In less than two weeks I will be leaving for South Korea. That hardly seems possible! The time has gone by so quickly this summer, and the next two weeks are just going to fly by. Before I know it, I will be sitting on the 14 hour flight from Chicago to Incheon (the international airport in South Korea), squished in between two other people. Besides saying good-bye to everyone, the only thing I really have left to do is pack, which is no small task. I had more to do, up until a couple days ago. Over the weekend a couple big things happened that have really cleared the way.
Praise #1: I got my visa!!!!!
Getting my visa has been a long process that I started back in March. First I had a bunch of materials that I had to send to the school in South Korea, including the originals of my teaching certificates. Then I had to wait for the school to process that information and get the right materials to the right Korean authorities. I could not move on to the second step in the process (actually sending in my application and passport) until everything in Korea was processed. I needed to get a number from them to then put on the top my visa application. By giving me the number, the government basically says, "We have looked at all your stuff, and we have approved you to get your visa to teach here." By putting this number on the visa application, the process would be much faster and smoother. I did not get this number until the first week of July. However, just as God provided the job in Korea, He also provided quick shipping and processing of all my materials, with my visa and passport arriving back on Friday.
Praise #2: I sold my car!
In preparation for the move overseas, I have been getting rid of a lot stuff, from clothes to furniture to miscellaneous items. I also decided to sell my car so that I didn't have to pay for registration, insurance, and maintenance when nobody was really using it. I would put the money into savings and use it to buy a new car whenever I return to the States. So earlier this week after I got back from PFO, we put the car on craigslist and also mentioned it to some other people we knew were looking for another car. It sold on Saturday. We weren't sure how long it would take to sell; we were prepared for my parents to have to still be trying to sell it after I had left. Thankfully, that ended up not being necessary. Until I leave I am able to borrow my sister Kara's car because she doesn't turn 16 for a few more weeks and she won't be driving to school in the middle of July.
God has really provided for me to move to South Korea. I am continually amazed by how He continues to smooth the path for me to teach at Pyongtaek International Christian Schoool (PICS). I know that prayer is a big part of it, and I will definitely need those prayers for safe and (hopefully) stress-free travels and transition to Korea.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
PFO Wrap-Up
Well, I have made it home from PFO. I am tired, but it was a good time. I learned so much! This week focused on more application for the classroom, focusing on things like classroom management, the first day of school, English Language Learners (ELLs), cultural differences in the classroom, biblical integration, and evangelism in the classroom. I have been thinking more and more about how I want to set up my classroom and what I want to change or modify. It makes me want to be in Korea and be in my classroom even more.
I want to thank everybody for their prayers as I was at PFO. They were a huge part of what made it a successful time.
I leave for South Korea on July 29th, just three short weeks away. I feel like I have a lot to do between now and then--some things to purchase, tons of packing (and probably some re-packing), and good-byes. I definitely want to make sure that I spend time with family and friends before I leave.
And now for the part you've all been waiting for...the almost talent show! Now while there are many things I wouldn't do, like turning in a paper late, not all of those are things that you would do for a talent show. You may have guessed at least part of what this is, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer. (Insert drumroll). I (with the other teachers from Pyongtaek) was part of a k-pop dance routine. K-pop is Korean pop music, and it is extremely popular with Korean teenagers. K-pop is famous for having a dance routine that goes along with every song. So what we did is take the choruses from 4 different songs and learn the corresponding dances, which we then performed at the talent show. Now I know that many of you are saying, "Where's the video? I want to see this!" Well, if you would like to see it, it was recorded and put on facebook. It is posted on my wall for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy. It was a lot of fun! (Though that doesn't necessarily mean that I will ever do anything like that again.)
I want to thank everybody for their prayers as I was at PFO. They were a huge part of what made it a successful time.
I leave for South Korea on July 29th, just three short weeks away. I feel like I have a lot to do between now and then--some things to purchase, tons of packing (and probably some re-packing), and good-byes. I definitely want to make sure that I spend time with family and friends before I leave.
And now for the part you've all been waiting for...the almost talent show! Now while there are many things I wouldn't do, like turning in a paper late, not all of those are things that you would do for a talent show. You may have guessed at least part of what this is, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer. (Insert drumroll). I (with the other teachers from Pyongtaek) was part of a k-pop dance routine. K-pop is Korean pop music, and it is extremely popular with Korean teenagers. K-pop is famous for having a dance routine that goes along with every song. So what we did is take the choruses from 4 different songs and learn the corresponding dances, which we then performed at the talent show. Now I know that many of you are saying, "Where's the video? I want to see this!" Well, if you would like to see it, it was recorded and put on facebook. It is posted on my wall for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy. It was a lot of fun! (Though that doesn't necessarily mean that I will ever do anything like that again.)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
PFO So Far...
