One day, huh? The art of dreaming.

Greetings. :)

"Spare me of your 'I have a dream' speech if you're not going to shake yourself and move!" -Michelle

"I have a dreaaaam... that one day...." *in my MLK voice* ha. Bear with me. By no stretch of the imagination will this blog be corny.  As you know, last week the world commemorated the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's, 'I have a dream' speech. That is truly something! 50 years and his words still resonate and mean so much to us. His speech is so passionate and full of conviction. As a lover of the 'art of public speaking' and great speakers, naturally I would feel moved to talk about it with you. Hoping to....move you.

It's been a while since we've talked and I'm a bit worried. I have a dream; you have a dream. Or shall I say 'duh-leem' (dream) in Korean. :) We all have one, right? (Hoping that one day...) What is your dream? Your passion?...What moves you? What is all you can think about when you wake up (I love how Whoopi in Sister Act put it). Say it with me; "If you wake up in the morning and all you can think about is singing...you're supposed to be a singer." Come to think of it Sister Mary Clarence was a really good speaker. She got her students to move...sooo let's go. Now before we do (lol---ironic), I challenge you to think about what you're thinking about. Because if you wake up in the morning and all you think about is negativity (feelings of defeat of what you can't do) in one way or another, I challenge you to change your thinking. This is also for those who just don't know what they should/want to do. Renew your mind.

Romans 12:1-2 says, 1 Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Journey with me. I am guilty of something that many of us are. We want something! We talk about it. We dream about it. We think about it. And then we talk about it again with people who believe we can attain it. But I'm worried because often times that's all we do. We want...talk...dream...think...talk (repeat as follows) and nothing gets done. My heart hurts. Langston Hughes posed the question, "What happens to a dream deferred?" Lord help us. We have able bodies and sound minds! Won't we put off some stuff? We put stuff off so long until the opportunity dwindles away.

BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I was in a blessed position to travel to Thailand last week for my vacation. It was great!  It's a dream of mine to travel. I've heard people say I'm a 'trooper' ,'crazy' etc for traveling alone, but I don't mind doing it. Traveling is something I want to do whether I'm by myself or not. I want to travel with  family and friends but in this particular situation, I went alone. It happens. It's interesting how we talk about what we want to do, but I'm tired of hearing myself and others just talk. I've traveled a bit, yes, but  I want more. Of course; I mean I AM still alive. You have reached your goals but you want more as well. Seasons change and new journeys begin. I hear you saying, "I have a dream." No really. I hear you. You hear it too from people you talk to day in and out. How are you moving towards it?

I urge you to start working towards your dream today. Be intentional about what you want. "You will only arrive at what you put your efforts towards." (-Pastor Brandon Current). You say, "I have a dream that one day..." One day, huh?  In the words of Ms. Samantha Booke with an 'e.' from The Great Debaters (movie), "Well can you kindly tell me when that day is going to come?" She spoke with so much zeal and passion in that movie!!  lol Seriously, you can do it. It is possible. God SPECIALIZES in things that seem impossible. If you've seen the movie you know she ended that debate with the word, 'now.' Anyway, I'm not trying to beat you up with this. This is a message for me too. I need this. Welp... I'm done talking . I'm about to starting moving. I hear your SPEECH and I WANT to travel with you. I don't want to be alone on this...so please shake yourself ...and move!

With love,
Michelle

Avenues He Used Part 2

Well, well, well

I've decided to do a Part 2 of my first blog, 'Avenues He Used!'  Just when you thought God had already used so many things to get you where you needed to be.....WAIT...there's more! *Shouts*
I failed to mentioned in my first blog some other great things God did prior to coming to Korea and I'm sure even this part 2 won't do His works any justice. It's endless. There isn't enough trees to get it all down. However, I attempt nonetheless! I just have to brag on my daddy. =) Hope you are encouraged.

Some of you may know, I attend Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. It's a dynamic Church where Marcus D. Cosby is the Senior Pastor. I attended Sunday School there which I have been accustomed to doing since I was little, but at Holman Street Baptist Church (the church I grew up in).  So even out of college, I was back in Sunday School when I got back to Houston. Attending Sunday School as an adult is definitely different  because I was able to indulge in deeper conversation and understand it more. I have great Sunday School teachers and members that always enlightened and challenged my walk with God. Church service on Sunday is great but closer fellowship and study through Sunday school is where it's at. I digress. So why is this significant? Well, close fellowship with other believers is how we can grow. In addition, God used people there to help me get here.

