I remember when I was a wee lad my mom made me go to RAs every Sunday evening at my church. I was a Royal Ambassadors. Growing up in the South, in the Bible Belt, and in my family I didn’t feel like an ambassador for Christ. I know I would have seen more opportunities if I had only opened my selfish eyes but I didn’t. I also understand that while on the Earth I am an Ambassador for my faith. But for the longest time that just sounded like a Sunday School, “Jesus-Answer” with no personal or practical application. I know not everyone is Christian but I think I’ve been engulfed with Christianity for so long that I’ve lost sight of maintaining the visitor’s mindset.
In Siheung, South Korea, it is obvious I not a pure blood. I am an alien to this Korean world. I also realize that I have a lot of responsibility. I understand that I represent all wagooks (foreigners). I honestly think I do a good job representing the outside world to Korea. (Much better than Lady Gaga or Michael Jackson). There is a likelihood that I am the only foreigner that some of my Korean neighbors meet. I feel obligated to be nice to people and represent myself well.
One of my favorite things to do is to ignore people and to be ignored. And in the States, in the great Nation of Texas, it is easy for me to blend in, to just be one in the crowd. Being white and not having straight, black hair really makes one stand out in Siheung. I am learning that I can’t just be left alone or unnoticed all the time. If I throw a gum wrapper on the ground an old agishe (old man) could rightly assume that ALL Americans throw their trash wherever they want. (Note: That would never happen because I loath littering and I don’t chew gum).
I think it is sad that I feel a greater responsibility to be a respectable representation of America or Texas than I do of my faith. (When America and Christianity both need positive PR). I am learning that I am always accountable. Here it is more obvious because I am more obvious. But more importantly than being an accountable American or even a Texan, I am a Christian. My faith should be more obvious than my nationality. And I should view myself as an Ambassador of my faith and Texas (and America).
In .love.
Jp
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
NOOOOOOO!
It is November 28th and it is snowing outside... I am going to hate my life for the next couple of months.
I don't like snow. I do not like snow in Texas. I do not like snow in Colorado. I do not like snow in the Republic of Korea.
Holy Balls this is gonna suck.
I don't like snow. I do not like snow in Texas. I do not like snow in Colorado. I do not like snow in the Republic of Korea.
Holy Balls this is gonna suck.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Third time... not so charming
I've experienced a significant life moment here in Korea.
I threw up for the third time in my entire existence (that I can remember). Since you are wonder:
The first time I threw up I was eating a red Donald Duck icecream/Popsicle type contraption and I had to be younger than 2nd grade because I was still living in Palestine. I remember being outside and standing by my mom's silver 'rice jet' (Maxima) and just throwing up my red Donald Duck treat.
The second time I threw up was after I had my wisdom teeth removed. I think I was in late High School or early college but the dental surgeon sedated me and I was out cold for over a day. So when I awoke I was really hungry but all I could eat was ice cream and Rice-a-Rony Angel Hair pasta. I ate two boxes of pasta and almost an entire half-gallon of Vanilla with Strawberries Blue Bell ice cream. (Oh that ice cream is delicious...). It didn't take long for my meds, nauseated stomach, and 'Alligator Eyes' to start battling it out in the bathroom.
Then tonight marked a third vomitous experience. One of my bosses took me out to eat dinner since he made me work on Saturday. (Though he said it was because he wanted to spend time with me outside of work. I appreciate the platitude.) We went to eat shabu shabu with his family. When he invited me I thought he was meeting a group of people and I was just going to tag-along but it was just a family dinner. It made me feel part of an more authentic Korea. Inviting people to eat with your family is a nice, warm gesture. If I ever have a family and I am not embarrassed by them, I will invite people to eat with us.
(BTW: Shabu Shabu is a Japanese dish that Koreans have 'Koreanized.' You cook the dish in the center of the table and everyone eats out of the same pan. You first start out with a broth, bring it to a boil and then you add vegetables and beef. The vegetables are an array of mushrooms, carrots, onions, sometimes squash, and then there are other veges that I don't know what they are. You can also add fish and clams or pork. But beef is the best. The beef is cut really thin so it cooks in the boiling broth. At the end of the meal you add noodles. Then rice. -But they are just fillers though.)
