#icantakeyouthere

Two weeks ago, I asked one of the teachers in my office where I could go shopping for clothes, or what stores they liked to shop at. She gave me a few references but later texted me, asking me if it was okay to just take me there herself. Of course!

Last week, I was running around with my co-teacher trying to find out about my ARC and I asked her where I could get post cards. She explained to me where the nearest stationary shop was but on our way home, she said, I will show you and she drove us to the shop. She had her toddler in the car and had been driving me around all afternoon. And she had a cold.

Today, I asked my teachers where is a good place to get Dakgalbi (a Korean chicken dish) because my friend Elissa is coming down from Seoul and her co teacher said she had to try that here. I hadn’t had it either. They told me of a few places downtown and then at the end of the day my co-teacher, Miso, asked if I had plans after school and I said no, so they asked if I wanted to go with them to get Dakgalbi in Downtown Gwangju so that I would know where it is and I could take Elissa this weekend!

When thinking about moving to a country or city that is known for having a very large number of people, it is easy to fear that things might get busy or impersonal. That is truly not the case here in Korea. The level of kindness here goes well beyond the normal level of common courtesy. I mean, how often when you ask for a recommendation or directions in The States does someone personally take you to the place? Maybe only in small towns where things are slow and people have a lot of time on their hands. But this is Korea – busy and highly populated and a very hard working country. I did not expect this.

The level of personal kindness here definitely leaves something to be desired back home. I think when I do move back home and experience reverse culture shock, I will be very amazed and disappointed with how self-involved the average American is. I surely have a lot to learn here in Korea, but I think this lesson will be by far one of the more valuable ones: You always have time for other people; slow down and enjoy the moments you get to spend with friends and family. Even in a fast-paced world, common courtesy and genuine kindness are things that should not be forgotten.

Feelings amazed and grateful tonight.

Hayley

"Your Love is a MVP, you should couch me baby"