I'm a big fan of numbers. They're universal and understood. They may be a little misleading at times, but they more often than not are concrete and something to hang your hat on.
We have 5 weeks left in South Korea. We have been here for 115 weeks. Our time here is almost 96% in the past.
It is a little bit sobering and astonishing as well. To say our time here has been great would be an understatement. Everything we have done and experienced here has been such a blessing. The best blessing of all was being able to do it together.
Lauren and I have been married for 947 days, 805 of those days with our home in Korea. In other words, we've spent 85% of our married life abroad.
Not a huge percentage of people choose to move to another country shortly after being married. Not many people get the opportunity to work side by side with their spouse. Maybe it isn't for everybody. But for us, it has been perfect.
God has blessed the us tremendously by granting us the opportunity to live and work together in a foreign land. Our marriage bas benefited from this in countless ways. We were better able to focus our attention to the needs of each other, rely on one another deeply, and develop a strong foundation for our lives ahead. Only God knows what the future will bring, but with 100% confidence in him, we have no need to worry.
Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Two Years
Today marks the two year anniversary of our arrival in Seoul. The incredibly anxious feelings we had when we landed at Incheon International Airport died down long ago. The adjustments to the new culture weren't as shocking or surprising as we thought they might be. That doesn't mean, however, that the past two years didn't challenge us greatly and help us to grow in new ways. This experience has forever impacted our values, ideals, and habits.
If we had to choose a feeling that has described the past two years, it would be thankful. This experience has been second to none. God has truly blessed us here, and we are forever grateful.
Today, more than ever, we appreciate this verse from our first post:
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Phantom of the Opera
It has been a few weeks since Valentine's Day, but that doesn't mean we didn't enjoy it to the fullest.
Lauren convinced me that Phantom of the Opera was a can't miss. We asked our boss, Ms. Grace, to do a little digging for us to see if the show was in English and if tickets were available. Good news/bad news, tickets were available, the show was entirely Korean...including the songs, haha!
We purchased them anyway and ended up being the only people in our section...for a Valentine's Day show.
The show, even in a foreign language, was absolutely fascinating. The music and theatrics were stunning. The opening scene is jaw-dropping. It was a great way to spend Valentine's Day in Seoul.
Lauren convinced me that Phantom of the Opera was a can't miss. We asked our boss, Ms. Grace, to do a little digging for us to see if the show was in English and if tickets were available. Good news/bad news, tickets were available, the show was entirely Korean...including the songs, haha!
We purchased them anyway and ended up being the only people in our section...for a Valentine's Day show.
The show, even in a foreign language, was absolutely fascinating. The music and theatrics were stunning. The opening scene is jaw-dropping. It was a great way to spend Valentine's Day in Seoul.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Adventuresome
From time to time we get comments regarding how adventuresome we both are. These are wonderful compliments but we don’t completely see ourselves as these wild adventure seekers. Yes we did move to a foreign environment and began working unfamiliar jobs, but it never could've happened without the fearless spirit of my wife.
From early childhood I never felt the desire to travel if the destination I was going to didn’t have familiar faces to see. Putting myself into a foreign place with unfamiliar sights and sounds seemed truly preposterous. Why leave the comforts I have come to know when all they do is keep me happy? Up through high school I strayed from undertaking new endeavors, traveling to new places, and trying things that would challenge me. Funny how one person can really flip your world around.
It was a step by step process Lauren took, easing me into the venturesome type. The first thing she did was convince me to apply to an out of state school. This was perfect, one small step to put me out of my comfort zone a bit by moving me away from all that I have known growing up. Thankfully, it was to a place I was quite familiar with, Arizona.
Secondly, it was time to get out of the comforts of a house and a city and into the wild of nature. Hard to believe now, but my first camping trip was with Lauren after high school was over. Once there it was clear this was going to be a wonderful habit to get into.
