It is finished! Part II

Ooohs and Aaahs filled the room as my three wonderful kindergarteners recited this poem. I had my doubts about the girls being able to memorize the poem in time for the play. But, they pulled it off much better than I had imagined. Because they are second year students, they were expected to do some storytelling. But, they're capable of more than kindergarteners in the states are able to do. They did wonderfully and were the highlight of the program.

Here are my students performing "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

It is finished!

For the past month at school, we've been working on a Christmas program for the kindergarteners. After weeks of editing scripts, making props and costumes, directing restless children and pulling out my hair, here are the results (Part I, Part II to come soon:

All Kindergarteners (Shoemaker and the Elves)

Snow

Big fat puffs of snow fell from the sky this evening. It wasn't the first snow that's fallen since I've been here, but it definitely was the most snow I've seen in the past 3 months. The trees were frosted, people were out until morning having snowball fights, and others growled in frustration. And the best part about it was that I was able to catch it all on my new camera!

Here you are ladies and gentlemen, long awaited pictures from a long awaited camera.

Gloria Ralphed

Time escapes me. At home, at school, walking home, walking to school - anywhere. So in my attempt to prevent time from escaping through the cracks of my fingers, I came up with some strategies:

1. Listen to the news on my walk to work.
2. Grade papers on the subway on the weekends.
3. Take less showers.
4. Don't do laundry.
5. Have the kindergarteners drink their milk fast so that I could get ready for the next class during their milk/play time.

Most of them have been successful thus far - except for the last one.

I figured that by having the girls compete in drinking milk during their milk/play time, this would cause them to drink their milk faster - allowing me more time to get ready for their afternoon class. This idea was working out well for the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, pride comes before the fall.

The girls drank their milk like they normally do. They all finished and took their green milk cartons to the kitchen. Then, they scurried off to play with their friends. Both playrooms were full of children screaming, playing clapping games like "Miss Susie went to Sea," and sliding down the plastic castle.

Gloria fell half over in the hallway. Two or three girls stopped. Gloria walked 6-7 steps toward me. I thought she had blown snot - all the other kids have been doing it lately. So I told her to go to the sink. As I assisted her the first few steps toward the sink, I realized it was all over her face, her hand, and dripping down her blue suede jacket. It was puke.

She washed her face. I took off her jacket. She played. I tried to wipe down the suede. She felt fine. I was thought I was going to ralph.

Go Tania! Good going on time saving strategies!

The Korean People - Part I

I’ve been meaning to post (on numerous occasions) about my thoughts on the Korean people as a whole. I think I’ve held off for so long because of my very meager knowledge about Korean culture and society. But, I’ve been doing some reading since I’ve arrived in Korea. So, hopefully I’ll be able to express some thoughts without critical or overgenerous overtones.

Just as any religion has a large affect on a country’s people, Confucianism has been an elemental part of Korean society. Over 35% of the Korean population claims to hold to Christianity. The five largest protestant churches in the world are located in Seoul. (Rhie, 86). While Christianity is currently the reigning religion in South Korea, Confucianism has affected Korean society much longer and deeper than Christianity has.

Before getting too far, let me give a quick summary of Confucianism. Confucianism developed in China and holds that one must govern him/herself prior to any other governance. Personal cultivation, hierarchical relationships, and filial piety are just a few of the tenets and results from Confucianism.

As a result of China’s relationship with and rule over the Korean peninsula for some period of time, Korea has adapted this form of Confucianism. Throughout Korean history, Confucianism has found itself as government-mandated practice. With its great emphasis on relationships, Confucianism has continued to affect every person that comes in contact with Korea culture – be it within the borders of Korea or not. I say this because Koreans are often closed off to those relationships that are not beneficial for them. Even when accidentally bumping into a person on the street, or associating with a server at a restaurant, Koreans are not as likely to say “sorry” or “thank you” as much as a westerner is accustomed with.

Also key in relationships is the hierarchical relationship. The elderly are given much greater respect than in the west. The elderly have much more independence and authority. In the short time that I’ve been here, I’ve been surprised at the number of elderly men and women that walk the streets working or pinching the cheeks of children they’ve never met before. In the west, most of the elderly are cooped up in nursing homes where their families visit them once a month. Here, they live with the eldest son – until death do parts them. They rule the country.

The relationship between a student and teacher is often a long-lasting one. Students tend to stay friends with their classmates from their grade school years until adult years. The strength in these relationships depends on their respect and hesitancy to deface the character of the friend. Once a friend, always a friend. Once a brother, always a brother - which leads to the topic of North Korea. But, it’ll have to wait for the sake of my sanity.

I Long For . . .

Oh how I long for the smells of Thanksgiving.
I miss the smells of pumpkin pie, turkey in the oven for hours, and cranberry sauce tantalizing taste buds throughout the morning.
The rememberance of after Thanksgiving sales is even affecting my ever-saddening mood.
Who would've though Koreans didn't eat turkey?

Thailand Here I Come!

I will officially be spending my Christmas and New Year's in Thailand! Woo hoo!

Happy Peppero Day!

Commonly known as "Pocky" in the US, Pepero, established in 1983, is the Korean brand of this Japanese chocolate covered bread stick.

