Fourth Time's A Charm

Last Monday, I had the opportunity to return to Peacetown; the group home I've visited three times before. Our last trip was back in March. April was just very busy for everyone (including my vacation to Tokyo), and we couldn't get a trip planned.

This last trip was so amazing. I know the kids are loved by their caretakers and they get lots of attention from the various groups that visit them--but boy are they glad to see us. I can't begin to imagine how reassuring and fun it is for them to see familiar faces returning to visit them over and over again. I certainly find each visit refreshing in a way impossible to describe.

This trip we brought lots of white t-shirts of differing sizes for the kids to draw on with fabric pens. We brought irons and ironing boards as well--to set the colors on the fabric. I really didn't plan any of this at all, I was just along for the ride.

Out of all the activities we've done so far with the kids--they enjoyed this one the most, I think. Also, they were the best at it.

But before we went inside and started the activity, we played outside with the kids for about 20 minutes--and it made for some fun pictures.

Here are two of my favorite friends (that's the "girl in pink" at the bottom and her funny friend)-- Usually the kids cling to you for about 10 seconds, then they fly like bees onto the next person--but not this kid, not on this day. I hung out with him for most of the evening.
This was really the first time that we've visited when the weather has been nice enough to stay outside for extended periods of time--and so some kids were playing soccer and running around, and this kid and I climbed the monkey bars.
Okay--now it's time to start our activity. The people who planned the activity brought along different templates the kids could use to create various designs on their t-shirts. Well, without intending to, the design on my shirt was a very popular one--nearly all the kids in my group wanted to draw the same design. They all wanted to look at my shirt, and thankfully I had another shirt on, so I just took it off and set it on the floor so they could all see.

My little friend working very hard on his t-shirt--
Most of the kids, including the older ones, asked for help from us--but not him--he did this t-shirt all by himself--
Holding up his handiwork (HOW ADORABLE IS THIS!?)--
I moved over to help my other friend work on her shirt--
She had used a template of Mickey Mouse and I helped her spell his name and pick the right colors; this picture shows she's still working--

Lim Jae Jun; one of the nicest kids and SO full of energy; he's wearing the t-shirt he designed--
Notice the design on this guys shirt--I helped him write Korea on the top and draw the circle in the middle of the flag; notice also the Nike symbols on the shirt; several of the kids listed various symbols they knew (one kid wrote CIA and FBI on his shirt--I helped him add NYPD and Manchester United)--
After all the kids were finished designing and setting the colors of their shirts, we had a simple fashion show to show off the shirts. This kid sat in my lap for most of it and took about 50 of the 100 pictures I took that night. I think I've mentioned before how much the kids love taking pictures, not only of themselves but of other things as well.
The girls in the fashion show, being silly--
A new employee of English Village came with us to Peacetown this trip. When were getting ready to head home, I asked her how she liked it. She said, "When we first got there, I was very sad, because they have nothing. But very soon after, while interacting with the kids, I saw that they were really happy." She said she couldn't believe it--because they have so little, yet are so happy. She realized how often other people, who have so many things to be thankful for, prefer to complain about things--while these kids have much to complain about, but are thankful. It's an amazing truth that is overwhelming upon visiting a place like this.

It breaks my heart, but many of the children at this place will never know life the way I have. Though they are young, many have had to take on very adult emotions and decisions. It's unfair and sad. There's obviously more I could say about this--but I think you understand how I feel.

I continue to love spending time with them, and simply being a presence in their lives. I do not know if they'll ever understand the joy they bring me or the power of the lessons they teach--and that's okay.

I shall return.

250 Of My 500 Laps

I'll keep this post short and sweet, especially considering the length of the last one. I just want to share a few thoughts.

Sunday, May 18, 2008 marked my halfway point. I am halfway done with my year contract. I have been here 6 months and have 6 to go. I'm sure you can figure out my analogies: I have played 81 of 162 games, ran 13 of 26 miles, and biked 1750 of my 3500 kilometers.

Firstly, I can't believe it's gone by this quickly. Secondly, I can't believe it's gone by so slowly.

Those two things seem to conflict; but when talking about time--they just don't.

I have experienced so much in this half a year. All you have to do is look back over the blogs I've posted to read about what I've done and see the pictures to prove it. And I know I'll experience more in the six months to come.

