Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child

Not that I quite agree with corporal punishment in the classroom, but I am a staunch believer of spanking a child in the home. I think this transcends into our adult lives as well. Sometimes, when we sit on our butts for so long, something comes along to either put our bottom to the ground or force us to stand up. We need a bit of difficulty in our lives to grow strong and well, just grow. I've been sitting for quite awhile now. Too comfortable. Too stubborn. Too still. I've been forced now to step into familiar territory that has been unfamiliar for the past two years.

My next few months here will be spent tackling new challenges and treading on strange paths. Being a native English speaker at a Korean school ensures you a semi-celebrity status. Children get giggly and shy as they attempt to approach me with a "Hello! How are you?" To my own chagrin, I find myself answering "I'm fine, thank you! How are YOU?" The kiddies pop into my room to wave and say "Hello," before running away with pink faces. I'm recognized by all the students since I am a novelty. I'm to be interviewed for the school paper this week.

And speaking of treading strange paths, I've been asked to perform at the school's festival day next week. This means dancing a solo to the Wondergirls song, "So Hot." (Youtube it... it's huge in Korea and you'll get a glimpse of why Korean pop culture is the way it is). I don't dance, especially not to lyrics like, "all the boys be loving me/girls be hating me/they will never stop cause they know i'm so hot hot hot." The kids thought it would be a great idea to have the English teacher dance to that part. Original, I say. I'm tickled while terrified at the same time -- I am dreading the moment. The students tried to show me the moves and I realized that I just don't have the moves. I think that merits as a serious prayer request.