Why I'm Here

One of the most common questions I received before departing for the foreign land that is Korea was: Why?  There are numerous answers to this question- all of which are true and accurate- but one of the answers I'd give was this:  I have some things in my life I need to work on, areas I want to change about me.  Most everyone, when they heard this, would react confused and slightly defensive saying: Why can't you do that here?  You have to go half way around the world to do this?  As if by my answer I was saying Orlando wasn't good enough for me to do this there.  This isn't true at all.  I love the people in Orlando dearly, and miss the community that exists.  I miss talking to my friends, hanging out with them, random encounters and fun adventures.  Life isn't the same without you.
But I need to be here.
Today I felt something move in me, telling me that yes, coming here was right.  I've felt it many times, with it growing stronger each time I hear it.  I'm finally living my life I've always wanted to.  I'm doing things I haven't done in years but missed, doing things I always wanted to but never did.  My life is full of beauty, peace, simplicity- all that I could ever ask for. 
I'm volunteering again- in areas that always scared me to be honest (homeless ministry and an animal shelter).  And the fear/hesitation I feel from my own weakness encourages me to keep pushing forward.  I'm participating in bible studies, growing closer to God and attempting to learn about who He is.  I'm reading again, devouring books like I used to years ago.  I'm going dancing, but it doesn't consume my life the way it used to.  I feel a balance, true balance, in my life.  And it feels good.
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In other news, I've recently reconnected with an old friend.  She asked me two simple questions, to which I replied and asked her to tell me about her life.  The responses have been amazing, beautiful, joyful and full of such happiness that no words can express the overflowing sensation of happiness I have in my heart at talking to her again!  She's changed her life around, from one of being abused by her mom, watching her little sister be abused, to one of hard work, planning to start her own business, travel the world.  I'm so proud of her, I can't even tell you!  And the joy she feels in life, the faith she has in me even- it made me start crying upon reading it.  Nothing has ever done that to me- ever.  I can't wait to talk to her in person again, I have a feeling that we would talk for days if we could. 
Yes, life is good.  Not perfect, not easy, not always happy even- but good all the same. 
Love,
Rita

Is it a sign?

I had been considering staying in Korea for 2 years.  I want to go to grad school either in the US or UK, but need to save more money.  (I don't believe in doing something unless you already have the money to do it.  I don't believe in loans.)  The high school program is ending out here though, and next year it will not be available.  Which means that if I stayed, I would have to switch down to elementary or middle school.  I've always considered teaching middle school, but I know for a fact that I would not enjoy elementary school.  At all.  And there would be a 50% chance of teaching elementary.  I found this all out last night.  Now of course, I could try and get a middle school position, but I just have this feeling that I wouldn't enjoy it out here.  Middle schools out here require you to be tough, firm, the bigger jerk sometimes almost.  That's not how I teach.  My philosophy is: you respect me, I respect you.  We can do some fun stuff now, but when the time comes, we have to buckle down.  And so far, it's worked.  Both in my internship and here.  So needless to say, the idea I'd been tossing around in my head of staying here has been decided for me.  A solid NO. 
A few folks know I've been also considered teaching in Africa.  I don't know why- but I've felt this calling to teach there for about a month now, and so far, it hasn't really relented.  This morning, just for grins and giggles, I went to a site that is an international Christian school system.  I've been checking the site semi-regularly to see what openings they have.  And just today, they had not one or two, but numerous openings in the two schools in different countries over there!  And the one that's perfect is an ELL (English Language Learner) teacher for January 2012.  How perfect would that be?  I was blown away. 
And I can't help but wonder if it's a sign . . .
Love,
Rita

P.S.- Went to the DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone- the area of land separating North and South Korea) on Wednesday.  It was everything I expected, and nothing I expected.  I'll be writing a whole post on this soon, just haven't had the time to sit down yet.  So keep your eyes peeled!

Now I'm in a Whole New World . . .