The next step was by far the most difficult. Take me out of the country.The desire to travel abroad for me was fairly non-existent to this point. I was offered a trip to Europe after high school by my generous grandparents, but a combination of mild interest and bad timing prevented it from happening (not all was lost, a glorious cruise took its place). Lauren, on the other hand, had the courage to move to Europe for an entire semester. Sophomore year of college Lauren set sail (figuratively) for Paris. Before she left she was pushing and pushing me to get a ticket to visit her. I kept telling her I would try, all the while trying to find excuses. It basically came down to a couple of things. I was pretty nervous about going to the other side of the world, and I couldn’t justify the cost of going. Every time Lauren and I would talk, she would push me about getting my passport. She would tell me “Well at least get your passport just in case you DO have the money to come, that way you can do it. If you get the money and don’t have your passport, then what are you going to do?” I understood her point, but continued to delay.
Finally came the middle of March and I gave in. Her point was too good to deny, and I also figured the passport wouldn't come in time, therefore I most likely wouldn’t have to face my fear. Photo taken and application submitted. I told Lauren that I had submitted the application and “we’ll see how long it will take”. She remained very hopeful, in turn making me a little nervous. Mind you, I did NOT choose the expedited process…Divine intervention? Perhaps. Less than 2 weeks later my passport arrived. I took it as a sign and booked by ticket to Paris. I would go in April in the middle of the semester. The layovers and long plane rides would be plenty of time to do any extra writing/reading for my classes I was missing. This experience continues to serve as the most eye opening experience of my life. The trip was inexplicably incredible. It widened my perspective and gave me so much to think about and consider. This is what officially whet my appetite for uncovering the unknown.
I owe it all to you my wife, just one of the many reasons I love you :)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
From early childhood I never felt the desire to travel if the destination I was going to didn’t have familiar faces to see. Putting myself into a foreign place with unfamiliar sights and sounds seemed truly preposterous. Why leave the comforts I have come to know when all they do is keep me happy? Up through high school I strayed from undertaking new endeavors, traveling to new places, and trying things that would challenge me. Funny how one person can really flip your world around.
It was a step by step process Lauren took, easing me into the venturesome type. The first thing she did was convince me to apply to an out of state school. This was perfect, one small step to put me out of my comfort zone a bit by moving me away from all that I have known growing up. Thankfully, it was to a place I was quite familiar with, Arizona.
Secondly, it was time to get out of the comforts of a house and a city and into the wild of nature. Hard to believe now, but my first camping trip was with Lauren after high school was over. Once there it was clear this was going to be a wonderful habit to get into.
The next step was by far the most difficult. Take me out of the country.The desire to travel abroad for me was fairly non-existent to this point. I was offered a trip to Europe after high school by my generous grandparents, but a combination of mild interest and bad timing prevented it from happening (not all was lost, a glorious cruise took its place). Lauren, on the other hand, had the courage to move to Europe for an entire semester. Sophomore year of college Lauren set sail (figuratively) for Paris. Before she left she was pushing and pushing me to get a ticket to visit her. I kept telling her I would try, all the while trying to find excuses. It basically came down to a couple of things. I was pretty nervous about going to the other side of the world, and I couldn’t justify the cost of going. Every time Lauren and I would talk, she would push me about getting my passport. She would tell me “Well at least get your passport just in case you DO have the money to come, that way you can do it. If you get the money and don’t have your passport, then what are you going to do?” I understood her point, but continued to delay.
Finally came the middle of March and I gave in. Her point was too good to deny, and I also figured the passport wouldn't come in time, therefore I most likely wouldn’t have to face my fear. Photo taken and application submitted. I told Lauren that I had submitted the application and “we’ll see how long it will take”. She remained very hopeful, in turn making me a little nervous. Mind you, I did NOT choose the expedited process…Divine intervention? Perhaps. Less than 2 weeks later my passport arrived. I took it as a sign and booked by ticket to Paris. I would go in April in the middle of the semester. The layovers and long plane rides would be plenty of time to do any extra writing/reading for my classes I was missing. This experience continues to serve as the most eye opening experience of my life. The trip was inexplicably incredible. It widened my perspective and gave me so much to think about and consider. This is what officially whet my appetite for uncovering the unknown.