After Sunday school, of course we would pray and take prayer requests. For a whiiiile my prayer request was, "I'm still looking for a job." Maybe you read my last blog titled, 'J-O-B.' So if you didn't know before, He's a prayer answering God! Anyway, as time went ON and the prayers kept going UP, I was able to announce to my Sunday school class that I landed a job in S.K as an EFL teacher. Everyone was joyful and even mentioned that two of our members in the class taught in Korea (one had just got back and one was still there). Isn't that something! I was shocked. My Sunday school teacher, Brother Humber got me in contact with two of them (one in which I knew). I started emailing them back and forth and received great and vital information about teaching/living in Korea.

Sarah, specifically who was back in Houston gave me information about jobs I shouldn't accept (like Hagwons, private schools) in Korea. She had heard horror stories about people that worked in Hagwons. Well, I'm here now and have also been hearing them. Smh Isn't God good? So glad I dodged a bullet. I wouldn't have known. It's one thing to read reviews online but talking to someone face to face that you can trust is priceless. My heart goes out to those that go through hard times at these Hagwons. Some of my friends have dealt with it but gratefully, they have found better schools! Mind you, I'm not saying that all Hagwons bad. It's simply not true.

I would be lying to you if I said I wasn't grateful that I haven't had to deal with these things. However, I've had my own set of issues at my school. I mean hey it's a job. Problems are bound to arise wherever you work. Some are more dire/stressful than others though. I was and still am extremely grateful for my Sunday School class, Sarah and all the help she has given me even now through email! Of course, I knew about some things through research, but people lie and false advertisement exists (generally speaking) and of course there are just some aspects about living in a foreign country you WON'T know until you get there! But she gave me the scoop on things I would not have known on my own. Won't God send people? He will. Before, I left she even gave me a 'Korea Smart' book, her Korean cell phone and charger. That's why being here, some days I just shake my head and say, 'Thank you' because it doesn't make sense to me. lol God goes over and beyond all the time. My blog link is 'lt6' (living testimony). The testimonies are endless. They keep coming. So even when you think God has already used so many things to get you where you need to be...WAIT...there's more! And these are the 'Avenues He Used Part 2.'
 *Shouts and logs out* because it's time for me to go to work..lol

Have a good one. God bless.

With love,
Michelle

Church.

In one of my posts, I said that I could go on a long tangent about my church but that was another post for another day well here's for another post. :)

As a child in my mother's womb I have been going. It didn't matter if I didn't feel well that particular Sunday or just didn't want to go...I've been going and not just on Sunday. I went on Sunday, Wednesday and even Saturday. 

Even though, I have been attending church since before birth, I honestly was not concerned about finding a "church home" here in Korea. It was the least of my concern. Maybe, I sound like a heathen? lol Well, maybe. I just wasn't that concerned.  I was going into unknown territory prepared for whatever may or may not come. However, there is nothing and I mean nothing like being around other believers. So even though, I wasn't expecting to find a church (because of language), God blessed me with one. And not just ANY one. A solid one.

I mentioned in a previous post about my co-worker inviting me to go. I went and it was in English! The pastor is American. No translators. I was shocked and so grateful. The pastor and his wife are from Michigan and attended a Bible College in Chicago. They are the most laid-back, sincere and down-to-earth couple. Gotta love them.

The messages I've heard at IEC (International English Church, a mission of Sungnam Church) are always lead by the SPIRIT. God is definitely there. The church is a mission of a Korean church. The membership includes foreigners and English speaking Koreans. The Bible studies are so in depth as we are not just being preached to, but are able to discuss the Bible in a small-group setting and learn how to learn/study. The resources I've been given have helped me grow tremendously.

For a short while, I was helping out with children's church, but now I am apart of the praise team!!! I love it. Oh yeah, we've been reading the whole Bible as a church (Bible in 180 Days). We check in with a member of the church through email every week to let them know we are on track. The accountability has been great! That is one major thing I have been learning since attending IEC: accountability and growing as a body. We need each other to grow spiritually, just like in any other area of life. You won't get far alone, right? We make progress through relationship...

