Fun Days

I've been having lots of fun with my kids these last two weeks during our school's winter camp. According to our contract with SMOE, NSETs have to conduct five weeks of camps spread throughout the winter and summer vacations.  Camps mean smaller classes, more flexible teaching materials and lots of games. During camp time, I actually feel like I get to know the kids on a more personal level while leaving boring school textbooks on the shelves.  I think these past two weeks were some of the best days I've had at Samjeong this whole year to date.

* * * * *

Playing baseball with a makeshift umbrella bat in the multi-purpose room.

Teaching kids the Chicken Dance.  In the video, they said it's one of the most popular dances in America, to which the kids responded, "It's not Gangnam Style?"

Some cute little ones.... playing a game of back to back.

Going to miss the Korean kiddies.

Be careful what you wish for...

...because it just might come true. 

Summer is behind us now, and the weather has suddenly gotten really cold!  Not fleece and parka cold, but cold enough that I feel totally unprepared for the winter months looming near.  Lord help us all if it is anywhere as near as extreme as this past summer was.

In other news, today my Co-T approached me about contract renewal for next year.  This is a question I knew was coming, but now that my official answer has been given, I have mixed feelings. My co-teachers have been really fantastic, wonderful friends and colleagues to me.  We might not have always agreed on things in the classroom, but as people they have only been helpful and caring. I know that as a foreign teacher I am totally replaceable, and this job, to be honest, is not really a good fit for me, but nevertheless the thought of leaving still makes me sad.

On the other hand, I'm relieved that I only have a few more months here.  Come March 1,  2013,  I'll be ready to get on the plane and head back to the US and begin anew, hopefully this time, staying put for a little while longer.

In the mean time, there's still Autumn to enjoy and the 'famous' fall foliage, part II of DH's green card/visa process, Christmas on Jeju Island and much more to come.  Korea's not over yet, so trying to enjoy what each day brings.

Signs of autumn at our photo shoot along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul.