Expat Diaries - The tale of my Korean dog named Sobe

Welcome to the Expat Diaries! I'm glad I get to be a co-host with Chelsea and Rachel and I am looking forward to reading other people's stories. 

Today I'm going to share with you about how I stole rescued a dog in Korea. It all began on the daily walk to work as Alisha (my roommate in Korea) and I would walk past this odd building. The width of it was concrete but the length was glass giving us full view into a room full of little dogs. At first we thought they were food for the restaurant nearby but we quickly learned that they were too little of dogs to be eaten (apparently they only eat the big dogs...). The dogs belonged to the owner's of the nearby restaurant and those same owners also owned our apartments. 

The owner began to let the dogs out for a bit in the mornings. Some were nice and some were vicious (one snipped at my ankle .... scary!). Either way it was fun to see them and to interact with our apartment manager. One day we came out and there was this nice little white dog. She was so friendly and after a few days she began walking us to school. She immeditaely stole our American hearts. but I'm not a sap for pets and there was no way I was going to bring some foreign dog into my apartment. Alisha knew this too and I think we just had an understanding that we couldn't bring the dog home. 

After walking home from a late day at work I couldn't help but look at that little white dog stuck in the tank with the little mean dogs and ... you know, I brought her up to our apartment. I'm not sure who was more surprised that I actually brought her home. No biggie though and it was just a visit, right? One visit turned into more visits and before we knew it the dog had a name - Sobe (Sobe was the name of the city we lived in so we thought that was appropriate). 

You all know how it goes - occasional visits quickly turn into moving in. I mean how could we not let her? She was so cute and so well behaved. Also, there was no need to discuss it with our apartment manager because little Sobe willingly would come all the way up to our 3rd story apartment and scratch on our door. It wasn't like I stole her ... she just decided to move her life up to the 3rd floor. 

Apparently, while we were at school, Sobe was out meeting other dogs. I think she must have met a boy dog because Alisha noticed that her stomach was getting bigger. Um ... we have a pregnant dog? She wasn't looking too big so we figured we had some time before she busted out some puppies. One Saturday I was holding Sobe and holy guacamole she peed on me! Not ok, dog, not ok! BUT guys, it wasn't pee her water broke. Alisha and I didn't really know what to do so we put her in our tiled bathroom with a towel and let her do her thing. Let me just say seeing a dog birth a puppy will make you freak out and want to barf. She also only had one puppy, which I guess is rare in dog land. I'll spare you the 'right after birth picture' but look how little this pup is! We named her 'Rea' (short for Korea). 

Flexible Korean Yoga Dog

and then she grew

I'd love to say we kept them both forever but one day before school I saw our apartment owner come into our office. Him and the VP were talking in Korean and I was asked if we had a dog in our apartment. I looked at her and said 'two dogs'. ha ha! They had no idea that a puppy was around. The owners told us they wanted her back because they had homes for them - which was great! Apparently 'home' was that darn dog tank. I immediately took Sobe back out and up to my apartment but the puppy was already gone. The apt manager did not love this and she told me in Korean over and over to not let the dog out. She even did some charades for me. What did I do? I gave her the 'I'm a foreigner and am confused and can't understand you look'. They soon moved Sobe away too and as much as I tried to find out where they took her I never could. They told me she was on a farm so I'm just imagining her happy and running through some green rice fields. 

It was sad when the dogs were gone but I would do it all over again. Those two little dogs made our time in Korea all the better. So, the moral of the story is this ... if you live abroad you should definitely take in a nice dog from the streets / dog tanks. You won't regret it. =) 

Would you take in a dog? Am I crazy? 

My Korean Year in Review

This post was originally as a guest post for my sweet friend, Chelsea, over at Lost in Travels. As you know, in the month of February I'm highlighting some of my time in Korea. This post is a review of my time there. I hope you enjoy it. I had a lot of fun writing this and now reading it again.

I decided to move to Korea for several reasons. Mainly I needed a change from my non-stop busy American life and I wanted a year away to refocus and re-prioritize my life. My friend Alisha mentioned that she was thinking about teaching in Korea and I asked her if I could join. We got all our paper work, stuffed and stuffed 4 suitcases and 2 very oversized large carry ons and off to Korea we went and WOW what a year it was. Alisha and I say it was the best year and the hardest year of our life.

