"Korea Style"

Hello my friends!

Today is Tuesday, March 12, 2013 in Gunsan, South Korea.

That means a regular school day. FINALLY!

After having such a rough time last week, I was curious to see if I would ever feel normal here. If I could ever feel like I could call South Korea, "home".

I can gladly say that after a really rough week last week, I can say YES! I am so happy to be living, and more importantly teaching in South Korea for the rest of the semester.

I know what you are thinking. This girl is insane. First she's happy to be there, next she just wants to come home. Now she is back to wanting to stay?

That, my friends, is where you all come into play. It's no secret to many that I had a very rough time last week. I just couldn't picture life here. Moreso, I couldn't picture you guys living your lives without me. If you know me, you know I despise missing out on a good time with my friends and family. I felt as thought the next five months would go by, and I would miss out on so much. Funny thing is, I don't know that much will change at home over the course of the next four and a half months. Even if it does, it is probably no comparison to how much I am learning here. Not only about the country and it's people but about myself as well. I know this experience will be completely life-altering. I find that I need to sit back, and let it.

Okay, now that all the mushy stuff has been said, let's get to the reason I am here, to teach!!

I have not really shared too many details about my classroom. I think in my fear of change, I also had the fear of maybe getting too attached to these little ones and not wanting to leave them behind. I am glad to say, I have definitely left that fear behind and not only am I in love with all of my students but I am finding that I think my fellow teachers at Napo might become my life-long friends.

Today started out just like any other... Well, that's a lie. It didn't. I definitely was across the street when I saw my bus pull up and leave without me on it.

I know, I know. "Oh my gosh! She probably freaked out and started crying! That poor girl!"

I can gladly say that you are safe to assume that. I think if I was still in my funk of last week, that is almost exactly how I would have handled the situation. Instead, however, I simply began to laugh. (Now you really are thinking, this crazy girl! But I can assure you, that's just so me. I have never been the one to freak out if a situation goes off the plan. I am always the one to say, "Well, that didn't work. What's my new plan?" Well folks, that's exactly what I did today. I chuckled for a moment thinking how in the heck am I going to get to school? Then, like any happy girl would, I ran into a 7-11, bought a Coke Zero and looked at my options. Aren't you so proud?)

My options included a taxi driver. Whenever I miss the bus, my next plan is to take a taxi to school. Luckily, I live right by a giant street where taxis zoom by every fifteen seconds.

About 20 minutes and 14,000 won later, I get out and walk into Napo. Of course, this place has begun to feel like home. I love Napo Elementary!

I walk in, put on my slippers and head up to the English Classroom. (Pictures of my room were posted on last Monday's blog!)

I sit at my desk, and begin to work on my lesson planning. Lucky for me, it's almost lunch time.

At lunch, my mentor teacher, Mr. Lee and I sit with the First Grade Class at Napo and David, who was the mentor teacher last year. After we sit, all of the other teachers come in and sit right by us! As much as I love my students at Napo, my teachers really put it on top. They are all so considerate and kind. No matter what, my teachers always ask me how I am doing, how my evening was, etc. It is such a warm and welcoming place to be.

This is when "Korea Style" comes into play. The teachers at Napo are always wanting to know more about me, what I think about them, and what I know. It is so great! Today at lunch, we had a spicy noodle dish, tofu, and a few other things. I began to eat all of my lunch and after I was finished my teachers just stared at me. I was confused.. Did I eat too quickly? Did I break a Korean cultural norm? They all just looked and said, "Kiyana, you can eat that? Is it not spicy?" I just kind of sat there. I mean, I guess so. But it was also just really really good food. They all began to laugh and say, "Kiyana you are not America style, you are Korea style!"

What a compliment! I have heard them say this once, but hearing it again was so cool! It doesn't mean that I am not an American, obviously, To me, I think they are just saying that I can fit in here! That even though I am an American, they know I can do whatever they do as well. (There is not much to make me feel cooler than knowing that!)

After lunch, and my exciting new titl Mr. Lee and I head back up to the classroom where I prepare more lessons for my 1-2 Graders that will come in at 1:50.

*PAUSE FOR EXPLANATION*

Many people who read my blog are probably very confused on what exactly I am doing in Korea. Well, I am here to proudly tell you that I am a part of a program called TaLK or Teach and Learn in Korea. TaLK is a program desgned for college students who want to experience life in another country. (This is me!) Basically, about 10 years ago, the Korean Government decided that they wanted every student to know English. They want to be viewed as a world power (which they totally are) and they knew that the English language was the best way to get there. That's where I come into play. TaLK has been a program for about five years now. They take students and place them in cities all over Korea. The students are then placed in rural elementary schools across the country to teach English to students. (Also, to make English seem interesting.) English is actually built into the curiculum here. My job is to be an English speaker in the classroom so the kids can better grab what exactly the native English speaker sounds like. Yes, I do teach them everyday. However, my presence is more to build their interest in the language. To be honest, Korean kids are all going to know English. They have to. I am here to create a good atmosphere and an interest in learning. If you have any questions about the TaLK program, or how to get involved in such a program, please let me know! I would love to help!

Okay, back to the story.

So my first grade class walks in. Immediately, David asks if he can take a photo for his classroom website. Of course I say yes, only if I can take one as well! Look! Aren't we so cute?!

First and Second grade is combined, and today we reviewed the Alphabet, played the Alphabet game and then reviewed colors. Here, curriculum English begins in the third grade. Therefore, for younger grades we do A LOT of singing and coloring. This is good for the young ones, and it gives me some breathing room!

After they left, I had free time to work on my lesson for fourth grade. We are reviewing months of the year, and today we will begin to work on the seasons. 

However, before I got too deep into the planning, Mr. Lee came into the office I work in and asked if I had a moment. I told him yes and he led me down to the Teacher's Room where awaiting me was something I have yet to see in Korea.. CAKE! Please, hold your excitement!

The cake was "dalk cake". The cake was a Korean traditional cake made from rice and sweet bean paste. (Don't judge too quickly! It was delicious!) Here is a photo!

After cake, I headed back upstairs to teach my favorite class, third and fourth grade! (I love all of my students, but third and fourth grade have definitely had an  incredible impression!) We had reviewed Days of the Week and Months of the Year, so as any teacher would, I figured we should move onto the next step of a year, the seasons! (For third and fourth grade, the goal is to teach them how to tell the date by the end of the month. I know, I sound like such a teacher! Haha!)

I walked into class expecting my usual 12-15 students. Well, as everyone says in Korea, never have an expectation.

I walk into my classroom and find two little guys sitting at my table.

Immediately, I panic. What in the world am I going to do with just two little ones? I calmly sit down, and think for a brief moment. We begin to go over the seasons with a small video, and then I begin to review the months. As we are going into seasons, the goal is to get the kids to putting the months into the seasons. (WINTER: December, Janruary, February, etc.)

All of the sudden, a little thing I like to refer to as "teacher magic" came out of nowhere. I would like to explain this as an experience when basically, I have no idea what my next step is, but luckily my brain kicks in and does all of the work. Sometimes, it just acts like it knows what is going on, even if I really have no idea. We began to play a game where we drew the seasons, and then after collecting all of the pictures, I made the kids play each other in a game I am now calling, "Guess the Picture". Basically, I would hold up a picture and the first one to say what the picture was got the point. They loved it! They kept saying, "teacher fun! Fun teacher, fun!" In that moment, I was beyond excited. They thought I was a fun teacher! It was one of those moments that are the little things that make you feel so successful.

After school, I went to meet Kyla at the grocery store (yes, the seven story LotteMart) where we did some grocery shopping. I do not get paid until the 25th of this month, so I figured I should try and buy some groceries instead of eating out every meal. I bought fruit, 삼겹살 (samgypsal, or pork) and bean sprouts. I got home and I got on Skype and was talking away. I was hungry, so I decided to try and multi-task and make dinner at the same time. Low and behold, I definitely forgot the fact that everything in Korea cooks in 22 seconds. I put the meat on, and when I turned back around my apartment was FILLED with smoke! I immediately opened all of the windows and just began laughing. Another one of those things that will just take some time getting used to.  

Now, I am hanging out in my one room which still smells like Korean char watching Grey's Anatomy. 

It's a good day in Korea, and hopefully all over the world.

I can happily say that while I was afraid my time in Korea would feel like forever, it is passing so quickly day to day. Once I got over all of the junk, and realized that this is a great opportunity to learn more than I could ever imagine. 

I am so blessed, and so thankful for the opportunity to be here and I wouldn't change a thing about my experience so far! 

Stay tuned, because as always there is more fun to be had here. 

Kiyana in Korea  

"When you're on a holiday..."

What an incredible weekend we had in Buan!

After such a rough time last week, I felt as though I was never really going to let this work. I was very afraid I was never going to let this be the adventure I was needing (and wanting) it to be. I have realized, while I miss everyone at home so dearly, missing them will not make my time here any easier. I need to enjoy my time, and the life that I am living here! (Sorry, you wouldn't believe how much thought I put into everything here. I am hoping to not stay this way long. Too much thinking often leads to too much worrying. Something I really have got to avoid!) 