I owe it all to you my wife, just one of the many reasons I love you :)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Saturday, October 17, 2009
경주 (Gyeongju)
Last weekend we were able to get out of Seoul and head four hours southeast to Gyeongju.We took a spacious bus and really enjoyed the ride - the scenery was amazing, the enormous reclining seats were unbelievably comfortable, there was a lack of other passengers (5 total including us), and we had two new books in hand.
We arrived at our hotel, The Daemyong Resort (Location:35°50'42.32"N 129°17'5.24"E) and were extremely pleased. The hotel was right on the water of the Bomun Lake. This view is from our hotel window (opposite the lake).
After doing a little touring of the Bomun Lake area we headed to the downtown area to see a few historical sites.
As we have done our entire time in Korea, we took the good old reliable public transportation. In trying to find 첨성대 (Cheomseongdae-more on that to come), we stumbled upon a nice parade certainly worthy of our humble attention.
After watching the parade, we picked up a Gyeongju treat - aptly named Gyeongju bread (or Hwangnam bread). It is basically a small round pastry filled with red bean paste. The ten we purchased were quickly consumed.
We followed the street signs to Cheomseongdae (The 31st National Treasure of Korea). Cheomseongdae is the oldest standing astronomical observatory in east Asia. Being the fans of Astronomy that we are, this was a must see (Loc: 35°50'4.53"N 129°13'8.73"E).
Near the observatory were some ancient tombs which were pretty incredible to see. You can actually see them on Google Earth if you look at the location of Cheomseongdae.
Another stop we made was to Anapji (언압지) Pond (Loc: 35°50'3.69"N 129°13'38.08"E).
This is an artificial pond that was ordered to be built in the 7th century by King Munmu. Interestingly, King Munmu's tomb is an underwater tomb. He asked to be buried underwater in order to become a Dragon and continue to protect his people.Following some more walking and checking out different sites, we decided it was time to take the bus back to get ready for dinner. Thinking we were on the correct bus, heading the right direction, we sat down and began our longer than expected city tour. This was indeed one of the buses that could eventually take us back to our hotel. However, we basically had to travel the entire route, including the main station where we ended up locked on the bus for 15 minutes because of some awkward communication with the bus driver (He apparently said last stop, and then looked at us strangely through the mirror as he pulled into the main bus station. After showing him our map of where we want to go, he laughed, nodded, then locked the doors to the bus and went inside the main terminal for 15 minutes). As reliable as ever, the bus did get us back to our intended destination.
At the hotel we were able to enjoy a lovely dinner and watch our wedding DVD.
Our favorite place of the trip was the Bulguksa (불국사) Temple (Loc: 35°47'23.76"N 129°19'54.00"E). This is an old Buddhist temple and is home to seven of Korea's National Treasures. It was such a beautiful place especially with all of the fall colors.
This area of the temple we found very interesting. It had thousands and thousands of rocks stacked on top of each other. It is a tradition to make a stack of rocks, or stack on to someone else's pile. Every stack represents a wish or prayer.
Here is our prayer
If someone stacks on top of your stack, legend says it will have a higher probability of coming true (not sure what it means when you knock someone's stack over...yikes).
This memorable trip was the perfect way to celebrate our First Anniversary.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thankful Thursday
As we approach our First Anniversary, we are thankful for...
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
– Colossians 3:12-17
- Holy Matrimony
- Love and Commitment
- Mutual Joy and Care
- Honesty and Trust
- Friendship and Companionship
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
– Colossians 3:12-17
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Six Months!
It has been six months into our contract and we can hardly believe it. The time has gone incredibly quick and we’ve learned so much already. Korea has brought many experiences and challenges so far – some bad but mostly good. We feel so blessed to have been lead here and have nothing but positive reflections and outlooks for our time in Korea. One year of marriage is also just around the corner and it has been amazing to have spent the majority of it in such a unique setting. With the second half of our contract beginning, we are faced with many options. We have no plans as of yet and are in no rush to make any, although we are continually seeking His guidance. A few paths seem to have been presented and we are praying for clarity. Please remember us in your prayers during this time.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Running
Running has never been what you would call a "nice past-time" or "enjoyable acitivity" for me. It always seemed like a pain and a chore. Sprinting for short periods of time was an alright activity because usually there was a greater purpose (some sort of game/activity). Running for long distance for the sake of running though? Yuck...
