Teach & travel

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I am heading off to a foreign country, filled with strange new things, people of different backgrounds, and a culture very different to mine.  I am entering the land of Buddhism, Confucianism and temples.  And in the midst of the new beautiful scenery I will have the pleasure of observing, I will no doubt have new thoughts, new ideas, and a whole new adventure.  

Despite having this new world at my doorstep, I plan to dedicate myself to my work especially during the first 3 months.  I really want to make an effort to get to know the children I will be teaching, the administrative side of the work, my co-teacher, and the curriculum itself.  It is important to me to remember that my first priority are my pupils.  They are the reason I am going: to teach Korea English.  

Furthermore, having understood that seeing places has to be more meaningful than simply getting on a bus, snapping away at my camera and going home exhausted.  I would much rather make a habit of cycling about in my neighborhood, getting to know the shops and shopkeepers, and saving up to go to The Great Wall of China, Japan, and New Zealand, where my sister will be in great likelihood.  

I look forward to walking, cycling and hiking a lot.  I look forward to having a room that I can spend time alone with God, but also in making my apartment as hospitable as I can.  I would love to make friends of similar interests and regularly fellowship with them.  C.S. Lewis has inspired me greatly with his idea of Inklings, the group of Christian writers that met to read each others' works.  

Besides a healthy dose of Eastern education, I expect to save my money, and to draw very close to God.  I imagined many years ago traveling alone, with a laptop, a camera, and a contact to send my articles to, and even get paid for them.  So let me get on it, and see how I can achieve this goal and make my dream come true. 

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