Anyway, back to the spewing... I usually don't give into social or cultural norms but I really like this boss so I felt obligated to eat everything he put in my bowl. I will be honest, for my 150 pounds I can really throw back a bunch of food. Not tonight.
I did eat a lot. It surpassed gluttony. (A sin I take pride in committing). Anyway, I was fine throughout the whole meal and the ride home. I was going to go out but I was feeling a little tired so I opted to just stay home and watch 'Bambi' (like most 24 year olds would do on a Saturday night...)
I didn't feel bad in my stomach I just felt full. Really full! Then in my fourth section of 'Bambi' on the youtube I started burping a lot. [I agree this is gross but it is interesting to me]. I usually don't burp so even burping was an unusual and uncomfortable experience. I don't think I eat soup correctly. I think I suck in too much air. And I thought that was the case with the broth from the Sahbu Shabu tonight. Then all of a sudden I realized I need to throw up. A sensation and practice I am not accustom to. So I go to the bath room and start to take out my retainers. Halfway through removing my retainers I just start gagging. And boy did I deliver. Oddly, I was impressed with how much my stomach gave back. Not just once but seven times (divided up into two individual toilet sessions).
What I gathered:
1.It is impressive how our body protects us. I mean, my nonexistent self-discipline didn't stop me from gorging myself on beef and vegetables. Then noodles. Then rice. Then ice cream. But maybe it was punishment for my over eating or maybe my stomach couldn't process all the grub I consumed. Either way, my response was out of my control. So praises to the G.O.D. for knowing what He was doing when he created my digestive system.
2. I feel sorry for my neighbors. Oddly enough the bathroom is the only place in my apartment I ever hear sounds coming from my neighbors. (I don't hear them making 'bathroom noises' I can hear them talking or watching TV. My neighbors also have a little boy that laughs a lot!) Unfortunately for them I'm assuming they can hear me through our shared wall. Most nights they just get to hear me sing along to the soundtrack to 'Spring Awakening' or preform duets with my REBA. However tonight, they got a special performance.
-I hope they don't think I am a drunkard that can't hold my liquor. But since they have heard me sing so much they probably think I'm drunk all the time.
I also thought of something. Do you think the conditions that you eat food affect how the food is digested? Lets assume you didn't like who you were eating with. Would your company enable you body to comfortably digest food. Or is eating with loved-ones a ticket for smooth sailing?
I feel better now. Actually, I never felt bad. Well, the act of throwing up wasn't my favorite but I am glad I did it.
In .love.
Jp
I threw up for the third time in my entire existence (that I can remember). Since you are wonder:
The first time I threw up I was eating a red Donald Duck icecream/Popsicle type contraption and I had to be younger than 2nd grade because I was still living in Palestine. I remember being outside and standing by my mom's silver 'rice jet' (Maxima) and just throwing up my red Donald Duck treat.
The second time I threw up was after I had my wisdom teeth removed. I think I was in late High School or early college but the dental surgeon sedated me and I was out cold for over a day. So when I awoke I was really hungry but all I could eat was ice cream and Rice-a-Rony Angel Hair pasta. I ate two boxes of pasta and almost an entire half-gallon of Vanilla with Strawberries Blue Bell ice cream. (Oh that ice cream is delicious...). It didn't take long for my meds, nauseated stomach, and 'Alligator Eyes' to start battling it out in the bathroom.
Then tonight marked a third vomitous experience. One of my bosses took me out to eat dinner since he made me work on Saturday. (Though he said it was because he wanted to spend time with me outside of work. I appreciate the platitude.) We went to eat shabu shabu with his family. When he invited me I thought he was meeting a group of people and I was just going to tag-along but it was just a family dinner. It made me feel part of an more authentic Korea. Inviting people to eat with your family is a nice, warm gesture. If I ever have a family and I am not embarrassed by them, I will invite people to eat with us.