What a great start that got off to with a nice weekend in Buan! 

The great thing about my time in Korea is that I already have so much life planned here. The  country is small and travel is so easy. We started off well this week with a trip about an hour south to visit my friend, Justin! 


The weekend started off easy when Brittney came to Gunsan from Jeonju Friday night! Kyla, Emilee, and I went over to pick her up and we waited for Laura to get out of her hweshik. (I know I say this all the time, but I have no idea where I would be without these beautiful ladies! I have made some incredible friendships here, especially with my UCO girls. I cannot wait to spend the next five months with them!) After we met up with her, we headed to a Kyla choice, the Butterfly Beer Garden. (The major draw here being fruit-flavored Soju!) 

We went down and also noticed they had NACHOS on the menu! I am not the biggest Mexican food fan in the room, but once you are without it for six months, you realize you love anything and everything reminding you of home. 

Pineapple Soju! Delicious! 

Korean Nachos. Yeah, so good. 

After that, Brittney and I headed back to my house so we could wake up early the next day to head to Buan! 

We get off at Buan the next day and immediately run to our friend Justin! He lives in Buan and is our new host for the weekend. (Lucky him, he got to host five beautiful ladies!)

We got to Justin's apartment (which we also have termed as the MacDaddy Pad) and dropped off our things. We then headed to what we knew would be a fun time, the Monkey Training School! It sounds silly, because it is. Basically it is a giant zoo filled with nothing but monkeys! Cool right? Wrong. Well, not wrong... I wouldn't know. We were able to make it to The Monkey School only to find that is was closed! Lucky for us, there was a temple right down the road! (Haha! It was definitely 5km away. Which is a nice three or so miles. So, not only am I sad about the monkeys, I am now hiking. My only thought? Hannah Kostelecky would be so proud.)

Of course, we run into an awesome tree to climb and a small lake to play in! (It was a good about 70 degrees here so we got to do so much!) I climbed my first tree ever! 

We then got to the top of the mountain where we ran into the most beautiful place, the Gaeamsa Temple! 

After the Temple, we hiked back down to the bus stop for Buan and had a night filled with pizza, friends, and card games. It was an awesome way to relax after such a long day! 

Today (Sunday) we woke up on the nice heated floor that you see above! It was so fun sleeping over with four of my best girl friends here (and with our great friend Justin as well! Poor guy!)

We woke up and Justin and Laura immediately got started on pancakes. PANCAKES! This is one of those things I have definitely decided that I take for granted. Breakfast is the best meal of the day. I might demand to eat it for every meal for a while when I get back. :) What's for breakfast in Korea? Usually soup and rice. Yep. Like I said. Appreciate your American breakfast! 

After breakfast, we decided to head to another great Buan landmark, the Saemangeum Seawall! 

I know what you are thinking.. what in the world is a seawall? That's what we all thought too.  Basically, the Korean government has implemented this plan to create a new city for industry and residential areas. Pretty neat actually. Anyway, I just wanted to go see it because it is a giant wall that goes completely over the Yellow Sea. I got to walk out into the middle of the Yellow Sea today! How cool is that?!

We then headed back to Buan after some nice bus scheduling complications and left Justin's to come home.

I am so thankful for an awesome weekend and I cannot wait to see what this week has in store! Can't wait to keep you all posted! 

Kiyana in Korea

"The Hurt is Going to Bring you to your Knees."

Hello All! 

For those of you who keep up with me, and my life here, through my blog, I am so sorry for the lack of posting this week. I am hoping you will understand as you read through this post, how this week has been for me. 

The week started off very simply. I wrote about Monday and my day. It was very typical and I didn't have much really going. 

Tuesday began to get better as I was able to catch the bus to school and everything! I felt like I was really improving on things here. It was Tuesday night, however, I completely fell apart. 

We all were headed to Emilee's after school. I get out of school at 5, and then have about a thirty minute commute when my mentor teacher brings me home. I got home, and decided to make my way to Emilee's. Well of course, there are no taxi's because it is five o'clock rush hour. I finally find one, and then get to the area Emilee lives in and realize I cannot find her place. I begin to cry, and I mean cry hard. I am exhausted from a long day, and I am feeling so so helpless. 

I didn't realize it at the time, but I was truly going through a nice phase of culture shock. 

We went and ate all together, and then I came back to my place with Kyla and Laura. I thought I was okay, but as soon as they left, I could not pull myself together.

