To say that today is the "last" day of school is not accurate for two reasons:
There are no classes held today. Students are just to come in in the morning to attend an official end-of-the-year ceremony. And clean the school grounds.
Though today marks the end of the semester, students will continue to come to school to continue learning throughout the summer, everyday (Monday through Saturday, though with a bit more truncated study times from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
With these considerations in mind, today is the "last" day of school because it is the last day for me. It is the last time I will officially come in as a teacher at Yeongdo Girls High School. It's proving a bit difficult for me to feel the finality of the situation seeing as how students and other teachers alike are overwhelmingly continuing on with the educational grind. Despite the emotional disconnect, intellectually, I knew that the end of my contract was approaching, and thankfully managed to take photos with all 12 of my classes. Here they are, with the unfortunate exception of one class photo that didn't quite turn out.
CLASS PHOTOS
Photos courtesy of co-teachers: Hye Gyeong, Mr. Seo, and Ju Mi Yeon
Thursday 1-1/2 A Class
Friday 1-1/2 L Class
Monday 1-3/4 I Class
Monday 1-5/6 L Class
Thursday 1-3/4 L Class
Thursday 1-7/8 L Class
Tuesday 1-5/6 A Class
Wednesday 1-3/4 A Class
Wednesday 1-5/6 I Class
Wednesday 1-7/8 I Class
I will miss my students, and more so when it finally hits me. While I am saddened that my time as a teacher in South Korea has come to an end, I feel an excitement, too, at the thought that a handful of recently-graduated young Americans are currently gearing up to take my place and continue the mission of Fulbright as they start their own journeys as ETAs and U.S. cultural ambassadors.
Future ETAs, be excited for the next steps you will take! Whether you feel prepared or not, you are about to impact hundreds of young lives - make it for the better!
I didn't know where we were heading when a friend first took me to this place. It is so hidden away that you could miss it going by! Amazingly enough, this place is always packed when we come in to eat, with the majority of the customers being couples or students from the nearby schools
The end of the school year is upon us! Today, we only have classes for half the day. The other half is dedicated to a singing competition between the different classes, which ends at 4:00 p.m. Hearing about my impending return to the States, many of my students have asked to spend time with me outside of school. My former YDAC students have been particularly persistent, and so I was all too happy to arrange a date with some of my girls after their singing competitions.
We walked together to the Ramyeon House, a small restaurant tucked away from the main road whose owners are an elderly couple who, apparently, haven't updated the interior or their recipe for over 30 years! I love the bare-faced simplicity and the humble aura of the place. I especially love going through this thin, half-sized bamboo curtain, and hearing it clink behind me into a thousand broken unbroken pieces. Once inside, everything you see is what's all there is!
The only thing even more tucked away than the restaurant's location is the restaurant's secret recipe to their secret recipe bibim ramyeon (or biram for short, as Ji Eun slyly told me).
Ji Eun being served her biram by both owners - in front and behind her. I will miss this elderly couple a lot! I find their teamwork endearing
The price of each? W2-3,000 (or the equivalent of $2-3.00). Not pictured: the equally delicious and slightly-spicy egg-drop-like soup that comes with each bowl of ramyeon
My very smart and fun-loving students: Jeong Min, Ga Rim, and Ji Eun. I really enjoyed sitting down with them and asking them more about what they want to accomplish in the future. Two of them are thinking of becoming educators - win!
Love these girls! Each of these girls have taken some special class with me outside of our normal class schedule, whether that be YDAC, WYLD camp, or English Book Club!
After I paid for the biram, they insisted on paying for dessert and took me to Wicked Snow, a place I kept seeing but had never been to before. I will miss these bus rides around Busan - clean environment, predictable schedule, scenic island-life views!
THE WICKED SNOW
Iced Dessert & Brunch Cafe
Jeong Min leading the way across the street. This dessert cafe is just across from Busan Bank, Paris Baguette, and Top Mart!
They treated us to two bowls of delicious patbingsu!
The air-conditioned cafe was a perfect place of respite from the humidity and heat outside
I got the Korean poses down, as you can see
After a while, it got to be a bit too cold, so we headed out and went on our separate ways
I am amazed how many of my students tell me, "Teacher, I don't speak English" (with some even punctuating this by running away) when they can speak English! These three, for example, talked so much, I have a hard time recalling how they managed to eat either the biram or the patbingsu.