This weekend I didn't do a lot, kind of just relaxed, talked with a lot of family and friends and enjoyed being a bit lazy.

Monday was different though!  I had the day off, so I decided to go climb a mountain!  I trecked across the city of Seoul, riding the metro for nearly 2 hours to reach my destination: Mt. Dobongsan. 

I had decided to try and take a less used path, but upon entering a busy, hiking store filled area right before an entrance, realized this quest had failed.  Luckily, it did not matter much as there were tons of trails to choose from at the main entrance as well.  I had just been hoping to avoid the crowds.

A super sweet ranger at the entrance helped me out by picking a trail and telling me how to get there (he spoke excellent English and was quite the joker!), after which I was on my way!

The climb in the first quarter was not too steep, but enjoyable, cool, some crowds so I knew I was on the right path, but not crowded per say.  There were a lot of steps, and so I didn't mind taking breaks for lunch or to enjoy the view in order to rest my poor legs.  About half way up, the true climb began!  Rock formations became the path instead of dirt and gravel- which was rather tricky, difficult and scarey at times honestly.  I don't think I have the right kind of shoes, and since I was alone, it made me nervous during the steeper parts as well.  But once I would reach a point where the trees parted, I couldn't help but feel in awe!  The view was simply amazing! 

But I felt I had to be really careful, as standing on a rounded rock to take pictures caused me to feel some vertigo at one or two points!

The final portion of the climb was the most difficult.  All I had to climb on were slanted rock faces with some gaps to use to step up on.  There were ropes tied to poles inserted into the ground to help me up, so I was extremelly grateful for those, as at this point my legs were hurting, weak and my energy dwindeling.  Once past the rock area, I only had another 5 minutes to the overlook of the valley.  And what a site! 
Beautiful green trees as far as I could see, two amazing Buddhist monasteries across the valley on the other side of the hill, some tree tops just starting to show touches of orange and red.  I was blissfully happy, and content to just sit there for a few minutes. 

I felt so blessed, as there was a man who spoke some English, greeted me kindly upon arrival, and graciously took some photos of me.  Since I really wanted a photo of me in front of this valley, I couldn't have been more grateful!  He even yelled me for standing to straight, and told me to not look so serious.  So, I put my hand on hip, lol,  He said that was a little better.                                            

While taking some photos of the scenery, another Korean man walked up to me and offered me a slice of apple!  It was purely random, but felt great knowing that people can be so kind to pure strangers. 

I enjoyed the moment for a little longer before beginning the dangerous hike down.  Here's where it got tricky and a little scarey honestly.  I was tired, I'd just spent the last 2 hours hiking up the side of a mountain, and my legs especially were exhausted. 
I slowly climbed back down the sleek face of the rocks, struggling to not lose balance on the loose gravel, and clinging to trees, rocks and handrails during the most difficult parts. 

 

At one or two points I slide on the loose gravel and had to catch myself with my kneese or hands, looking rather silly I'd imagine.  Folks were nice and I'm assuming asking if I was okay in Korean- to which I'd respond with a small smile feeling embarrassed.  After a long hike down this mountain, I finally reached the end!  There was a Buddhist monastery there too, with a gift shop on the outside (kind of tourist, I know).  I stopped in none-the-less, and bought a few things: a ceramic elephant for my grandma (she loves elephants), incense for my friend Jacqui, some Buddhist prayer beads (I want to have something to remember the religion by one day), and a cloth about the size of an individual table setting with a flower and Korean writing on it.  I hung this on my wall for decoration, as my walls seriously needed something! 

Surprisingly, my legs aren't hating me today.  I was up on that mountain for about 3 hours, but generally, I just feel a tightness in my legs and not much else.  This is a good sign I guess, lol, I was just expecting something much worse!

Alright, that's enough rambling about my day.

Love,

Rita

P.S.- This hikes soundtrack was Disney Greatest Hits, Volume 1.  xD