We are a week into PFO, and we have already received so much information. We've done everything from personality assessments to communication assessments to small group meetings to cultural differences activities to safety/security exercise to talking about Third Culture Kids (TCKs) to discussing the process of transition to brainstorming about what this would all look like in the classroom. It is a lot to take in. We are basically in sessions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with one or two 15 minute breaks, plus lunch. It is a good thing we have a binder with notes, because otherwise all this valuable information would get lost just in the sheer amount we are hearing.
We also have some activities in the evenings, from school bonding time to a tour of the NICS home office to a Memphis Redbirds (AAA baseball) game. The evenings also give us a little bit of down time, which is essential in helping us get to know the other people that will be teaching at our school and in the rest of the network next year. We have had the opportunity to start discussing with other teachers in our same content/grade areas different techniques, challenges, etc. in the international Christian school setting.
The great news is that there's still one more week of PFO! I will get another week of good information that will be helpful as I start teaching. I've already started making lists of what I can use in the classroom and how I might implement it.
One fun thing that we get to do next week is the Almost Talent Show. As the name might imply, this is a chance for the PFO participants to share all their "talent," whether that's in song, dance, skits, or stupid human tricks. My school has decided to put together an act. We have been rehearsing a bunch already and still have a long ways to go before we are ready to perform. I won't tell you what it is right now (I'll let you formulate your guesses). Here's a hint, though: it's probably something you would NEVER predict that I would do.
We also have some activities in the evenings, from school bonding time to a tour of the NICS home office to a Memphis Redbirds (AAA baseball) game. The evenings also give us a little bit of down time, which is essential in helping us get to know the other people that will be teaching at our school and in the rest of the network next year. We have had the opportunity to start discussing with other teachers in our same content/grade areas different techniques, challenges, etc. in the international Christian school setting.
The great news is that there's still one more week of PFO! I will get another week of good information that will be helpful as I start teaching. I've already started making lists of what I can use in the classroom and how I might implement it.
One fun thing that we get to do next week is the Almost Talent Show. As the name might imply, this is a chance for the PFO participants to share all their "talent," whether that's in song, dance, skits, or stupid human tricks. My school has decided to put together an act. We have been rehearsing a bunch already and still have a long ways to go before we are ready to perform. I won't tell you what it is right now (I'll let you formulate your guesses). Here's a hint, though: it's probably something you would NEVER predict that I would do.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Pre-Field Orientation
For the next two weeks I will be in Southaven, Mississippi, for Pre-Field Orientation. This is a required training session for all new employees of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS). Topics covered in these two weeks include third culture kids (TCKs), international schools, teaching in an intercultural context, dealing with cultural differences, and cultural transition. We will be in session all day, everyday. It will be a lot of information, but it will be a lot of good information that will help with the transition to teaching overseas. Since PFO is required for all new NICS employees, I will also have a chance to meet all the other new teachers (and their families) at my school. I will also have a chance to network with the other English teachers at the other schools.
I would really appreciate your prayers throughout the next two weeks. Pray that I would be able to learn, retain, and apply all the information from these two weeks. Pray that I learn more about myself and what I need to adjust to have a successful transition experience. Pray that I would have a soft heart for what God is going to teach me.
I would really appreciate your prayers throughout the next two weeks. Pray that I would be able to learn, retain, and apply all the information from these two weeks. Pray that I learn more about myself and what I need to adjust to have a successful transition experience. Pray that I would have a soft heart for what God is going to teach me.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Pyongtaek International Christian School
Next year I will be teaching at Pyongtaek International Christian School in Pyongtaek, South Korea. In this post I will try to answer some of the most common questions about the school and what I will be teaching. Feel free to comment and ask any other questions you might have.
How big is the school?
The school has about 130 students, K-12. Class size in the high school is about 13.
Is the school associated with any organizations or mission boards?
The school is part of the Network of International Christian Schools, a nondenominational organization that has 21 schools around the world. For more information, visit their website at www.nics.org.
What classes will you be teaching?
I will be teaching high school English for grades 9-12. The classes are Literature and Composition (9th), World Literature (10th), British Literature (11th), and American Literature (12th). I will also be teaching speech and drama.
How far is Pyongtaek from Seoul?
The school is about 50 miles south of Seoul.
How far is Pyongtaek from the border with North Korea?
The school is about 80 miles from the border with North Korea.
What is the background of the students at the school?