Today, all over the nation, children and teenage girls gave an array of different Pepero to their friends. Almond Covered Pepero (my fav), Cafe Latte Pepero, Giant Pepero, Candy Covered Pepero, Chocolate-filled Pepero, and the classic Pepero were sold and bought in mass quantities from grocery stores, bakeries, the equivalent to 7-11, department stores, and jewelry stores all over Korea.

The person who, just 4 years ago, decided to establish Pepero Day is reaping praise fro his/her colleagues after the end of this very celebrated day.

Yesterday, my students gave me Pepero, made me Pepero, and reminded me of how much of a kid I am.

Canada vs. USA

AMERICA WINS!!!

Yesterday, in a smashing event of sportsmanship, the US beat Canada in the Peace Queen Cup Finals at The World Cup Stadium in Seoul, South Korea.

The air was thick competition as two western countries duked it out in Seoul. The intensity of the game was outrageous. Canadians dressed in their flags and funny hats, Americans with painted faces and more funny hats, and Koreans - some rooting for Canada others for the US, were in attendance.

In the first half, while the US had a few chances at making a goal, neither team made goals. In the second half, the US finally made a goal and Canada was unable to catch up.

As intense as it was, the game was not only entertaining, but it really brought out a lot of national pride. I'm slowly beginning to notice why Korea has such a pride in their country. Soccer is huge here. Going to soccer games and cheering on your country really does increase your pride in your country.

I know full well of all the many atrocities that the US has committed in recent years as well as in the past. Regardless of the mistakes, too often citizens of the US - and other countries for that matter - fail to recognize that some good results out of the some actions of the US. Billions of dollars in aid goes to countries in need, the implentation of one of the most sought out systems of government, and athletes to satiate the desire for entertainment and a facet for national pride.

Balance I say, balance!

You're not truly American Until . . .

The weirdest subway ride of my life to and from the World Cup Stadium made me realized how much September 11, 2001 has affected my outlook on every day occurences.

Canada vs. Italia at the World Cup Stadium.

Karen's cousin is on Canada's National Women's soccer team. So excitedly we made a trip to Seoul on Saturday. So unexcitedly, we got off the subway utterly embarrased and thought this was the worst of the day.

The subway ride to the stadium was relaxing compared to what we would face in the hours ahead. We rode for about 15 stops or so when a young man made a V-line straight toward the 외국 (foreigner, pronounced like wehguk). "사랑해요, 사랑해요! 외국 사람 좋아요!" (I love you, I love you! I like foreigners). Trying to be sly, I pretended to be asleep until Karen jabbed me with her fingers and kicked me with her rock solid shoes. So I "woke up" to a Korean man making ridiculour heart symbols with his arms and taking our hands in an effort to make a hand shake. I hoped that pretending to not know any Korean would get him to leave us alone. Unfortunately this attempt only made him try harder to make us understand what he meant. His eagerness led to an embarassing spectacle for us and a great show for all the other natives on the subway.

He finally got off a stop before ours.

We got off at the next stop, walked up the stairs, and there he was. "Go, go, go!" I said as I pushed Karen quickly up the stairs and out of the direction of our friend on the subway.

We made it just in time for the soccer game. Canada won. Woo hoo.

We meant to visit with her cousin for a few minutes. We couldn't find her. World Cup Stadium is big. We walked around and we stopped where we saw men with black vests, helmets, and white lettering "tri-city international."
"We probably shouldn't get too close, they might we're suspicious looking?
"What? What do you mean?"
"They might think we're going to bomb them."
They didn't pull out any guns and we didn't bomb them.

We ate, bought groceries, and got on the subway.
"It smells like pee in here," Karen said. And it did.
"It smells like pee really bad," Karen said. And it did. There was a man sitting at the end of the subway. A man that was sitting by him got up and moved. There was a puddle. I thought it was a beverage. It was at one point. The puddle kept getting bigger. A little girl pulled her pretty pink princess suitcase around. As children do, she carelessly walked around the subway getting ready for her stop while her mother woke up her other daughter. The girl walked back my direction with her suitcase. Trailing on the wheel of her suitcase was a stream of liquid. I pulled Karen's leg back so she wouldn't touch it.
"What is it?"
"It's pee."
Karen looked down. Our groceries! My feet! No one said anything.
"Get off! We have to get off now!" I said.
Close to tears I pouted as we went toward the "washroom."
Back on the subway, I was a little relieved. Nothing worse could happen. Up the stairs and we're stopped by Immigration police. Nope, not us they were looking for.

The students in one of my upper level class just finished a section on Myths. While studying creation myths, we studied what is called the Dangun Myth.

