I love my Bangeojin Elementary students!

Today was the last day of Winter Camp (at my main & favorite school).  After today, I'll only have about 6 more classes with them.  It is incredibly sad to think about.  They were asking me to not go back to the USA and stay for their last year of Elementary school, as they'll be big 6th graders now!  I said I was sorry, but I really miss my Mom and family and I have to go home to them.  One of them said, "please remember us...don't forget us ever".  I promised, that I will never, ever forget them--and that promise is true to the very bottom of my heart.  These children have had a profound impact on my life---that will remain with me for life.

They also surprised me today with their specialty treat:  Moon Pie Cake, with a whole lot of whip cream, and chocolate covered cookie sticks, along with a side platter of crackers, chocolate & potato chips.  I'll let the photos speak for themselves! I love this country.

At first glance, you may have missed it, but that is supposed to be my face.   Young artist in bloom. 

Whenever they bring snacks in, it's always this concoction of potato chips & chocolate, often times squished together into an almost unidentifiable mess, so I was super impressed with this presentation.  Although, I suspect it was put together in the school bathroom........  yes..I ate some.  :)

In addition to this amazing little treat, 3 of the kids brought in this extra large notebook, where they had written a few words per page, and read it to me in unison as they flipped the pages.  It made me cry, it was so sweet.  I'll attach those pictures as well..just because it was so touching.  These kids have added inexplicable magic to my life.

This one surprised me, because they really didn't fight all that much in the 3 weeks.  As to be expected, there were a few spats, but nothing that was unmanageable....but I think it's sweet that they apologized for it.

I also made PB & J sandwiches for my kids.  Being an American, it is difficult to believe that most of the world does not eat the stuff.  In fact, I know many countries find peanut butter down right repulsive.  For me though, it is the perfect sandwich and I can't get enough of the stuff!  The introduction to peanut butter did not go over so well.  They gathered around it, with looks of sheer horror etched on their faces.  A few of them held their noses to avoid having to endure the "awful" smell of peanut butter (which, I'll admit, does smell a little funky!).  I could tell from the tone of their words that they were saying something like, "I can't believe she is doing this to us--are we being punished?"---or something to that effect.  Anyway, they all insisted that they wanted a jelly sandwich instead.  I told them, that it was not possible to eat just jelly on PB & J Day! :).   In the end, they loved them, and a few asked for seconds.  It was a fun class and I was happy to be a part of their first, ever, PB & J.  It was great seeing them enjoy it, and saying, "Ohh teacher, this is very, very good", although I don't suspect PB & J's will ever be a staple in their lives--and that's okay.

In class today, they also watched "The Wizard of Oz" for the first time.  It is one of my all time favorites, so it was extra special to be able to share it with them.   After it was over they were thankful and expressed how much they loved it.

Tid Bits

One of my students is my hair monitor.  Whenever she thinks my hair looks good, she'll say to me, "It's a beautiful Christine with hair". :)

In Korean culture it is custom for the person who is having the birthday dinner to pay for everyone's meal.  I went to a Korean's birthday party last week and was absolutely shocked that she picked up the bill for 10 people and it was her birthday.  She insisted that it would be awkward and make her uncomfortable if we tried to pay.