J-O-B

Hello. How are you?
I'm fine, thank you.. And you? ha-ha

... Definitely a common greeting everyday in an EFL classroom until the students learn it well enough to move on to a less formal greeting. It sounds so robotic. However, usually when they say it like that now, they are just joking around because they know it so well.

You may be wondering what my job is like. Well, here it goes.

Classes: 

I must say my job is unique.  I teach for a education University. However, we serve elementary schools in the countryside. I work at 4 different elementary schools. I also teach adult classes inside the University.  My first year in Korea, I taught at the university (3 adult classes), 3 elementary schools, and a hospital (medical English). I had about 12 different classes in all. Sounds crazy. Right?" It's actually not so bad. I have a Korean co-teacher who drives me to the elementary schools. Our commute is about an hour round trip everyday.  The drive is amazing as Korea has so many beautiful mountains and scenery. Not exciting for my co-teacher though since she has to drive. :/  Nothing has changed (I stay being chauffeured) :/ :-) lol Fortunately, we only go to one school a day. 

March 2012-February 2012 (School-year)

My first year, I taught 1-6th grade. This year, I teach 3-6th grade. My co-teacher and I teach the same classes but at different times. Can you imagine? I walk into a 5-6th grade class my first day excited as can be attempting to make my speech as plain as possible for my students to understand. It hit me the first day that my students English ability was very low! I work in the countryside and the student's English ability is lower than students in the city. I had my work cut out. I had an extremely tough first day (language barrier, lack of teaching materials, no guidance for the most part). I just received my class schedule, coffee and an example lesson plan /teachers report from my co-teacher. I'm just glad, I had teaching experience so I wasn't completely lost. However, I would've liked a tad bit more instruction. Something! Lol. Not at all.  

Kidos/teaching:

 It was so funny, the first week I walk into a third grade class a student says, "Afreeca!" I just giggled.. They just need to be educated that's all. :) Not all black people were born and raised in Africa! A good lesson for the babies. :)  I guess they were surprised when I told them, I was from "Me-gook" (America). They were so cute. After time went by, my students got accustomed to me and we were able to communicate. We've often been frustrated with each other but it comes with the territory. I've learned to make it plain, plain as an EFL teacher!!! My teaching ability has been stretched to degrees I didn't think we're possible!!! Did you hear me? lol STRETCHED!! I love what I do. Communication is so important in life just in general, so I'm a better communicator as a result of my experience here. Oh yeah, my adult classes are bundles of fun. It's pretty laid- back (conversational English). Some of them have even become pretty good friends. :)

Co-teaching:

As I said, my co-teacher and I  teach the same students but not together (maybe it shouldn't be called co-teaching)? She mainly uses the textbook to teach and I use the book as well but mostly do activities/games with them. It's perfect because "learning center activities" was almost all I did in college. Learning by doing....esp good for an EFL classroom.

English camp/vacation:

 During summer and winter "vacation" my school (Uni) as many others hold English camps. The first summer, I had the opportunity to help plan the camp which was stressful but again a great learning experience! I feel so equipped now. We have a day camp and dorm camp.  I had the opportunity to teach math, science and they had a play performance. With the camps during winter and summer break, I have 2 weeks off for a vacation in all. I know. Not you're average teaching position. As you know, in the states, teachers have an extensive break during Summer and Winter. But it's all good because the camps are enjoyable. I spend less money too! :D

I always worried that I wouldn't be able to develop a close relationship with my students due to language barriers but as time went on, I realized that it is possible. If a lesson fails miserably, I totally have our relationship to fall back on! :-))) Sheesh thinking about it is making me sad. I'm going to truly miss them when it's over. I hope this gave you a good picture into my work life.

The language.

Hello again!

Well, back to the hot topic of the LANGUAGE in Korea.







Things are not always as hard as they seem. Just try.

What is Hangul?