The thing with culture shock is that everyone handles it so differently. While some begin to hate their new atmosphere and dislike the natives, I was just so desperate to be with friends and family back home. I was feeling completely lost here, and I was constantly telling my family and friends (here and at home) how I could not do this. I felt weak and so helpless. This is a blog posting I wrote and planned on posting Tuesday night. Thankfully, I could not bring myself to do it. It almost hurt too much to know that I was going to close my journey here before I even let it begin. I have considered leaving it alone, as just a file on my computer, but since then I have decided if I want to write about my experience here, I have to write about it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. So here it is. Hopefully this is the end of the ugly here, and all I will see now is the good. 

*DISCLAIMER* Remember, this was a Tuesday/Wednesday blog. Today is Friday, and I continue to get better by the day. I just want people to understand, while traveling is one of my passions, it will not always be easy. Just know hat I am SO much happier and well-off today. I pray that this pattern will continue and that my happiness will grow here. Here it is, in all of it's glory. I just want to be able to share my experience fully with others, and that is why I have chosen to write this into my day's blog. 

Before you read this blog entry, please know that I have decided to remain very honest about my time here. If I want to write about travel, and the experience behind it, I must write in all honesty. After reading this post, you will understand why the ultimate blogging queen (behind Kyla Brown, of course) has been so off track this week. 

The week started off with an interesting kick, as I am sure you have read. I easily fell apart at school, with no familiarity. It is an indescribable feeling, culture shock. It is just so crazy to me how quickly I have been able to turn down the feelings associated with culture shock so quickly. 

I can safely say that this week has probably been one of the hardest things I have ever had to endure in my lifetime. The things I have felt and experienced this week are almost indescribable. It is almost a experience you have to live through to understand. 

I am so sorry for the delay in posting about my first few days of school.

Hopefully this blog post (bear with me,I know it is quite lengthy) will explain the lapse in time.

As I sit and reflect over the past three days, I realize many things:

1.) This is the ultimate time of growth for me.

I am changing, and trying to adapt more and more everyday. I have made it no secret to most of you that the past few days might have been the most difficult time I have ever experienced. It is insane to see how desperately I wanted freedom from my life here. It is so funny too, because people told me I would grow here. I would have NEVER guessed it would be this way. You know the old saying, "No Pain, No Game"? Yeah, welcome to my life. Literally.

2.) Culture Shock is the worst illness, ever.

I find that the past few days, I have ultimately been hit by a rapid case of culture shock. I don't know how people who move away from their families and friends for such a long time do it. Everyday seems to present a new struggle, and a new hurdle I might not be able to get over. I can safely say that my life will forever be changed by this experience.

Funny thing is? I thought culture shock was just hating another person's culture, or the way they live their lives. This in fact, is not the case. No matter where you are, culture shock is just the absence of one's everyday life. Instead of having the normalcy you are used to, you have a brand new system. For me, sadly, the symptoms of culture shock didn't just include feelings of missing the old culture, it also resulted in physical illness (probably caused by how much stress I am putting on myself without even knowing it), feelings of helplessness and withdrawl,  irritability, restlessness, desire for home and for family and friends, homesickness, getting "stuck" on things, depressing thoughts (this one, I would like to point out, isn't as evident. It is just another way of saying I am not seeing the positive in any situation),

Still don't get it? Imagine a really traumatic physical experience you have had. Now take that, you can probably multiply it by 15 and put all of the pain and anguish only in your mind. I make it sound really bad, I know, but the feelings I have seem to definitely reflect that. It's an awful experience  and I would never wish this on any person.

So, that all being said, let's review the past three days! (Don't worry. I am not the Debbie Downer forever! Things get better on Wednesday's recap. Wait for it!

Today, I made it to school where I went and ate lunch, rice with carrots and sausage, seaweed soup with mussels, and another Korean noodle dish that was very very spicy. We then returned to the classroom where I learned my classes for today were cancelled similar to my fourth grade class yesterday. In the beginning, I felt so frustrated by this. (Just like everyone has said we would be. The fact that I found this frustrating really made me laugh a little though.) However, I looked at my schedule and realized I was VERY okay with this, because it is the day I am schedule to teach the teachers at my school. Talk about stressful! I easily relaxed after that, and began doing something I never thought I would find myself doing, looking up a plane ticket home.

I know. "What?" You are thinking. This is crazy, she's only been there a month and a few days!

Well, to that I will say I definitely agree with you. However, if you have never experienced the feeling of culture shock first hand, you can have absolutely no idea what the past few days have been like for me. I feel like I am letting this issue possess my every thought, and my everything. If you know me, you know I am not a depressed, or even sad, person. I take every experience and make the most out of it! This, however, I keep thinking, is just too hard. I cannot be here, and be miserable for the next five months.

