Blogroll: Finale, A Letter to Gochang Buk High School
Dear Gochang Buk High School — Yesterday was a celebration of sorts. I met most of the Fulbright teachers from all over the country for a last hurrah. Everybody was excited to see all our friends and share in a wonderful meal together. We celebrated our year and promised to stay in touch. After this official luncheon, we took to the night to fill our souls with more good company. As my friends toasted and celebrated around me, I couldn’t bring myself to happiness as something very powerful lingered and tugged at my heart. Your shadow is powerful indeed…
Blogroll: The Bus Stop
When people back home ask “what’s up?” or “how was your day?” the bus stop never comes to mind. Maybe it’s because I take the bus every day, and it’s become commonplace for me. Yet this part of my day is worth mentioning, and definitely worth remembering, as I often fail to do. In the tiny town of Galsan, some days I am a spectacle. People smile or gawk, and other days they pass right on by. I am on my best behavior at the bus stop.
Blogroll: There is the Clown
Several months ago, I entered my school’s cafeteria to the usual progression of gasps, hush, and shouts of “LUKE TEACHER!” “VERY TALL!” the Korean word for foreigner, and other phrases I can’t understand.
On that day, as I waved back subtly as possible, I noticed my co-teacher was attempting to conceal her laughter with her hand, making brief eye contact with me, only to look away, and briefly back, and away again.