The current exchange rate of the US Dollar to the Korean Won is $1=1,170won--you get a little more won for your dollar. There are some products here that are very cheap. Most services are top notch and inexpensive. For example; I was a little apprehensive when I went to get my hair cut for the first time but I needed my hair cut so I went to the second floor of our building and found a hair salon. The service was outstanding and I was pleased with my hair cut.
Here's the breakdown of my trip to the hair salon:
Walk-in and you are offered a beverage
Sit in the hairdressers chair and in my case perform some charades to communicate what I would like done.
Hair cut begins.
While my hair is being cut there is an assistant standing next to the stylist and she brushes off any little hairs that have fallen on my face. True.
Hair cut is finished and I'm taken to have my hair washed.
Now I'm at the sink, relaxed, my eyes are covered with a face mask and I get my hair washed and massaged for the next 10 minutes.
Back to the chair, where not one but two stylist dry and style my hair.
I'm finished. Time to pay.
Total Cost: 12,000won ($10 and tips are not expected and are usually refused)
When you go by the gas station to get your car or scooter tank filled, they give you a complimentary coffee or another tasty beverage.
Yes, services here are outstanding!
Unfortunately, some things aren't so cheap.
Frosted Flakes, 5,800w
Small Jar of Peanut Butter, 5,900w
6oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, 5,900w (that's almost $5)
Small Jar Pace Salsa, 6,300w
Box of Mac-n-cheese, 3,000w
Pringles, 2,500w
6oz jug of syrup, 8,000w (just under $7)
small block of cheddar cheese, 8,000w
1/2 lb of Starbucks coffee, 20,000w ($17)
6 pack of cheap Korean beer, 8,000w
6 pack of Sam Adams, this breaks my heart to say, 18,000w (Todd said, "Sam Adams has never tasted so good!" It was almost $16)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
one more thing . . .
This morning as I was attempting to wake up from a very wonderful sleep, I was thinking about Jesus. No, I'm not super spiritual, I was just thinking about how much I love Jesus. I love who He is and what He came to do and what He still does today.
Culturally, Jesus broke all the rules. There are so many examples in the Gospels of how culture and religion said to do things one way and Jesus said in essence, "No, this is the Kingdom of God."
He washed His disciples feet.
He said, "the last shall be first."
He said, "the greatest among you is a servant."
He said, "love your enemies."
He said, "I lay down my life for you."
That's just a few things He said.
The book of John, Chapter 4, is one of my favorite passages. Jesus intentionally goes to a well, He intentionally engages a Samaritan woman, a woman who had 5 husbands and was living with a man that wasn't her husband. Samaritans were considered the least of all society. What did Jesus do? He intentionally loved her and accepted her. Everything about this encounter went against what was culturally acceptable. And the result, a woman and a community set free--eternally.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
Culturally, Jesus broke all the rules. There are so many examples in the Gospels of how culture and religion said to do things one way and Jesus said in essence, "No, this is the Kingdom of God."
He washed His disciples feet.
He said, "the last shall be first."
He said, "the greatest among you is a servant."
He said, "love your enemies."
He said, "I lay down my life for you."
That's just a few things He said.
The book of John, Chapter 4, is one of my favorite passages. Jesus intentionally goes to a well, He intentionally engages a Samaritan woman, a woman who had 5 husbands and was living with a man that wasn't her husband. Samaritans were considered the least of all society. What did Jesus do? He intentionally loved her and accepted her. Everything about this encounter went against what was culturally acceptable. And the result, a woman and a community set free--eternally.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
Cultural Differences
There are many cultural differences between Asia and the West. Some of these differences can be frustrating but often it's those differences that also make the culture beautiful.
There are challenges in trying to understand and remember the cultural differences that exist. For example; when speaking to an elder you must say hello in a formal way, but if you're speaking to a younger person or someone that you are close friends with, you are allowed to say hello in an informal way. Even if you're a younger student who is speaking to an older student there are "rules" to follow as well, and if you don't remember these rules, it could mean trouble.