(BTW: Shabu Shabu is a Japanese dish that Koreans have 'Koreanized.' You cook the dish in the center of the table and everyone eats out of the same pan. You first start out with a broth, bring it to a boil and then you add vegetables and beef. The vegetables are an array of mushrooms, carrots, onions, sometimes squash, and then there are other veges that I don't know what they are. You can also add fish and clams or pork. But beef is the best. The beef is cut really thin so it cooks in the boiling broth. At the end of the meal you add noodles. Then rice. -But they are just fillers though.)
Anyway, back to the spewing... I usually don't give into social or cultural norms but I really like this boss so I felt obligated to eat everything he put in my bowl. I will be honest, for my 150 pounds I can really throw back a bunch of food. Not tonight.
I did eat a lot. It surpassed gluttony. (A sin I take pride in committing). Anyway, I was fine throughout the whole meal and the ride home. I was going to go out but I was feeling a little tired so I opted to just stay home and watch 'Bambi' (like most 24 year olds would do on a Saturday night...)
I didn't feel bad in my stomach I just felt full. Really full! Then in my fourth section of 'Bambi' on the youtube I started burping a lot. [I agree this is gross but it is interesting to me]. I usually don't burp so even burping was an unusual and uncomfortable experience. I don't think I eat soup correctly. I think I suck in too much air. And I thought that was the case with the broth from the Sahbu Shabu tonight. Then all of a sudden I realized I need to throw up. A sensation and practice I am not accustom to. So I go to the bath room and start to take out my retainers. Halfway through removing my retainers I just start gagging. And boy did I deliver. Oddly, I was impressed with how much my stomach gave back. Not just once but seven times (divided up into two individual toilet sessions).
What I gathered:
1.It is impressive how our body protects us. I mean, my nonexistent self-discipline didn't stop me from gorging myself on beef and vegetables. Then noodles. Then rice. Then ice cream. But maybe it was punishment for my over eating or maybe my stomach couldn't process all the grub I consumed. Either way, my response was out of my control. So praises to the G.O.D. for knowing what He was doing when he created my digestive system.
2. I feel sorry for my neighbors. Oddly enough the bathroom is the only place in my apartment I ever hear sounds coming from my neighbors. (I don't hear them making 'bathroom noises' I can hear them talking or watching TV. My neighbors also have a little boy that laughs a lot!) Unfortunately for them I'm assuming they can hear me through our shared wall. Most nights they just get to hear me sing along to the soundtrack to 'Spring Awakening' or preform duets with my REBA. However tonight, they got a special performance.
-I hope they don't think I am a drunkard that can't hold my liquor. But since they have heard me sing so much they probably think I'm drunk all the time.
I also thought of something. Do you think the conditions that you eat food affect how the food is digested? Lets assume you didn't like who you were eating with. Would your company enable you body to comfortably digest food. Or is eating with loved-ones a ticket for smooth sailing?
I feel better now. Actually, I never felt bad. Well, the act of throwing up wasn't my favorite but I am glad I did it.
In .love.
Jp
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Namesake
Today on my way home from work I was looking out over the ocean and my name appeared, almost glistening on top of the water. So I started thinking about my name. I actually don't like my name, never have. It seems like I've hear it my whole life...
"Justin" -How lame and uneventful is that?
But so much of my identity, who I am, is exemplified in that name. In a word. Why is that combination of six letters so significant to me?
One of the first things we do with kids here is give them English names. I actually still feel uneasy with the whole process. I feel like subconsciously I am telling the kids that they aren't good enough using their Korean names. Or that English names are more superior. I also see the practicality of the English names. I mean, they are learning English and it is part of the 'full-immersion' idea. And selfishly, I can't distinguish, much-less pronounce, Korean names. We even started teaching the staff at my school and we asked that they make English names. Thankfully most kids (and adults) are excited to create a new alias.
And you can learn so much about a kid by their choice of name. Usually the most interesting kid's have the most unique names. What do you expect when a prepubescent boy chooses the name 'Monkey.' I've also known a Supermarket, Orange, Bread, People, Ah, Superman, and Madonna (it was a HE that chose that name). It is usually boys who are brave enough to venture into the specialized names. But I've had a Mazinga, Princess, Lucifer, Baby-Jo, and my personal favorite, GaGamell.