Jeong Min headed on home, and Ga Rim headed to her academy. Ji Eun and I returned to Yeongdo Girls High School riding the local green bus that I had never ridden before. It was a perfect way to seal the end of my time in Yeongdo.
But, of course, I didn't want to think about it too much, so I got on and, a few minutes later, I got off.
Yesterday, I stayed at school past 8:00 p.m. creating visually-rich itineraries and editing an upcoming program to an obsessive-compulsive degree. I emerged from the computer screen-induced daze I had been in to realize that night had fallen, and I was the last one left in the gyomushil save for Jane. Unaware of my foggy mental state, she asked me some questions that helped draw me out of my reverie. Thank you, Jane.
Would I like a ride home?
Yes, please!
Snug in her small 4-door, Jane casually mentioned that the following day (today) would be picture-taking day.
Me: For what?
Jane: For the yearbook, of course!
Me: [remembering how I wasn't part of it last year, I murmured] cool!
Jane: So...what are you going to wear?
Me: Probably nothing. Err - what I mean is, I'm probably not...included in the yearbook, so -
Jane: Why not? You're a teacher at the school!
Me: [totally what I was thinking, but what I said was] I wasn't asked to be a part of it last year. I just assumed foreign teachers were excluded from the official school yearbook...
Jane: Huh...I bet you were in last year's, too. They probably just used your Fulbright mugshot.
Me: [horrified] I really hope not! Anyway, are you sure foreign teachers are included?
She said they (aka me - since I'm the only foreign teacher at my school) were. Though there are many aspects to love about my school, small things like these have made me feel a bit excluded in the past year. I am too shy to ask or confirm or, worse, look like I am insisting on being included in spheres where I may not belong.
I have been so attuned to this feeling while growing up that I have done everything I could in all the roles I have held to minimize the possibility of this feeling unhappily alighting upon other people.
Here's a happy little video I took of our picture-taking time - complete with sunshine, green grass, blue skies, people gardening, and awkward Korean studio poses that really don't speak at all to the aforementioned feelings of micro exclusions I have sometimes felt at my school.
After twisting my head at an uncomfortable angle and placing my hands in the most awkward pose ever, the photographer snapped my photo, and I was free!
It turns out Jane and I were among the few teachers at the school who got wind of the fact we would be taking photos today! (All because we had stayed past 8 p.m., when the school decided to send an automated message to teachers' computers). Many teachers ambled into the temporary studio self-conscious in their loose, non-stylish Friday outfits. Apparently, unlike other years, this year's yearbook portrait-taking was mandatory.
In honor of October being Pastor Appreciation Month, I'm posting a video to celebrate Russel, one of the many amazing pastors who have now graced my life! But, before that, here are a few things we have learned from Russel as a pastor, as a family member, as a brother, and as a friend.
A FEW THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED FROM RUSSEL
He has been always encouraging me in every way. I was very shy to share the Gospel in front of many people but, because of him, I dared to stand in front of many people. Even though he is older than me and more mature than I am but we always talk like friends. When he shares the Word of God, I enjoy his preaching very much. People call him pastor, preacher but I always call him brother. He has never excused about that. Spiritually, mentally always he is mentoring me as a leader, as a pastor, as a brother, moreover as a best friend. This is very short word to describe about him. You are an amazing person ever I met. Love you brother, Russel. - Amit
Pastor Ruzz is a one of a kind person. He is seldom to find. Pastor Ruzz, I wanna say thank you for being such a great spiritual adviser. You have taught me how to be brave in facing life's hardship. You have taught me that God is so big that we have to be hopeful when situations seem to be hopeless. Thank you for always keeping me and my family in your prayers. I also pray for your journey. - Amy
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you." And because of this He wants us to follow God's commands and to remain in His love...By surrendering everything to God and giving all of our faith to Him we, as children of God, will surely acquire a true and complete Joy in Christ. This made me realize how blessed my family and I are being loved and taken care of by God unconditionally! - Badeth
Whatever you do work for it with all your heart as working for the Lord, and Jesus is Lord we are His slaves. These are the passages that struck me most through Pastor Russel sermon - Blessy
I was totally blown away by the words and sermons every Sunday. By faith I received them in Jesus' name. God be the Glory...My life has been changed and is now emerging in what God spoke to me through you, Pastor Russel. Thank you. Your prophetic words are light for my path; the words help me to keep my focus on the Father. I thank God for speaking through you. It gives me courage to keep pressing into God and not to look to the left and right, but to have a singleness of heart. That is, to please the Father. God bless you and the ministry. I pray every need is met and every desire is fulfilled in Jesus' name. God is good! - Sheila
Dear Russel Jeondosanim! You are truly GOD's person! Your kindness and faith will be remembered. Whenever I hear your sermon, I can feel how much you put your time, sweat, and prayer as well. Thank you for being here for us at Ttanggeut Church. Best regards - Connie
