Well I have officially made it through the first week of the new school year. It has been a pretty chaotic few days. I would use a few choice words to describe it all but it wouldn't make me look like the mature and sophisticated person that I am. Our school bought another floor in the building for new classes (which means more students) and decided to change around the entire kindergarten program without being at all prepared for the first week of school. It has tested my patience everyday, but it has been doable. I actually have enjoyed walking into the classroom and finding out the kids have none of the books that are needed for the class I was supposed to have taught them. It has kept me on my toes and brought a lot of laughs. I just have to keep reminding myself not to show my students the frustration I am feeling- they have nothing to do with it.
I LOVE my new classes but I miss my old students. My new kindergartners are babies. They are so tiny. Then I remember they were only in preschool 2 weeks ago. They are totally confused by the amount of brown spots on my body. We had a 10 minute discussion about how they are not chicken pox. Now everyday whenever i go near my student Sophia, she always rubs my arm and says, "They aren't chicken pox." I think she is trying to reassure herself. Clearly I didn't explain myself very well. Another girl in my class is very curious about them and asks to see my body every day. Apparently, seeing my face and arms covered in them is not enough. My favorite kinder logic goes something like this. "Teacher, I think you were made in the dirt. That is why your sparkles are brown. You have a lot of dirt but you need more." (Then they started drawing on my skin).
I'm trying to soak in as much as I can in this last month of teaching. I am going to miss teaching this age level where they actually like their teachers. I live for the hugs each day from my old students who come to say hi (or when i go find them b/c i'm a stalker) or my new ones who think i'm made of dirt.
I'm doing my best not to stress about the future. No job? That's ok.... errr.... There could be worse problems.
I'm currently trying to find reasons to hate Korea and my life here. It will make it easier to leave. So far I haven't come up with many things other than that you all are not here with me. That is a GREAT reason though.
I hope you are all doing well and spring is finally arriving where you are. I hope it brings you new adventures, happiness, and bust-a-gut kind of laughter.
xoxo
Kaila and Therese. The three of us will be conquering Nepal and India starting April 27th. WATCH OUT SE ASIA!