My, how things change when you have an influential and skilled running wife. I recently began running (trying to keep up with) my wife. For the first few weeks it was painful and awful and I wanted to quit. With a little perseverance, gained patience (see dealing with Earth class on a daily basis for a boost in patience), and constant encouragement I have actually come to enjoy it!
With a little help from our Wonderful principal, we were able to sign up for a 5k in the north-western part of Seoul. A few weekends ago we ran the race and had a wonderful time running together.
My, how things change when you have an influential and skilled running wife. I recently began running (trying to keep up with) my wife. For the first few weeks it was painful and awful and I wanted to quit. With a little perseverance, gained patience (see dealing with Earth class on a daily basis for a boost in patience), and constant encouragement I have actually come to enjoy it!
With a little help from our Wonderful principal, we were able to sign up for a 5k in the north-western part of Seoul. A few weekends ago we ran the race and had a wonderful time running together.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Dylan Divorce with Ashley
"Come here Dylan" said Analise with a happy voice. She was happy because she's marrying Dylan today.
"What's the matter?" asked Dylan. he didn't know he was marrying.
"We're marrying, Dylan!" answered Analise.
"What! Married! I can't because I already have a wife!" said Dylan.
"Can you just divorce? I bet she's not kind as me, right? Where is he?" said Analise. She was worried. Just then Dylan and his wife Ashley were knocking on the door.
"Analise, meet Ashley. Ashley, meet Analise." They started to grab each other's hair.
"Stop!" said Dylan. Now he had loved Analise. He asked Ashley to divorce. Ashley was unhappy. But she divorced with Dylan and he married Analise. She kissed his cheek. Analise and Ashley became friends that never fight. Analise once had called Ashley for dinner at their house. Ashley said that the house wall was pretty. They thanked her. Analise understood Dylan and Ashley's love now.
This little story is from one of our favorite 1st grade students, Barbie. She is an incredibly articulate, smart little lady. I gave her advanced 1st grade class a dialogue assignment and this is what she turned in. Apparently you can't indent on Blogger but her assignment was practically perfect with three-finger indentations whenever a new character began to speak. We are so proud of this girl and her excellent English speaking abilities - we're very excited by her drive to constantly read (she checks out three or four English books from our sad little library everyday!). This is just another undeniable reason that reading is beyond important for children.
We were also quite amused by her thoughts on marriage and divorce. Just a few weeks ago a coworker and myself were having what we thought to be a private conversation on marriage and what attracts men and women, when Barbie casually shared her two cents on the topic "yes, married is a little bit hard because when you marry, you lay a baby." Thank you six year old for your thoughts :) It just makes me wonder what she learns from Mom and Dad about what makes a happy, successful marriage. How discouraging it is that a baby like her can have such an apathetic view of divorce. Just another case in point example that children soak up all that they see/hear. This pushes me even more to strive to be one of the constructive role models our children deserve.
Well, we know she has one thing right, you have to be "kind".
"What's the matter?" asked Dylan. he didn't know he was marrying.
"We're marrying, Dylan!" answered Analise.
"What! Married! I can't because I already have a wife!" said Dylan.
"Can you just divorce? I bet she's not kind as me, right? Where is he?" said Analise. She was worried. Just then Dylan and his wife Ashley were knocking on the door.
"Analise, meet Ashley. Ashley, meet Analise." They started to grab each other's hair.
"Stop!" said Dylan. Now he had loved Analise. He asked Ashley to divorce. Ashley was unhappy. But she divorced with Dylan and he married Analise. She kissed his cheek. Analise and Ashley became friends that never fight. Analise once had called Ashley for dinner at their house. Ashley said that the house wall was pretty. They thanked her. Analise understood Dylan and Ashley's love now.
