Joe in Korea: August 2004

Time Is a Slippery Fish

Well, I have hit the 10-month mark in Korea and it's about the time you look forward to making it home. I have been thinking a lot about what I miss about Canada lately, and can not help but look to the future. Although I am happy that I have things to look forward to, I catch myself forgetting about the moment and how precious it really is.

Sometimes things come up that remind you of exactly what you need. For example, the other day I came across a story about a boy who could not live in the moment. He was a good boy, but could never be happy where he was. If he was in the classroom, he wanted to be on the playground. If he was on the playground, he wanted to be on summer vacation. And so on. One day he was walking in the woods and decided to take a rest. Shortly after, he fell asleep and when he awoke there was an old woman holding a ball of twine.

The woman said that it was magic twine, and if he was ever unhappy with where he was, he could pull on the string to make time go by much more quickly. The boy thought this was great and pulled on the string whenever he was bored with where he was. He pulled on the string many times until soon he was an old man. Looking back he found that he had missed out on all the things that make life great. He went back to the woods again and made a wish to go back to his childhood, and it was granted.

A simple story, I think, that speaks volumes. I believe that it is the journey that counts. Maybe not a new concept, but one that I need to be reminded of from time to time.

The Big Update

Every once in a while, I should probably give an update about how things are actually going. Since I am against mass emails to every remote acquaintance of mine, I will give an update here.
I have about two months left to go in Korea, and I will be heading back to Canada. Things have gone so great here and the past few months have been nothing short of magical. We kicked off summer with a visit from Nick and Lynn and it couldn't have gone better. It was a real thrill to show them around the city and give them a feel for Korea. Of course, it was much too short, but still a great time.

After that visit, we eagerly awaited out vacation time and a visit from Carrie's parents. It was so tremendous to have them here and had such a great time. It was only to be topped by our time in Thailand which was such a welcome getaway. I fell in love with the place and promised myself to travel back there. The people were so kind and the pace of life was so refreshing.

Now the summer is winding down, and we are getting ready to come home. Things aren't as tikkity boo at work and it is difficult fitting in here. Carrie and I are the only foreign teachers at the school, and without a big contingent, we feel left out of a lot. However, we manage and have a good working relationship with the director and his wife. Anyways, I won't bore you further with that.

Faced with many prospects of things to do when I get back (some less favourable than others *cough* unemployment *cough*) I have had a tough time deciding. Some people may have heard my rumblings about going to South America. Although that is still in the plan, I am eager to get in some Canada time and will delay that trip for a year or so. I still call Victoria home, but Victoria is for the elderly, the students and the tourists. I had a difficult (impossible) time finding work there last year, and figure it is time to pay my dues elsewhere.

So, I am moving to Calgary in the new year. But before that happens I will be spending a couple months on the island getting things ready to go. I am really looking forward to a Christmas in Canada (hopefully skiing) and some down time with some family and friends.

I hope whoever reads this is in good health and spirit. I send my best to you all and hope to see you all soon.

Joe

"Two are better than one;
because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:
but woe unto him that is alone when he falleth;
for he hath not another to help him up."
-- The Bible: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

Dakkalbi

Dakkalbi is a delicious spicy chicken dish. We had this just before Matt and Jenny went to Canada.

Agio

Carrie and I at Agio. This is our little escape from Kimchi and rice. They make a good spaghetti and don't skimp on the cheese.

Real Coffee

Enjoying coffee on the beach is up there with best things to do on my list, especially with good company.

Rummy

Rummy was the game of the week. And the champion.... dun da da dun....... Carrie! I came in a respectable 3rd. After all, there were like 50 people, or something, playing (if my memory serves me).

Lagoon

We went for a kayak trip and snorkeling, but it was too windy, so we settled for swimming in this lagoon in the Hong Islands. That's our guide on the right.