Our friend lent us some traditional Korean clothes called 'Hanboks'. When we wore them to school our kids told us we looked like 'grannys'. Apparently they are an outdated version. 

Our teaching job was real interesting. Honestly, when I left for Korea I forgot I was going to go teach. However, that didn't last long because when we arrived in Korea around 9pm and our school had us work the next morning. Hello jet lag! School was the "hardest" part of my year. Our school owners had us work from 9am - 6pm and that's a lot of teaching and wore me out. Ironically school was also one of the "best" things in Korea. I taught the beginners students who knew no English. It took a few months but I absolutely fell in love with those kids. Getting to know them personally, see them grow and develop is something I will always treasure. Another best part about school was that I got to tell the kids about Jesus. Some had never heard of anything Bible related and they were so curious.

All the kindys at our school

Another best part of Korea was my church. I attended Okpo Foreigners Church. It's an English speaking church, has about 30 members and has approximately 23 different languages / cultures represented. They were my family for a year and I met so many people from other countries but our common bond was our faith in Christ. I still cherish my time at OFC so much.

Our international church in Korea - OFC

Korea also is filled with wonderful people. I absolutely loved building relationships through sign language, charades and broken English/Hangul. I learned that kindness and a smile goes a long ways.

Pictured below is a sweet lady name DaiChu (Pronounced 'dye' as in hair 'dye' and chu as in I'm chugging a glass of water...hope that helps). DaiChu owned a teeny tiny cozy coffee house. We got to know her through sign language and severely broken English and Korean. However, one of the sweetest friendships was formed.

Ever heard of long distance dating? Yep, I did that in Korea too. My boyfriend, Dave, was kind enough to let me leave for a year to learn and grow. During our time apart we wrote over 600+ emails, filled up 6 journals, had countless of hours of Skype, traveled together to Taiwan for a week and I flew home for Christmas. Was distance hard? You bet! Was it worth it? Yes! I got home February 6th and married Dave on March 24th: and I'm so glad I did!

Coming back to America was major. reverse. culture. shock. I can't fully explain why but leaving the slower paced land of rice and kimchi to the fast paced land of pizza and burgers took some readjusting. Korea taught me that I could live without Walmart, that I could eat smaller portions, that I could walk and not drive and I enjoyed it all. I left America as one girl and came back as another and I couldn't be more grateful.

So, that my friends, is a Korean review in summary. Do you have any questions about Korea? Questions about my time abroad? Let me know and I'll be happy to answer them.

Linking up with Nicole from Treasure Tromp

Couve // Collard Greens

Have I ever told you that while I was in Korea I met Brazilians? It began when two Brazilian kids were placed in my class. Although it brought more kids in my room I'm glad they were there because there wasn't anyone else that could understand their little Portuguese cries of "Eu quero a minha mãe" (I want my Mom!!!). Well, I ended up having three Brazilian students on and off through the year. The last little Brazilian boy, well, me and his Mom 'clicked'. She ended up being one of my dearest friends during my time in Korea and I so enjoyed getting to spend time with her and her family. I'm secretly hoping Dave and I go to Rio some day (sooner than later) to visit them. 

Sweet Pedro 

Pedro's last day at school. He hugged everyone and then would lift them up. 

One Sunday afternoon my Brazilian friends had me over for a Brazilian dinner (heaven while in Korea). They had filet mignon, rice, beans and some type of 'green'. My friend kept telling me this is 'couve' and I would say 'what is that'? For the life of us, we couldn't figure out what the translation was. I even googled it and it didn't help me. 

Well, a few weeks ago I happened to come across this little recipe on Pinterest and walaaa it was right there. 'Couve' translated means collard greens. Now - before you x out of this blog post you gotta hear me out. These greens are AMAZING. They are tossed with garlic, olive oil and lime. Oh the lime. It's what does the trick. Also, these are super healthy. And did I mention the lime is really amazing in it? You gotta try it. 

Here is the original recipe in an amazing picture format. 

