Just Another Weekend

Yesterday, Teaven and I were able to go out and explore some of the city. Our first stop was Lotte Mart because I promised Teaven we could buy him a TV for his birthday so that he can play his video games, and that's where we found the cheapest one. When we first arrived, we went to eat at Lotteria, which is the Korean version of McDonalds. We hadn't eaten a burger in over a month, so I was very excited. I really enjoyed it, but Teaven wasn't a huge fan (I think he was born in the wrong country.) He told me that he is realizing he doesn't really like American food anymore. I think he'd like it better if it was homemade.

Next, we decided to look at tennis shoes since I unknowingly left mine at home. Despite what we've heard about how hard it can be to find shoes that will fit, we thought we would try. The man who helped us was very helpful, and to our benefit, he spoke a little bit of English. We successfully found a pair of running shoes for me so that I can start to work out again. Now, because I wear a size 9 1/2 in American sizes and the biggest women's shoe they had was a size 8, I reluctantly had to buy men's shoes. Oh, well. They are very nice and will work well for me. :)

When we left Lotte Mart, we went home to set up the TV. 

Once the TV was set up, we took a taxi downtown to walk around all the little shops. It was really fun. We found some cute wallpaper that I want to use for a craft project for our apartment. I'll post pics once it's done. 

Today, we are going with Jamie and Brian (the other foreign teachers) to E-mart so Jamie and I can get pedicures. Then, they will show us some cool places downtown. I'm excited.

Reflections From a Small Town Texas Girl

For some reason, moving here has made me do a lot of self-reflecting, and I am realizing that I tend to be a "grass is always greener" kind of person. I can never seem content with where I am in life. So, needless to say, my adjustment period will probably be longer than usual. Today I had my first break down in a while (if you can count a week and a half to two weeks as a while). I miss "home" so much. America is my home. Texas is my home. Why can't I just allow Korea to be my temporary home? Sure, I realize it will never be the same, and at this moment in time, I can't cook or bake or decorate my house the way I want it. I can't do all those thing a typical newly married wife gets to do (who really wants to be typical anyways). But why can't I wrap my head around the fact that this is just a moment in a lifetime full of experiences? Someday, I'll probably look back and think, "Man, that went by quickly." I guess a part of it is the uncertainty, not knowing when I will set foot on American soil again or see my family. I need to get out more, explore this awesome place where God has placed me, and trust that he has me here for a reason. If anything, that reason right now is just learning to be content and not always long for more. Today, during our post-breakdown talk, Teaven suggested that I focus on the positive and make a list of things I am thankful for here. So, here it is.

1. Our jobs. If we would have stayed in America, one of us would probably have had to find a job outside of our desired profession.
2. Our boss. She is seriously one of the best bosses ever. Although she doesn't speak very much English,  she always wants to take care of us and make sure we are doing well.
3. The other foreign teachers, Jamie and Brian. They have been such a help to us during this time. I don't know what we would do without them.
4. The Korean teachers. They are so awesome, and they work so hard. They are always willing to help us out with anything we need and never expect anything in return. I will be sad to see one of them leave at the end of the week.
5. Our students. These kids never fail to put a smile of my face. Whether it's a mispronounced word or just them being silly, they're always so fun. AND they work so hard, unlike American students who could care less about an education.
6. Our apartment. Though it has its quirks, I am glad we have a place to call home right now. We've quickly fallen in love with this little place, and I can't wait to get some more money to do some decorating.
7. The ladies at GS Supermarket. They are so sweet and always try to speak English to us.
8. Pizza. It's become a once a week occurrence for us, and because I don't always care for the food we eat, I am thankful to have something to fall back on.
9. Soda. Yes, I know I said I was going to give it up when I moved here, but it has helped with my homesickness. (good excuse, I know.)
10. Rain. Before I moved here, I hated rainy days unless I could curl up in my bed and sleep all day. But now, I actually enjoy it, and I have to walk around in it at least weekly.
11. My husband. I realize he should probably be higher on the list, but I was trying to think of more Korean related things. He has been so sweet to me during this time of adjustment. I can't thank God enough for giving him to me.
12. Speaking of God, I am thankful that no matter what happens in life, he is always constant. Through all of my instability, he will always be here and always be the same.
13. Skype. I have been able to talk to so many people with this awesome invention.
14. The people, in general. They are always so nice and accepting to us as foreigners, even though I know sometimes we look like complete idiots. This culture is so forgiving. I think America could learn a few things from them.
15. Taxis. They are so cheap here, and with our lack of a car, they come in very handy when we need to get to places that are too far to walk.

I will end my list there. I didn't realize it would be that long, but Teaven was right. It was refreshing to reflect on being thankful instead of "I wish" or "I miss." God's got a lot of work to do in my life, but I'm ready.

"Oh my godness"

Some of my students always say, "Oh my God," in class, so I've been telling them to say goodness instead. It's so cute because I'll assign homework and hear, "Oh my God."
To which I reply, "Oh my what?"
"Oh my godness."
"Goodness."
"Gooooodness."

On another note, I figured I should update you all on the lives of the Barnums. We are doing well, still adjusting to marriage and a new culture, but our God is faithful. We've been wanting to travel and see more of the country, but we have to wait until we get paid. I'm sorry I have no new, exciting adventures to post for you. Someday soon, I promise.

I thought I was getting better at doing the laundry, so today I decided to punch a few more random buttons and see what happened. There are so many different time options on this machine that range from 6 minutes to 2 hours. The first load we did took an hour, so last week I decided to only wash the clothes for the 34 minute cycle. To my luck, the clothes didn't come out as stiff or crunchy. So today, I thought it would be good to go down to an even smaller time. Well, I just went to check and see if it was done. Evidently, I put it on soak. Oh well, someday, I will get the hang of this.

Niche

I think I am quickly finding my niche in life. I have always wanted to teach English, but I am seriously beginning to love teaching ESL. These students are so awesome, and I just love to hear them speak with their little accents. "My favorite movie is Transpormers." "My best pet is a puppy. Puppy is bery bery fun." When Teaven and I first arrived here, my first reaction was to hop on the next plane out and fly back to America. I didn't feel like I was ready for such a big change, but God has certainly gone before us and prepared the way. Although it does come with its difficulties, Teaven and I are beginning to love it here. It's amazing to me how God can work in us in just a few short weeks. We have a wonderful boss who wants to take care of us and make sure we are doing well. We have awesome co-workers who want to take care of us as well. They have been so helpful during this adjustment, and I can't be more thankful for that. Some would say we have it easy here, but I know God knew what he was doing. Anyways, back to my niche. I think that even when we do go back to America, I'd like to pursue something to do with ESL. Who knows, maybe it's just a fleeting feeling, or maybe it's a tiny piece of the puzzle that God is revealing to me. Only time will tell.