It's now been just over 5 months since saying goodbye to our parents who graciously drove us up to the city of Vancouver to watch their kids fly very far from home. We've now been in Korea for just about 4 months and it's really starting to feel like we LIVE here. We've experienced a battle of emotions in being here and being away from home (particularly the wife... me), but it's true when they say time moves like a bullet here.
We are 1/3rd of our way through our year in Korea. It's flown by, yet when I think about home it feels like forever since I've been able to play with my nephews, watch American Idol with my parents, raid my sister's food cupboards, have bonfires in Seaside, etc.
This last week was a hectic one on the work front. We had what's called 'Open Class' on Thursday. This is where all the kids' parents come in and sit through all their English classes and rate the teacher in about 5 different categories. There is a HUGE/UNnecessary stress put on this day, but I completely bought into the stress. One thing about Korean education... the parents dictate everything. The school's foundation is to please the parent. It makes sense since the parents are paying for the service, BUT we find the teachers doing everything just to please the parents. The education system here is effective, but so much of what is done seems to be for show.
Thankfully, Nathan and I both experienced success. The majority of the parents felt like we were giving their children very good education in furthering their English skills. Woohoo for a job well done!
We're even at the stage now where we can look back and see significant improvement in some of the kids. Considering they're immersed in an English setting for 3.5-5 hrs each day, especially the lower levels have really started to show a much deeper understanding of what is happening in the class and they're able to begin communicating.
This week has started off with a bang. The kids have their semester finals in their Korean classes this week so our schedules are all over the place. We also have another fieldtrip this Friday, which we will embark on a 2 hr bus ride with 136 kids to check out some traditional houses and make a traditional food. That should keep us on our toes.
We do have one thing to check off the "list" now. As of Sunday, we've been to the biggest church in the world (population-wise). Youido Full Gospel Church has 1 million members and running 7 packed out services each Sunday. Even though we were 1 in a million faces (although sticking out like sore thumb with our translating headphones on), we felt like the message was challenging and were quite impressed with the church itself. While we never desire to be regular attenders of such a large church with it being difficult to get involved, we felt encouraged by the purpose it serves for so many Koreans here.
A few prayer requests to send your way:
-We would like to find an English church within an hour to find ways to serve here.
-Encouragement in being away from home.
-Future goals that we are setting for ourselves for when we return
-Nathan is also preparing a new curriculum for the English summer camp here, which lasts for 3 weeks in July/August. This will entail a lot of research, organizing, planning, and motivation.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and support.
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