"Hangul is the current Korean alphabetical system. It is considered one of the most scientific alphabet in the world since the form of each Hangul letter is closely related to how the sound of the letter is produced. Hangul is very easy to learn. That’s why the illiteracy rate of South Korea is very low, below 2%, and most Korean children are able to read when they are only three years old." http://publicholiday.org/calendar/hangul-day/?fb_action_ids=3809061035418&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=246965925417366

I did not know that it was easy to learn upon arriving. Here's for a pretty cool story, I think. When I got to Korea I met my co-worker aka a godsend and sister in Christ, named Joanna. She invited me to her church, IEC (International English Church) which is about a 15 minute walk from my apartment. After the first visit, I pretty much knew it would be my new church away from home. I could go on a tangent about the church but that's another blog for another day. At the end of the first service, Pastor B made announcements and mentioned a Korean class at the church every Sunday morning. And get this the teacher is from Dallas, Texas! What you say (my neck of the woods). I was amazed. Long story short, I had NO EXCUSE. He was TEACHING the class.

Eyes Opened.

Anyway, after a few short weeks of taking the class using the book, "Survival Korean", I learned how to read Hangul. I learned it using the book and CD. It was quite simple. Hey, even a three year old could do it. Shout out to my Korean teacher, Lance. He has the gift for making things plain and simple. Also, he was very knowledgeable of Korean culture so that helped a lot! So after learning to read and write Hangul, my eyes were opened! The street signs, road signs and menus that used to look like jumbled up, crooked lines began to make sense. I would (and still do) ride and walk around reading EVERYTHING. I can read!! haha I literally felt like I could do anything after that. You remember I said before, Spanish class was a mess and left me uninterested in studying a foreign language. It just seemed impossible. I continued to take the class and learned some survival Korean (ordering food, taking taxis, buying products, etc).

Opportunities.
After a while, I also started a language exchange with a Korean guy I worked with. I taught him Essay writing and he taught me basic Korean. He was a hard task master! It was great because he was serious about our studying. sessions. I taught him for an hour and he taught me for an hour every Monday after work. Then he got married, lol. We will probably start it back up soon.

Making connections. That's what life is all about, right?

The beauty of learning the language is that I was able to make those connections I'd been wanting to. I was able to talk to the older ladies (who knew no English and seemed so sweet) at this specific restaurant in my neighborhood. A few days ago, they asked me, 'Where and how much did it cost for me to get my hair done?" I was so happy that I understood and could fluently tell them in Korean. :) Also, I can make more connections with my students. Some students really struggle and when I speak just a little Korean, they zone IN and I have gained their attention. A blessing is what it is. Lastly, I learned that you cannot learn the language without dipping into the culture. It goes hand in hand. There are certain phrases and titles (for different people) used here that scream, "This is not just our language but our culture." It starts to make a lot of sense when you study the LANGUAGE ITSELF (not just the information pertaining to a cultural aspect). I hope this makes sense.

I'll stop there. There is so much more to say on this topic. However, I think two blogs dedicated it to it for now is enough. Language study and experiences will definitely be intertwined in entries to come.

Thanks for reading. God bless.

Michelle

 This picture would have you believe I wasn't excited at all but it had been a long night. :-)

Americans be like...

Americans be like...






Tell me that's not the truth? ha-ha However, I do recognize that this does NOT apply to all Americans. I simply used this for a bit of comic relief.

This is so me though! I've walked in many a places in Texas thinking why would ya'll come to America, open up a store but can hardly speak English? There are several reasons why they would. I was aware of some of them but was still so irritated by it because I was being affected in a seemingly negative way. I remember I went to a convenient store up the street from my grandmother's house and the workers were Hispanic. I can't remember all the details, but I spoke to the cashier and he didn't speak back or try to answer the question I had. I was thinking, "How rude!" He could've at least tried. Anyway...


Walk with me for a minute. What happens when the tables turn? You walk off American soil and into FOREIGN territory. Do you have the same standard for yourself as you did for the foreigners in your country? Just a thought. As Americans, most of us EXPECT people to speak English in our country. Again, I am not making a general statement. I am not referring to everyone. However, it seems that people in other countries generally do not expect Americans to know or learn their language (Of course, there are a few exceptions). A lot of Koreans I've come in contact with are honored when a foreigner takes time to learn their language. My students literally applaud me when I say numbers in Korean. lol. They're so cute btw. However, some of the natives say, "Why do you want to learn Korean? You don't need to. You can live in Korea without it."  This is very true.
Like I stated in the previous entry, I had NO intention of learning Korean. I was just mainly coming for a job (teaching English). I didn't see the point of learning it. I wasn't even concerned with "picking some of it up" until I got on the plane and things got real. lol