I will always remember the day we had lunch at Febias. You shared your dreams and desires to us. I was so excited for you! I thanked God for bringing you close to Him. I can sense that God has great plans for your life. I hope that your love for God will continue to grow even through difficult times. Be faithful even in small things. May you experience the joy of loving and serving others. I praise God for your obedience and perseverance. Hope you can visit us soon. Please allow us to give you some financial help. Love, Tita Ellie
Russel has touched the lives of many people within our neighborhood even at his young age. He has shared the gospel to almost everyone of them. Even in our province, he would go even to the barracks of the army to proclaim the good news. He is a man of faith, and a generous giver, willing to make sacrifices for others. - Paul
Russell once said, You know what Ate? I Am A Millionaire, and I think Everyone is!" Then he showed me bundles of receipts he purposely kept and said, "If we only learn how to count our blessings, we'll see how rich we are and how God provides!" - one fine morning conversation. He collected all the receipts he bought, from books to even small things like pen or toothbrush and etc. After that, I started to collect receipts, too...hahaha just to prove if I'm a millionaire, too! I also often borrowed that memory to illustrate a point in preaching - Esther
Being with Russel for many years, it taught me the value of empowering my hands and equipping my life so I can have faithful service to the Lord. The value of taking actions and addressing people's needs as Jesus did while doing His ministry. And not only the spirituality of the people. It turned me into a doer from being a spectator of those people in need - Julie
God does everything for His Glory. It shows me that God has a plan and His plan is for His own desires, desires which include me - Kerry
I feel so glad that I met this guy as my friend. Every time I visit the Christian Service, I really feel happy and blessed that I have the chance to know the word of God. I think often about people who influenced my life. One of those influences for me is Ruzzle. I want to thank you our Dear Pastor Ruzzle Ocampo for preaching the word of the Lord. Thank you for the times we've shared, especially during our bonding moments (when we have our devotion). We didn't do it often but I still remember when we did. I watched you interact with others, share the Gospel with us, and pray for us. God bless you always Pastor Ruzzle. More power to you and I'm so proud of you! - Marjherie
God is the center of all creation. Everything is created for His glory. God is including us to take part in the restoration of His original plan for His creation by placing every aspect of our lives under the Lordship of Christ. Pastor Ruzz's sermon helps me examine my life, my relationships, and my future plans. It serves as an encouragement to bring it under the lordship of Christ! - Mark
Through my conversations with Russel, I am becoming more and more convinced that, despite everything I see to the contrary, the world is actually becoming a better and better place! This new perspective has shot through my pessimistic view of creation and humanity and has challenged me to recalibrate the way I think about and treat the material/natural world, as well as how intentionally and joyfully I live my life. Russel keeps reminding me that, as a Christian, I am not only to be a passive witness to this upward trajectory towards glorification, but an active agent helping bring about heaven on earth - Mimi
In my view, my nephew Ruzz had a rough childhood. But God got a hold of his life and has turned it into a trophy of His grace. I am so thankful to God for what He has already accomplished in his life and what He is still building him to be. God has a special work for him to do and I am praying that he finds it and pursues it passionately - Tito Abe
I remember the time we had a trip to Jeju Island and he challenged me to read verses in the Bible. And the passage that struck me most was Jeremiah 29:11. And so true, God has a perfect plan for everything. You just have to wait and be faithful for God's purpose is greater than your heart desired. I am so proud of this man (Russel) for he is such a really, really good friend of mine, and all of his advice and encouragement really changed me a lot. I do believe as if he has a magic tongue (not magic tricks, ha...:)) that whenever he speaks, it really touches and awakens people's hearts and minds. I'm so proud of you, Ruzz! God bless you always, and thank you! :D - Irene
God is your happiness. Do not depend on something or someone to make you happy. Those are some lines that I remember during his sermons that has struck me most - Xymon
The very thing that I have learned from Pastor Russel's sermon is all about knowing how big our God is. God is bigger and greater than what a human mind could imagine. No wonder he always mentions that everything we do and how we live our lives should bring glory to the King of kings. Moreover, I am always moved by the introduction of his sermon (something I think is almost constant) and that is to pray for our loved ones who haven't known Jesus Christ or haven't heard the Gospel. I am moved by his heart's desire to reach out to our loved ones through prayer so that they could experience as well the gift of Salvation that we believers are enjoying through the grace of our Lord Jesus. This invitation of Pastor Russel to pray for our unsaved families and friends is already a message indeed! :) - Joan Russel, I am sure you will be a powerful man of God who is using you by His hand. Your sermon always have touched our hearts. Please work hard for the Kingdom of heaven so that it will make Him pleased, cool wherever you are, whatever you do. I hope everything may go well with you by His favor. God bless you! - David
FILIPINO PASTOR IN SOUTH KOREA
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this post! If I missed a message from you, please send it to me and I will include it here. I hope you enjoyed the video, especially since I hazarded my life on multiple occasions just to get these few clips (he is extremely camera shy)!