The Dangun Myth
This Korean legend maintains that Hwanin, a heavenly king, sent his son Hwanung to earth. Hwanung so desired to live on the earth that Hwanin sent him and 3,000 other followers. Hwanung ruled the earth through his three advisors the wind-general, the rain-governor, and the cloud teacher. They lived harmoniously and happily as they set laws, moral codes, and taught humans essentials such as the arts, agriculture, and government.
During this time, a bear and tiger desired to become human. They prayed to Hwanung to allow them to become human. Hwanung instructed them that it would be an arduous task to become human. They replied with eager willingness to prove their patience. Hwanung instructed them to live in a cave and eat twenty garlic cloves and a bundle of mugwort. Eventually, the tiger became restless and disobeyed Hwanung’s instructions and came out of the cave. Yet, the bear, following Hwanung’s instructions, was granted his desire to become human. The bear became a woman. In gratitude, the woman, gave offerings to Hwanung. Yet, she soon became sad because she lacked a husband. Hwanung eventually took her as his wife and impregnated her. Out came, Dangun.
Dangun is credited as being the founder of Korea. His life is the beginning of Korean history.

References:
"Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: Korea," Sonja Vegdahl and Ben Seunghwa Hur. Marshall Cavendish Editions (Singapore, 2005)
"Beginning of Korea," [website] http://www.bergen.org/AAST/projects/Korea/culture/begin.html (Last edited October, 20, 2006)

Thanks to:
Aim High Freshman 2 Class (Jenny, Maria, Sally, and George)

The air is crisp.
The leaves are changing colors.
The mornings are colored with fog.
The mosquitos are dying.
I'm beat.

This was a journal entry that I intended to post earlier.

September 20, 2006

I've had a conversation partner for a couple of weeks now. I've been learning quite a bit. I've learned much about the language and the culture. I don't think Rachel or I thought we would have such great insight into each others' cultures while spending time with each other.

Tonight she said something that didn't really surprise me but helped me realize and reinvigorate my passion (one that has been so easily tossed aside and forgotten about in the midst of everyday hysteria).

We were discussing the word for "organization" and I meagerly tried to say that I wanted to work for an organization that focuses on international development. And I went further by saying that I might want to work for a government sector that dealt with humanitarian work and developed economies of developing nations. Rachel had the hardest time understading how the government and humanitarian work could correspond. She mentioned that here, many don't believe that the government has any role with humanitarian work. I think many (even outside of Korea) would have the same mindset.

I have been reading writings of Solomon the past few weeks and tonight I came across what wisdom encompasses - of course that's pretty much all of what Solomon writes of but I thought what he said was interesting/ironic in light of the earlier conversation: (this is wisdom speaking) "counsel and judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth."

Sometimes its hard to believe that politicians and government officials are just. But, something I learned while I was in Washington this Spring was that there's hope. Of course not all people in government can be classified as having wisdom according to Solomon. But there are the few that seek justice and govern with genuine care for their people and humanity in general. And, their placement in the middle of scams, schemes, and scandals make all the difference.

It is my long hope that my own placement in the middle of scams, schemes, and scandals will eventually make some difference in the way many view justice and hope.

Runaway Taxi!

Homeplus (i.e. Korean Target) abounds with most of the necessary items for daily living. Knowing this, Karen and I took a trip on a Friday night a couple weeks ago (I wanted to post the picture thus the reason for not writing earlier). As a note, understand that neither of us have a car so we walk everywhere, take buses, or taxis on occasion.

We bought an array of cleaning products and food at Homeplus. We boxed up all of our things. Figuring a taxi would suffice, we waited on a lit and busy street. Taxis drive left and right in Korea so we didn't worry about the wait.

We hailed a cab. The cab driver had his window down and asked us where we were going. We named our apartment and he drove away. We thought that he wanted us to cross the street and he would turn around to take us in the opposite direction. He turned, but didn't come back.

After about half an hour of waiting for another cab, someone finally felt sympathy for the two foreigners with big boxes.

Note: Taxi drivers on Friday nights + 2 foreigners who want to go a mile away = no go.

Here are some of the long awaited pictures.

Kindergarteners during our Chusok celebration


Latte's Birthday - Octopus (낙지) Restaurant (Latte, Me, Rachel)


Nanta (Mike, Me, Karen, Rachel, Sandy)

8 Legs and Shrimp

The tentacles stuck to the walls of the woman's throat as she swallowed the octopus whole. After watching the episode on CSI where a reknowned cook kills someone with delicacies such as live octopus, I vowed I would never risk my life by consuming this dangerous animal while was in Korea.

A nice little trip to Oido and the Ocean turned into a Chusok I will never forget. After spending the day stuffing my face, my uncles and aunts decided to take Karen and I to the Ocean. The sun was shining, the water sparkled and the mountains projected their majesty in the distance. On this Korean holiday, the roads were too crowded to go all the way across the bridge to the island. So we decided to turn around - then we stopped in Oido.

With the ocean nearby, this city is known for its seafood. We walked through the fish markets looking at the interesting array of sea animals. Live jumping fish, eel, and lobster were just a few of what was available to take home (so I thought).

My aunts picked out a few things to buy. They bought some live fish, shrimp, and had some octopus cut up and put on a plate - I thought the lady was taking it somewhere to have it cooked and packed. We ended up following her up stairs and into a restaurant. The plate of squirming tentacles was placed on the table where we sat.