I've played with the idea of assuming a Korean alter-ego but I think it is too early for me to commit to a new name.
Contemplating a new name forced me to defend my existing one. 'Justin' has no 'Pop' or 'Bazinga' to it but it is the name my mother unfortunately decided to go with. Though I share the name with thousands of other unlucky guys, it is still mine. It is part of me.
God gives us our past. And our past is part of our testimony. I think our testimony is a beautiful example of God's creativity and grace. If my testimony were a gift to God (which it will be one day). I feel like that gift has to have a "To-From" tag.
My testimony, will be from Justin.
In .love.
Jp
"Justin" -How lame and uneventful is that?
But so much of my identity, who I am, is exemplified in that name. In a word. Why is that combination of six letters so significant to me?
One of the first things we do with kids here is give them English names. I actually still feel uneasy with the whole process. I feel like subconsciously I am telling the kids that they aren't good enough using their Korean names. Or that English names are more superior. I also see the practicality of the English names. I mean, they are learning English and it is part of the 'full-immersion' idea. And selfishly, I can't distinguish, much-less pronounce, Korean names. We even started teaching the staff at my school and we asked that they make English names. Thankfully most kids (and adults) are excited to create a new alias.
And you can learn so much about a kid by their choice of name. Usually the most interesting kid's have the most unique names. What do you expect when a prepubescent boy chooses the name 'Monkey.' I've also known a Supermarket, Orange, Bread, People, Ah, Superman, and Madonna (it was a HE that chose that name). It is usually boys who are brave enough to venture into the specialized names. But I've had a Mazinga, Princess, Lucifer, Baby-Jo, and my personal favorite, GaGamell.
I've played with the idea of assuming a Korean alter-ego but I think it is too early for me to commit to a new name.
Contemplating a new name forced me to defend my existing one. 'Justin' has no 'Pop' or 'Bazinga' to it but it is the name my mother unfortunately decided to go with. Though I share the name with thousands of other unlucky guys, it is still mine. It is part of me.
God gives us our past. And our past is part of our testimony. I think our testimony is a beautiful example of God's creativity and grace. If my testimony were a gift to God (which it will be one day). I feel like that gift has to have a "To-From" tag.
My testimony, will be from Justin.
In .love.
Jp
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Jolly old Saint Nicholas lean your ear this way
I figure if you are taking the time to read this you actually know me. However, for those of you who don't know me, I think I may sounds kind of gay in some of my postings. I am fine with that, I don't need to explain myself to anybody. But saying that, I know this post aint gonna help me sound any less gayer.
I have been here in the Republic of Korea for almost four months now. The novelty has passed. I am not 'homesick' but I do miss some nouns (people, places, things). Like yesterday one of my college friends, Brianne, told me through the facebook that she missed me. Reading that almost brought me to tears. (I say 'almost' attempting maintain some semblance of masculinity). As the words, 'I miss you' maranated, I was reminded about all the relationships I am without. I mean, talking to Miss and Baylor through the Skype sometimes just isn't enough. At times I feel like a solider on the front lines. (That is a gross exaggeration that is probably offensive to actually military men.) I also haven't vocally corresponded with my bff E-currency (as he likes to call himself) since I've been here. I miss my Hardin kids so much but feel uber creepy when I facebook message them. (Just to clarify, I never instigate the message.)
I sometimes feel like the facebook makes things worse because I can see so much. I've watched Jason and Jenny's little mistake grow up through infrequent album postings. And I read about Keys advertising for the TVE stick horse race... I was there with her last year. :(
I have made some Korean friends but they are more acquaintances then actual friends. And their friendships are like Turkish delight. A little bit leaves me craving more. (Much like a REBA kiss... if you didn't get the 'Turkish Delight' simile.) These brief encounters of fellowship leave me recalling the joy relationships I've physically lost (because of Geography.) I have about four Korean, non-work friends (that are dudes) and I value them as much Sarah Palin loves shameless self-promotion.