Last week while I was working in the library a few of the high school students came to the library during their PE class. Each of the girls had grown up in the US but their Father's jobs had brought them to Korea. They are Asian-American. Their English--perfect. Their Korean--perfect. They don't sound like Korean students learning, English, the sound like girls who grew up in Malibu. Most of our discussion were about the foods we missed in the US. There are many.
I asked the girls how their transition to Korea has been. Each of them felt more comfortable in the US. The challenges they face in some ways are more difficult than what, we as westerners experience. Since they are Korean, they should know the cultural rules but they don't always know all of them. Even at the High School level, not following the protocol, could mean that you get beat up. I was shocked.
When someone knows that you have grown up outside of Korea, it can be extremely tough--you're not seen as being "truly" Korean. Honestly, it's a form of prejudice. One of the girls shared that while she was living in a Boarding School, a new Korean male student arrived, he didn't show the proper respect to the older students and was severely beaten. The student left the school. Each of the girls had a lot of fear coming to Korea and starting school. Thankfully, they have not had that experience at BHCS.
If I make a cultural mistake, it's o-kay. I'm a Caucasian from the USA. Not much is expected from me. I do want to honor the differences and not rebel against them, but when the response is to belittle or abuse someone else, there's a limit to what I think is acceptable.
A few of our Korean friends who have grown up in the US have shared how the adjustment for them has been difficult. They are know as 1.5's--not fully Korean or American. They have said, that when they haven't understood something, language or culturally, it's as if they are a nuisance and the "native" Korean is annoyed.
I have never experienced anyone being unkind to us since being here. Everyone we have met has been warm, kind and patient with us.
My heart is heavy for those friends who experience the weight of all that "culture" has put on them. There are double standards and frustrations that make me want to scream.
Lia this week may have experienced a little of the "tough hand" of an older student. A third grade student has on numerous occasions not been kind to Lia. It was the first time I had heard about this and was surprised by what had happened. Lia said that often this student says something to her in Korean and then gives her a mean look. Lia is assuming that it's mean because of her tone and her face--I thought, perhaps it's just the way she looks. Yesterday, the girl tripped Lia--on purpose. Lia ripped her new leggings and skinned her knee. Lia was of course, sad and unsure why this girl would treat her this way. Today when I talked to the students teacher she said that it might be a matter of Lia not giving her the respect she feels she deserves. Thankfully, the teacher is going to speak to the student and address the issue of cultural differences. The Mommy in me of course wanted to take action--don't mess with my girl! :-)
There's an old saying, "when in Rome, do as the Romans." We are endeavoring to respect the differences but more than doing things the "western" way or the "Korean" way, I desire to do things the Kingdom Way. The way that both honors God and the people He has created.
When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, he said, "to love the Lord your God and to love one another."
There are challenges in trying to understand and remember the cultural differences that exist. For example; when speaking to an elder you must say hello in a formal way, but if you're speaking to a younger person or someone that you are close friends with, you are allowed to say hello in an informal way. Even if you're a younger student who is speaking to an older student there are "rules" to follow as well, and if you don't remember these rules, it could mean trouble.
Last week while I was working in the library a few of the high school students came to the library during their PE class. Each of the girls had grown up in the US but their Father's jobs had brought them to Korea. They are Asian-American. Their English--perfect. Their Korean--perfect. They don't sound like Korean students learning, English, the sound like girls who grew up in Malibu. Most of our discussion were about the foods we missed in the US. There are many.
I asked the girls how their transition to Korea has been. Each of them felt more comfortable in the US. The challenges they face in some ways are more difficult than what, we as westerners experience. Since they are Korean, they should know the cultural rules but they don't always know all of them. Even at the High School level, not following the protocol, could mean that you get beat up. I was shocked.
When someone knows that you have grown up outside of Korea, it can be extremely tough--you're not seen as being "truly" Korean. Honestly, it's a form of prejudice. One of the girls shared that while she was living in a Boarding School, a new Korean male student arrived, he didn't show the proper respect to the older students and was severely beaten. The student left the school. Each of the girls had a lot of fear coming to Korea and starting school. Thankfully, they have not had that experience at BHCS.
If I make a cultural mistake, it's o-kay. I'm a Caucasian from the USA. Not much is expected from me. I do want to honor the differences and not rebel against them, but when the response is to belittle or abuse someone else, there's a limit to what I think is acceptable.
