First 6 Months

I feel the need to update since I haven't really written anything about my "feelings" lately. I remember the last time I wrote about how I feel about Korea was before I had to decide to extend my contract or not (I did extend my contract). The plan is I will be going home August 2013.

I am trying really hard here to deal with the weather...the dryness and deadliness of the winter is really depressing. I think I feel more emotional every winter but this winter challenges me a lot. On my way to school, all I see are dead trees and frozen ponds. It really dampens my spirit. I want to be active but there are days when I just want to stay under my blanket and next to my heater. I am lazier to see people when it's -3* Celsius outside. As an extrovert, I get energy from talking and hanging out with people so this winter has been difficult... and it's not even close to being Spring yet. Spring will probably come late March or early April.

I do realize though that this winter also made me a stronger person. I guess I was forced to be stronger... there's really no way around it. Whenever I felt sad at home or feel lonely, I had someone to talk to but here, I suck it up and move on. There are times when I'm on the street and suddenly I wanted to cry so bad because I was so cold. I was so sick of being alone and cold, and I hated myself for putting myself through this. I hate how I have to wear at least 4 layers to survive. It's amazing how the weather can affect your mood.

On a good note, things at school has been good. The students are quite use to my style of teaching. I know their personalities and the dynamic of the classes so planning lessons has been easier. I love seeing the students and I think they are comfortable with me now. This month is winter camp so not all the students come; I took this chance to learn some of their names. I'm not good at pronouncing it but at least they know I try. We've been playing a lot of games and watching movies. I think they enjoy the relaxing schedule. Even I enjoy it so it's a win-win.

I do look forward to coming home and seeing my family and friends. I miss the variety of food that we have in California. Of course, I miss the weather. I know though that my extension will make home much sweeter!

January 31 will be the end of my first 6 months in Korea.

~ P.S. Don't visit Korea in the winter; you will be highly disappointed and extremely depressed.