Since I came back from the states, all of the talk at Holy Joy's English Service seems to revolve around the Cambodian-Korean NGO they are working very hard to establish by next year. From zero Cambodians in attendance on Sundays, we now have anywhere between 5-20 in attendance during the worship or singing portion. After the singing, they are whisked off to another floor and another room at Holy Joy, where, I presume, they receive more information about how they can help make this NGO a successful reality for them, their families, their communities, and any other Cambodian who immigrates to Korea.
During David Jibsanim's announcements, I learn that a few of the church leaders make regular (aka daily) visits to a location closer to the Cambodians' place of residence. There they hold Bible studies, and receive Korean language instruction - among other things beneficial to them (like help with establishing a Cambodian restaurant). Hearing this made me feel better, knowing that there was a steady and personal effort to connect with this particular group of foreigners in Korea. I applaud this church's deeply-concerted work to reach people, especially foreigners in the area, and share with them the love of Christ through practical means.
However, because I don't always understand what is going on around me and because a lot is lost in translation during service, I have more or less been feeling bewildered these past few months at Holy Joy - feeling excluded as another foreigner who does not share the same nationality as those on whose behalf all of the planning and outreach is aimed; silenced by the guilt I feel at the realization that my self-centeredness is likely preventing me from sharing in the awesome work that my church is doing to welcome others the way it has welcomed me (well, minus the establishment of a Filipino-American NGO, of course); and feeling a bit like it is only a matter of time before the English Service disappears altogether.
With all of that said, I am doing what I can to combat feelings of not belonging by, at least, being a part of the behind-the-scenes work.
THE CAMKODIAN INAUGURAL CEREMONY
For this event, I was asked to wear a Korean hanbok and greet our guests at the entrance of Holy Joy. With the help of a jibsanim and a samonim, I was ready within a few minutes.
Most of the people in attendance at tonight's CamKodian Inaugural event held at the basement sanctuary of Holy Joy Center
Cambodian Leaders visiting Korea. Church leaders took it upon themselves to give them a tour of Busan and of Yeongdo upon their arrival
When the ceremony started at 4:00 p.m., I hurried over to the stage to sing a couple of songs.
Professor Gabriel and me singing
The senior pastor speaking to his foreign guests through a Cambodian translator. Of course, since everything was in Korean-Cambodian, Cambodian-Korean, I had no way of understanding any of the great things that were being said
A korean girl playing a traditional instrument
The extremely talented son of David Jibsanim performing for the evening
This couple sang beautifully!
Receptionists
Traditional Cambodian dance
Harmonica players
Our singers, who had traveled from Seoul that day and who returned to Seoul that very night back to their studies!
Dinner on the 8th floor
Saying grace before the meal
Some of our beautiful guests
Meanwhile, I had changed out of my hanbok and had donned on an apron, washing hundreds of dishes this evening. This kitchen was my dream kitchen, with its huge and deep sinks, flexible and powerful faucets, and ample storage and elbow room!
Out of all the roles I played this afternoon and evening, I was most comfortable and most confident in my role as dishwasher
This is the view of Nampo-dong just outside the church balcony
I wish the CamKodia NGO the best! With this kind of dedication, I can see nothing but success in its future.