This little story is from one of our favorite 1st grade students, Barbie. She is an incredibly articulate, smart little lady. I gave her advanced 1st grade class a dialogue assignment and this is what she turned in. Apparently you can't indent on Blogger but her assignment was practically perfect with three-finger indentations whenever a new character began to speak. We are so proud of this girl and her excellent English speaking abilities - we're very excited by her drive to constantly read (she checks out three or four English books from our sad little library everyday!). This is just another undeniable reason that reading is beyond important for children.
We were also quite amused by her thoughts on marriage and divorce. Just a few weeks ago a coworker and myself were having what we thought to be a private conversation on marriage and what attracts men and women, when Barbie casually shared her two cents on the topic "yes, married is a little bit hard because when you marry, you lay a baby." Thank you six year old for your thoughts :) It just makes me wonder what she learns from Mom and Dad about what makes a happy, successful marriage. How discouraging it is that a baby like her can have such an apathetic view of divorce. Just another case in point example that children soak up all that they see/hear. This pushes me even more to strive to be one of the constructive role models our children deserve.
Well, we know she has one thing right, you have to be "kind".
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Love Birds
Today my parents celebrate their 30th Wedding Anniversary. They were married June 2, 1979 - weren't they foxy?!
Marriage is an amazing bond and I've only experienced it for 8 months, I can't even begin to imagine the joy of 30 years! My parents have always been an exemplary couple whose relationship, friendship, and connection I've always admired. It is incredible to see how, through marriage, God brings two people together and guides them through the bliss, challenges, and cycles of life. I am so thankful to my Mom and Dad for being a perpetual love in my life and modeling such true devotion.
For as long as I can remember my parents have been silly-in-love (Chris and Derek, you remember all those wet, sloppy kisses we had to witness ;) and I hope it stays that way! Happy Anniversary! Here's to 30 more! We love you!! XOXO
Marriage is an amazing bond and I've only experienced it for 8 months, I can't even begin to imagine the joy of 30 years! My parents have always been an exemplary couple whose relationship, friendship, and connection I've always admired. It is incredible to see how, through marriage, God brings two people together and guides them through the bliss, challenges, and cycles of life. I am so thankful to my Mom and Dad for being a perpetual love in my life and modeling such true devotion.
For as long as I can remember my parents have been silly-in-love (Chris and Derek, you remember all those wet, sloppy kisses we had to witness ;) and I hope it stays that way! Happy Anniversary! Here's to 30 more! We love you!! XOXO
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Lantern Festival
April 25th marked the beginning of the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul. The lantern festival takes place to celebrate Buddha's Birthday (Seoul: Birthday in 2009 takes place May 2nd). The festival lasts for a week and you can find the lanterns strung throughout various parks in Seoul.
Lauren and I are not buddhist, however this has special meaning for the both of us.
Freshman year of college at ASU was quite an adventure for Lauren and I. I was so head over heals in love with my future wife I actually went to classes I was not enrolled in to sit and listen to lectures I would not be tested on. A freshman in college, the world at your fingertips, and you are in a class that will have zero impact on your future. Love is the only word that can explain such bizarre action from a 19 year old, "I know everything there is to know", novice college student.
The class I attended voluntarily was World Religions. The instructor was a small (no taller than 5'1) white-haired, vibrant professor. She embraced her lectures like a convicted pastor of a Southern Baptist Church.
The middle of the semester brought Buddhism to the table. Like any typical Wednesday afternoon, you could find me in Neeb Hall (ASU alum you know what I'm talking about), oogling over my wife-to-be while trying to block out the lecture. This particular day though I was drawn to her words. As Lauren took notes and I listened attentively, the professor was building up to an enormous climax. She had been going on and on about Buddha and the world for some time now, when she slowly peered across the full 300 seat auditorium and proclaimed for everyone to know "SO, the thing is...Everybody in here, is... BUDDHA!". At that point I turned to my beautiful girlfriend. With loving eyes, I exclaimed "OH! Hello Buddha!"
From this moment we have lovingly used the pet name - Buddha. Our closest friends know this to be true. It is a name we use more often than our given names.
So, in honor of this loving nickname, we attended the opening of the Lotus Lantern Festival (Buddha's Birthday).
