Korean random acts of kindness

Now, you know, I haven't always been very flattering about the people whom I have come to work with. Korean culture, their Confucian (confusion?) code and zombie-style work ethic have made me question what good I could ever do in being here. But today I reflect on just how Koreans have warmed my heart. It has made my stay here far more pleasant, and carried me through the difficult time that I have had recently.

Like my former high-school students who are off to university this year. They email me regularly with news about their life, relationships, worries. They take the effort to keep in touch, despite their imperfect English. It means a lot to be able to continue the relationships we started through the medium of e-mail.

And my Korean friends from church who go have coffee with me and talk so sincerely and hold my hand (Korean-style) and I feel like the only culture barrier between us is of my imagination. They don't find treat me like the mutant I can feel surrounded by pint-sized caramel-skinned dolls.

My adult classes (both my beginner and intermediate class), care for me so individually. They say "beware of cars" in this one-horse village, have parties for me when I feel homesick and treat me like a friend rather than someone who they pay exorbitant amounts to learn English from.

My grade 1's, who say in their little snatches of English "teacher don't go!" and are genuinely devastated about imminent departure. Starting my work hours with them every morning or afternoon has been an absolute delight.

I love the handwritten notes from my kid's moms delivered by their kids. Note the decorative cards and letters. Note the origami-style folds.

Random gifts from my kids. From the cute (stuffed toy animals, slippers, jewelry) to the bizarre (weird things made from ginseng, dried seafood, undecipherable skincare products), each one is appreciated because its a sign of their love and generosity. They do "shopping" at our school as reward for good work, and often buy us things with their "shopping dollars", despite the fact that all the goodies belongs to the school anyway!

The owner of Paris Baguette who always greets me with a friendly "Hello Jenni" and basically learnt his entire English vocabulary so he could always speak English to me in his shop. Not to mention my birthday cake from him. And my three other birthday cakes from students.

When kids say "Teacher is very cutie!!" Everything from my hairstyle to my furry shoes to my pink cheeks have been considered very cute(y) or beautiful by students and random villagers. The fame! (-; My naughtiest grade two boy basically composed a song to me which goes: "Teacher, your hair is like honey..!" He's eight, I think its still allowed!


The Koreans from my church have tried their best to reach out to, and befriend me, despite the fact that I always made a beeline for the other white-skinned foreigners. What was I thinking? Now I feel like I have a lot in common with many of the Koreans, but mutual shyness kept us distant for a long time. Oh well, I guess you can't learn all your lessons in one year.

Also, for this bus-hopping foreigner, being offered a lift by Koreans in any situation is a big deal. (Wow, driving in a car!) I never ask, because it could become rather exploitative (the Koreans all have cars and the foreigners don't). But they volunteer out of their own with thoughtful regularity.

Oh, and I love when the Koreans say that my accent is actually clearer than the Americans! Of course, I know this, but try to convince them. Because as we all know, the USA is the country of Shakespeare, Pope, Swift, Bronte, Austen, and even J.K. Rowling. (-; It is only through their incredible largess that the rest of the world can use "their language". Ha.

Probably my last month in Korea will be when I most strongly appreciate the warmth and compassion of the Korean people. Its not a bad way to leave.