I've lived like an outcast in Korea up to this point. But I finally got my Alien Registration Card (ARC) last week, so I'm officially registered as an alien in Korea. This was especially good timing, because I had to get my ARC before I could open a bank account. And I had to open a bank account before I could get paid for my first full month of teaching.
I'm happy to say after 6+ weeks of picking up change off the ground and portioning food and refusing to turn on the heat all in order to stretch the money I came to Korea with, I have officially been paid. And boy, does it feel good! We are on break from school this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for Lunar New Year (aka Chinese New Year), and I woke up bright and early on this first day of break to go to the grocery store and actually buy some real food with my hard earned money. I felt like the richest person ever walking around and actually being able to pick out some good stuff to eat. Additionally, I was able to purchase a simple, little coffeemaker that I have been dying to buy since I got here.
It's amazing how simple my life has become since coming to Korea. I live in a studio apartment half the size of my parent's living room. I know approximately 10 people. I currently own a handful of shirts, a couple pairs of pants, and a couple pairs of shoes. I eat ramen far too often to admit. I spend my nights after work and my free time walking around and exploring my neighborhood, reading books, or occasionally (when I can get internet service in my apartment) watching a couple American tv shows. It's such a simple, stripped down life. No big house. No car. No endless wardrobe. No fancy meals. And yet when I step outside and feel the sun's rays on my face and the wind blowing in my hair, I feel so good...so in touch with my surroundings..so alive. The other stuff doesn't seem to matter. In this simplicity, I find it easier than ever to find myself and to understand those around me. The distractions that so often have captured my attention have been ripped away. It's freeing and exciting and sometimes scary. And this might not make any sense to any of you back in the States, but it's been on my mind for awhile. And I guess this blog is for me to tell you what's on my mind afterall.
I've read that you all are in the midst of a terrible snowstorm, being nicknamed, "Snowmaggedon." So stay warm, be safe, and know I'm praying for you.
It's All About Him,
KendallCooke
Good post, Kendall. I think snowmageddon is helping some of us see what we can survive without. Glad to hear you got paid, and it seems like you are settling in.
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