Lauren and I are not buddhist, however this has special meaning for the both of us.
Freshman year of college at ASU was quite an adventure for Lauren and I. I was so head over heals in love with my future wife I actually went to classes I was not enrolled in to sit and listen to lectures I would not be tested on. A freshman in college, the world at your fingertips, and you are in a class that will have zero impact on your future. Love is the only word that can explain such bizarre action from a 19 year old, "I know everything there is to know", novice college student.
The class I attended voluntarily was World Religions. The instructor was a small (no taller than 5'1) white-haired, vibrant professor. She embraced her lectures like a convicted pastor of a Southern Baptist Church.
The middle of the semester brought Buddhism to the table. Like any typical Wednesday afternoon, you could find me in Neeb Hall (ASU alum you know what I'm talking about), oogling over my wife-to-be while trying to block out the lecture. This particular day though I was drawn to her words. As Lauren took notes and I listened attentively, the professor was building up to an enormous climax. She had been going on and on about Buddha and the world for some time now, when she slowly peered across the full 300 seat auditorium and proclaimed for everyone to know "SO, the thing is...Everybody in here, is... BUDDHA!". At that point I turned to my beautiful girlfriend. With loving eyes, I exclaimed "OH! Hello Buddha!"
From this moment we have lovingly used the pet name - Buddha. Our closest friends know this to be true. It is a name we use more often than our given names.
So, in honor of this loving nickname, we attended the opening of the Lotus Lantern Festival (Buddha's Birthday).
Monday, March 23, 2009
Illiterate
I don't know at what point it happens, but learning to read is one of the greatest blessings in life. To communicate through written word is unlike anything else. Scratch a pattern of markings onto a surface and another person with a code to your pattern can decipher the message's contents in their entirety. Simply Amazing.
There is one very important key to it all. Someone else must know the combination to your pattern code, otherwise your scratch is nothing more than a chicken's.
Why is this relevant? Hangul. Hangul, Korean language, is a pattern that Lauren and I are in the process of unlocking. "Learning a new language" is a nice term, however I prefer "code busting". "Learning a new language" to me sounds difficult, but the feeling I have trying to understand Hangul isn't that it is difficult, rather that it appears to be a daunting task that discourages me before I begin, but if I bust the code to that, my oh my, the relief I will have.
There are a few things working in our favor though. First, we're hungry. Go to a restaurant when you're hungry, open a menu, and read this: 김치 김밥. Oh, what's wrong? Don't know how to say it? Bummer...how are the hunger pains coming along?
Exactly -- Motivation #1
We've also heard that Hangul is wonderful once you learn it because it is very easy and logical. It isn't like the Chinese's Mandarin with a different symbol for every word. Rather, it is a phonetic alphabet similar to English. Not only that, the written word is broken into syllables (could be very help for those pesky pictionary games -- 1 or 2 syllables?).
So far we have learned a little bit. We are getting to the point where we can begin to sound out words very, vuh, ehh, rrr, eee, sss, sslll, oooo, slowww, llll, eeee, slowly, slowly! Very slowly!! (See how exciting it is?? Am in Earth class?) We know most of the letters and know it is written in syllable blocks left to right, top to bottom.
Syllable blocks??
Take Bulgogi (one of, if not our #1, favorite dish so far in Korea).
Bulgogi has three syllables. Written in Hangul: 불고기
First syllable Bul. B = ㅂ , U = ㅜ , L = ㄹ , organized into a block 불
Second syllable go. G = ㄱ , O = ㅗ , organized into the block 고
Third syllable gi (pronounced like gee(k)), G = ㄱ, i =ㅣ, organized into the block 기
So, brought together with all three syllables 불고기.
Hopefully that makes sense and wasn't too confusing. It goes (obviously) a little deeper than that, but unless you want to team up with Lauren and I and take Hangul head on, I'll stop there.
Another thing. You might be wondering to yourself or aloud "Well, that's great you can sound out a word, but what good does that do you without knowing the meaning?"
Well now, that depends on how hungry you are (we've tried some interesting things so far... WHO KNOWS what they were?!)