A few of our Korean friends who have grown up in the US have shared how the adjustment for them has been difficult. They are know as 1.5's--not fully Korean or American. They have said, that when they haven't understood something, language or culturally, it's as if they are a nuisance and the "native" Korean is annoyed.
I have never experienced anyone being unkind to us since being here. Everyone we have met has been warm, kind and patient with us.
My heart is heavy for those friends who experience the weight of all that "culture" has put on them. There are double standards and frustrations that make me want to scream.
Lia this week may have experienced a little of the "tough hand" of an older student. A third grade student has on numerous occasions not been kind to Lia. It was the first time I had heard about this and was surprised by what had happened. Lia said that often this student says something to her in Korean and then gives her a mean look. Lia is assuming that it's mean because of her tone and her face--I thought, perhaps it's just the way she looks. Yesterday, the girl tripped Lia--on purpose. Lia ripped her new leggings and skinned her knee. Lia was of course, sad and unsure why this girl would treat her this way. Today when I talked to the students teacher she said that it might be a matter of Lia not giving her the respect she feels she deserves. Thankfully, the teacher is going to speak to the student and address the issue of cultural differences. The Mommy in me of course wanted to take action--don't mess with my girl! :-)
There's an old saying, "when in Rome, do as the Romans." We are endeavoring to respect the differences but more than doing things the "western" way or the "Korean" way, I desire to do things the Kingdom Way. The way that both honors God and the people He has created.
When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, he said, "to love the Lord your God and to love one another."
Sunday, January 17, 2010
"Excuse me. I sorry."
I ran out of time on this video and didn't have the energy to try to record it again. Driving experiences here in Korea are interesting. Scooters have no limits to where they can drive. Most of the time when you are crossing at a "pedestrian" crosswalk, multiple scooters are also crossing and driving on the sidewalk. If you've made a wrong turn, you can just do a u-turn--even if it's in the middle of the highway--I wouldn't recommend this though.
On the way home I got a text from a friend we had been with earlier in the evening, she asked if we had made it home yet, I replied, "nope. we got hit by a taxi, went to Seoul (not on purpose), and stopped for gas."
Scott handled the car like a NasCar driver. And I think a few angels were looking out for us too.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Winter Fun at the Korean Folk Village
The Korean Folk Village has been one of my favorite spots in Korea. Todd and I have decided that we should visit every season. In October we spent a perfect Fall afternoon with our friend, Rachel when she visited and this week we enjoyed the perfect Winter afternoon with our friend, Rie.
Happy Gotcha/Family Day!
January 10, 2005 we were in Asia--not South Korea but China. It's hard to believe that 5 years have passed. Today is our "Family" Day--the day we became a family of four.
We usually celebrate by giving the kids a small gift and having dinner at our favorite Chinese Restaurant. This year has been a little different. This morning, Lia and I snuggled, I told her about the morning that she was placed in our arms and we ate donuts. Later we visited the Korean Folk Village and played in the snow.
I'm thankful for our family, for God's faithfulness to us and for another year of remembering that beautiful day.
We usually celebrate by giving the kids a small gift and having dinner at our favorite Chinese Restaurant. This year has been a little different. This morning, Lia and I snuggled, I told her about the morning that she was placed in our arms and we ate donuts. Later we visited the Korean Folk Village and played in the snow.
I'm thankful for our family, for God's faithfulness to us and for another year of remembering that beautiful day.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Best Snow Day--Ever!
Record snow fall fell over Seoul this week. Our friends have told us in the 5 years that they've lived here, they haven't seen anything like it. I believe it! We didn't see snow plows out all day, multiple accidents were witnessed outside our apartment and it took up to 4 hours for a few of our friends to get to work.
For us, it became a fun day to PLAY! We took a long walk and played in the snow with our friends, Tayla and Katie. Afterwards all the girls made their way to our apartment, we ate food, watched Nims Island, ate more food and then played cards! It was a perfect day!
For us, it became a fun day to PLAY! We took a long walk and played in the snow with our friends, Tayla and Katie. Afterwards all the girls made their way to our apartment, we ate food, watched Nims Island, ate more food and then played cards! It was a perfect day!
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