Catch UP!

Hello all you disappointed readers and followers! I know you check this blog every 3 hours or so to see if anything new has come up, and you're countenance falls multiple times each day. CHEER UP! It's the holidays! Christmas is breathing down our necks and New Years is lying in wait just a few days later! Be merry, but go easy on the eggnog.

What's been going on here in Korea! (Hold on, let me check the last time I posted.) WOW! I haven't posted since Sept. 23rd! It's been a full quarter of a year. Yikes. Well, it wasn't too long after that post that I began working officially as an office staffer at Jen's school. I head in with her in the mornings and contribute as much as I can before leaving at Noon. At first (through October), I donated a lot of time in the afternoons because there was stuff to be done and no REAL reason to go home (other than Xbox and blogging). Halfway through October, I received a call about a job opportunity in the afternoons working in the career development center of a local Korean University. I meet with young potential graduates to discuss their resumes and give tips about job interviews in English. It's a great job that gives me steady hours, good pay, and a visa so I can stay in the country with my wife! The university just happens to be one of the universities I had chosen as a potential Master's program in International Relations. I've been accepted to their school and will start classes around the beginning of March. I'm pretty excited about it. There are lots of things you can do with a International Relations degree, but I'm most excited about opportunities to travel and learn about other cultures. I just might even get the chance to make a difference in the world. The longer I live, the more I feel like I have ideas and methods to contribute.

Well, that pretty much brings us up to today. Christmas is the day after tomorrow. Both of our sets of parents were kind enough to ship us boxes for Christmas and we've been busy shopping for our families and each other. The tree might lose it's bottom layer of branches to make room for the rest of the gifts. :) We are blessed to have such awesome parents and siblings. We certainly feel loved.

So what else has happened lately? The United States Congress is "flipping the bird" to the American people by ramrodding a catastrophic bill through the legislative process (quote is from RNC Chair Michael Steele). President Obama seems bent (not a reference to his inexplicable bowing habits) on having something on his resume for the SoU address next month. Unfortunately for him and the rest of America, it's a crippling load of paperwork that will burden an already weak economy. I don't understand how the folks in power can look at all the other examples of socialist healthcare and think it's a good idea! People wait over a year on average for referrals in the UK. Canadians flee the country  (but not for long) to get the services they need. If everything works out according to plan, the only positive effect of this disaster will be the Mexican government halting it's promotion of free American health care facilities and Americans might begin heading south for health services!

Health care here in Korea is pretty cheap. Heck, people have surgery for everything! Extra fold lines in your eyelids, calf muscle extraction, tummy tucks, cheek bones, you name it. But there isn't nearly as much protection for the people in this system. Malpractice just doesn't seem to be an issue. I wonder if fixing the litigation system in America would help bring health care prices down?

In other news, America is losing friends and being mocked by its enemies. Brazil's de Silva being the most recent in my understanding. Pardon me if this is incorrect. Incidentally, our president considers de Silva a friend WHILE de Silva mocks our country. These are interesting times.

This is the last paragraph. (Sorry for vomiting so much politics onto your screen, but it's become an interest of mine.) I wonder if Obama is rethinking his decision to abandon the Eustern Europe Missile Defense plan now that Iran (who doesn't care how many deadlines the West throws at it) has built a missile that is powerful enough to reach parts of Europe. Perhaps Bush WAS on the right track there.

It's great to be back on the web. Thanks for reading. See you next time.

Giving Thanks

I am certain that these days many are taking time to give thanks in light of the coming holiday. Of course, we know that we are to "give thanks ALWAYS" - but at this season we are reminded to share with others what we are thankful for.

This post is actually about a month overdue, and would be much better if coming from the fingertips of my better half, but as he is so busy these days, I, Jen, decided to share how God has so graciously provided for us.

