South Korea English Camp 2008

24 days 40 American teachers 100+ Korean Volunteers

First six days at Korea, we spent our days and nights at GVCS (Global Vision Christian School) preparing for the two weeks of teach English. We did lesson plans and class props for countless hours because we do not know what else we should or could be doing. We would start working from 9 in the morning until 10 at night for six days. What or how we did that I have no idea.

For the next nine days, four of us from the GVCS traveled to a local church in Kimpo. Four of us stayed with a family from the church. They took care of us as if we are part of their family. Their love and hospitality are truly amazing! Anyways we arrived on Saturday night and had Sunday to prepared and relaxed for the English camp on Monday.

First day of camp was pretty hectic as we try to get to know our kids, figure out what we are suppose to do, and try to communicate with everyone else; however, as hectic as it was, I had an awesome time bonding with the kids because the kids just need some loving, so I allowed them to climb and jump on me and have a good time. Toward the end of the camp, we had the opportunity to simply spend time with our kids. The original plan was to do rolling paper (pass around papers that have people's name on it and write comments to them) then gift exchange (kids prepared gifts for the teacher and the church provided gifts for the kids) while eating snacks and finish off with sharing time in the dark with candles. However, I did things a bit differently because I made some gifts for my kids, and I washed their feet. At the end of the night while the kids got the opportunity to share their thoughts, all of the kids thanked me for being their teacher, apologized for not being a good student, and began to cry. It was a really an emotional moment.

The day after the church English camp was a Sunday. Three of my kids showed up for Sunday service. It was really a blessing to see them at church because the majority of the kids that came to camp does not go to church and could not afford it so the church funded the camp for the majority of the camp. As we about to leave the church, I took one of my kids aside and encourage her to stay strong and to let her know she is loved. She is only 12 years old, and she has to care for her two little siblings. One of her sibling is a few years younger than her, and the other one is about 3 years old. My heart breaks for her because at such a young age she had to take up the mother role to care for two kids. I gave her a few dollars to spend on herself because I know she is always looking out for the family, and she most likely do not get to spend money on herself. As I gave her the money, her facial expression was indescribably priceless!

After leaving the church on Sunday, we went to another county to teach English. By this time the majority of our team is really to be done with the camps because the lack of organization and leadership makes it extremely hard for us. We were lucky enough to have a group of great and fun volunteers with us that helped us get through the week!

Now that I am back home, I am planning to be involved with Pipeline, kids ministry at Sandals Church, and take Korean classes. I really hope to go back to Korea next year to see my kids and the friends I made! Thank you very much everyone! I just have to say one more thing. The reason why I did the things I did in Korea is because God had people poured love into my life, and I do not want that love to end with me!

Kimpo Church Camp

My adorable and lovable class of kids and volunteers!
New Jersey Class!!!!

English teachers with the host jib-sah-nim

English teacher with awesome translator

Talented choir teacher!

New Jersey volunteers

Swim day! Memorable day~~

That's right I'm a gangster!

Two of my favorite kids! Sally & Tammy~

Jessica, Soo, Kate, Jenny
Sally, Tammy
Amy, Sera

Jessica, Soo, Jenny

Dan, Jack, Sera, Thomas

After Thoughts for South Korea

Thank you so much for your prayers and supports! God had been really good to me! The fears that I had for the trip all came true: tough group dynamic (people coming from all different backgrounds), disorganized, cannot teach English, and the purpose of this trip. Even though my fears came true, God had turned these fears around and blessed me for going to South Korea.

Our group dynamic fluctuate a lot from 10 people to 30 plus because we had 17 camps and different Korean volunteers for each camp. I was placed at a church camp one of the two week teaching experience that had the least amount of staffs and kids, so I was able to really work close with teammates and get to know the kids.

Before going to Korea, I can somewhat tell that this might be a bit disorganized, but I guess this is where one of my strength, adaptability, comes through for me. We spent a lot of time wondering what we will or should be doing, and it does not help when the staffs are in the same boat as we are. Though the disorganization, I was able to see those who has a servant's heart.

I never thought that I would be an English teacher because my English is not one of my strengths, but God used me to reflect the love that He poured into me. It makes up for the lack of experience as a teacher and language. I was able to love upon a class of kids that I taught.

I know the purpose of this trip is to teach English, but I think the purpose behind all trips, besides vacation, are to bless, love, and encourage the local staffs, so they may make an impact on their community because the real mission field are where you live and not where you are. I was able to really do all these thing for the Gimpo church that I went to.