Everyone began eating - eating the squirming tentacles of course - even the kids. So, in a moment of spontenaity I picked up my metal chopsticks and went in. I tried to reach a piece that wasn't squirming. To my dismay, anytime they were touched, they would move. So I pinched the smallest piece I could find with my chopsticks and it went into my mouth - until the tentacles stuck to the chopsticks and I had to pull it off with my teeth. Then it stuck to my front tooth. So I chewed as best I could. It wasn't too bad - it was actually really good. So ate some more.

The shrimp was impossible! It was alive, the legs were moving, the head cut off, and then it was handed to me. I ate live octopus, I can definitely eat live shrimp right? Yeah, that's what I thought. I dipped it into some pepper paste and tried to bite. Then it moved. Couldn't do it.

Even though I couldn't do the shrimp, I'll definitely go back for live octopus again.

Nanta!

Drums, Knives, and Food - who could resist! I went to this show with my friends last night and saw an amazing narrative knife/drum show (somewhat like Sticks).
Foreign-fest - there weren't very many Koreans interestingly, it's known for its attraction to foreigners.

Fun. Pictures, again to come.

Friday Night.

Friday night I had the opportunity to spend some time and have good old fun with friends from work. Girls night out!

We went to the Hudson talked and had fried spaghetti noodles.

Quality evening.

I never had the chance to post this! Sorry about the delay! I think it was written while I was on the plane or at the airport.

Salt Lake was a piece of cake - even with the increased security measures.

I was chosen to be one of the few random people that had to get their bags checked.

I've always found myself frustrated with those who complain about how much longer it takes to get through airport security. But, I must say that I was truly annoyed.
Hours of carefully packing your bags so that everything will fit in perfectly was marred in a matter of minutes. Having someone ravage through your personals is really quite embarrassing - even though there's no need to be (they go through stuff like that every day).

San Francisco was more like one of Starbucks' espresso brownies. While easily identifiable and neatly cut, it's uncomfortable to eat around others and takes a really long time to get through.
When I arrived at SFO, it was easy at first until terms from my junior high sociology class made me realize that I really was human. While I stood in line to check into Korean Airlines, dozens of Koreans surrounded me (Fight of Flight Syndrome). The desire to flee definitely filled my head especially after my sad departure from family in Salt Lake.

Well, I didn't flee.

I'm sitting at gate A6 of the International Terminal @ SFO looking at the view from behind the glass.

I'm calm now.

Pizza Hut

Karen and I had a hearty discussion about pizza this morning.

I don't remember why we started the conversation, but it happened. And so did the cravings. So we decided to go to Pizza Hut for "supper" as Karen says.

Really though, when Karen and I go out for meals, it really isn't that difficult to order food. We get by with our meager Korean and being able to point at pictures. So we're ok. Even when we didn't know how to eat the food that we ordered, really - we were ok.

So after work we went to Pizza Hut to get some Pizza. Easy, right? All you have to do is say "picha." Yeah, well it didn't work out like that at all!

We sat down and decided to get Barbeque (what the crap! I have to think to spell Barbeque. Even still I think I spelled it wrong! I need to read more.) Chicken "Picha." So, again, with meager Korean we ordered. Then came the questions: do you want pan or Chicago style? What kind of vegetables? Yeah, at least I think that's what our waitress was asking. So I just point. So the hard part was over - so you might think!

Well, Karen noticed that they were having a special! So we decided to go for it - shoot, half off on appetizers, who wouldn't go for it!

We order. Another waitress, more questions, and from there on just confusion. No appetizer, salad bar we didn't order, and a free "Saida" (Sprite).

I don't understand.

Crazy Kinders.

My usual work day consists of between 3-6 classes. One of the those classes is actually the same length as 4 classes. Oh my favorite - the Kindergarteners.

There are three of these crazy girls. I know, three doesn't sound like it's a lot, but they are such a handful!

The first day of meeting them with the old teacher was interesting. Korean children have an odd tendency of asking you the most personal questions!

We were playing a favorite game of theirs - 'Flashcard Go Fish.' The rules are the same as Go Fish, but they use flashcards to stimulate conversation.

The flashcards they were using included locations in the house. So they were asking questions like "Do you brush your teeth in the bathroom?" or "Do you cook in your kitchen?"

In order to begin my relationship with these sily girls I played a game the game with them. Then questions like "do you have a boyfriend in the living room?" came up. I leave the questions there - they became much more personal after than - if I blushed, my face would have turned bright red.

Beth, Gloria, and Lisa. Crazy Kindergarteners.

All the girls have been studying English for two years - thus the reason why I only have three of them.

Beth is the best English speaker. She's better than ANY of the students I have - even in my highest level classes. She loves reading and she always forgets stuff at home. She eats so much! (We have lunch time where the kids eat rice, soup, and other stuff. They bring their own spoons and chopsticks and they brush their teeth after lunch! So cute!)

Gloria is the most active out of the three. She goes crazy when she plays! She eats fast.

Lisa is the youngest. She so cute! She is my favorite (even though I shouldn't have favorites) - I think because the other girls pick on her sometimes because she's younger. She just started the program at this English school so she doesn't have many friends. She doesn't eat anything!

They're a handful. They're so smart. They're really cute. They're a pain in the a**.

Sick my face out!

I moved into another apartment this week. It's a little further away from the school, but I thought it would be a good walk. I have a bigger room, better appliances, furniture and two roommates.

