Annyeong Haseyo!
We have arrived! Saturday, Aug. 22nd after a LONG plane ride, Kayleigh and I were taken to a hotel nearby the airport after being met by our recruiter. We stayed in Incheon one night and then met the rest of the teachers working in our province. We traveled to Cheonan, which is the capital city of our province (2 hours by bus). In Cheonan, we spent the week going through orientation and training. It was very organized and helpful. Much of the information was similar to what I experienced in Japan but for the brand new teachers, I thought it was extremely well done. They treated us very kindly and spoiled us with great Korean food.
On Friday after lunch, we split up and were introduced to our co-teachers from our individual schools. Mr. Kim, my co-teacher drove me to Gongju. He is a very kind man but our communication is limited which can be frustrating at times. Since Kayleigh and I had no clue where we were living or how to get a hold of each other, we practically forced our co-teachers to exchange numbers. After finally getting into my apt, I asked Mr. Kim to call Kayleigh's teacher and we were able to meet up later that night. Despite a rough start because of communication breakdowns, Kayleigh and I managed to have a nice weekend exploring our surroundings and even got to visit a Methodist church on Sunday. Didn't understand a word but it was comforting to know that God knew exactly what they were saying :) These 2 kind girls from the local university took us to church and then to Mr. Pizza for lunch. Think Pizza Hut with a twist. The slogan in and of itself cracks me up. "Made for Women" I guess we were in the right place! So after enjoying some shrimp, sweet potato, bbq flavored pizza, we went home and relaxed Sunday night.
Kayleigh started school on Monday but I didn't have to begin until Tuesday. On my day off, I got 2 things accomplished, found a bank and exchanged some money and went grocery shopping. I know it doesn't seem like much but things take about twice as long as normal :) Yesterday was my first day at school and I was introduced to many teachers and students. Halfway through the day, my co-teacher took me to my apt to get internet hooked up. This was a happy day! You realize how addicted you really are once it's taken away for a few days! After school my co-teachers took me out to eat for traditional Korean bulgogi! Yum! Then we visited the grand opening of a coffee shop that one of my teacher's wives opened up. I had a good time getting to know the staff and they were extremely kind to me. I begin teaching on Monday and look forward to being with the students. I work at an all-girls high school located about 15 min from my apt. It's a nice walk to school, ...hope I can still say that in the winter! I have decided that because I have no idea how to receive mail at my apt, nor do I have a mail box, slot, landlord to my knowledge etc, I will use my school address so here it is for anyone that wants to write me a note or send me something fun from home! Hint, hint :)
Michelle Hixson
Woongjindong 277
Gongju city
Chungchungnamdo Province
South Korea
314-020
Please keep us in your prayers, that we would abide in Christ daily when hard times and frustrations arise. We miss you all!
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