We all want to understand and ESP be understood even more so (if we're honest).
As time went on, I wanted to learn it (not out of mere necessity but respect and love). Seriously. lol After developing relationships with SO many amazing natives here (who speak English), I had a genuine desire to at least start the process. Of course, I would get frustrated at the bank, restaurants, and stores due to the language barrier, but frustration was not my only purpose for seeking to learn Korean. I met so many people (older people esp who could not speak ANY English) that seemed so sweet and I was so sad that I couldn't talk to them. Also, I just became fascinated with the language. I was hearing it constantly and became more curious than I expected. It was just so cool to me. YOU'RE SPEAKING IN A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE! Language is an amazing phenomenon to me NOW.

Hats off
 I applaud those who are bi-lingual or multi-lingual through hard work and dedication to their studies. I could use the popular phrase and say, 'everybody isn't able' but the truth is 'everybody isn't willing'.

I hated that teacher; now I am that teacher.
I used to HATE learning Spanish in High school. I thought my teacher was crazy. It was my first day in Spanish and my teacher had the nerve to speak ONLY in Spanish throughout the whole class. Who does that?? Apparently, ME. I never thought in a million years, I would do the very job my Spanish teacher did. Life!! Sheesh. So when my babies get frustrated in class, I'm eternally patient with them (most of the times). :) I understand their struggle. I've experienced their frustration in Spanish class, at the nail shop in America (c'mon somebody), to living and working in Korea.

To be continued...

Have  a wonderful weekend!

First few days in Korea!

 

By the GRACE of God, I made it safely to Incheon Int'l airport. I flew Singapore airlines and it was a smooth flight. I thought I would have a panic attack! Seriously...16 hours!!? That's crae. lol I remember my Uncle Kevin telling me about when he came to Korea. (He was there for the military when he was 19). He said, "Michelle, you'll get on the plane and sleep for a long time then wake up and you'll STIL be in the air." It was funny how he said it. As most people know, my Uncle Kevin is rather comical. HE ALWAYS GOT JOKES! Anyway, it was a nice flight. I sat by an older Korean lady on the plane. We were on a row of 4 and it was just the two of us. It was so roomy. Yes, Lord! *smiles* She kept inquiring as best she could about my plans once we arrived. At that moment I realized that I would be dealing with language barriers constantly. It hadn't really hit me before.  She was persistent about making sure I got to where I needed to go. :) She end up knowing my coordinator at my new job and she gave me her contact info.

After we parted ways, I took a shuttle bus to the Incheon Sky hotel. The next morning I went back to the airport. I exchanged my US money for Korean 'won.' I paid for my bus ticket which was 35,000 won. I took a 4 1/2 hour bus ride from the airport to Jinju. As if 16 hours of travelling wasn't enough!  It was a lovely ride as there are many beautiful mountains and such great scenery in Korea! The first few days I was just thinking, "Wow. I can't believe I'm actually here." It was kind of surreal but EXCITIIIING!! One thing I used to be that I grew out of in college (thanks to my sorority) is being shy so I planned to mix and mingle as much as possible. I used to hate sparking conversations with people. Now, I will pretty much talk to anyone!! So meeting people I knew wouldn't be a problem. It may seem to some that going to a foreign country alone would be scary and lonely. It doesn't HAVE to be! It depends on one's mindset I guess.



                                             

 

 

 

 

Eventually, I arrived at my apartment complex and met my manager. She was very sweet and helped me get settled in rather quickly. She took me to E-Mart (similar to Wal-Mart in the states) so I could get what I needed for the night. We ate at there as well. It has a nice little food court. She ate at McDonald's which I refused to do in another country (esp on the first day)! So I ate some "Koreanized" Chinese food. It was alright! Interesting fact: In Korea, McDonald's delivers right to your doorstep! ha-ha... a mess. I'll never forget when I saw the MCD symbol on a motorcycle.

At E-mart, you have to pay 100 won (about 10 cents) to get a grocery cart. However, you get the money back when your finished. Also, there was no one to bag the items I bought. It was so strange to me! I also had to pay for the plastic bags. smh lol I'm thinking what's really going on? I guess I'm spoiled in America? But anywho, it was no big deal just different. I got back home and rested as I was extremely tired from all the traveling.