VIA

Here is a picture of mine. You can eat the greens by themselves or eat it with beans, rice and meat. 

Have you ever eaten collard greens? Do you enjoy greens? If so, what's your favorite?

Reflections // Long Days - Short Years

// via //

A year ago today so many things changed. I wasn't even going to document any of this because sometimes that's just easier. However, I ran across this quote on-line and it made me think and reflect. First off, I had no idea this quote 'officially existed'. During my year of teaching in Korea, Alisha and I would often say how the days of teaching were so incredibly long but the year was going by so fast. We couldn't quiet figure out how that was possible. 

See, a year ago this week my mother-in-law passed away. I don't believe the saying "heaven gained an angel". It's just not Biblical but I do know for sure Carol went home to be with her Saviour Jesus. There is comfort in that and a hope. Over this past year I have seen my family step up to the plate, and although they grieve, they have been and are resilient. They have kept going, kept living and kept putting their best foot forward even though it was hard. I couldn't be more thankful to be part of such a  wonderful family. 

A year ago this week also marks when I said goodbye to the kids who captured my heart. Did you know I walked out of my job? True story! I've never done that or ever imagined doing that but my school owners weren't understanding at all regarding my family situation. They didn't realize I had to go home. The conversation with them about leaving was difficult and once I realized no amends were possible and that the situation was worsening I walked out of their office and marched straight into my classroom. My kids saw my big watery eyes and immediately burst into laughter. They weren't being mean they were just being kids. I lined them up, I gave each of them one last big hug and told them to be on their best behavior for Teacher Alisha and Teacher Ethan. They quickly agreed to do so. I grabbed my stuff and left. Saying bye to them was seriously one of the most sad days ever. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that those little kids who drove me nuts for a year would also show me a love I didn't know about. Teaching made the days long but I'm telling you that year flew.

A year ago marked some big 'good byes' in my life. But you know what? The thing I'm looking forward to about heaven the most is no more distance. There will be no more distance because of death. No more distance because of an ocean. I won't have to buy a plane ticket to fly to the Pacific NW to see my siblings and nephews. Dave and I won't have to drive 3 hours to see our family. There won't be any more 'years away'. AND we will see God with our very own eyes. No more distance. I'm also not writing that to give my self a big boo-hoo party because I'm super thankful that I can see my family eve if that does mean flying or driving. I'm so thankful for those options but I'll be more thankful when distance is over. 

Those are my reflections for the day. Distance is sometimes not fun, and sometimes our days our long but even with all of that I can proudly say that God is faithful and good. He is there during the hard times and has blessed me more than I deserve or thought possible. Even in the midst of dark days there has been peace and lots of joy. 

Kids College - Geoge

This post isn't for fun but is to inform anyone who is inquiring information regarding  Kids College, on Geoje Island.The facts stated are to protect the teachers and to inform of business practices conducted at the school. I don't hold any hard feelings towards the owners, I actually like them, but their business practices need to be exposed. 

Upon arrival the school seemed normal. They gave us an apartment, we shadowed the teachers for one day and had one day of orientation before beginning teaching. On the first day of teaching our Vice Principal asked us if we wanted to sign up for pension. She told us that iwas a big hassle, that the money was for retirement and that it wasn't worth it. Ignorantly, all three of us teachers declined pension. Three months after school began we discovered how great pension was for Americans and asked our school to enroll us. They were very hostile about it and told us that "money doesn't grow on trees". They did sign us up for pension but were not professional about it.   

A week or two after arrival our Vice Principal informed us that it was customary to release our passport to the school owners. All three of us teachers refused to do so. Releasing of a passport was not customary like the owners said. They were attempting to keep our passports to manipulate us. 
The contract with kids college stated that any over time would be paid a rate of W17,000($17.00) per hour. After working overtime and inquiring of our pay, we were told if the owners were to be asked to pay the due overtime that they would " make our lives miserable." No over time was ever paid. If we stayed late, the school would sometimes buy us dinner and that was very much appreciated.

