with that breathless charm

Oh my goodness! I have so much to say that I can't figure out where to start! After all, it's been nearly a month since I last took the time to type out my thoughts, feelings, lamentations and happenings! ~.^*

Let's see, Let's see. I'll start at the very beginning. I left off on mid-May and had just reported on my dreadful case of tonsillitis! I sounded like a heavy duty smoker, or at least someone who had been doing a lot of yelling. Perhaps all my attempts to shout over excited children finally caught up with me? Or maybe it was the Asian yellow dust that settled in my throat (and all my belongings ^^...). Who knows. At any rate, I sound healthy and happy again, so that's good.

Hrm, I also mentioned that we would be leaving South Korea in August, not September. Well, that too has changed, m'dears! We weighed our options and after much consideration decided that it would be best to stay in good old South Korea for one additional month. It was a matter of money and I'm glad we're doing it. It's going to be so strange living Stateside again. I fear that I won't know what to do with myself -- perhaps everything will be too easy? Perhaps I'll miss my kiddos? I wonder if they'll even remember me in a few years. I hope I made even a little impact. That makes me thing of a story:

About a week ago I was closing up a 5th grade class and sending all the students out the door. One student, who I'm sure is slightly off mentally, was upset because two boys were teasing her, taking her books and poking. As the adult figure I rushed to her rescue, of course. I gave her the biggest hug (because I really can't resist hugging all my students anymore - that's another story though) and turned to her and said (with my biggest smile), "How are you?" I watched her little teary face transform into the most genuine, happiest smile and she said, "Happy!" That, my friends, shows that even a hug and a "How are you?" can make a big difference in someone's day.

And about the hugging story, I finally decided that I can no longer hold back the unyielding urge to hug my students. At first I thought this may be interpreted as creepy or "yuk, girl germs," but everyone is happy all around when hugs take place! So if I see a cute little student walking the hallways I have no hesitations giving them a giant, happy hug! The rest of the world should follow suit, I think. *^^*

Anyway, in other news: Last week we had four visitors to South Korea. I hope they enjoyed their visit -- we put in a lot of effort and tried to be gracious hosts. Now they're off to Japan where I hope they are devouring lots of delicious sushi! Also, last weekend was a foreigner picnic in Olympic Park and they were able to join us. It was one of the best times I've had since being in Korea. Water guns, frisbee, picnic food and lots of laughing! I think it will become habit this summer. Olympic Park Picnic Time!

Lastly, before I post a gob of photos, I would just like to share that David and I decided to tag on four days in BEIJING to our summer holiday. We'll be in Tokyo for 4 days beginning July 21st, then 3 days in Osaka/Kyoto, then 4 days in Beijing. More details on that one to come.

On to photos:

Mmm...summer food!


Thea (from South Africa) and Nikki (from Canada) look so picnic-ready!




Dana bravely wondered over to the ajjumas who were looking for four-leaf clovers (cute)!






Clare (from Australia) means business.


I look like the plague struck me. Really it's just exhaustion!


summer.

Later that night....


Free hugs were offered in Gangnam


We partook


Then we went to Dr. Fish (where the fish eat your dead skin off your feet).



This warranted a few reactions







And last (but surely not the least), we took sticker pictures, too. This one was my favorite because it highlight Amanda (our recent Franklin College grad -- everyone who visited all went to FC--) and a strange headless creature who must have recently had a bowel movement.



Cheers, mates!
Wendy City