The next morning, I woke up Sunday, March 11 hungry and determined to find some food. Of course I knocked on my manager's door. At that time I had not activated my phone yet. Now, mind you, it's my first day in the neighborhood and I'm a tad bit directionally challenged. I figured she would walk with me to get food but it was kind of early. For the first two weeks I was waking up no later than 5 am. She explained where some places were. I looked at her slightly confused and she said with a smile, "I think this will be good for you." I'm thinking, "I'm hungry!" lol She told me I would find a Holley's coffee (popular coffee chain in Korea), Dominoes and other restaurants.  I got a little turned around but eventually found it. It was fun exploring and speaking to people. The natives in Jinju are extremely friendly!! It was so comforting. As I walked along the street, it seemed EVERYONE smiled and spoke.  My greeting was a little scruffy that day. I had practically just learned how to say hello (anyanghaseo) in Korean on the plane.

From the very first day In Korea, I felt welcomed. I didn't feel like a sore thumb (well at least not at that point). However, as time went by of course I experienced a lot of stares (NECK breaking stares)!! But I just continued to speak. It was expected to some degree. I mean I'm a foreigner with an afro at that. :)  I end up eating at Holley's coffee. For the first week I ate there and Dominoes. :/ I know. Ordering food was interesting. Sadly before arriving in Korea, I had no desire to learn Korean. Sounds bad, but its the truth. I figured, I'm coming to teach English, I don't necessarily need to learn it. My mindset changed after a few weeks. :) The language barrier got "real" REAL quick. If you can imagine...:-) I'll speak about how I feel now about learning different languages and traveling abroad. Stay tuned..! Til' next time...*Toodles*

With a heart of appreciation,

Michelle

Korea Bound

Well I discussed a little about what sparked my interest to come to Korea. Now I'll talk about the process prior to coming. After undergrad (May 11'), I applied for more jobs overseas than in the U.S. That's how serious I was about teaching overseas. I searched tirelessly on the internet for job openings. I filled out application after application. (I remember my sister, Monique telling me to, "apply for jobs like it's a full time job)."  I wasn't even down and out when I had interviews for positions in America and didn't get the jobs. It simply wasn't where my heart was at the time. I believe around May my mother told me she had been watching the news and hearing about a lot of American teachers going overseas (specifically the Middle East). However, the Middle East didn't sound very appealing. One day, I found the website, http://teachaway.com.  I sent in a general application (for all countries---top choices in Asia) and received a call from a recruiter in June. Most 'foreigners' use recruiters to get a job overseas.

I had a screening interview and afterwards I never received a call back. I received great feedback from my interviewer so I was a little shocked when I didn't get a call back. She told me about the EPIK (English Program in Korea- www.EPIK.go.kr. ) and thought it would be perfect for me. So why didn't I get a second interview? It was the timing. She emailed me ( to let me know that the EPIK intake was in August and it was too late to apply). She told me she would email me the EPIK application in September for the next intake in March. Crazy, right? The process is so taxing and long. Anyway, I got discouraged about not receiving a call back that it clouded my logic. It wasn't that the answer was 'no' it was simply to 'wait.' I wasn't even anticipating September because I was upset I didn't get a call back. lol I know it sounds silly but that's how I felt at the time. That's when I applied for Lead America (end of June-August 2011). All summer, I didn't apply for any jobs. I took it as a loss and was focused on Lead America and my students. Like I said in my first blog my Chinese students that summer really inspired me.

Lo and behold, Lead America ends and I get an email in September from the recruiter. She emails me the appltn and a list of needed documentation to possibly go overseas. I needed to prepare a lot of documents in advance. Also, EPIK works on a first come, first served basis so one must send in all required documentation upon having a successful interview asap! The sooner the better. I was so excited to start the process!!! However, I kept quiet about it for the most part. I didn't want to get too excited. The process wasn't fun to say the least. I won't even get into it right now. It was a fight, but I was completely determined and wasn't going to let any setbacks stop me. Period. I really wanted to go! :)