Cory finished up his 2nd contract at Gumgye Elementary School in August. He had been commuting about an hour one way for 8 months and planned to find work closer to our new home. He had several plans - you know, there's always a fall-back. Well, even his fall-back plan kind of fell apart due to paperwork issues.

So, August came and went and we really didn't know what we'd do. If I remember right, the week he finished his former job, my principal asked me if he'd be available for substitute teaching. We were in need of a 2 week sub. The timing was perfect and Cory was able to fill the spot.

Not long after that my school hired Cory part time to help with the registrar/records work in the office and to be available to sub as needed. Cory is so good with organization and data, so to his wife, it was perfect!

Cory has also started to look into Masters programs here in Korea ... so working part time seemed like it would free him up for taking classes and studying.


In mid-October Cory got a call from a Korean friend of ours who is a professor at a nearby Korean University. They were looking for a native English speaker to fill a part time position in their career counseling office. After some pushing paperwork and several visits to immigration, Cory now has an afternoon part time job at Chung Ahn University!

What a blessing it has been! Cory stays really busy between his 2 jobs, access to the university fitness center, an evening Korean class once a week, and working on our church's website. However, we are SO thankful! He is thankful, I think, for a break from the classroom, AND he might enter the Masters program at the university he is now working for!


Well, you must be on information overload. And you must also be wishing Cory had indeed written this post himself. It certainly would have been more succinct. Oh, well.

We thank YOU for reading our blog and wish you a lovely Thanksgiving holiday! We are blessed with some military friends who we'll be joining for a turkey dinner this year! Cory has to TAKE the day off, but he gets the day nonetheless!

God Bless!

A Weekend Away ... Seoraksan National Park

Before the hike

A group of teachers from our school went away this past weekend on an overnight hiking trip. We left Friday evening and drove about 4 hours east to Seoraksan, the 3rd highest mountain in South Korea according to Wikipedia.




We slept in a hotel Friday night, rose early the next morning for breakfast and then started on our trek! Although it seems that Fall is passing us by quickly, the colors were still quite vivid!



We hiked several hours up towards a unique rock formation called Ulsanbawi.

After quite a hike to the base of these rocks, Jen was ready to consider the trip successful. Above us rose metal staircases that seemed to disappear into the rocks.


Deciding she had come too far to turn back, she hiked up the steps (we've heard there are 800 total) and we happily made it to the top!



After descending all those steps and the mountain trail, we took a much easier trek to the cable car which took us to a different peak where we could enjoy the view and a bit more exploring.


We had a great time with co workers and enjoying God's creation! What a way to spend the weekend!

Funky Hair Day

Check out Jen's classroom blog to see some of her latest adventures!

Click HERE!

Jen's Adventures

One of the things I, Jen, have picked up while here in Korea is a love for riding. I've always liked riding, since my first ride on the back of a Harley and then multiple rides on a red Yamaha in Guam ... but now I am developing a love for DRIVING.

When we moved into Seoul, we were just far enough away from my new school that walking or a bus could take 30 minutes. Driving, on the other hand, takes 10 or less. That's where it started.

We picked up what was supposed to be a 50 cc scooter for a cheap price. Then we learned why it was so cheap. We live on the side of Namsan which is probably the highest point in Seoul - it's where Seoul Tower is located. The ride to school involves both up and down hill and the poor little scooter just didn't have the steam.


I was brave enough to consider a step up. We stopped by our local bike shop, where they've come to know at least the bald foreigner who comes in, if not his wife, too. They laughed at my scooter and said "Made in China." Cory test drove a few other 50 cc bikes that had considerably more power, so we made the trade.

I had this scooter for about 6 months and loved it, though I can't find any pictures of it! It wasn't super powerful, but it got me where I needed to go, shopping bags fit between my feet when necessary, and I could even drive it to church and my mid week Bible study. It seemed perfect for me. There are other adventures I had on it I could share, but those are for another time.