I have met one Korean guy who is such a jolly 'gift.' His English name is Santa. I met him at the church I started going to and I've gotten to hang out with him a couple of times. This sounds so gay but I want to spend as much time with him as possible. I feel like we are getting past 'just friends' (and I completely mean that in a sexual way. Jk). I know that sounds queer but try to remember all my friends, my BROTHERS, are in the State (TEXAS) and the intRanet is the only form of communication I have with them. (which I am grateful for but I need/want intimacy here.)
Looking for an excuse to spend more time with Mr. Kringle, I asked Santa if he would be interested in reading a book together. Honestly, I was hoping for a non-religious book but he suggested "The Purpose Driven Life." I suggested REBA's autobiography but they haven't translated it into Korean yet...
I haven't read the book and am not really excited to but I look forward to having personal conversation. I think the book will help facilitate that.
In .love.
Jp
I have been here in the Republic of Korea for almost four months now. The novelty has passed. I am not 'homesick' but I do miss some nouns (people, places, things). Like yesterday one of my college friends, Brianne, told me through the facebook that she missed me. Reading that almost brought me to tears. (I say 'almost' attempting maintain some semblance of masculinity). As the words, 'I miss you' maranated, I was reminded about all the relationships I am without. I mean, talking to Miss and Baylor through the Skype sometimes just isn't enough. At times I feel like a solider on the front lines. (That is a gross exaggeration that is probably offensive to actually military men.) I also haven't vocally corresponded with my bff E-currency (as he likes to call himself) since I've been here. I miss my Hardin kids so much but feel uber creepy when I facebook message them. (Just to clarify, I never instigate the message.)
I sometimes feel like the facebook makes things worse because I can see so much. I've watched Jason and Jenny's little mistake grow up through infrequent album postings. And I read about Keys advertising for the TVE stick horse race... I was there with her last year. :(
I have made some Korean friends but they are more acquaintances then actual friends. And their friendships are like Turkish delight. A little bit leaves me craving more. (Much like a REBA kiss... if you didn't get the 'Turkish Delight' simile.) These brief encounters of fellowship leave me recalling the joy relationships I've physically lost (because of Geography.) I have about four Korean, non-work friends (that are dudes) and I value them as much Sarah Palin loves shameless self-promotion.
I have met one Korean guy who is such a jolly 'gift.' His English name is Santa. I met him at the church I started going to and I've gotten to hang out with him a couple of times. This sounds so gay but I want to spend as much time with him as possible. I feel like we are getting past 'just friends' (and I completely mean that in a sexual way. Jk). I know that sounds queer but try to remember all my friends, my BROTHERS, are in the State (TEXAS) and the intRanet is the only form of communication I have with them. (which I am grateful for but I need/want intimacy here.)
Looking for an excuse to spend more time with Mr. Kringle, I asked Santa if he would be interested in reading a book together. Honestly, I was hoping for a non-religious book but he suggested "The Purpose Driven Life." I suggested REBA's autobiography but they haven't translated it into Korean yet...
I haven't read the book and am not really excited to but I look forward to having personal conversation. I think the book will help facilitate that.
In .love.
Jp
Friday, October 22, 2010
I hate to say it but, "Pfth..."
Most of you may think I am flawless or as I tell myself, "the crème de la crème." Surprisingly, that is far from the truth. And one of my genuine bad habits is being too mean to people (especially girls). Oh, and biting my cuticles but that doesn't effect anyone but myself and anyone who has to look at my dry-blood stained fingers... Ewww!
Anyway, I have been told many times in my life that I hurt people's feelings. And my responses are either:
1. I don't care.
2. I feel aweful.
Criteria for me to care is this: I have to like you. Even if it just a little bit.
Most of my three years at SFA were spent being friends with this girl I will call, 'Hebrew.' I easily, sincerely, 100% love Hebrew. She is a friend and sister. One time we were playing one of her 'gay games' (as I insensitively called them). And unfortunately the game required honesty. And through Hebrew's honesty, I learned that I had hurt her feelings by jokes I made. And even though she knew we were friends, it still hurt her. After she struggle to tell me this honest confession, I felt like I had been kicked in the balls. I hate seeing people I like upset. Especially girls. When girls cry I instantly try to figure out ways to 'fix' the problem.
