Burned Out

I usually have decent stamina with my employment situations.

However. my current situation. is. destroying me. (exaggeration).

But seriously.

This year, I've discovered some strengths and gifts in teaching that were surprising and welcomed.

As the first year of TEFL in Korea winds down...I'm burned out.

And not because it's hot and humid and monsoon season.

Because my work load is heavy. i have two schools. my students are giving up. or yelling. always. or fighting. or...or...or...

And it feels like I'm the only one who sees it
or cares.

I decided a couple of weeks ago that I can't come back to this, in August.

Therefore, I will come back to a new school.
One school. A middle school.
Fingers-crossed.

Blessed by School Life

Occassionally...
working here drives me to the brink of insanity.
The same was true in the U.S.

Occassionally...
more frequently than insanity
I stare blessings straight in the face

Today, I was 'Blessed by School Life'
when the science teacher sent me this note:

I'll work here at Bongam by today. My contract finishes today.
I may come to this school again or move to another school.
I was very glad/happy getting to know you.
I tried , however, didn't make good friends with you since I can speak English a little. Anyway I was very happy when I met you on a bus. Take care of yourself. Let's keep in touch with each other.
And this song:



Friendship is a sweet, sweet gift.
And while the lyrics may be corny...
I love them and I love reflecting on the
Blessings
I have that are directly related to 'school' life

(Typed having just finished enjoying 'Chinese' lunch extravaganza with my co-workers and a cup of 3-in-1 coffee mix)

Final Friday

It's the final Friday of October.
Where did this month go?

This has been by far my most jam-packed week:
CouchSurfers
Masters Class
Chili Dinner with Friends
And today...
what I've really been waiting for
My Open Class

The day when other teachers
come to see a performance
hoping to learn some tricks for their own classrooms.

I'm not so much nervous
as I am ready to be done.

October was enjoyable
but honestly, I've just been waiting
for this day to come and go.

My Final Friday will look like this:
Teaching 4 grade 6 classes...
Lunch
Preparing the English Classroom
Teaching an "I can do it!" Lesson
Planning next weeks grade 6 lesson
And finally walking home.

What does your final Friday in October hold?

(Typed while enjoying a FABULOUS cup of oolong left for me by a recent CouchSurfer. It's made better by the fact it is held in my favorite brown bone china mug!)