I became a little dissatisfied with its lack of power, but had promised that I wouldn't keep upgrading. Someone else made the decision for us and stole it right out of our driveway about 2 weeks ago.

Our buddy, Eddy, left Korea in August and left his scooter with us to sell. He hadn't had any luck and we didn't mind. Ok, I didn't mind! I enjoyed riding his 125 cc!


So, the end of the story is that it seems we will be purchasing Eddy's bike from him for me. I love driving it and still feel like I'm not in over my head! I don't know that I'll ever graduate to a bigger bike or motorcycle style. I like wearing skirts to school and can still do it modestly!

A Walk in the Park

The other day Jen and I were getting tired of the routine. The city of Seoul had just finished construction on a new park by the river not too far from our house.

I'd call it Han River Park, but that name gets used by ALL of the 10-15 parks along the river from the west side to the east side. We decided to jump on the scooter and head down to the river with the dog and catch the sunset. But, I think we missed it.

The sun was gone, but there was still enough light to catch some decent pics of the scenery. Every once in a while, my 3-year-old point-and-shoot surprises me with some good shots. This was one of those times. I like the first one the best.

What do you guys think?

Grilling on the Rooftop

The building we live in has a decent sized rooftop where our landlord grows lots of lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and probably more. We purchased a small size grill and have enjoyed a few barbecues on the roof.

Snickers enjoys running around on the roof - especially since it includes sniffing at a bunch of bunnies the landlord keeps. We're still not sure why he has them, perhaps to eat the food garbage?

First Days of School

If there is anything you learn from Harry Wong's "First Days of School" it's PROCEDURES, PROCEDURES, PROCEDURES. At least, that's what Jen got.

And so it goes, that the first few days of her classroom are FILLED with PROCEDURES. Jen has rules for EVERYTHING - so from 8:00 until 3:00 you had better refer to Mrs. Dyck's Classroom Guide or you're going to end up losing recess time.

Don't forget. Jen teaches 4th graders. However, it seems that after a few days of reminders and reviewal of all these instructions, the kids get it all under control. There are still occasional misdemeanors, but most often it becomes a teaching opportunity and is more from lack of thought than outright rebellion. So she teaches them to THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

Here are a few pics of Jen's classroom this year. She is planning to make her classroom blog open to the public, so we'll let you know.

Vacation

Today is my first official day of vacation. Unfortunately today is also Jen's first official day back at work. Sad for us.

Don't despair, though. Tomorrow I will be leaving for Thailand for 8 days or so and I'll be sure to take lots of pics and keep you up to date on the adventurous adventures I'll be having. I'll be back before you know it.

Have a great August with your families and children. I'll be in touch soon.

Creative Ways of Passing the Time

Not too long ago we noticed the little boy on the 3rd floor as we came home ... chucking stuff out his 3rd story window! We stood and watched for a LONG time ... as did a few of the neighbors ... wondering where his mother could have been!?

Notice all the stuff on the ground already ... and this scene didn't stop right away! That evening, however, we saw his big sister (maybe 5 years old) cleaning up his mess!

Try to listen in to the comments ...

Everland, Where Everyday is a Holiday!

We headed out to one of Seoul's amusement parks this past Saturday, Everland. Cory had been there once before for a teacher's conference, but hadn't really gotten to enjoy the park. I had never been there and when some of our friends suggested we go we both jumped at the chance!

We had perfect weather, really. It was overcast all day, which kept it cooler than usual. We didn't get a group picture on our camera - but we had a blast with Eddy, Nate & Jess, and Tae Hwa.

Take a look at the shirts these 3 wore that day ... Nate's is in English and might give you a clue of what the other 2 say. If you can guess the meaning of Nate's or Cory's we'll send you something special from Korea! (Kimchi, anyone?)

Two Years Today ...

It has been two years since Cory and I officially committed our lives to each other, and as the time passes the time we have together gets sweeter and sweeter!