 My recruiter had so much faith in me (more than I had in myself---going overseas still seemed so far-fetched and well almost impossible to me) and she constantly told me to apply for my FBI criminal record check because it takes 3-4 months to arrive. I turned in my application on October 1. I had an interview on November 1. All the documents were due December 31. I was offered the job on November 2. But guess what? I lacked so much faith that I didn't apply for my FBI check until I was offered the job. Long story short, I missed an opportunity of a lifetime! There was NO way my FBI check would arrive and be sent to Korea by Dec. 31. There were no more openings left. Even though I had a successful interview that was not the final step. The documents secured my position. I was crushed but I did it to myself! So, I gave myself 24 hrs to sulk and then I was back on it!  lol Some may read this and think, "Michelle, what's wrong with you? Why did you wait?" and you should. Looking back, how I operated was ridiculous but it just goes to show how we hinder ourselves when we lack faith in God's power. YOU HINDER YOURSELF. I didn't need anyone's help to do it. Anyway, God was still in control! I hadn't been doing all that work and praying for nothing!!!

I'll never forget on Jan 28, I saw an opening for Chinju National University-School Based Enterprise in Jinju, Korea. I worked with a new recruiter from 'I love ESL.' He's legit by the way. I had an interview with him and he figured if I was a certified teacher, got into the EPIK program (a highly sought after position) and already had all my docs (by that time I had my FBI check) then there was no reason I shouldn't be hired. I sent an application in Jan. 28, received a call back on Feb 14. I flew out on March 8. I arrived in Korea on March 9 (a 4  hour flight from Houston to Cali and a 12 hour flight from Cali to Seoul, Korea, the capital). Isn't God good? The answer is an unequivocal, YES!!!

Avenues He Used

Hello world!

 It's me, Michelle coming to you from Jinju, South Korea (*Charm city*)! I've been living and working in Korea for about 10 months now. I'm here teaching English. I got here on March 9, 2012 and haven't looked back since. What made you want to come to Korea? Before I answer that question here's a quick purpose for my blog. I'm writing this blog simply to share my experiences in hopes that someone is blessed, inspired, ENCOURAGED and maybe even apply! lol  I can't speak for all jobs in Korea but mine is great.  Also, I want to answer any questions that you may have. I love writing and I think its about time I let the world know what's been goin' on.

To understand the present, I think it's important  that you are aware of the past.

Back to the question. As some of you know in May 2011, I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  I'm certified to teach  in Texas. Thing is, after working for Lead America  in the summer of  2008 and 2011, I decided I wanted to work somewhere other than Texas (preferably overseas). Lead America is a college and career readiness program for middle and high school students. Why the desire to 'get away?' During my employment with Lead-America, I had the opportunity to travel (for free AND get paid) to Universities all over the US (from Georgetown in D.C., San Diego State in Cali, Olin College in Boston, to DePaul in Chicago, Stanford in Palo Alto, California and a few others). Thanks to my sister, Melanie who referred me for this position.

 As a 'team leader' to my students, I wanted to inspire them to 'get ready' for college, excited about their career and live their dreams! Sounds corny and something out of a college pamphlet or something but it's the truth. That's really all I wanted for them. In my attempts to inspire them, I was thoroughly inspired (specifically by Mike Hilty). He's extremely gifted. After listening to him talk about why he loved Lead America and why he decided to come back another year, I was convinced. I guess it's just something about the words of a 'testimony' that does something to me.---He sold it (tears and all) lol Sorry, Mike. :)

Ironic
In my attempts to inspire my students, I was challenged to do what I had 'preached' to them all summer. Simply, live your dreams. In 2011 after graduating from college, I worked for LA again.  This time, I worked with High school students who hailed from Hong Kong and Beijing. This LA conference was held at Stanford University. These students had dreams of attending American Universities, preferably Stanford. Some of them couldn't speak much English. Half of my students were American and the other half were Chinese. Imagine the group dynamic! Anyway, working with them sparked my interest in the Asian culture along with other things. I would sit in lectures at University listening to my math teachers 'brag' about the Asian culture thinking 'what's all the hype about?' I could read about it, hear about it and watch the news about it but it just wasn't enough I guess. I wanted to venture out and learn more about different people and teaching practices. So I thought 'hey, I'm qualified, single and clearly God is everywhere and will take care of me. I don't have anything to worry about.' Let's make it happen!

My family, friends, professors, sorors, co-workers, cooperating teachers, students, church family and Lead America have all inspired me to do what I'm doing right now. It's no secret. I couldn't have gotten here by myself. Their words of encouragement was what I needed.

God used all these different avenues to get me here (as I'm sure He's done in your life)!