For some reason, within the past week, I have had 2 "daydreams" that bear repeating. Let me start by saying; typically, at some point during each day, I think of home. Not in a "Oh, I hate it here" or "I wish I were home" or "I want my mommy!" sort of way; but just in a realistic, normal way. As I think I wrote about previously, the second/third months are supposedly the toughest months to make it through. The haze of your cool "adventure" has worn off and you've settled into the reality of your new life. I was definitely somewhat homesick during those months. But crossing the six month mark perhaps stirred something in my subconscious.

Just yesterday, as I was preparing to exit the 2200 bus which had taken me into Seoul, out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone with a fast food bag in their hand. At this very second, I can't remember what it looked like, but I know it looked similar to the white bags you would get at In-N-Out Burger. I'll pause here and say, if you don't know about In-N-Out Burger, then I'm sorry. You haven't lived.

Anyhow, when the bag caught my eye, I was temporarily transported back to California. I watched myself walk into an In-N-Out (I'm pretty sure it was the one at Harbor/Orangethorpe in Fullerton, one I've been to many times, but they're all very similar, so the point is moot) with a huge smile on my face. And though I tried to stop the version of myself I was watching, he proudly proclaimed to the unsuspecting person behind the counter that he had been in Korea for a year and was so happy to be having an In-N-Out Burger.

This little daydream happened within only a few seconds. That's how they happen--very quickly, but they're very specific, and very powerful.

Earlier last week, I was getting ready for work in the morning. I was very tired that particular morning, and since I'd gotten ready quickly, I had a few moments to spare before running out to clock in. I laid on my bed briefly (something some people can't do, because they end up falling asleep and never making it to work) and shut my eyes.

As soon as I shut my eyes, I saw myself walking through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). I don't remember carrying any bags, but I was briskly walking through the airport, making my way outside. I rushed out the automatic doors and ran to the sidewalk. With tears of joy in my eyes, I knelt down and kissed the sidewalk (don't say anything about how dirty that LA sidewalk would be, I know). I was very happy to be home.

Truly, last November, when I was at LAX preparing to travel to Korea, after I'd unloaded all my bags and boxes out of the rental car, after I returned the car; when I was walking out of the parking garage into the airport terminal--I was caught up in the emotion of that moment. I realized the gravity of what I was doing. Marty McFly would say, "This is heavy, Doc" to which Doc would respond, "You keep saying 'heavy'; is there something wrong with the earth's gravitation in the future?"

As I neared the airport terminal to get on a plane bound for Seoul, I could hear my grandmother's voice saying, "Why couldn't you have picked Australia or something?" I could hear the sound of my Altima's engine running, without me behind the wheel. I felt something. I had tears in my eyes as I walked alone into the airport terminal. Literally walking into the airport terminal but figuratively walking into the unknown. I had never been out of America (except for 3 short mission trips to Mexico; and not to be mean, but let's be honest, how different is Mexico from Phoenix or Los Angeles?). I was leaving every security I'd ever known.

I will undoubtedly have tears of joy in my eyes when I return home. I will understand something only those who have spent extended periods of time away from home can feel upon their return. I look forward to kissing the sidewalk. I'll make sure I have some anti-bacterial soap with me.

Until later--

The Folks Visit Korea

So, my parents made a HUGE decision and an equally HUGE trek across the world and came to visit me in Korea.

Dad braved 15 hours on a cramped plane and Mom braved food she most certainly would not like.

When my parents first planned to come to Korea, I asked them what they'd like to do. I know my mom doesn't care--she'd be happy just to sit and chat. And we did do that, but I didn't want them to come all the way to Korea and not see at least a handful of the cool things I've seen. I thought that would be a waste. So basically, I walked them to death. We went everywhere. The pictures will prove it, especially if you looked at a map of Seoul.

Over the course of the 4.5 days they were here, I took quite a lot of pictures. Rather than write a lot--I thought I'd post a LOT of pictures and let the pictures tell the story of our various adventures. I'll number the pictures--and if you have a specific question about any of the pictures just email me.

Here goes.

Friday, May 2--We walked around a lot, mostly trying to find Dad a pair of tennis shoes. We went to Dongdaemun Market and Namdaemun Market. We went to Yongsan, where all the electronics are. We took the subway from Seoul to Ilsan where Mom got a 2 hour Thai massage (ask her about it). Dad and I took a bus to another town called Paju Book City and finally found him a pair of tennis shoes.

Picture 1--Dongdaemun GateSaturday, May 3--Walking around Insadong (the place where we stayed) and Jongno. We were joined by a family friend, Pam, who is teaching English near Seoul. Seoul was in the midst of celebrating the "Hi Seoul" Festival, along with several other festivities, including Buddha's birthday and the Lotus Lantern Festival.