*DISCLAIMER*: This is nothing against South Korea. South Koreans are perhaps the nicest people on the entire planet. They are friendly, and so so happy to help the always lost, foreign girl. Haha. It is just the fact of being away from everything you know for such a long period of time. I have a sweet friend who has been basically counseling me through this entire process. She studied abroad in France for a year, and she understands my exact feelings and lets me repeat my concerns and feelings over and over again without ever telling me to get over it, or something like that. (Lisa, no matter what, you rock!! This is my blog shout-out for all of the things that you do, have done, and will probably continue to do for me. I love you and appreciate you so so much!)

Then, not wanting anyone to see how desperate I am to leave, I quickly exited out of the screen when I heard someone coming around the corner. In pops in seven or eight third-grade students. They come up to me and immediately give me all of their attention asking questions like, where are you from, what is your name, etc. I am so shocked by this transition that I don't even know what to say. We begin to talk, and I fell in love. As most would expect. No matter my time here, I will find happiness in teaching kids. Teaching has long been my calling for too long. Though I think teaching English may be hard, but I am ready for the challenge, and the adventure.

At this moment, I am still at a stand-still. I know that this experience has already affirmed that I love to teach, and that it is my calling. However, I am still at a stand still in order to find out if South Korea is the place for me.

We have a small trip planned this weekend, so I am hoping for all of the best in that, I am hoping it will bring happiness and adventure to what seem to be my darkest days.I think I will have my mind made up by then, whether I choose to remain Kiyana In Korea. It saddens me to think I may have to let this experience go. However, I also know that I have to do what is best for me, no matter what that choice is. It sounds very selfish, but sometimes I think we all have to experience those moments to see what we can, and cannot handle. For me, only time will tell.

I ask for your deepest prayers during this time. I do not want my personal issues to reflect the opinions of any people towards this excellent country, or anything associated with it. I just know that I have decided to be honest with this issue in my attempt to face it head on.  I am trying to remain looking up, but it is so hard to look up when for some reason all you can see are the clouds. 

Now, Back to today! 

My time has changed since writing this post. While I still have some moments of serious doubt about my time here, I find that they are very brief and hopefully will become non-existent in the weeks to come. I really want to enjoy my time here, because from what I know, it will be over before I know it. I am excited about the opportunity to be here, but sometimes five months just seems so daunting it scares me. I am hoping for the ultimate turn-around. 

I think that I will enjoy my time here, if only I will let myself. I mean, who else has the ability to say that they lived in a foreign country, by themselves, for six months? (Well, apart from all of my friends here!) I am blessed to be here, and I know that I need to just take everything day by day. This is something I will continuously be working on. As always (but even more so today) I am so thankful for your support and love and prayers while I am here. You have no idea the blessing that they shower onto my life.

I am leaving for a city called Buan in the morning with friends! I think traveling, and staying busy will be my saving grace in Korea. I need to always keep with the positives, and I know I will become myself again. 

I cannot wait to write about my adventure! Pictures and an awesome weekend, coming up! 

Kiyana In Korea

"Gotta Keep Your Head Up, OH!"


Hello! 

What a long day this has been. 

Today, I woke up around 8. The last TaLK  told me that the bus comes every two hours. (8:50, 10:50, etc.) I thought I was supposed to be here at 11, so I thought it better to be early than late. So, I rush into getting ready only to get at the bus stop at 8:46 and wait.. and wait.. and wait... (This waiting led to some interesting selfie videos. This is ultimately where I should thank my parents for instilling my patience. I could have easily freaked out. But instead, I was just really good at waiting on that stinking bus. Haha!)

 I waited until about 10:20 when a woman runs from the hair shop across the street. She looks at me and says, "Do you go to Napo Elementary? I was like, holy crap she knows! "YES! YES I DO! Do you know when my bus comes?" She responds with a nice, "Once an hour. I think you missed it." Yes, I know. I have in fact been there for an hour. So, I was even more dumbfounded than before. Haha. She lets me come into her hair shop and hands me a card where she has thankfully written where I need to go and her phone number in case I got lost. (Koreans are probably the nicest people on the planet.) She also hands me her business card in case she doesn't answer her cell. (See what I mean?!) 

That being said, I run back across the street and hail a cab. The man looks at the address and says, "Oh, so you missed the bus?" I just looked at him and tried not to laugh/cry. So, of course I nervously respond with: "Well, maybe. I stood out here for an hour and a half and it never came.." He just looked at me and we somehow started speaking in Korean. Well, he did. But I think it was magic because I almost understood everything he had said. It was crazy! He then pulls in, 14,000 won later to my school. Thank you Lord! Something semi-familiar. I hurry inside, exchange my shoes for slippers and am off to my classroom which is is so nice and is pictured! 