We recently found out from a friend and co-worker, Molly, that a University here offers multiple levels of Hangul classes every Saturday for a few hours for virtually nothing (1000 won = 71 cents right now with the current exchange rate). So hopefully we will be starting the beginners course here shortly. I am so glad I am not doing it alone.
"The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD" Proverbs 18:22
There is one very important key to it all. Someone else must know the combination to your pattern code, otherwise your scratch is nothing more than a chicken's.
Why is this relevant? Hangul. Hangul, Korean language, is a pattern that Lauren and I are in the process of unlocking. "Learning a new language" is a nice term, however I prefer "code busting". "Learning a new language" to me sounds difficult, but the feeling I have trying to understand Hangul isn't that it is difficult, rather that it appears to be a daunting task that discourages me before I begin, but if I bust the code to that, my oh my, the relief I will have.
There are a few things working in our favor though. First, we're hungry. Go to a restaurant when you're hungry, open a menu, and read this: 김치 김밥. Oh, what's wrong? Don't know how to say it? Bummer...how are the hunger pains coming along?
Exactly -- Motivation #1
We've also heard that Hangul is wonderful once you learn it because it is very easy and logical. It isn't like the Chinese's Mandarin with a different symbol for every word. Rather, it is a phonetic alphabet similar to English. Not only that, the written word is broken into syllables (could be very help for those pesky pictionary games -- 1 or 2 syllables?).
So far we have learned a little bit. We are getting to the point where we can begin to sound out words very, vuh, ehh, rrr, eee, sss, sslll, oooo, slowww, llll, eeee, slowly, slowly! Very slowly!! (See how exciting it is?? Am in Earth class?) We know most of the letters and know it is written in syllable blocks left to right, top to bottom.
Syllable blocks??
Take Bulgogi (one of, if not our #1, favorite dish so far in Korea).
Bulgogi has three syllables. Written in Hangul: 불고기
First syllable Bul. B = ㅂ , U = ㅜ , L = ㄹ , organized into a block 불
Second syllable go. G = ㄱ , O = ㅗ , organized into the block 고
Third syllable gi (pronounced like gee(k)), G = ㄱ, i =ㅣ, organized into the block 기
So, brought together with all three syllables 불고기.
Hopefully that makes sense and wasn't too confusing. It goes (obviously) a little deeper than that, but unless you want to team up with Lauren and I and take Hangul head on, I'll stop there.
Another thing. You might be wondering to yourself or aloud "Well, that's great you can sound out a word, but what good does that do you without knowing the meaning?"
Well now, that depends on how hungry you are (we've tried some interesting things so far... WHO KNOWS what they were?!)
We recently found out from a friend and co-worker, Molly, that a University here offers multiple levels of Hangul classes every Saturday for a few hours for virtually nothing (1000 won = 71 cents right now with the current exchange rate). So hopefully we will be starting the beginners course here shortly. I am so glad I am not doing it alone.
"The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD" Proverbs 18:22
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Career Possibilities?
My husband is a wonderful teacher. It has been so amazing to watch Christopher develop his teaching style over the past three weeks. He was so nervous going into this job but I truly have seen him do a 180 to be completely comfortable in the classroom and with the students. The kids just light up whenever they see Mr. Haws – they gravitate towards his easy-going personality. Chris is able to grab their attention with humor and they couldn’t love it more. We’ve noticed that our students are very physical and are constantly offering hugs and wanting to hang on you and that’s exactly what they do to Chris. They love that Mr. Haws is a jungle gym that also makes them laugh. I have had to interrupt Chris’s classes on several occasions and every time it seems like he has the students’ full attention and they are really enjoying the lesson. Quite a few students have even told me that math with Mr. Haws is their favorite class and I could not be more proud. I know his teaching style is a little different than mine, well at least it is according to one third grader who said to me “you so contrast from Mr. Haws, you have very many, many laws.” Even though we’ve only been here just short of a month, I can tell that Christopher is great at teaching and I’m so excited to see how the rest of the year goes.
Cheers to Chris – you’re doing a great job!
Cheers to Chris – you’re doing a great job!
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