Unfortunately, the people living here prior to me were slobs! Seriously. Karen (roommate 1) and I spent Friday night until late Saturday morning cleaning. And then again Saturday early afternoon until Late Saturday night cleaning! Ugh!

The shelves WERE white. Thankfully, they are again. All purpose cleaner sprayed onto brown shelves magically turns them white. We have an ant problem. The reason why? Because people don't know how to throw away food, use ziploc bags, or wipe up spilled food. Karen and I cleaned everything! Yes! *Pictures to come.

I though I was going to die.

I layed in my bed. My head was throbbing, my body was aching, I was puking and passing out. I seriouly thought I had West Nile Virus.

I was eaten alive two nights in a row - broken screens and open screens, Geez!

So when I went home early from school because of a sore throat, the worst headache ever and body aches, I really thought I was going to be dead the next morning. he he he

Wth the exception of a soar throat and a runny nose, I'm better thanks to the Korean health care system.

I must say, the Korean health care system is extremely efficient! When my director told me that we would go to the doctor during the Kindergarten 20 minute milk break, I was sure I wasn't going to be back in time!

We went to the next building, wrote my name on a piece of paper, and I got a shot (in the butt!) and I was back in time for my crazy Kindergarteners.

I am truly amazed.

Hello from the Land of the Morning Calm!

My dear friends! I have arrived in South Korea! I actually arrived on Sunday evening, but I haven't had internet access in my apartment so right now I'm at a PC room with dozens of teenage boys playing internet games! So funny.

It's been so humid here, but I've been told that it was worse right before I arrived here.

I went to the school on Monday to observe the classes that I'll be teaching. I'm teaching Kindergarteners in the morning and during the afternoon and evening I'll be teaching elementary school and junior high students.

The kids are so cute! They are so giggly! I've never envisioned myself as a teacher, but I think I'm beginning to like the concept. I've been to training the last few days at Sogang University. Spending time with other English teachers has been interesting. Many teachers have come from Canada, Ireland, England, and the States.

I'm currently living in a basement apartment (with no a/c--ugh!). I have two roommates. But, I will be moving soon to another apartment elsewhere in the city.

I start teaching on Wednesday! Wish me luck!

I'm leavin' on a jet plane . . .

In just fifteen days I'll be on my way to Seoul. This arrival has come much faster than I had hoped or expected.

I think I'm nervous - but wasn't I when I went to DC?

Again, I face the issue of fear - again, the fear of transportation, the fear of acceptance, etc. But now I face another crazy boundary!!! Language and culture!

Embark with me on this journey, won't you?

Currently studying the merits of macro-evolution.

"The probability of linking together just one hundred amino acids to create one protein molecule by chance would be the same as a blindfolded man finding one marked grain of sand somewhere in the vastness of the Sahara Desert - and doing it not just once, but three different times. Sir Frederick Hoyle put it colorfully when he said that this scenario is about as likely as a tornado whirling through a junkyard and accidentally assembling a fully functional Boeing 747."

Stroebel, Lee, "Objection #3: Evolution Explains Away God," The Case for Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000), 143.

My mom came home yesterday. It is great.

The girls and I meet this afternoon for a little time with sweet Jesus. Fun.

Kaitlyn and I tickle the ivories every once in a while. Testing.

Tutoring for immigrants later this evening. Exciting.

I've been watching "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel lately. I've been so amazed at how well the dogs behave after having spent time with Ceaser Millan (host of the show).

As a result, I've tried applying some of the techniques that he uses on Cheinie (my mixed poodle) and while I've just started, I've noticed a little change. She's become much less ferocious and more willing to listen to me.

I'm excited to see what will come as a result of a couple of weeks of training!

Happy Fathers' Day!

The close of Fathers' Day allows me the opportunity to say I love you to my wonderful dad, Dexter.



The past 22 years has allowed me to witness much about my father. Most influential to me are his many "sayings" that he has imparted to those who know him the best. Because I love them so much, I thought I might share his quotes to my readers. So, here are . . .

Tania's Top 10 Favorite Dad Sayings:

10. "Young lady!"
9. "Cover your mouth."
8. "That's kinda cute."
7. "Come here. I'm just gonna show you something."
6. "I was just about to get emotional."
5. "Your mother put me to work."
4. "I'm just window shopping."
3. "Girl! You're worse than your mother!"
2. "Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right."
1. "That dog is in trouble with me."

Happy Fathers' Day!

It's a beautiful Sunday morning. The sun is shining brightly, the air is crisp, and the mountains almost look like purple mountains majesty.

I'm currently sitting in my kitchen and looking out toward our patio. Past the number of houses in our neighborhood exist glorious mountains.

I am in awe at how peaceful it is as birds fly by and the sun is beginning to brighten up every dark corner of my back yard.

How hard is it going to be to alleviate the unrest that overcomes me? Will I forget the peace that I'm experiencing now when I'm going about the day? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't.

I'm excited yet at the same time terrified about the rest of this day.

Well,

Looks like I've got an interview this week with the Seoul Metropolitan English Office. I'm very excited. The position they have open sounds like one that I could really love. Fingers crossed!

