I survived the SEV evacuation 2006!

So this week was a little tough. The students that came were from the poor fishing villages down south and the rest were orphans from the orphanages. Though their level of English was really non-existant, the children were all soooo cute and starved for attention. It literally broke my heart to be with them... but in a good way.
Then.... on Tuesday night a student was found to have chicken pox... then another... then another... then another. So far we have 11 confirmed cases and 29 students with symptoms. Needless to say they were all sent home... but because of the outbreak... the Seoul Government ordered all the children home and the school be scrubbed down. So this morning, all the children were advised to pack their things and to head to the buses for home (5 hours away). I have never seen such disappointment in children's eyes. Some were crying... others were just solemn... the entire mood of the Village was low. I understand why the government did what they did though... I mean it is for the health and safety of the students... but it sucks... these kids were sooo happy to be here.
Really, in any other week, had this happened, I would be happy (I mean hey... I now have the week off)... but to see the disappointment in those orphans and poor childrens eyes... it really broke my heart (and this time not in a good way). *SIGH*
On happier news, I am coming home sooo soon! I am leaving Seoul at 10:30am and will arrive at 10pm in Toronto (we are a day ahead here so I am coming back to the same day in North America).
Hugs and Kisses to you all.
Chelsea

Happy Anniversary

So as of today at 2am, I have now been in Korea for 1 year! Things have not always gone smoothly, but something must have gone right, as I have just signed on for a second year. It is interesting how you grow, evolve and develop while you aren't really looking... when I first arrived in Korea I was lost... looking for something... running away from somethings... but in this past year I have been able to find a lot of what I was looking for... I have... atleast for now... found a life. People here are relying on me... the children look so happy to see me... and they actually leave my class knowing something.... I know that for that small moment in time I have been able to make an impact on their lives... whether it be through a Robert Munsch story or the Moose song... each child knows that I care for them and am truly excited when I see progress. Though I doubt that I will be teaching English in Korea for the rest of my life, I feel like right now I am home... that I am able to make a difference.

Something's afoot

So I am very sorry for the lack of blog entries lately, but things have been extremely hectic with my TEFL course, work and well... this new thing.
My TEFL course is drawing to a close (only 2 more weeks THANK G-D!) and at the moment I feel like I am drowning in work. I still have 2 more teaching observations to go... one week of individual teachings... 18 or so DVDs to watch and comment on and an essay... all of which need to be completed by June 2nd! I know that I can get it done... but am right now really stressed and overwhelmed. Oh well.. at least now I will enjoy my trip to Canada even more.
The more I think about going home... the more homesick I am becoming. My sister sent me a package of Canadian paraphenalia, to remind me of the life left behind and to help eleviate my culture shock when I go home... but in all honesty I think that I will be overwhelmed for a bit in Canada. Here... because I am a foreigner, I stick out like a sore thumb... it will be weird to no longer be looked at. It will be strange not to have strangers on the street come up to me and start practicing their English. It will be weird to not say Kumsamnida when I want to thank someone. It will be overwhelming to be able to understand everyone around me. It will be odd not to have to bow and pour with both hands... I am anticipating a culture shock. Nevertheless... I am SOOOO EXCITED to be coming home. I can't wait to eat Shepard's Pie again... to see a film without Korean subtitles... to eat a Crunchy Bar... to see my family and friends... as I sit here typing, I can't help but feel a titch homesick. Oh well... 23 more days to go.
Now for the good... exciting news. I have been promoted! The Seoul Government will be opening another school in Ansan, in the province of Kyung-gi (about 1 1/2 hours out of Seoul) and Paula and I have both been selected to be the senior staff at the new Village. Not only will it be a brand new location (no graffiti on the walls and furniture), but it will also be only day shift (as the location is not yet able to house the students overnight). Since there are no dormitories at this school... not only will it mean only dayshifts (9-5) but unlike SEV, I will be living off-campus in my own brand new apartment! I am so excited to have my own bathroom and kitchen again. Since the Village is remote, it is going to be nice to have Paula with me... though it is going to be weird to no longer share everything with her. There are of course some other perks... including a pay raise... but mainly it is the own apartment that totally hooks me. So on August 1 (or the weekend before), I am going to be, yet again, packing up all my belongings and moving. I will definetly miss SEV and the staff there... but look forward to a bright future in Ansan!
Well that is all on my part.. hope that things are going well on your end.
I promise to update soon...
Chelsea