Picture 2--Chinese Lanterns at Tagpol Park

Picture 3--Mom and Pam walking in Jongno
Picture 4--A chinese lantern (I think) and Jongno Tower (remember the name of this tower for later)
Picture 5--Mom and Dad and me at Bosingak, where I was for New Year's in Seoul (you've seen this in other blogs)
Picture 6--Lanterns hung at Jogyesa Temple, a Buddhist Temple, part of the celebration of Buddha's birthday and/or the Lotus Lantern Festival (if you look upside down, I believe the lanterns do show the shape of a lotus flower...or a flower at least)
Picture 7--The first of many pictures taken on our wonderful 2.5 hour tour of the beautiful Changdeokgung Palace (the most well-preserved Palace in Seoul) Picture 8--The sign says: "This building is Chong-jon Hall (the Main Hall) built in the premises of this palace, and coronation of a king and other official grand ceremonies were carried out here."
Picture 9--Chong-Jon Hall
Picture 10--Inside Chong-Jon Hall
Picture 11--View from in front of Chong-Jun Hall; interesting to see Seoul Tower and the other big buildings surrounding the beautiful palace
Picture 12--Palace tour Picture 13--Mom on the tour
Picture 14--Remember, you can simply click these pictures to enlarge them so you can see them more clearly--you should then be able to read this sign. Once you are finished with the enlarged picture, you need to click the back arrow to return to the blog to continue your reading and viewing experience.
Picture 15--The Juhamnu Pavilion, as described in the previous picture; I did not lessen the color on this picture--it really looks that drab.
Picture 16--Mom and Dad at part of the secret rear garden of the Palace; Dad was looking at his camera, he was not ignoring me; the building in the background is where the Queen went when she was pregnant--because it is a lovely, relaxing place to be
Picture 17--Another pond on the Palace tour Picture 18--Mom passing through one of many gates at the Palace
Picture 19--Dad walking around at the Palace, on the right is a house that one of the kings had built for his father
Picture 20--The sign for the ancient Juniper tree that is towards the end of the Palace tour
Picture 21--The 750 year-old Juniper tree; notice the metal rods around the tree--those are supporting some of the massive branches
Picture 22--One piece of the Palace wall--the ORIGINAL wall
Picture 23--Another piece of one of the many walls within the Palace, this one is new

Picture 24--Now finished with the Palace tour we head into Insadong for lunch and to see all the shops that are there (they close the road on Saturdays and Sundays to create a pedestrian free-for-all); this picture is for my sister, Valerie; this is the entrance to an art gallery, it is actually made up of pieces of picture frames--very interesting, eh, Val?
Picture 25--After lunch, as we walked along the street, we saw all kinds of interesting things--what kind of birds are these?
Picture 26--Dad gets politely accosted by some Korean girls who needed help for a school project--they had to ask him questions in English (ask him about it)

Picture 27--A busy street
Picture 28--View from above; lots of various candies and snacks
Picture 29--A woman going nuts at what I believe is a lathe of some sort--they were weaving basket material, bamboo? A guy behind her was using this bamboo like stuff to make slippers
Picture 30--The sign for the SECOND most important historical monument (number ONE was Namdaemun Gate, which was what recently burned) in Seoul
Picture 31--The pagoda as described in the previous picture (notice the reflection)

Picture 32--This is what you can see in the reflection from the previous picture
Picture 33--The sign for the beautiful octagonal pavilion in Tagpol Park--
Picture 34--The octagonal pavilion as described in the previous picture
Picture 35--A panoramic photo of the octagonal pavilion and the surrounding area

WARNING: Be prepared for some WILD photos of some WILD food. These are from our dinner Saturday evening.

Picture 36--The left side of our HUGE dinner options. Can you guess what any of it is?

Picture 37--The right side of our HUGE dinner options. Can you guess what ANY of this is? Mom was not impressed with either side. =)
Picture 38--Cucumber; Dad mistakenly tries some of this (he does not like cucumber)
Picture 39--A large bowl of beef (called bulgogi)--this is really the only thing I ate, it was quite good
Picture 40--Dad digging into his two fish

Picture 41--The soup that Dad says smells like wet dog and tastes just as bad; he gets no argument from Mom or me

Picture 42--Dad really enjoyed the meal, I survived, and Mom barely made it out alive; she is totally faking a smile (love you Mom--you are very brave!)
Picture 43--I think we literally had 30 different things on the table

Sunday, May 4--We trekked to Seoul Tower, had lunch, then headed south of the river to take a harbor cruise. The day was very hazy, so it didn't provide the greatest views of Seoul or the river, but it was relatively nice. Fortunately, it only started to drizzle once we got on our boat.