Korea here I come!

While graduated life, for me, has not posed very frightening, there have been a number of choices that I have had to make and will continue to make.



The biggest choice thus far . . . the job.

I've decided to give myself a deadline. Noon. That's it. This is when I will tell my last boss that I'm either making the stupidest decision of my life or the greatest.
I was recently offered a job in Congressman Weldon's office. A month and a half ago I would have immediately jumped at the offer. Why am I not taking it? I know . . . an offer to work in the United States House of Representatives and I'M TURNING IT DOWN! My rage at myself continues to consume me!

Ugh.

Even though I have the utmost contempt for my decision right now, I try to console myself with the hope that going to Korea will be good for me. And, it really is. It isn't that I don't want to go to Korea - I really do. But I wish I could do both at the same time.

I've made a chart:

Korea-----------------------------------Washington
(+) Housing paid for . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(-) Housing necessary
(+) Airfare paid for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(-) Airfare unpaid
(-) I can't speak the language
(-) Teaching English has nothing
to do with future career . . . . . . . . . . .(+) Somewhat related to career
(+) Learning the language will
advance career . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(-) What about Korean?
(-) Friends, what friends?. . . . . . . . . . (+) Wonderful friends
(+) Able to pay off loans . . . . . . . . . . . (-) Floundering in debt is not fun.

Oh! Yes, I have graduated.

The Wonderful Fleming Family



Tiffany, me and Kassi


The Poli-Sci Girls! Woo Woo!

POWWOW

In the last post, I spoke of my adviser's address to my colleagues and I at our farewell banquet. This is a copy of his speech. It's a little long, but it so wonderfully conveys what I've learned and what I am still continuing to learn. It's so good!
Farewell Banquet Address, Bret Kincaid. April 27, 2006. Edited by Tania Fleming.

How Can We Hope in the Suffering?

"We're living a nightmare."
These were the words Taylor University’s spokesman, Jim Garringer, told the press investigating the tragic accident that killed 5 Taylor students yesterday—at least two of whom were close friends of Jenny. My condolences and prayers go to you, Jenny, and the family and friends who loved them.
When I hear about such catastrophic evil, I can relate to what Jim Garringer also said as well, "It's just one of those things where . . . there are no words." Words sometimes get in the way, especially words that are cut from the cloth of ignorance with good intentions. Perhaps any utterance is best left to the Spirit of God.

But given the fiercely honest questions raised on Monday in the midst of this community--questions about reconciling the real presence of the kingdom of God with the presence of evil--I thought I might offer a few thoughts of my own to the community. They are not the final words; they are merely offered from the place I happen to be in my journey these days.
One of the things I love most about ASP is that we stick the noses of our students in the shit of the world and say, “Deal with it!” Over the last 15 years of teaching, I have observed that the vast majority of young people we serve in Christian higher education are ignorant about the evil in the world. Oh, they know well their own personal pain and suffering, and that of their friends and family. And there personal pain and suffering is something they have an obligation to attend to. But most of our students have had little to no experience of brute suffering, the kind of suffering we saw as we stuck our noses in Darfur. The stinch was awful, and I suspect many of us won’t forget it or can’t prevent it from letting it hence infect our thinking about the world.
That is what happen to me in the 1980s. Through most of college I was oblivious to the grave and pervasive evil in the world. At the time, I was grappling with my own demons wrought from a severely dysfunctional home. I had no idea of what kind of evil was out there, and I frankly was too ignorant to care. As a young teenage paper carrier, I even read the daily headlines about the Vietnam war, but to me, the list of Killed and Missing in Action was simply a list of depersonalized names.
But once I was in my senior year of college, I was stunned by an Oscar-nominated documentary about my country’s involvement in El Salvador, and then a few years later I found myself in El Salvador and heard the testimony of a young boy during mass in a refugee camp outside San Salvador—a story among innumerable stories of bloody brutality carried out by a military largely funded by my own government. I winced as I listened to his family’s story of being victimized, but I couldn’t walk away. I felt, and still do feel, deeply responsible.
And I hope you, too, feel responsible for evil in the world, especially evil that your government has perpetrated and evil that your government refuses to address for selfish reasons. I don’t mean you should feel “responsible” in the sense of culpable. I mean I hope the kind of love for neighbor and enemy that your Master had is the kind of love that stirs your heart and moves your hands and feet when you smell evil.

You see, “We’re living a nightmare.”

And if we live hopefully in this nightmare, we will suffer…because one cannot counter evil without suffering. The people of Darfur, Israel-Palestine, Rwanda, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Chechnya, and the like know this better than most of us do. They live steeped in evil and suffering every day.
When I’m forced to think about evil in the world where God’s reign is supposedly manifest, I ask questions with my head, my intellectual antennae go up and I ask hard questions. But too often my questions expect logical answers. Suffering seems meaningless and I want someone to help me see the meaning of it. And yet, as Debra Rienstra writes in her book, So Much More, “Logic can only take us to the bounds of comprehension and, unfortunately, abandon us there, still cold and afraid. The confusing reality of suffering challenges any explanation, philosophical or religious. “ It seems to me Rienstra is on the right track when, instead of looking for formulaic answers, she concludes, “We are left to seek answers, not so much in logic or theories of cosmic order as in the experience of suffering itself. Into that experience Christianity carries its distinctive response: the cross.”

And it is in the cross that we hear God’s cry: “I am not blind to your despair or distant from it but present within it, and I am the reason for hope.”
Often when those of faith suffer evil they respond like our Master did: “My God, my God! Why have you abandoned me?” And for those of faith who pay attention to current events beyond their personal orbit, we cry the question, “Why, God, have you abandoned the suffering people in Tel Aviv, Bali, Baghdad?” Ironically, the cross is God’s reply.
The cry, “My God, my God! Why have you abandoned me?” begins Psalm 22. But the conclusion of the Psalm is this, “For Yahweh has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” God is with the suffering, not far off enjoying some heavenly party. Indeed, suffering seems to be the one part of the human condition that is infused with God’s presence.
It really shouldn’t surprise us since Jesus told his disciples to pick up the cross and follow him. As my teacher in seminary once wrote, “The cross is not a detour or a hurdle on the way to the kingdom, nor is it even a way to the kingdom; it is the kingdom come.”
Sounds profound. But it isn’t intuitive. I grew up believing God’s kingdom was the equivalent of heaven, where there is no suffering. Recently, I’ve been pondering yet again how the kingdom comes to earth in suffering. The following is what I’ve concluded so far. I offer these two points for your consideration.
Suffering isn’t a good in itself. It is what happens to people in a world pocked by evil, in a context of injustice. Yet, those who suffer injustice present the face of Christ to us. That is what Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 when he says, “As you addressed those who suffer, you addressed me.” In their suffering we have—if we have the eyes to see— the opportunity to glimpse the suffering of Christ and receive the mysterious blessing of offering simple acts of mercy through them to the one whose mercy has saved us. By seeking the face of Christ in suffering people whom we serve, we place ourselves directly in the power of Christ’s healing presence.
On the other hand, when we as followers of Christ suffer as we help those who suffer, the quality of suffering will change because we will find the companionship of Jesus in it. That companionship allows our suffering to take on a new shape: the downward slope of death turns to the rising hope of new life. Because Jesus suffered death on the cross, then conquered death through resurrection, our suffering too becomes pliable to hope. By willingly entering the suffering of others, Christians become the conduit of Christ’s presence to others. Through us, through our actions or words or just our silent physical presence, Jesus is still healing and giving people hope.
One recent picture of the kingdom come appeared across the news services around the world last November. Perhaps you saw it. It emanated from a small town in the West Bank called Jenin.
On November 10, Ahmed Khatib, 12, was shot by Israeli soldiers during a military raid in Jenin.
Like so many Palestinian children across the West Bank, Ahmed was playing with a toy gun when Israeli soldiers were hunting militants. Mistaking his toy for a real gun, they shot him in the head and chest. He died.
His parents decided to donate his organs to Israeli children.
Ahmed's mother said the decision to donate her son's organs was as a tribute to his brother, who died at 24 while waiting for a liver transplant. But the desire to help others -- regardless of nationality or political beliefs -- is also directed at sustaining Ahmed's spirit.
"We made the decision to show we want peace -- even if they're Jewish," Ahmed’s mother said in Arabic. "This way I feel he is still alive."
Ahmed’s mother is probably not a Christian; she’s probably Muslim. Yet what she did in her suffering for the sake of peace is clearly consistent with God’s reign.

Christ, out Lord, did not let suffering have the last word. Ahmed Khatib’s parents didn’t let suffering have the last word. I pray you don’t let the suffering in your personal world and the world at large have the last word.

A Franciscan Blessing for You
May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.

Dear friends,

I wrote this piece on the way home from Washington D.C. It isn't yet completed, but I thought I'd let you have some insight about the past semester. I hope that I might convey these thoughts in further detail in the future.

On my way home.

I just completed the Spring 2006 semester of the American Studies Program. Yesterday was my last day of work with the Congressman’s office.

Currently as I fly back to Seattle, there are a number of ideas that have caused me to become introspective and contemplative. This semester has raised so many questions and brought a few answers for me to think about. I hope that I might be able to share them with you.

Yesterday evening was one of my favorite evenings in my life. Our program hosted a farewell dinner. We started at 6 with an amazing dinner, some entertainment, and a devotion. Yet, the most impacting portion of evening was when we were each handed our certificates of completion. One by one, each of the 29 individuals in the program that were left were asked to stand on a platform in the front of the room. My colleagues offered the most beautiful statements of affirmation to each other. I am humbled by their statements and the love that was displayed yesterday evening.

At the end of the evening, my seminar advisor, Bret, gave the concluding remarks. Before I make a poor attempt to give a summary of what was said, I must express my gratitude for him. This semester was Bret’s last semester at the American Studies Program. He is a passionate and caring individual who seeks justice in all situations. His love for teaching truly shows when he speaks. His wife and children are beautiful individuals. I am so very thankful for him and his family.