I enter my classroom, and look around for the ideal situation. My mentor teacher, and the old mentor teacher, David. Well, with my luck I walk into an empty, cold classroom. I sit for a good 10 minutes and I am then greeted by a few little Korean boys who warmly greet me with a giant, HELLO! and a polite wave. Three more girls come in, with the same HELLO! and an "It's nice to meet you!" They then begin to introduce themselves. My brain felt so overwhelmed by everything of the day that I couldn't get the names correct no matter how hard I tried. I insisted they write it down for me, so I could practice and I wrote my name in Korean, so they could see how it is pronounced. I think that they were very impressed that I can write Korean, so that was neat to see! 

The new mentor teacher, Mr. Lee, then walks into the classroom. I met Mr. Lee one day last week, but that feels like centuries ago so I am glad I could remember his name. He is very kind and just says, "Wow, you are very early." I then tried to explain the situation of the bus and all of that to him. Yeah, so much for that. I speak way too quickly and it is something I really am needing to work on. After I finish the "I am confused" speel, he looks at me and says, "Okay. Good!" He then asks where I am from and I proudly respond,. "USA, I am from Oklahoma." 

I think that is something that is so funny about living in another country. I miss my friends and family, of course. I really just entirely miss my state and my country. I am desperate for the time to be on American soil again. I just know when I am, I will feel so home. I am loving my time here, but nothing can ever make me love a place as much as I love the good US of A! 

Mr. Lee responds with a "Wow! You are really long way from home." He then leaves the classroom to take care of some students in the hallway. I sunk into a two minute long depression. I hate the fact that I do this every time someone mentions just how far away I am. It kills me inside to be constantly reminded how far I am from home and sometimes just how lonely I can feel here, even though I have a great friends living just minutes away. It's lonely sometimes, and it's always a little more evident when someone brings it to your attention. 

The next part, however, is something you will be proud of. I told myself to suck it up. Five months will go by and I will be home wondering where the time went. I had to repeat it a few times, sure. But I was able to work up the energy to become okay. I am forever proud of that. 

Mr. Lee came back in, and after sitting for a while he told me it was time for lunch. I was happy to hear this, because in all of the bus fiasco, I forgot to grab something to eat. At lunch, we had soup, rice, a root (I forget what it is called!) a pork cutlet, and a variance of kimchi that actually wasn't half bad. I was able to meet my Principal and Vice-Principal at lunch so that was nice. I also met the third grade teacher, Mr. Choi who is very nice as well. They all told me I was beautiful. (To my surprise, I have gotten that basically everywhere in Korea. I don't know if they are just being polite, or what but literally everywhere I go, I am told I am beautiful. I don't mind it one bit!) 

After lunch, we headed back to the classroom and I was told my students wouldn't be coming today. I am so exhausted, I was almost relieved to hear as much. I am hoping to have a much smoother day tomorrow, and then I can't wait to begin! I think I would have easily cracked under the pressure today. 

Well, sadly which is exactly what I did. 

When you are in a foreign country, I realize that the things I miss most are 1.) Family, 2.) Mid-Del Taco, and 3.) Familiarity. Anything familiar is exactly what I want. Sadly, I am no where in reach of familiarity at any given time. 

Cue, David. David used to be the mentor teacher for Napo and he is the one I have met with twice now. He has helped me with many things and he is the one who helped me settle into my apartment last week. He walks into my empty classroom and I immediately begin to tear up. IT'S DAVID!  Finally, something I knew that I know again! It's not that David is better or nicer than Mr. Lee, it's just that I finally had something that I knew. Something that made me feel comfortable. David and I begin talking and I honestly know that I cannot hold my tears in any longer. He takes one look at me, and knows I am about to lose it. He begins to coerce my fears and feelings before I can even ask for it. He just looks at me and says, "I think you are feeling very lonely. Even with your friends, maybe you feel lonely. I understand that you feel that way. But you need to enjoy your time and your travel." I just keep nodding my head, because I am fearful there is more to come. David kept talking to me. "I know, home is a far way. It is hard. But you will get better! You will see! You will get friends, and travel. Work is work, but enjoy your time here. I studied so hard in college and couldn't travel. You have a nice opportunity. Enjoy your time." David was so right. 

(This, I might add, is one of those times that you know all of the information someone has just given you. I know I am so blessed to have this opportunity, I know that I will love it here. I know all of these things. But sometimes  it just takes the right person to put it all into perspective.) I know am here for a purpose. No matter how hard this has been, or will be, I am so blessed to have this experience and David and his great familiarity helped me realize that today. 

