Happy almost Christmas from South Korea! It is already Sunday here. Today is the last day of my weekend before returning to work for a full week on Monday. While Christmas is celebrated here, it seems to be a rather informal holiday. I am told it is not a big family celebration like it is in the States but more of a special night out.
So, alas I will be working on Christmas eve and Christmas day. It will still be a few days of rest in some capacity as there are no school groups scheduled on those days and there are no classes to teach.
My first week of work and classes overall has been very positive. I will receive two weeks of training here at the English Village in Paju, South Korea before I am “let loose” on my own. My task this week was to follow and watch other teachers teach. A good way to ease into my new job and role as teacher. I saw a lot of good teachers and got a feel for the style and way of teaching here. I also got a dose of the sometimes needed discipline in the classroom and good strategies to re-establish order and generally maintain the classroom rules.
This coming week while I will still be in training I will start contributing to teaching the lesson plan. Admittedly I am a little anxious about being in front of the class and teaching… but also excited about it. Another teacher here encourages me that you just need to get up there and do it. And, while I am nervous to do it, I agree.
This weekend has been mostly quiet for me. It began with a little trivia game/party Friday night at the English Village pub with other teachers. Christmas trivia was the theme. The rest of the weekend for me has been time to relax and continue to settle into my new country and place of residence… caring for the simple things like filling my kitchen with good healthy food.
I had to smile when on Saturday I left my apartment in the English Village and was suddenly surrounded by a half-dozen smiling and giggling Korean girls about 9 or 10 years old. Apparently they were on a scavenger hunt of some sort and I guess when they say me they found what they were looking for. Enthusiastically they asked me what my name was and had me sign their worksheet. It was cute.
I imagine today will be another easy day for me. Tomorrow night there is a potluck holiday celebration for staff here on campus. It will be nice to continue to get to know the other teachers and staff living here at English Village.
So, here I am… one week in South Korea! I am grateful to be here!
I am also grateful to the friends and supporters who have contributed to my Indiegogo campaign “Gypsy Woman Goes to South Korea.” The support I have received so far makes a big difference to me personally and professionally as I transition to my life here in South Korea. Thank you! Thank you!
My Indiegogo Campaign comes to a close on December 24 at midnight PCT. Will you support my campaign? Any contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a BIG DIFFERENCE! Click here to check it out and watch my video www.indiegogo.com/southkorea. Thanks so much!
From the chilly and snow dusted land of South Korea, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday! Thinking of all of you wherever you are and wishing your warmth and cheer!
Gypsy Woman 
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