Bret’s remarks yesterday evening began with the statement which I can attest to. He said something to the effect that “the American Studies Program seeks to rub the noses of its students in the shit of the world.” Throughout the past four months, I have smelled a lot of shit. From the homeless on the streets, the slaughtered in Rwanda, Uganda and Sudan, the plight of the unheard, and the death of five beautiful lives at Taylor University – the bad of the world has been brought up again and again.

The world is a depressing place when you know. Steve Garber, author of a number of books and once a faculty member at the American Studies Program, wrote a wonderful piece called “But We don’t Blink.” In this short one page article, Garber presents the thesis that if you know, you care. Thus, you are responsible. “To know is to care is to be responsible.”

Garber’s thoughts have provided great insight to my thoughts prior to coming to the program. Having been part of the Debate Team and Debate Society, much of my extracurricular time was spent researching events happening throughout the world. I gathered a lot of information. Unfortunately, it was just information. Just information does not change the fact that the children of God are suffering. Yet, action does change that fact. When I realized this, I tried to implement great change on the campus of Northwest University. As President of Debate Society, I tried to 1) increase knowledge of suffering, 2) promote action among students. Needless to say, there were a number of nights after these meetings that I came back to my dorm room or apartment and felt completely dejected because of lack of interest. This feeling was not a feeling of dejection for the meetings. Rather, it was a result of grief because I quickly came to the realization that I cannot change the world. So I deceived myself. I made myself believe that the world could be changed as a result of my actions. The harder I worked, the better life would be for all. Even our first seminar in the program illustrated my self-deception. Each of my colleagues and I were to tell the class why we decided to come to Washington, D.C. I said that I wanted to change the world.

What do you do when you are responsible but cannot rectify the problem? How am I supposed to solve the problems of the suffering? I am merely a student with no money and no influence. I can’t. I really can’t. But, I think I can be reassured. It’s already been done. All I have to do is be faithful.

We need not worry about the food we eat nor the clothes we will wear tomorrow. Because the kingdom of God has come. Redemption is here. Our program director, Jerry Herbert used the example of WWII. Germany was defeated on D-day and not on VE-day. While VE-day has not come yet, D-day (the true defeat) has come. All that is necessary now is the clean up. Evil has been defeated and restoration is happening.

The hope that lies in the beauty of the biblical story is glorious. I think that I’ve gathered that my responsibility as a Christian is only to be faithful to this hope that is offered. Regardless of what I do or where I am, faithfulness to the hope that is here is principal.

I have a beautiful, intelligent, and courageous friend named Jess. During one of our last class sessions when we were discussing the issue of the kingdom of God, she brought up a concern that I am indebted to her about. She expressed how she could not understand how as Christians we could tell the people of Sudan (or any suffering community or individual for that matter) that the kingdom of God has come if they are still suffering. How can we be so bold-faced and arrogant to not be in suffering and tell our fellow children of God that it is ok because the kingdom of God has come?

I don’t think I’ve fully gotten an answer for that yet.

There you have it. I'll try to get this answer soon. In the meantime, pray that I might muster up some thought about the rest of my life.

Update on Easter Weekend Cont'd - Friday (Day 2)

Friday was also a great day! A trip to the Big Apple - joy!
First, we got up super early to catch the bus.

Dad, I'm sorry I forgot to cover my mouth.

But, the bus broke down (that's what you get for $35, right?)


But, in just an hour and a half, we were on our way!
After a long bus ride, we got a little hungry.



Off to sight-seeing we go - with the most amazing tour guide ever (Naomi, NU alumnae).



We saw . . .

The NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE (on Wall St.)

GROUND ZERO

The STATUE OF LIBERTY

TIME SQUARE

TIFFANY'S (on 5th Ave.)

and, finished the evening off with a little birthday surprise at CAFE MOZART

and a little jog over the BROOKLYN BRIDGE - just in time the catch the bus with 2 minutes to spare.


Mmm. What a day. Thanks Naomi!

Al Einstein and I sitting under a tree after a nice little picnic together. He whispered sweet nothings into my ear like: "E=MC squared."



The smartest of minds wouldn't be able to tell me . . .

I've come to a crossroads, a fork in the road, a bind, a really tough decision.

What am I going to do with my life?

With graduation a mere two weeks away, I've gone into panic mode. I'm not sure what I should do with the next few years - even with my next summer.

But, something I've come to realize in the last couple of weeks as I've been studying the idea of "hope vs. optimism" is that unlike optimism, hope is the acknowledgement of truth. To be hopeful is to be faithful - faithful that God will do in his timing. This idea, while seemingly vague, can be directly applied to this situation. The difficulty is applying this knowledge. Ugh.

Easter Weekend - Day 1 (Thursday)

I had a grand weekend with a few of the most grand people I know . . .

It was full of surprises . . .

Filled with many adventures . . .


A bask in the sun . . .

And glorious cake . . .


What an amazing Thursday.

Sister and I



If Leprechauns gave presents for St. Patrick's Day, I recieved the best of all! My little sister came to visit me - we had the best time ever.

She is one of the coolest individuals that I have ever come across - I love her so much!

I recently recieved my tour training for the U.S. Capitol and have officially given my first tour this morning! Here are some pictures from the event (by the way, the weather was gorgeous here! Almost 80 degrees):