And I know Hebrew isn't the only friend/sister I have hurt through my insensitivity.
Today I learned that my insensitivity also travels internationally. Big surprise.
I know I am socially retarded and so I don't always treat people well. This is my faulty justification, "that is just how I communicate." My 'love language' is discouraging, demeaning words.
Anyway, in an attempt to build a relationship with a co-worker I tried to joke around with them. Lesson learned, I need to actually be friends with someone before you start being mean to them. I am grateful for my co-workers maturity and honesty in addressing her feelings. How else would I have known I was offending her. Either way, I feel like I have to have a awkward D.T.R. when I go back to work. I guess that would be the 'mature' thing to do. (I will probably wigg out though...)
So, to the three people that read my blog, if you are a girl and I have ever hurt your feelings, and you think I actually care for you. Then I am sorry. And if you want me to specifically apologize, call me out. Obviously, I need it.
(If you are dude and I've hurt your feelings, you can find a away to move on.)
Peace out crackers-
Jp
Anyway, I have been told many times in my life that I hurt people's feelings. And my responses are either:
1. I don't care.
2. I feel aweful.
Criteria for me to care is this: I have to like you. Even if it just a little bit.
Most of my three years at SFA were spent being friends with this girl I will call, 'Hebrew.' I easily, sincerely, 100% love Hebrew. She is a friend and sister. One time we were playing one of her 'gay games' (as I insensitively called them). And unfortunately the game required honesty. And through Hebrew's honesty, I learned that I had hurt her feelings by jokes I made. And even though she knew we were friends, it still hurt her. After she struggle to tell me this honest confession, I felt like I had been kicked in the balls. I hate seeing people I like upset. Especially girls. When girls cry I instantly try to figure out ways to 'fix' the problem.
And I know Hebrew isn't the only friend/sister I have hurt through my insensitivity.
Today I learned that my insensitivity also travels internationally. Big surprise.
I know I am socially retarded and so I don't always treat people well. This is my faulty justification, "that is just how I communicate." My 'love language' is discouraging, demeaning words.
Anyway, in an attempt to build a relationship with a co-worker I tried to joke around with them. Lesson learned, I need to actually be friends with someone before you start being mean to them. I am grateful for my co-workers maturity and honesty in addressing her feelings. How else would I have known I was offending her. Either way, I feel like I have to have a awkward D.T.R. when I go back to work. I guess that would be the 'mature' thing to do. (I will probably wigg out though...)
So, to the three people that read my blog, if you are a girl and I have ever hurt your feelings, and you think I actually care for you. Then I am sorry. And if you want me to specifically apologize, call me out. Obviously, I need it.
(If you are dude and I've hurt your feelings, you can find a away to move on.)
Peace out crackers-
Jp
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hardin, a surprising 4th place.
In my three months here in South Korea, I've received two articles of mail. The first, a letter from Alyssa Gaalema and the second, a card with two re-gifted Cds, from AnJew-We. And none from the rest of you...
In retribution for their gifts I've scribbled a letter to each of them. Now they have to suffer through my ugly handwriting and pur spellin. In the letters I wrote about all the things I miss from 'home.' And that got me thinking...
When I was deciding to come to Korea I knew it would be an emotionally trying experience. I've never really lived outside of the nation of Texas and I've always been able to go wherever I wanted. If I was needing needing a Camp Peniel fix I could just hop in my car and head to Marble Falls. (Camp being in my top three list of things I miss the most). When building myself up for my year here I knew it would be hard to not see my Miss Berkley and her 'spacial' brother (my #1). And physically I knew going without Rudy's pork loin would drain my strength (#3). Naturally, I also knew I would miss my family but I was prepared to miss them so not seeing them isn't as hard because i was predisposed to that struggle.