Another difficult and for me the worst part of it all is the following. The contract stated that if someone died or if there was an emergency back home we were released for 10 days. If someone added on an 'emergency' to a holiday vacation 50% of their bonus was forfeited. My fiancées mother, in October of 2012, was diagnosed with cancer. I informed the school of this as I thought it was important for them to know in case something were to happen. In December, when the school was buying our flights home for our end of year contracts that ended in February, I asked if I could add insurance to my flight (insurance paid by me) in case something were to happen to my mother in law. The school owners denied my request and became very hostile. They told me to write and sign on paper that I would leave immediately or stay no matter what happened to my mother in law. I refused to do that and informed them that according to my contract, if someone died, I had 10 days of leave as well as 2 sick days. I was screamed at, was told how irresponsible I was and was asked why they couldn't just 'cut the cancer out of her?'. They also looked for my replacement without telling me, or without me signing a contract to leave. I discovered this by reading a blog from the teacher that was to be coming in February. She posted that they wanted her to come in December. After a month or two of heated discussions they eventually purchased my tickets home and allowed me to purchase insurance. My mother in law did pass away on February 5th. I had 10 teaching days left and 12 days of leave. Her death happened during a holiday which forfeited 50% of my bonus pay. The school, after I purchased my ticket home with my own money, asked me to stay. They informed me that the school could close down with out me. According to the contract the school was to pay me for days worked, 50% of my severance pay, and they were to return the W600,000 ($600.00)apartment deposit that they withheld from my paycheck. The school did not pay me anything. They threatened to call my bank and take my money.They shorted me of around $3,000. They told me they would not reimburse me for money from my apartment because that money was to be used for hiring a substitute teacher. The school hired a sub for 2-3 days but my co-teachers took the full brunt of teaching their kids plus my own. Not only did they do all that but after I told them I purchased my ticket home to attend the funeral the school owner called immigration requesting that I be stopped on my way out of Korea. Thankfully, immigration denied their request. I attempted to negotiate with the owners reasonable solutions but it was of no effect. They only asked me to stay and not go home. 


Again, I don't post this to be vindictive or mean, however I don't want anyone to experience what I went through as it was extremely difficult and traumatic. However, as hard as it was I wouldn't trade that year. The teacher before us told us that the kids are the best part of the job and you better believe 100% I agree with that. Teaching in Korea is great but there are many other jobs out there. 

There is also a facebook page for Geoeje Teachers. Before basing everything on what have I written I'd encourage you to go there and consult other teachers from Kids College as well. If you would like that page the link is the following: https://www.facebook.com/groups/23316238780/

If you have any questions regarding Kids College please contact me at sunshine2thesquareinch@gmail.com

1 + 1

My blog wouldn't be complete without a post about my 1 + 1 companion Alisha! I wouldn't have made it this year without her. There were challenges, fun times, hard times but all in all I wouldn't trade any of it.  We both have said that somehow this was one of the best years we and one of the hardest years we have had. 

For the record the challenges and hard times weren't because of us fighting! Our only fight (we even have a witness) was over each of us insisting the other take the last of the milk and I don't really count that as a fight! We both are thankful the Lord preserved our friendship.

 Here are some of the highlights of the year:

Our journey wouldn't be complete without the mass luggage we hauled across the world. I'm ashamed to say we both had two 50lb. suitcases, two carry-ons and I managed to haul my pillow and warm blanket. After living in Korea we realized how ridiculous we were about hauling so many unnecessary things. 

Among the 200+ pounds we both hauled together we somehow didn't think to pack lots of food from home. However, our friends and family were kind enough to send us 26 bags of black beans! We were known as the 'black bean' girls. We also appreciated Mexican food like never before! 

Teaching was hard but affogato's were oh so good! We loved them at night and hated them the next morning as an espresso shot poured over ice-cream around 8pm at night didn't allow for much sleep! 

We got ahold of traditional hanboks and our friends took a photo shoot of us. We laughed and laughed and laughed! 

Let's not forget the dogs! Sobe adopted us...ok, I let her out of the dog pin, brought her to the apartment and then she adopted us ... same thing, right? Anyways, Sobe LOVED us so much she even birthed her cute little baby Rea in our bathroom. They are now living happily on a farm running through the rice fields, or so we hope!

We worked out like there was no tomorrow ... ok, not really. But we took pictures of us planking and doing yoga random places and that counts for something! At least we had lots of fun! 