David then talked to Mr. Lee for a long while. You know when you know that someone is talking about you, but you have no idea what they are saying? Yes, welcome to today. The saddest part was that after about 5 minutes, Mr. Lee (who I am pretty sure is no older that 24) looks at me and says, "Oh no, Kiyana! If you need me, you can call! You do not have to cry." I then started laughing, remembering the cultural differences. Of course David was telling Mr. Lee. He was probably telling him to put me on watch for flooding. (Probably not a bad idea.) We then all laughed and then I worked on more lesson planning, and headed home. 

What a day! I cannot really put all of my emotions into a gauge of today, because I would break it. I just have to remember to constantly keep my chin up, and always know that I have an entire side of the world out there, cheering me on. 

Here's to an awesome tomorrow! 

Kiyana in Korea

"Weekend Warriors" 

What an incredible first weekend in Gunsan!

We started the weekend off by spending Friday night at the cinema! What a perfect way to welcome me into any city! 

Saturday morning, I got up, and ventured to do the most big girl thing I could think of at the time.. GROCERY SHOP! Luckily, I live literally right down the road from the biggest monster of a grocery store you have ever seen. Ever seen a seven foot grocery store? Prepare yourself, because it is really that great... 

These photos were just taken tonight, so no, it isn't dark here on Saturday morning. Haha. 

Yep. That's it. I am basically doing a back bend on my street so I can get it all in the frame. HUGE, right? 

LotteMart has everything you might need in Korea, making it double the awesome. 

After that, I came back to my own place and a few hours later, walked to Laura's. We were making a new friend, Anthony, today! Anthony is a 9th gen who recently extended his contract to cover another year in Korea. (This alone assures me that I will love it here! Most people will extend their contracts after the six months is up.)

We then headed to Kyla's place which low and behold is a mere 45 minute walk! I think we will find a shorter way once we know our area better. However, on Saturday that was definitely the quickest way. We ran into a Farmer's Market type area, and the cutest little pooch I have ever seen! 

 

We then made it to Kyla's and met everyone else at Dunkin Donuts. aka: The Holy Land of Korea. We talked to our new friend Anthony and asked him any and every question we had! Poor guy, we replace all of his friends and then talk him to death. Haha! 

We then moved onto walking around. We finally realized just how cold it was and ended up at a wonderful Korean BBQ place where I... wait for it... tried a bug! YUM! 

Just kidding. I am not that crazy yet. It tasted, well, like a bug. Not my favorite Korean dish, but much better than those blueberry ice cream oreo's! (I can't believe I am saying that.) 

Here we are! Picking it out! 

건배!

(Cheers in Korean!) 

Here goes nothing! 

Oh gosh! That's awful! 

Why did we do that?!

Yep. That's definitely how that went. We also enjoyed Pig Liver Soup! I didn't eat the liver, but the soup was incredible! (No worries, the liver is easily avoidable!)

After that, we headed back home to an early bedtime! It was glorious! 

Today is Sunday. For the most part, I just relaxed, did some laundry, and enjoyed some well-spent time Skyping friends and family! What a great way to begin my week! 

We then all met together to work on lesson planning at a cute little cafe, Bel La Beans. 

We worked on lesson plans for a few hours until we were hungry and then enjoyed some delicious Korean food at a cheap restuaraunt up the road! Such a neat place. I think it is comparable to an American diner. Here's the menu! Delicious and cheap! Two of my favorite things! 

I am now sitting in my room, eagerly anticipating my first week at school. Will the kids like me? Will the teachers want to be my friend? What will we eat for lunch? What do I do if I miss my bus? 

All of these questions, and more will hopefully be answered tomorrow in my first day at school! (Well, hopefully everything but the bus question!) I cannot wait to meet all of my students and to see what the next five months will have for me as a teacher! 

Hold out for tomorrow you guys! I have a nervous feeling it will be great! 

Kiyana In Korea

"Gunsan Loving, Happened So Fast"

I know, I know. Girl, make up your mind already. You love it there, or you hate it there. 

I think it is safe to say, I am adjusting to my new life as well as I expected. Tears, then happiness and excitement, and then spurts of sadness when I start to think too much. It has been quite the transition and although I may not always say it or think it, I am so glad to have this experience.

Last time I left off at seeing my friends at the giant seven story LotteMart near my place. Running into their arms? Yeah, sounds about right. After that, Kyla came and stayed the night. Thursday morning, we got up, and went to her place, a short cab ride away. She was able to call her mom and Skype for a bit before her mentor teacher came and picked her up. *DISCLAIMER* Mentor Teacher: Basically, your boss. Usually an English speaking teacher at your school assigned to help you adjust to your life in Korea. Helps you understand how to pay your bills, take out the trash, get to school, etc. Basically your go-to guy for any and all questions. 