The students come from a variety of countries. Most of them do not hold Korean passports; if they do, they need to have lived outside of Korea for at least 5 years to attend an international Christian school. Many of their parents are military contractors. The students do not have to be Christians to attend the school. As a result, my classroom could have atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc., in it. It will be a really neat opportunity to share the Gospel with students who may not have ever heard it before.
How big is the school?
The school has about 130 students, K-12. Class size in the high school is about 13.
Is the school associated with any organizations or mission boards?
The school is part of the Network of International Christian Schools, a nondenominational organization that has 21 schools around the world. For more information, visit their website at www.nics.org.
What classes will you be teaching?
I will be teaching high school English for grades 9-12. The classes are Literature and Composition (9th), World Literature (10th), British Literature (11th), and American Literature (12th). I will also be teaching speech and drama.
How far is Pyongtaek from Seoul?
The school is about 50 miles south of Seoul.
How far is Pyongtaek from the border with North Korea?
The school is about 80 miles from the border with North Korea.
What is the background of the students at the school?
The students come from a variety of countries. Most of them do not hold Korean passports; if they do, they need to have lived outside of Korea for at least 5 years to attend an international Christian school. Many of their parents are military contractors. The students do not have to be Christians to attend the school. As a result, my classroom could have atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc., in it. It will be a really neat opportunity to share the Gospel with students who may not have ever heard it before.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Goodbye Grandview!
Today was my last day as a teacher at Grandview Park Baptist School. That chapter of my life has closed. It was a great time, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity I had to attend Grandview as a student and also to teach there for two years. Grandview, and all the people there, has shaped me so much. I would not be the person I am today if Grandview was not in my life. I may not even be going to South Korea now if it wasn't for Grandview. God has orchestrated so much of my life, and that includes my time at Grandview and all the opportunities that have come as a result.
I am sad to be leaving Grandview. The faculty and staff and students have really been like family. I will definitely miss that daily camaraderie, but I know that I can still continue those relationships, especially with all the available technology.
But at the same time, I am excited for the new opportunities I will have in South Korea. Now that my time at Grandview is done, I am really getting excited for when I leave in 2 months. I know God will continue to provide, no matter what.
I am sad to be leaving Grandview. The faculty and staff and students have really been like family. I will definitely miss that daily camaraderie, but I know that I can still continue those relationships, especially with all the available technology.
But at the same time, I am excited for the new opportunities I will have in South Korea. Now that my time at Grandview is done, I am really getting excited for when I leave in 2 months. I know God will continue to provide, no matter what.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Life Changes
I mentioned in my previous post that some things have changed in my life recently. And they have, drastically. On Monday, February 13, 2012, I was informed that because of enrollment and budget cuts, I would not have a job at Grandview next year.
This was not news that I was expecting or prepared for. When I first accepted the position at Grandview, I knew that it was not a permanent, life long position. At some point, I was going to move on. I had been praying for wisdom as to when I should move on and what that next step should be. But I was not thinking that time had come. God had other plans.
After losing my job, I had to figure out what to do. I began seeking God's guidance as I went through all the different options I'd considered for my life post-Grandview. Finding a teaching job in the Des Moines area? Possibility, but limited options. Finding a teaching job else where in the country? Possibility with a whole country of options. Grad school? Too late to apply for the next year, so no. Teaching overseas? Possibility, but one that I need to start working on immediately.
As I'm considering all these options, one thing becomes clear: I really want to pursue teaching overseas first, and then see what happens. Ever since I was in high school, I have been thinking about teaching overseas as a missionary. The desire to serve overseas first started after going on a few missions trips in high school, and God continued to lead in that direction in college. As part of that, I was able to do my student teaching in South Korea. I had a fantastic experience, and ever since then, I've been praying about when God would want me to go overseas again. After being laid off might just be the perfect time.
It turned out to be the perfect time indeed. A few weeks earlier, a friend had mentioned that the Network of International Christian Schools was having a job fair sometime in the middle of February. It was down in Mississippi and would give attendees the chance to interview with all the schools in the network. After looking into it, I discovered the job fair was that weekend, and registration was still open. By Wednesday morning, I had registered for the fair, bought my plane tickets, and was working on booking hotel rooms. Registration closed that evening. The job fair was only on Saturday, so I would be able to travel on Friday and Sunday. However, I did not have to take Friday off, because it was already a scheduled day off of school. Everything was coming together.
At the job fair, I had the opportunity to interview in person with three different schools: one in Indonesia and two in South Korea, including the one I student taught at. However, the school where I did my student teaching had already offered the job to someone else, so that job was a long shot. All of my interviews went well, and the two other schools wanted to do a second interview with me the following week.
