Amanda Teacher :)

There's a new teacher in town!! Beth's contract ended, so she headed back to the States. Amanda is her replacement. Amanda actually worked at this academy two years ago. It was her first teaching job in Korea. After she finished her one-year contract, she left and signed a contract with a preschool nearby. She quickly realized how good she had it at our academy. After her contract ended there, she was in contact with Darren, and came over when Beth left. I think that says a lot about the academy and Amanda. She could see how well the teachers are treated here, and the school really appreciated and respected her as a teacher and was happy to have her back. That's just so wonderful to hear! :)

I've talked to other people who are miserable at their Korean teaching jobs, and it's always so refreshing to be able to brag a little about my job. Darren is an awesome boss, the school is very accommodating, the hours are great, the pay is incredible, and the Korean teachers have actually taken the time to get to know me. All of these things are opposite what I hear from other foreign teachers in Korea. I'm definitely blessed for sure :)

It was really great being able to help Amanda since she's been here. Beth was super helpful when I first got here, so it's nice to be able to pass that along to the next teacher. :) Many things have stayed the same here at the academy since she left, so Amanda has been picking up things rather quickly. It's obviously an adjustment getting used to the kids and working with older kids again, but she seems to be managing quite well. We went to dinner last night, and I was able to find out more about her, and get to know her a little bit. She's from Canada, so she definitely says, "eh" A LOT. :)

Today, I got a PACKAGE!! :) Two of my best friends from Orlando, Aleah and Harrison, put together a birthday package for me. It was so sweet of them!! I got Hershey's Dark Chocolate (YUM!), a few packs of gum, mac n' cheese, Goldfish crackers, a DVD "Easy A" (one of my favorites!!), and Spiderman stickers...obviously. Aleah and Harrison are so wonderful, and I'm so grateful to have such thoughtful friends!!