Finished with LCI!

Well the last couple weeks have been pretty stressful! I've been finishing up things at my old school, as well as finishing up classes for the semester at ECU. The last couple weeks at LCI were bitter sweet. There were things that were so stressful, like the long hours and the not so nice director, but over the past six months I have fallen in love with the kids so it was extremely difficult to leave them! Two weeks ago we had a big garage sale at the school. The kids each brought in $2 in dimes, and we had been collecting clothes, toys, books and other things for several weeks prior. The intent was for the kids to learn how to pay for things, ask for the price and so on. It was so much fun! The big playroom, like a gym, was set up for the garage sale. We had different tables for clothes, snacks and lemonade, toys, stationary and books. The classes came in and kids went from table to table asking prices and buying things for themselves and their families. They had so much fun and the money was all donated to charity.

The last two weeks I was at LCI, I was training my replacement. His name is Norman and he is the boyfriend of another teacher at the school. He has been teaching in Thailand for 6 months so has some experience, and was good with the kids. It's good to know they will be left in good hands. It was hard because everyday kids asked why I was leaving and where I was going. The director sent home a letter to all parents telling them I was very sick and had to return to the United States. I didn't like the idea that she sent home a completely fictitious letter, and I sent home my own letter to all parents. It was a nice letter just letting them know that I was sorry things didn't work out, but my health was good and I would still be in Korea. I gave them all my email and phone number to keep in touch. I think it was a good way to leave things.

The last day was pretty hard. The kids were upset, as was I. We had a big party, trying to lighten the mood. I bought them all presents and we had snacks and drinks. It was a good time. The next day I had to go to the immigration office to have my VISA cancelled, which happens when you switch jobs since you are sponsored by the school you work for. I got a couple text messages from some of my older kids saying how much they missed me, and heard from other teachers that a couple kis were pretty upset and cried the first day I wasn't there. It breaks my heart but I can only hope that everything has happened for the best, and I know the university teaching position will be a wonderful opportunity!

On a happier note, I am finished with ECU for the semester and am living with Si until my job starts in January. We are going to Thailand for 8 days in December, for Christmas and New Years and I am so excited! The first half of the trip we will be on an island called Ko Samui, and the second half we will be in Bangkok, the capital. It's supposed to be an amazing country to see!

Hope everyone is doing well and I love hearing from you all! Congrats to Megan on getting engaged! Miss you and love you all!