wallet.  He stole it and gave it to me."
"Really?  But if you are discovered, you might get penalty."
"It's okay.  You guys, you have to keep it a secret.  Then it's okay.
Understand?"
"...Okay, But...."
"If you tell to others, you will be outsider like her!"
"Okay, I won't."

I find the criminal, but I can't tell it to the teacher.  Yes, it's the same
reason why I didn't tell girls and boys tease and outside me.  I don't
want to make a big event.  And in my wallet, there are not important
things.  There are some money, membership card and coupons.  I can
lie my mother to I lose my wallet.

So it's okay.

And school is over.  I'm not in the way to go to home.  I'm on the
rooftop of the school.

"See that!"
A girl looks at me and shout to others.  They seem to surprised.
They wanted me to die, so they should be happy.  But why they seem
to worry and surprised.  Someone open the phone and call.  It could be
police.  Or it could be their friends.  They will say to them 'The
outsider decide to be suicide!  Come on and watch!"

Teacher see me with big eyes.  And they order students to go into 

the school.  And there are some sounds.  Some people are running to 

here.  A teacher open the door.  Behind him, there are girls.

They are same class with me.  And one of them is stole my wallet.

"What are you doing?  Come to here!"

"Hey, stop it!"

They shout to me.  I can't understand, but most of words are stop

going toward a guardrail.

"Stop it right now!"

Why I have to stop?  Why they are so hard to stop me?  They want

me to die.  I can't understand them.

"Listen our words!  Come here!"

Listen you words?  why?  You ever heard my word?

When I asked you to stop it, you didn't stop.  You send me a message

with bad words.  You write bad word about me on the desk and black

board.  You throw trashes to my seat.  You laugh at me and tease me.

You always push me.  You stole my wallet.  You throw trashes to my

seat.  You laugh at me and tease me.  You always push me.  You stole

my wallet.

I always have to say 'I'm so sorry' to you but what I do to you.  I do 

something that I have to apology to you?

"Please!  Don't do that!"

Stop shouting.  It's so noisy.  But of course, you won't hear my voice.

So It's my turn.

I don't listen your words.
I hate you.

Blush Alert - Koreans and Women's Issues

While I have been in South Korean, I have had the fun experience of learning how they view that topic - menstrual cycles.  It is an aspect of their culture that is rather surprising and would make many white women jealous.  Now that you know what this subject is, this is your last chance to move on.

Still reading?  Alright, you made that choice.

We hold conversation classes in both the boys dorm and girls dorm.  I much prefer the girls dorm since the danger of walking in on exposed bodies is much less reduced.  One topic recommended to me by a professor at Daegu University was what it was like for females during their monthly cycles.  I was shocked that he would suggest it but it made sense.  He explained that many Korean females experience no pain in their entire lives during their periods.

Thankfully, I didn't have to bring it up.  My freshmen did for me.  The first thing we had to clear up for one of the girls was that yes, people in other countries have periods.  She was surprised that females around the world did.  The rest of us were surprised that she had assumed they didn't.

Then came the big question.  Does it hurt?  Turns out that for almost all the girls at this school, it is simply uncomfortable.  There are one or two that might experience cramps, but usually they only deal with backaches and other uncomfortable symptoms.  I then shared the common idea that in America, everyone usually has that one female friend who is sick one or two days a month and unable to come to school... as well as some other details that are unneeded here.

The reason for periods, uncomfortableness, pain, and such differs by country too.  We are taught one thing in America, but my girls were taught that something in the environment affects them.  Something they could only translate as a male hormone... but with the environment and not with the male humans.  Whatever this influence is, it can make the periods worse if there is a lot of it.  It was hard to follow.

Anyrate, if you haven't gotten a nosebleed from embarrassment yet, you can sigh in relief.  Topic over.  If you have passed out, I hope that you didn't hit your head on the way down.

Bus Strike

So the strikes are officially over.  Thursday came and out of concern for those needing to get to work and school, the buses ran anyways.  Seoul and Busan officially decided to not have them.  The other cities planned to hold them on Friday, the day of the vote, instead.  However, that did not occur either.  Sometime during Friday, a meeting was held between the bus union and the government.  A compromise was reached to help both sides.  This is a good example of a union working for the common good.  Something some unions back home have forgotten.

Strike

So evidently all the bus drivers are going on strike in exactly 2 hours and 2 minutes.  Had to go look it up when my students told me at the dorm class tonight.

The government is evidently trying to call taxis public transportation which means they will get tax benefits, privileges (like driving in bus lanes), and funding.  The limited funds that bus drivers get right now would be split with the taxi drivers.  The bus drivers are worried about increased accidents (taxis are known for their crazy maneuvers), raised prices of public transportation, and cut benefits for themselves.  With over 45,000 buses no longer in service, tomorrow is going to be horrid.

This weekend is a closed weekend.  So we will have a lot of students having increased difficulty in going home.  Not good.  They need that time with their family, even if they are studying and going to study rooms or academies while home.

My own plans are now looking like they are canceled.  I had planned to go to an English club at a cafe Friday night.  A book club Saturday afternoon.  If the payment that the teacher, who doesn't like foreigners, withheld was in the bank by the weekend, then I was going to go celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday.

Here is the article that sums this all up clearly.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/1238628/1/.html

Wednesday... Surprise!

Today has been a most unusual day.  I struggled out of bed this morning, tired from staying out late in Daegu the night before.  A soldier and a professor and I met up in town for supper and to just hang out.  When the professor dropped me off at campus after 11pm (I go to bed by 10pm if I can), a high school student was walking past.  She started giggling nervously, trying to find the English words to ask if I had been on a date.  I told her no, that a group of us had gotten dinner in Daegu.  That made her hungry, which I immediately gave her some of the chocolate I had on me.  She was so thankful.

So getting to school, I thought to myself about how Wednesdays are my worst day and here I am tired too.  That didn't last long.  I learned that all my afternoon classes were canceled.  So my only responsibility after lunch was the 9pm dorm class and worship.  I can handle that.  Then I got a parcel from Seoul.  A friend up there sent a game called Global Pursuit by National Geographic.  Then I got another parcel from Kansas.  A friend had sent me the three things she remembered me missing: Spiced Apple Cider Mix, Reese's Big Cup, and the much wanted Butterscotch pudding mix.  Then I got ANOTHER parcel from California.  A friend there sent me Christian music, Christmas music, and some other things he felt would be cheery and would pick me up for the holiday season.  He was right.

So now that I am feeling completely loved and happy, I remember a promise that God made sure was written down for us.  He would never leave nor forsake us.  Also He would bless us.  He has taken care of me my entire life, and when I need Him most, He is right there showing His love.  I saw Him today through those around me and through caring friends back in the states.  I have an amazing God.  I want to be a better person because it is the only way I can think of to honor Him who Loves me so much.

November 16 - Festival

Last Friday we had no classes.  Instead we had a festival.  The morning was full of skits, videos by Broadcasting Club, musical stuff, and ceremonial things.  During lunch, all the staff had stations set up.  We had four set up in the Globish Center to promote English.  One of memorizing Bible Texts for candy.  One was doing tongue twisters for candy.  One was crossword puzzles for candy.  And finally there was "Guess That Word."  I went a bit overboard and before the men could help, I rearranged the classroom and got the signs and materials set up.  Then I went and cleaned the room too.  I think they were a little flabbergasted with me but I was restless and needed the exercise.  Afterwards was the talent show.  Something I look forward to all year long.  The kids practice for several weeks in advance for this one day.  For three hours, they showed their hard work and we were very much impressed with their skills and humor.