Week One: Culture Shock

Hello! Anyonghasayo!
Teaching English to kids in South Korea... what could be better! I love kids and a chance to grow while learning about a fascinating culture is everything I could have asked for. My dad traveled throughout South Korea for thirteen months in the military in 1960 so I thought, this is going to be a great opportunity; plus, I can share my experience with my family and friends.

Late at night, it is fun to look out my window tosee who else is up in the appartment complex acrossthe street. It helps me feel less lonely. Gosh, I am such a small town girl!

At the beginning, I thought I could ready myself through books, but once I arrived I immediately went into huge culture shock that weighed heavily on me for days. It was as if the world came crashing down and I felt incredibly guilty for feeling that way.
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/cGuanipa/cultshok.htm
I could not believe how fast loneliness hit me, but I was saved by all the love and support of my family and friends. They helped me get back on my feet and become more proactive and excited about this upcoming year. Mom, you are awesome! Words of encouragement including this poem has given "me strength to talk even when I don't feel like it, smile, ask questions, learn, celebrate the new stuff, cry when I need to, and reward with books in English." (great advice, Jax)

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.

We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, talented, fabulous?

Actually, Who are you not to be?!

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightening about shrinking.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We are born to make manifested the glory of God that is within us;

It is within everyone.

And we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others."

-Marianne Wilson (thanks for the quote, Bec)

I love my family and friends and I feel so blessed to have them all with close to me everyday on my new adventure.