And last but certainly not least we successfully taught kids! I think I can speak for both of us when I say that these kids changed our lives. I can't tell you the Korean school was easy because it was one of the hardest things I have ever done but the kids were so worth it and I'm glad Alisha and I were there to help each other! Sharing the love of Jesus with these kids and investing in them was worth the hard times! 

These pictures barely begin to capture our year together. At the end of the year it wasn't 1+1 but was 1+1+1 with God being the first one! He carried us through this year as Alisha and I both know there is no way on Earth we could have done it without Him and I'm so thankful He did! 

Kimchi with the Kindys

Kimchi? How do you even pronounce that stuff? =) It's like the name Kim and then chee as in cheek. KIM-CHEE. What is it? Well, that's a good question. It basically is fermented cabbage with spices. If made correctly it's the bomb.com. However, there are some forms of kimchi that resemble throw up (I know, TMI). However, It is one of the world's top ten healthiest foods. Koreans eat it with every meal along with a bowl of rice. Before you crinkle your nose you should know Koreans are overall much much healthier than we are. (Kimchi > Big Mac).... just saying. 

Here is what Health.com reports about kimchi: "Why to try it: Kimchi (or kimchee) is loaded with vitamins A, B, and C, but its biggest benefit may be in its “healthy bacteria” called lactobacilli, found in fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt. This good bacteria helps with digestion, plus it seems to help stop and even prevent yeast infections, according to a recent study. And more good news: Some studies show fermented cabbage has compounds that may prevent the growth of cancer."

Winter is kimchi making season in Korea. Families often get together for a big family gathering and make kimchi. It's almost like a holiday for them. Sometimes when they get together they make enough kimchi for the year! holy kimchi! That's a lot. 

This December, our school let us know that we would be making kimchi! I was rather excited as I had been wanting to learn how to make fresh kimchi. My Korean kids LOVED, and I mean LOVED making kimchi! It was so neat to see their excitement! My Brazilian student … well he was excited when he got the salted cabbage. Then they pulled out the hot spices to rub on the kimchi and he went from excited to … well the pictures will speak for themselves =)

Kimchi is quiet a fun process. If you want to learn more on what spices you will need and detailed step by step click here.

Step 1: Salt your cabbage 

Step 2: Rub kimchi spices on the cabbage

Step 3: Put in pot to ferment or eat it fresh. 

Here are some of the pictures of my kids during the process.

I love Pedro's facial expressions as the kimchi making progresses. He definitely isn't Korean. 

I thought this kimchi was pretty good. They gave us some to bring home but I don't think we did. Kimchi has a way of permeating your whole house with it's smell. However, it was fun to make kimchi with the little kindys. I loved seeing how much they enjoyed their kimchi. 

So - would you try kimchi? Have you ever heard of it? 

Lately

Lately I have eaten lots of jalapeños and green chili salsa! I bought a jar of jalapeños a couple of weeks ago and told Alisha “I think this one jar will last us until we leave Korea” … last weekend we bought a 3^rd jar of jalapeños. It’s like candy!

Lately Alisha and I have been having some good times and laughs lately! I’m thankful for all the fun we have had and for all the things that we have experienced together.

Lately I (Alisha and I!) have been using coffee grounds and rice water for our faces! Yep, it’s true! You can exfoliate your skin with leftover coffee grounds and use the rice water as toner! It does wonders for the skin – you should try it!

  Lately I have watched the sunsets by the bay. There isn’t a way to describe the beauty of it. I also LOVE seeing all the fish jump and splash in the water. It’s the simple things!

Lately I have enjoyed the kids in my kindy classes more and more! No, that isn’t my way of saying it is now ‘easy’, but there is something those little cute kids have that has given me a new perspective on things. 

Lately I have loved being around my church family! Our worship times on Sunday, prayer meetings, small group Bible studies, and coffee outings are something God has used in my life to encourage and grow me. I never thought I would come to Korea and experience a church so wonderful.

Of course all of these ‘latelys’ are a gift from God himself! Psalm 103:2 says “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits!”  So, I praise God for his work in my life - The hard times and the good ones!