But just before she came to get us, a miracle happened.

In Korea, they don't really have cold deli sandwiches. Like, no turkey lunch meat for regular bread. And cheese? Forget about it. Milking cows aren't super popular here so all cheese is imported. Making it a pretty penny. This however, was a miracle above all miracles. WE FOUND A SUBWAY! Pretty sure I had to rub my eyes and do a double take to make sure I was seeing correctly. I was, and yes, it was heaven. 

We got with her mentor teacher, and went to set up Kyla's bank account and cell phone. Lucky Kyla! (Most of us won't be able to get cell phones until we acquire our Alien Registration Cards. It will be about another three weeks until our application goes through.)

The best part of this story, however, takes place at the bank just a few hours before. 

If you know me, you know I am very keen on making new friends anywhere I go. Especially here. The people of South Korea LOVE English! They, for the most part, want all of the practice they can get. I am sitting in the bank, and I turn around and see this beautiful lady sitting beside me, literally staring at the back of my head. 

So, what's the best thing to do when you say hello and all you hear is Korean coming back at you? You bust out your phone, and show off your new baby cousin in the family. Sweet Marlee, being shown off, loved, and enjoyed all around the world! 

What do you do after that? You go and buy your new friend a water. It was a rip-roaring 65 degrees in Korea Wednesday. Beautiful, right? This poor woman was in a fur hat and coat. I figured she'd get hot. I come back with her water and offer it to her with both hands. Why is it important to include that detail? Well, it is our Korea culture fact of the day! *Cue Cheesy Music* In Korea, being respectful, especially to your elders, is everything. So one good sign of respect is giving and receiving things with both hands. It shows you respect that person. It's just like saying "Yes, sir" or "no, ma'am" in the states. Just the polite thing to do. As much as Korean people love English, they love their culture. The little woman was incredibly amazed by what I did and she sat down beside me after she was done at the teller and held my hand. Incredible kick start to a new day. Then, she began petting my back. Lower and lower, basically until she was at the waist of my jeans and then, BAM! Out of no where, her hand is awkwardly touching a little hiney. I squeal and state ah-ney-yo! ah-ney-yo! Or "NO! NO!" in Korean. 

I know what you are thinking! Creepy old lady! But in all honesty, it's something you deal with here. Many times, you will run into older Koreans who have never seen or heard a foreigner before. It almost seems like you aren't real to them until they touch you. So, she was just seeing what it was, well, what I was I guess. Could have been much much worse though. I have heard stories of licking, biting, kissing, and other body part grabbing by members of the opposite sex that could have made my new friend a serious.. well, not friend. Always an important lesson to remember. Not everyone is always used to you all the time. Learned that one the hard way. Haha! 

After that, we went back to Kyla's and I put my big girl pants on. For sure, I was certain, I could be a big girl tonight and stay at my new place. 

Cue Laura. Luckily, when I got home, Laura messaged me. She had been at her school all day doing nothing. She wanted some friend time and some fun! So what do we do? Watch The Bachelor of course! Lucky me! Another friend to stay over! We stayed up, watched The Bachelor and went to bed. 

We started a new day today, when we met Emilee at her place! Luckily, she's only about a 15 minute cab ride, just south of us by Gunsan University! We went to her side of town where Virgina, Lizzie, and Emilee live and got to see their places! So cute! We then went and grabbed lunch and just like that, the gang was all here! Minus one important friend, Brittney, who we are hoping to reunite with this weekend! 

We then hit up Baskin Robbins. I don't think any of us minded the 30 degree weather. Ice Cream is Ice Cream and it is always good. 

After that, we decided we wanted to go see a movie! What a process. We decided the best move would be to simply go to a theatre and ask for a movie in English. Knowing that LotteCinema carries English movies, we went there and bought tickets for the first movie we saw, Jack the Giant Slayer. I actually think it is out right now in America. Good tip? It's AWESOME! You're welcome. We had such a great time at the theater. We also got the best news ever. On March 28th, while you are enjoying your almost Easter, and all that jazz, I will be enjoying Pitch Perfect in theaters! Just like I did seven times in America! If you have seen Pitch Perfect, you know this is great news. It will be like seeing it all brand new! I can't wait! Here are some photos from the cinema! 

It was awesome! What a great day with great friends! Go out, do something today! Heck, go see that movie! It was great! 

More updates, and an apartment tour coming soon! Can't wait to show you around my new place! (Haha, for some who have already seen it!) 

Happy Friday! 

Kiyana in Korea