A day after my second interview with the school in Indonesia, they extended me a contract for the following year. This was on Thursday, only 10 days after being laid off, and I had until Monday to decide. I was still waiting to hear back from the school in South Korea. This put me in a tough place, because I had a really good experience during my student teaching, and I was excited about the possibility to return to South Korea. But I didn't know if I was willing to say "no" simply because I was hoping another place would offer me a job.
Friday afternoon rolled around, and when I checked my email, I discovered an email from the school in South Korea. It contained a job offer. I was ecstatic! Not one, but two job offers within 10 days of being laid off, and both were really good opportunities. Now, I had just one weekend to decide which one to take. After praying and seeking the advice of others, I decided to follow my heart and accept the offer from the school in South Korea.
When I look back at the sequence of events and how everything happened, I am astounded. Within two weeks of being laid off, I had a job that I was excited about in a place where I wanted to teach. That is just unheard of! God is truly amazing and worked in my life beyond what I could ever have imagined. All the glory and praise has to go to Him.
So next year I will be teaching high school English 9-12 at Pyongtaek International Christian School in Pyongtaek, South Korea. I will share more information about the school and the job over the next few weeks.
For more information about the Network of International Christian Schools, visit their website at www.nics.org.
For more information about Pyongtaek International Christian School, visit their website at http://www.icsptk.org/joomla-1.6/index.php.
This was not news that I was expecting or prepared for. When I first accepted the position at Grandview, I knew that it was not a permanent, life long position. At some point, I was going to move on. I had been praying for wisdom as to when I should move on and what that next step should be. But I was not thinking that time had come. God had other plans.
After losing my job, I had to figure out what to do. I began seeking God's guidance as I went through all the different options I'd considered for my life post-Grandview. Finding a teaching job in the Des Moines area? Possibility, but limited options. Finding a teaching job else where in the country? Possibility with a whole country of options. Grad school? Too late to apply for the next year, so no. Teaching overseas? Possibility, but one that I need to start working on immediately.
As I'm considering all these options, one thing becomes clear: I really want to pursue teaching overseas first, and then see what happens. Ever since I was in high school, I have been thinking about teaching overseas as a missionary. The desire to serve overseas first started after going on a few missions trips in high school, and God continued to lead in that direction in college. As part of that, I was able to do my student teaching in South Korea. I had a fantastic experience, and ever since then, I've been praying about when God would want me to go overseas again. After being laid off might just be the perfect time.
It turned out to be the perfect time indeed. A few weeks earlier, a friend had mentioned that the Network of International Christian Schools was having a job fair sometime in the middle of February. It was down in Mississippi and would give attendees the chance to interview with all the schools in the network. After looking into it, I discovered the job fair was that weekend, and registration was still open. By Wednesday morning, I had registered for the fair, bought my plane tickets, and was working on booking hotel rooms. Registration closed that evening. The job fair was only on Saturday, so I would be able to travel on Friday and Sunday. However, I did not have to take Friday off, because it was already a scheduled day off of school. Everything was coming together.
At the job fair, I had the opportunity to interview in person with three different schools: one in Indonesia and two in South Korea, including the one I student taught at. However, the school where I did my student teaching had already offered the job to someone else, so that job was a long shot. All of my interviews went well, and the two other schools wanted to do a second interview with me the following week.
A day after my second interview with the school in Indonesia, they extended me a contract for the following year. This was on Thursday, only 10 days after being laid off, and I had until Monday to decide. I was still waiting to hear back from the school in South Korea. This put me in a tough place, because I had a really good experience during my student teaching, and I was excited about the possibility to return to South Korea. But I didn't know if I was willing to say "no" simply because I was hoping another place would offer me a job.
Friday afternoon rolled around, and when I checked my email, I discovered an email from the school in South Korea. It contained a job offer. I was ecstatic! Not one, but two job offers within 10 days of being laid off, and both were really good opportunities. Now, I had just one weekend to decide which one to take. After praying and seeking the advice of others, I decided to follow my heart and accept the offer from the school in South Korea.
When I look back at the sequence of events and how everything happened, I am astounded. Within two weeks of being laid off, I had a job that I was excited about in a place where I wanted to teach. That is just unheard of! God is truly amazing and worked in my life beyond what I could ever have imagined. All the glory and praise has to go to Him.
So next year I will be teaching high school English 9-12 at Pyongtaek International Christian School in Pyongtaek, South Korea. I will share more information about the school and the job over the next few weeks.
For more information about the Network of International Christian Schools, visit their website at www.nics.org.
For more information about Pyongtaek International Christian School, visit their website at http://www.icsptk.org/joomla-1.6/index.php.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)