My contract ends today. I will no longer be a teacher at Geumchon Middle school. I have ten days to leave the country, and then my visa expires, so I will be spending these ten days with my husband at his base.
This whole time, I have been so concerned about how I feel being away from my husband. I I I, Me, me, me, but last yesterday something happened that changed me; I am not the only person hurting.
My old co teacher came over with bags and boxes. She helped me finish packing, and settle all of my accounts. She was the first person I met when I came to Korea, with her soft voice, and kind words. I remember after my first day of being in Korea, I went to my new apartment. I had no food, no cable, no phone, no internet and I was asking myself why in the world would I come to Korea. around 9pm, my doorbell rang. I answered with a tear soaked face and it was my co-teacher with two big bags of food. She had spent her afternoon buying me everything that she could find, that I would notice and eat. I became overwhelmed with appreciation . The next day, she did something that really touched me. She said that she felt my heart last night and that I was lonely, so she ordered internet in her name, so I could connect with my love and others around the world.
It was a big deal because foreigners have to wait weeks for their Alien Registration Card to come in the mail. It is then, that you can get a phone, internet cable etc. We grew extremely close but when it was time for winter vacation, I found out that she would be leaving the school, as will many other teachers because she has completed her dedication of 5 years. So for the last six months, we haven't talked much, but here she was, at my home, helping me pack as joyful as she was to help me unpack one year ago. reminiscing about our first encounter, we laughed and compared emotions and then she stopped and looked at me. She said she prayed for me before I came and God gave her better than what she prayed for. Saying good bye to her was painful, but the later the evening got, the more painful it was. We said our good bye between the sobbing and tears, said a prayer and went on our ways.
Later that night I had a late dinner with three of my Korean friends, and little Jisu.(one of my friend's 4 yr old)
When I walked in, Jisu handed me a gift and said that the loved me, and she will miss me. The thing is, Jisu never spoke English to me. we communicated through giggles and playing. I was then taken to dinner, where I was presented with a dress made by my friend Matilda! I couldn't stop thinking her for such a thoughtful gift!
I met Matilda because she owns the coffee shot next door to my apartment. one day I saw her husband in the street and he just started speaking English! I was so shocked, when I learned he lived and studied in America. I also now had somewhere to go when I needed a piece of something familiar. So when I met Matilda we hit it off. one say she asked if I could help her along with a few friends with their English. I said of course, and then I met Lina and Jennifer. Jisu is Jennifer's daughter. we met every Tuesday my first semester, but not so much the second. eventually we went from practicing English to becoming very great friends. Shopping, eating, etc. Any time I had a problem, they would rush into action and help me.
Dinner was very emotional. Each one took their time to tell me how they felt about me leaving. The expressed that they were no longer afraid to speak to African Americans, that I erased any biased they first had. They even asked if my other African American friends (Whom they previously met) would stop by for a chat from time to time.
I finally understand why I came to Korea,. It took a year of ups and downs, home sickness, and some prejudices, but I made it through and I have made so great native Korean friends.
-Until next time, Take a chance to do something different
CC
This whole time, I have been so concerned about how I feel being away from my husband. I I I, Me, me, me, but last yesterday something happened that changed me; I am not the only person hurting.
My old co teacher came over with bags and boxes. She helped me finish packing, and settle all of my accounts. She was the first person I met when I came to Korea, with her soft voice, and kind words. I remember after my first day of being in Korea, I went to my new apartment. I had no food, no cable, no phone, no internet and I was asking myself why in the world would I come to Korea. around 9pm, my doorbell rang. I answered with a tear soaked face and it was my co-teacher with two big bags of food. She had spent her afternoon buying me everything that she could find, that I would notice and eat. I became overwhelmed with appreciation . The next day, she did something that really touched me. She said that she felt my heart last night and that I was lonely, so she ordered internet in her name, so I could connect with my love and others around the world.It was a big deal because foreigners have to wait weeks for their Alien Registration Card to come in the mail. It is then, that you can get a phone, internet cable etc. We grew extremely close but when it was time for winter vacation, I found out that she would be leaving the school, as will many other teachers because she has completed her dedication of 5 years. So for the last six months, we haven't talked much, but here she was, at my home, helping me pack as joyful as she was to help me unpack one year ago. reminiscing about our first encounter, we laughed and compared emotions and then she stopped and looked at me. She said she prayed for me before I came and God gave her better than what she prayed for. Saying good bye to her was painful, but the later the evening got, the more painful it was. We said our good bye between the sobbing and tears, said a prayer and went on our ways.
Later that night I had a late dinner with three of my Korean friends, and little Jisu.(one of my friend's 4 yr old)
I met Matilda because she owns the coffee shot next door to my apartment. one day I saw her husband in the street and he just started speaking English! I was so shocked, when I learned he lived and studied in America. I also now had somewhere to go when I needed a piece of something familiar. So when I met Matilda we hit it off. one say she asked if I could help her along with a few friends with their English. I said of course, and then I met Lina and Jennifer. Jisu is Jennifer's daughter. we met every Tuesday my first semester, but not so much the second. eventually we went from practicing English to becoming very great friends. Shopping, eating, etc. Any time I had a problem, they would rush into action and help me.
Dinner was very emotional. Each one took their time to tell me how they felt about me leaving. The expressed that they were no longer afraid to speak to African Americans, that I erased any biased they first had. They even asked if my other African American friends (Whom they previously met) would stop by for a chat from time to time.
I finally understand why I came to Korea,. It took a year of ups and downs, home sickness, and some prejudices, but I made it through and I have made so great native Korean friends.
-Until next time, Take a chance to do something different
CC
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