Final Posting

This final posting is the reflection that I gave as a final report to my Team Leader, Jill Olsen. Before I start, I understand that there is little I can say here that will justify this trip. My only hope is that when we are together, I can share some of my experiences with you. Sharing is how we learn. In the end, I hope that you have the opportunity and desire to travel, explore this world, explore your life...

South Korea GSE Team Presentation, 2007.

Jung Bok and I serve as the desktop background for my computer these days. There are many pictures from which to choose. I could change the pictures each day for the next 600 days and still have pictures to spare. The wonderful part is that I have memories that will last beyond 600 days, they remain for eternity.

With this reflection I will not cover each moment. I have decided to take the designated goals and tell a few stories of each and how the team and myself were able to meet this goals.

1. Understanding Korean way of life now and in the past.
a. I begin with the Korean food. I had much anxiety in traveling to a country where we were told that the food is spicy and some delicacies hit the table raw and live. I thoroughly enjoyed the Korean food for its nutrients, its purpose, and most importantly for the time that was spend eating and enjoying the company of our hosts as we ate. Meals and dinning time weather a quick snack or the many meals in which the food never stopped coming, provided many opportunities to slow down our bodies, taking time to rub elbows and knees as it would turn out at most meals. We ate, but more importantly we laughed, sang, and gained much understanding of who the Korean people are through their food.
b. The temple visits were very important to me. The third morning of the trip provided such an experience as I awoke, and my host father gave me the, “let’s go” hand wave and we were on the road in a matter of minutes. We drove up and up through and around a mountain road. We arrived to a quite temple at the midpoint of the mountain. We hopped out of the car and were welcomed by what I came to know as traditionally Buddhist hymn music. I was overwhelmed with emotion as there was a presence on the grounds and I was able to reconnect with a peaceful feeling that I hadn’t had since my last service trip to Mexico. I fought back tears but this was no use as I was washed clean that morning. Clean from the worries of preparation in leaving the United States, clean from the fear of entering unknown territory, clean from any anxiety that many have existed. The Korean way of life is very peaceful. There is much calm, peace, happiness found throughout this culture and I was welcomed to these feelings early on, and would experience these times again and again as we traveled and learned about the Korean way of life.
c. Finally, May 18th, a day in which many died for the sake democracy and freedom in Korea. I was honored to be apart of the stories and ceremonies that took place both on the 17th and the 18th of May. The Korean people believe deeply in the democratic way of life. A life in which all are treated equally and fairly no matter what the cost. For what would you sacrifice life? The Korean people showed us with their actions, more powerful than words, that they would put everything on the line for freedom. A true mark of the heart of any country, especially the South Koreans.

2. Observing vocations and developing personal and professional relationships.
a. We visited many different vocations. From schools to factories, private businesses to government run power plants. I thought often about how many people help me to sustain life through their vocation. Whether it be the clothing that I wear of the foods that I eat, there are many people whom I will never meet that provide me with many comforts in life. I owe them much, repayment through thoughts and prayers is the first step. Second, trying to do the best in my vocation so that I may provide a positive impact on their lives.
b. There were many personal relationships that were developed. Our translators come to mind first. They were able to provide us with much clarity which with their time and wisdom. Another memorable personal relationship occurred with my third host family, the Kim’s. They were very warm and welcoming, going above and beyond the definition of hospitality for three consecutive days. I became very close with Mr. Kim as we shared many pictures, thoughts, hugs and smiles. There was no language barrier between us as we pummeled that wall and experienced much love and friendship.

3. Exchange Ideas
a. Mr. Kim and I traveled to his home on the second night. We made a quick stop, one that would be a major highlight of the trip. We visited his parents. His mom was beautiful and greeted us with many smiles and much comfort. His father, an old war veteran who had served South Korea in Vietnam, has spent the better part of this life creating artwork. They gave me many gifts of painted Ancient Korean and Chinese writings and a painted fan, which he requested that I give to my mother. We drank orange juice as I showed pictures of my home and the people who I loved who were so far away at the time. Smiled were abundant that night as we shared our cultures and thoughts. I learned later that week from Mrs. Kim that she was surprised that Mr. Kim had taken me to see his parents. From what I gathered, this opportunity was not regularly open to colleagues and friends. He allotted me this honor to be in the presence of his parents. I relive that night in my mind often, my heart grows bigger each time.

4. Development of leadership skills, team building, and self confidence. The GSE experience has and will impact many aspects of my life. The following are three areas in which I have grown.
a. Leadership Skills: dynamics of scheduling, organization, and how to lead are a few examples how I have grown in my leadership capabilities. I admire the level of coordination that is needed to produce an experience like we had in South Korea. Each day was filled and scheduled to the maximum and each day was different. A true testament to the abilities of Rotarians and the Korean people who were in charge. I will take these learned and observed skills and incorporated them into how I schedule my days, and most importantly at this point in my life, how I manage my teaching life such as lesson planning, time planning, and how I communicated with parents, students administration, faculty and staff. I will also learn from our leader as she provided many examples that will help me in my personal and professional life.
b. Team Building: it was mentioned at one point in the trip that we were spending more time as a GSE group than with our colleagues and even loved ones. I feel as though there was much support amongst members and there were some great relationships that were built. Communicating with team members has provided me with even more confidence to communicate in front of my class and to my colleagues.
c. Self Confidence: I like to seek adventure, to have good times, fun times in life. I like to explore the dark spots and unknown places in this world. The GSE trip to South Korea has give me even more confidence to continue to do these things in life which I most enjoy. Whether the trips are here in Iowa or around the globe. Most important to me, I have gained increased confidence to travel to where I am needed to participate in the service-based opportunities that I seek and are given to me.


Quote:

“My heart was captured by the culture and the Rotarians of South Korea. I left a piece of my soul in South Korea which will serve a constant beacon of light leading me back to my thoughts and memories in a desire to relive those beloved moments.”