My time in Korea has brought so much joy to my life already. It’s amazing how much peace and calmness God brings when you are obedient to His calling. I expected to experience sadness, anxiety, and worry this first week, but as much as I love and miss you guys, there hasn’t been an ounce of any negative emotions so far. I know that time will come, but until then, I am going to soak in every minute of what I am feeling right now.
My apartment has not been ready so, for the last 5 days, I have been sleeping in a hotel which I can only assume is part of the “Red light” district. Outside my window, I can see a “Sexy Bar” and a “Red Bar” and my very first morning here, I encountered several piles of vomit on my way to go get breakfast. I’m sure you are wondering where I can find joy in all of the “sexy time” and vomit, but I can’t help but smile when I think about how God has placed me in such a lost place. I truly have my work cut out for me and I’m overwhelmingly excited thinking about how many souls will be added to the kingdom in the time I am here.
Monday was my first day at the school. I was greeted by tons of Korean children running toward me with arms wide open grabbing every part of my body and screaming
“Brandy teacher, I love you!”
They don’t know a thing about me and I wonder if they understand what those words mean, but I don’t care. Hearing them say those words just melts my heart. They are so affectionate and I am eating up every second of it. I have children climbing in my lap, laying their head to rest on my chest and wanting any affection I am willing to give. I am sure it won’t take them long to figure out that I am ready to shower them with love and affection every minute of every day.
I’m sad to report I have not yet had an opportunity to try all the exciting food Korea has to offer but I will definitely be doing some exploring this weekend.
Here are some of the things I have learned about Korea so far:
– Korean children get assigned English names. Some as normal as Ashley or Sarah, others like Tinkerbell.
– Korean children are considered 1 year old when they are born. So, they have a Korean age and an American age. Interesting huh?
– It is true… Asian children love to learn! They are so proficient, they are quick, and they ask a million questions until they understand it perfectly. I love the way their little brains work and I’m so excited to teach them.
– Everything in Korea is cute. Nothing is a solid color. Everything has a print or a pattern or some random animated character on it.
– Korean women don’t like to wear pants in the freezing cold whether. A pair of leggings and a pair of shorts, no problem. Seriously girls?
– Freckles are considered a flaw. I had to have my photo taken for a health exam and I watched the man airbrush every single freckle off my face before printing the picture.
– There is no toilet paper in public restroom. There are random toilet paper dispensers in each building, but none in the actual bathroom. So, be sure you know how much you need because that is the only chance you will get.
– And finally, if you see a barber shop with more than one pole, this is a “special” barber shop. Apparently the more poles, the more “services” they offer. Thank you Marisol for filling me in on this!
It’s only been 5 days and I am amazed at how many interesting things I have already learned about this culture. I have absolutely no clue what is in store for me here, but I am excited to share this journey with you. Until next time…
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