Picture 44--A fountain and Seoul Tower. On my previous trip to Seoul Tower the fountain wasn't operational--so this was nice to see
Picture 45--Mom and I at the fountain
Picture 46--My cool parents

Picture 47--A descriptive panoramic picture from the observation area at Seoul Tower, facing south/southwest, you should notice the Han River running through the picture (remember the 63 Building for later)
Picture 48--Another view from Seoul Tower--this time facing north, and yes, the President's house is called The Blue House, because of its blue tiled roof, but also to be like The White House in America (remember the picture from earlier of the Jongno Tower?)
Picture 49--Mom and I at Seoul TowerPicture 50--Now we're south of the river, just popped up out of the subway station, and we're close to our spot to catch our boat for the harbor cruise; we've just come from that Tower
Picture 51--That's the 63 Building (remember from earlier?) and we're walking to our destination

Picture 52--I wish I could adequately describe to you the horror I felt when I saw this character walking around. No folks, you aren't being fooled--that's NOT really Minnie Mouse and NO, there isn't a Disney park in Korea. I don't think I'm a Disney snob, but I just can't believe that this is legal or right. I HAD to take a picture with "her". Though it appears to, that does not say Di Li on her shirt, those are Korean characters, which reads MIN NIE. Unbelievable. Picture 53--Not 10 minutes later, I turn and see that Mickey (clearly spelled out on his shirt) is walking towards where Minnie is hanging out. I am once again horrified; but I MUST take a picture to prove this moment happened. The peace symbol is out in force (though I have learned it does not stand for peace in Korea, it stands for V--Victory over Japan)
Picture 54--Getting ready to board our boat--Mom has the V pose down by now; and it's only Day 3!
Picture 55--Our gate for boarding, Korean characters on top, then English, then Japanese
Picture 56--Cruising under one of many bridges (about 11) on our cruise--Seoul Tower in the distance
Picture 57--Another bridge, Seoul Tower to the north

Picture 58--Yes, another one
Picture 59--When we got off the boat, after our 1 hour cruise, I saw this sign

Monday, May 5--This day is a huge Korean holiday called "Children's Day" (not to be confused with every other day of the year when children think it's "all about them"; also not to be confused with Cinco de Mayo--at least Korean parents don't allow their kids to drink Corona beer as part of the celebration). Because of the importance of the holiday, I couldn't get the day off from work--which gave my parents a perfect chance to visit English Village and see what I do here! They saw the 75th performance of the show I'm in (which I've now done 95 times), and they also got to see some of the other festivities that were planned specially for Children's Day.

Picture 60--After the show

Tuesday, May 6--The last day of our adventures. Mom and Dad had to be at the airport by around 12:00 noon. We had to check out of the "hotel" where we stayed by 10:30; so before that we wandered around the area a little bit more.

Picture 61--In front of the "hotel", holding the sign I made so I could find them at the airport (I put "hotel" in quotes because it was neither a hotel nor a motel, but basically a hostel for people backpacking around--but it was a cute place)

Picture 62--The sign for this random temple I'd seen before but not ventured towards

Picture 63--Mom being silly at the temple entrance (boy, the apple really DOES NOT fall far from the tree...)

Picture 64--As we continued to walk south around the Jongno area near the "hotel", we saw many shops that had...well...LOTS of stuff, arranged in very specific chaotic order; these are for you Grandpa--Mom thought you'd like to see this stuff
Picture 65--What if I needed something from the bag on the very bottom?
Picture 66--More craziness
After we walked around a bit more, and Dad got his coffee; we headed back to the "hotel" to finish getting everything together to check out. We checked out and headed for the bus stop that would take Mom and Dad directly to the airport. They wouldn't need my help any further. They're all grown up!

Within about 30 seconds of arriving at the bus stop, the bus came...which, I assure you, NEVER happens. We rushed to say goodbye and all that--and in the hubbub, Mom left with my jacket in her hands. I didn't even realize it until about an hour later when I arrived back in Ilsan on my way back to English Village. Oh well, what is Christmas for? I hope she wraps it and gives it to me as a present. That would be funny.

I had a great time, and I think they did, too (ask them about it).

THANKS MOM AND DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who else wants to visit?