After all my ranting about the isolation of co-workers, naughty xenophobic male students and their male teachers, and living in the country, I must report some very touching experiences.
As I had reported in an earlier post, I had started calligraphy and painting classes. This is something I have wanted to do since falling in love with Picassos black and whites in Barcelona. I particularly loved his black and whites of bulls and bullfighters. But I have also admired greatly East Asian black and white paintings since I was a very young girl who often visited the Asian exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins museum in my hometown, Kansas City, Missouri. I fell in love with the scroll paintings of cranes, white faced Geisha, playful cats and moving dragons. I do not know the artist, but a Japanese artist had painted a black and white of a dragon that seemed to move on the very paper it was painted. Since, I've been intrigued, but, also very intimidated.
Although the English teachers, 7 of them, talk little if at all to me, the school nurse, a tiny, beautiful, intelligent, reinacarneted vision of Jackie Onassis, invited me to her calligraphy classes held at a nearby university. I thought I might go once as my impression was it was a token invitation. It wasn't. It was a sincere attempt to share her culture. Last week, my second class, I frustratingly continued to attempt black and white orchids and was able only due to her contributions of ink, brush and paper, as well as the professors patience for my inability to get the technique.
My friend, whose English name is Michelle, saw that I truly enjoyed my time at the classes and has spoken with the professor to ask that he allow me to stay for the remaining semester at a pro-rated cost. He agreed. My co-worker, friend, Michelle, has also arranged for me to have brushes and paper, and on Friday brought me a gift of mixing bowls and plates, as well as a plastic casing in which to keep my paintings. I was deeply touched by her thoughts.
Saturday morning was my first class at a local church for elementary aged children. Awkward as always, the first day is a wash, but, I learned much about the classroom, the children and my co-teacher, Karen. Karen is a student from my Thursday night class at the coffee shop. I had met Karen long ago when I first came to Bongdam. We met at the local Dunkin' Donuts. Karen approached me knowing I was an English speaker. Her abilities are quite good and we had a good conversation. But it would be another 3 months before Karen and I would speak again, and it would be at my Thursday night English classes.
Karen is very enthusiastic about learning English. However, as most Koreans, she is still quite self-conscious about speaking in public. I don't know why. Karen is by far one of the most intelligent people I've met here. She is one year younger than I and yet she is already retired. She was a successful trader in the clothing business for several decades, traveling all over the world in Europe and Asia mostly. She married but never had children. She does volunteer work now. It was Karen who had asked me to teach twice a month at her church, as I reluctantly agreed.
After class, I had a discussion with Karen, the pastor and the pastors son as they invited me to lunch with them. Over a hot bowl of noodle soup, kimchi and dukbolki (spicy rice cake), we discussed their upcoming missionary trip to the Phillipines and their need for English lessons. I expressed I wasn't sure if I knew anyone available, until they stated they would pay W50,000 an hour. Then, I knew exactly who to recommend. Me. I came to Bongdam with the understanding I would have an opportunity for additional income and that never came to fruition. Now, I have a chance to put a little extra money in my pocket. And while I may be an atheist, the pastor and his son are quite charming and this is a business deal.
So, it all worked out. Karma. Women looking out for women? I don't know. But its working out, despite the adversities I am experiencing from the other side of the pond. More on that another time.
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