Here is a clip from a movie - it is the song (one of the songs) that Cory sang to me when he proposed ... please watch and enjoy!

Happy Anniversary, Cory! I STILL want to grow old with you!!!

Friends and Family

I just returned from 3 weeks in the States during which I was able to see so many family members and friends. My best friend, Cory, couldn't go with me, so I was SO ready to return to Korea, but I am so thankful for the time I had to spend with people who mean so much to him and I.

I flew into BWI and stayed the next day with Pastor Curtis, Miss Janet, and 3 of their 4 children. Their family has and will always be very special to me.

I flew out to Wichita and spent several days with my Dyck family. Although Cory wasn't there, it was a wonderful time with his family and we had lots of fun (and ate lots of good food!)

Cory's cousin, Sabrina, had her new little baby girl while I was there! Here is Grandma (Aunt Maryann) and Ava, one day old.

While in Wichita I was able to ride with Dad Dyck up to Kansas City and see one of our friends from Korea. Sharon is getting ready to go to Hungary to do aid work.

I left Wichita, met my mom in Charleston, WV, and then flew down to Orlando for a few days to visit my mom's parents.
I drove to Richmond, VA to see Michael and Rebecca Saunders, our good friends from Guam. Actually, Cory was in their wedding because they were college buddies. They are expecting a baby in September!

My dad, who normally never rests. We enjoyed family time around his latest creation - corn hole.

Josh and his girlfriend, Mandy. It was great to finally meet her!

Mom preparing fresh cut flower arrangements for the baby shower we had for my brother R.D. and his girlfriend, Jenn.

While in PA/MD I got a chance to see my best friend since 1st grade, Wendy.

I barely got to see her, but I was able to spend a few hours with my dear friend since high school, Jennifer. We worked together at State Farm and will be friends for LIFE.

R.D. and Jenn (and baby) at the baby shower. It was GREAT to finally meet Jenn! Their baby is also due in September.

I got to spend some time with my Aunt Anita while in WV and in PA - here she is with my dad (her brother) at the baby shower.

I didn't get pictures with everyone I saw, and there are many stories to tell. Hopefully this was an interesting taste of what I did while I was away.

To those of you whom I didn't get to see, I am sorry. The 3 weeks was a blur and I tried to fit in as much as possible, but I still didn't get to see everyone. I still haven't figured out exactly how to make it all fit in!

Learning to Cook Korean

When Cory and I first arrived in Korea one of our Korean friends taught me how to make 2 popular Korean dishes,
bulgogi (marinated meat)

and duen jang jiggae (stew).

I don't actually cook Korean food at home often, but I really want to take some Korean cooking skills with me so that now and then we can some authentic Korean and perhaps introduce the flavors to friends and family! (Get ready, everybody!)

My new school is on the American school schedule, so I am finished with school until August ... and Cory noticed a Korean cooking class I could join. It was just a one time class, but I learned 2 more Korean dishes, so I am adding to my repertoire!

I learned how to make another meat dish - I'm not clear on it's Korean name, but the teacher translated it as beef meatloafs ... lol. It is similar to a hamburger patty with totally different ingredients mixed in with the ground meat. Inside the patties you stuff chestnuts, pine nuts, and Korean dates. We also made a yogurt dressing that gets drizzled over them when they are done, and boy was it yummy! Definitely NOT your idea of typical Korean food!



We also learned how to make japchae! It IS a very common Korean dish made with vermicelli noodles, soy sauce, veggies, and seafood if you like.


It was a GREAT experience, but my Korean cooking skills are just getting started! Another Korean friend of mine taught me how to make the ever-popular kimbap! For us Westerners, we think of it as a sushi roll. However, don't call it sushi here or you are in big trouble. Neither Cory or I like kimbap, but now I know how to make it, and somehow that makes it taste better! Maybe because I know what's in it!

Thanks, Sophie, Lee, Bella (picture above) and Bo for helping me learn to cook authentic Korean food!