What has surprised me is how much I miss Hardin. I knew I would miss Mrs. Keys, the Führer of the Social Studies department, and my fellow Social Studies subordinates... I did not realize how much I would miss all of Hardin. For the past two years, the teachers at Hardin High School were my family. And I know that sounds gay but it is true. I have never had so many loving, encouraging, tolerant, patient, forgiving mothers and girlfriends. (Shout-out Mrs. Rao, Carr, and Veach!)
My last year at Hardin was particularly awesome. Even though we lost the immortal Ms. Croft and were stuck with Jonsey, it all worked out aight. I no longer was driving the bus before and after school. I was more confident as a teacher. And we had TWO conferences! I mean a conference and a ultimate period. Just like Camp Peniel and the SFA rock wall, I genuinely enjoyed the people I worked with. Even Mrs. Cisneros was tolerable. And when Via-Tore up wore deodorant and stayed away from the tuna I could suffer through her presence.
But I am not only grateful for my Social Studies, aka the "Department of the Millennium." The entire staff I sincerely like. From Mrs. Betty rockin' up-and-down the halls to Ricky in the bus barn or "Mean Scott" in the Cafeteria; even scary, sweaty Coach Jones threatening a sexual harassment lawsuit, and Charlie allowing me to live adjacent to his mother practically for free... everyone was so... amicable.
I don't know of many schools where the Superintendent would pretend to fire a timid, scrawny first-year teacher in order to play along with a pathetic bald man's prank. Or a vice principal that would allow that same sad, lonely bald man to write explicit Valo-grams to him and other innocent staff. And Mrs. Marberries, not even my mother would have been such a great first-principal. How many bosses would invite you to stay with them when you were being threatened by a psychotic, over-weight redneck? Everyone was so open and welcoming. And I am truly grateful.
No work place is perfect but I 100% took for granted the family I had at Hardin. I have so many memories. Memories my dreams remind me of here in Korea. Like when I had a private slumber-party in the teachers lounge and I think I literally scared the tee-tee out of Mrs. Thornton when she bolted open the door to my safehouseat 4am. That awkward yet delightful tickling strategy from Mr. Mealer while competing at ultimate-football. And the toothpick Slutter infamous trying to shield a poor student's eyes from a urinating Cisneros. And our NYC trip when Keys left the maps in Hardin and tried to blame me... "Good times."
I love each one of the teachers and staff members at Hardin High School/Cafeteria/ Admin office. Except the tech people. I never got them to unblock google images. And I hold grudges really well... (I'm just JK-ing Mrs. Muldrow)
But I not only miss the teachers, it is hard and awkward to describe how empty a part of my heart feels because I am not there for the students. I feel extremely guilty that I will not be there to see my first class of students graduate. I feel like I am betraying them in some way. But I know I will never forget them. (Except oh-whats-his-name... you know the tall one). That class of students are pivotal and significant in my life as an educator. I want to contact them and ask what their plans will be after May but stings from "To catch a Predator" with Chris Hansen flash through my mind... But if any of you Hardin graduates have learned to read and stumble upon this blog, know that you are important to me and I sincerely do care about you and your future.
(Also, I will not forget when Mrs. Koan gave me permission to "beat Carson's ass" if he ever acted up...)
And my freshmen last year... What can I say? I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to take that Geography postition. I had a hard time teaching that subject. I was completely retarded for essentially agreeing to a second 'first-year' of teaching. But I am happy I did. I have been bugging Mrs. Jones and Allen through the facebook checking up on them. Even the kids I didn't like, I still miss them. I don't think students understand how important and consuming they are to their teachers. Especially single losers who have nothing else to do with their lives but go to work during the day and watch Netflix movies at night... My students last year brought me so much joy (and also some not-so-pleasant feelings too). They aren't quite human yet but they are on their way and it is encouraging. I know there is so much life and opportunity out there for all of them and I wholeheartedly pray that they find the person God wants them to be. The funny things is I know they don't give three shakes about me or what I think but those kids are often on my mind.
And my precious SHIP mates. I miss them. Such a diverse and precious mix of chillins.
I am glad to be here in Korea and I am learning a lot but I just want to say that I love and humbly miss all my former co-workers and students at Hardin.
In .love.
Mr. Powers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)