Life in Korea...the saga continues

So as my father likes to remind me...it certainly has been too long. I started writing and saving what I planned to be my final blog before leaving Japan. Unfortunately, my computer broke and is yet to be fixed. It took me some time to get the energy to try to figure out my blog using Shun's computer...which is all in Japanese!!!!

Although there are things I certainly miss about Japan, I must say that I am happier than I ever remember being in my adult life. It isn't that I love Korea, although I do like it here. I just love my job so much. It is amazing to figure out what you were meant to do in life and then actually be able to do it. I love teaching, particularly in an international school. Having a career I love helps to complete my life.

I am also still taking grad school classes. I am currently taking a class on global human rights. It is so amazingly interesting. I will hopefully finish my masters in the spring of 2010. After that, I plan to continue my education and either take a different masters program or a doctorate program. I can't imagine my life without education. I wish I had realized how important it is...and how much I enjoy it at an earlier age.

Ok, just for those I don't talk to much, here are a few details about my current situation. I teach at an international school in Okpo, South Korea. I am actually on a small island which has a large foreign community due to the local shipyards. I am teaching 3rd year students (this is the same as an American 2nd grade class. My school just uses the British grade system.) I currently have 19 students who are from Norway, the UK, France, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, America, Canada, Ukraine, Vietnam, India, and Malaysia. I am learning so much about the world from my students. This really is the perfect job for me! I am the coach of our school's basketball club which I really enjoy. I also work with another teacher to run the school's student council. I am lucky to really get along well with the other teachers at my school. We are a pretty small school with only about 180 students. Everyone is so nice though and that makes my work life so much better. I also spend time outside of work with several other teachers and school staff, including our principal who is great.

My apartment is coming along well. It is MUCH bigger than my apartment in Japan. We have an extra bedroom, which is nice. I am hoping to finish my initial decorating phase in the next few weeks (who ever completely finishes decorating...right?) and then I will post some pictures.

Shun and I have been exploring Korea a bit, but mainly just around our area. We did spend a weekend in Pusan and went on a day trip with the teachers from my school. For Christmas this year, we are going to Thailand. We will also visit either Vietnam or Laos, although we haven't decided which yet. Any suggestions?

Well, I will try to post some pictures soon. It is late though and I need to go to bed. I hope everyone is well back home and please email me when you have a chance. I really do miss you all so much.

All my love,

Marsha