So Long, Farewell

"Lucky to have been where I have been, lucky to be coming home again."

Those Jason Mraz lyrics have been in my head this week after I heard the song on my ipod and I really feel that those lines especially pertain to me so much right now.

This is my last and final post, and it happens to be my 100th. Really happy to be ending on an even note.

I feel a mixture of emotions as I am about to leave this place that has been my home for over a year now. Happiness, sadness, nostalgia, excitement, nervousness, anxiety, relief, and many other emotions have been flooding my brain and heart. I am not looking forward to my last goodbye tomorrow, but am so eager for my first hello on the other side.

Sean and I took a trip to Seoul tower last night and locked our hearts on the wall along with thousands of others. Just a little way to always remember this city and the times we spent together here this past year.

the man and the tower

Sean writing his message to me

my message to Sean

putting his heart up

putting my heart up

light show on the tower

A little piece of my heart will always belong here. Goodbye Korea.

Namaste

Finisheeeee!

As the kids like to say- I am finisheeeeeeee!

My last day of school crept up on me really quickly. All of a sudden it was Monday of my last week and then the last three days just flew by. I wasn't really expecting much for my last days, but was pleasantly surprised by all the kind goodbyes and thoughtful gestures.

My fifth grade co-teacher had all of the students write me letters. They were actually really heartfelt and sweet. Many of them apologized for their classes being so rude/talking so much when I taught them. Huh. Then she gave me some earrings as a goodbye gift because she knows I love earrings. One student gave me a hand made card and a little gift as well.

fifth grade cards

The first grade teachers that I taught in my teachers class, including my old co-teacher, Mrs. Sung, surprised me Tuesday afternoon with an impromptu pizza party to say goodbye. It was really generous of them and I was touched that they thought of me and wanted to do something special for me to thank me for teaching them. I legit ate Korean style pizza with the following toppings: cheese, sauce, olives, mushrooms, sausage, potato, mayonnaise, hot sauce, nacho chips, and a sweet potato filled crust. Beat that.

My sixth grade co-teacher created a video message for me from each sixth grade class. They all said their goodbyes via video and it was really sweet. One of the classes even wrote me a card and got me a gift. Mrs. Han also gave me a copy of the messages on a USB and a pair of earrings for a small gift. So nice.

The office workers in the principal's office gave me a great card and we had a little party this afternoon before I left with all kinds of Korean snack foods.

card from the office co-workers

last day in the office

office party

To top off an awesome day, Sean bought me a congratulatory cake and Starbucks to celebrate my finishing my contract. So sweet.

cake and Starbucks

I feel really blessed and grateful.

Namaste

The Beginning of the End

I've never mentioned this before because technically it's not allowed, but I figure I only have three more school days left, so what have I got to loose? Parents in Korea will pay big bucks for their children's education. English education is very important to parents and most enroll their kids in a private English language school or pay for a private tutor. Private English tutoring jobs are widely available here in Korea and pay well. Many foreigners take tutoring jobs on the side to earn some extra cash, even though all of our contracts say we aren't supposed to. I have had the opportunity to tutor this year in Korea and it has been a great experience. My most recent tutoring experience has been for four little girls. They are between the ages of 3-5 and are absolutely precious. I tutor them twice a week for an hour. Each week I come to their homes and we spend our time reciting the ABCs, learning phonics, playing games, and I bribe them with stickers and candy. I have been quite surprised with their progress in the last few months I have taught them. They by no means can actually put English phrases or sentences together, but they have grown to understand me very well and our lessons usually run pretty smooth after I taught them things like "1, 2, 3, hands in your lap" and "follow me" then I clap and they have to follow. I think their favorite English word is "no" because when they just want to play it's all I hear. That's where the bribing comes into play. Last week was my last tutoring session and it was a little sad to say goodbye. I will definitely miss their high energy, smiling faces, and sweet curiosity.

Yuni, Da Hae, me, Seoyoon, and Cho Hyun, mouths stuffed with candy

Friday all my English co-teachers took me out to dinner for a goodbye meal. It was really sweet of them and we had a nice meal including shabu shabu, duck, and fried rice. For as many issues as I have had with my job this year they have all been so kind and supportive and I am forever grateful to have met them and worked with them.

duck and pumpkin

my English co-teachers and I

Goodbyes are always hard and my hardest are yet to come. Planning on enjoying my last week here in Korea.

Happy October!

Namaste