School Days

This is part of the elementary school library of the school I work in.  I don't sit in this particular spot, but I thought that it showed a nice view of the library.

This is a card that one of the 4th grade classrooms made for me after I subbed for their sick teacher.  A group of slightly sheepish girls handed it to me as they were walking in for library time saying, "Miss Kim.  We made a card for you."  I wanted to cry -- not necessarily for the card, but because I thought wow... I really made an impression on these kids.  =)

Honestly, getting up at 6am really sucks, mostly because I suck at it.  I do love the kids though, and somehow, being tired really doesn't seem to matter when I'm there.  I look forward to my days there because I know that each day, a child will do or say something completely adorable or new to lift my spirits.  For example, last week I had a second grade class in the library and Alexandria came up to me and said, "Miss Kim... you're back!"  I told her that I hadn't gone anywhere, but she insisted, "But you're back."  So I explained to her that I only come into school three times a week or that sometimes, I might be in another classroom when a teacher is out, so she may not see me all the time.  She said, "Oh, okay.  Because it seemed like you were gone for a long time."  Then she proceeded to tell me, "Miss Kim.  You got skinny!"  So I laughed and said, "I did?"  She replied, "Yes, you got skinny.  I think you need to get bigger."  I was thoroughly amused at her observation and continued saying, "But Alexandria, I don't think that my mom and dad want me to get bigger.  They wouldn't be happy.  They want me to be skinnier."  She shook her head and told me, "Oh no.  That would be too skinny.  I think you should get bigger."  I laughed again saying, "Okay then.  Don't worry.  Miss Kim really likes eating anyway, so I'll be sure to eat lots, okay?"  She nodded affirmingly and walked away to finish picking out her books.  Once again, I felt great, but who wouldn't after a conversation like that?  Haha.  However, it's not really the thin thing that puts a smile on my face, it's that she noticed I was "gone" in the first place.  What can I say?  It's nice being missed.  

Also, about once a week, I take the school bus after school up to Pyongchang Dong because I tutor there.  It's the quickest, most direct ride to the neighborhood.  And once a week, I sit in the front of the bus with my kindergarten students who talk my ear off the entire way up.  Every other day I am at school, five-year old Kris asks me, "Miss Kim, are you coming on our bus today?"  To which I have to reply, "No, not today, Kris.  Wednesday.  Remember I told you I come on your bus on  Wednesdays?"  And he usually nods and asks, "So you're taking the public bus today?" "Yes, I have to take the public bus today."  I kid you not -- we have this same conversation at least once or twice a week.  Anyway, the kids get excited when I get off at their bus stop (and really offended if I get off at someone else's stop).  A couple of weeks ago, Kris started telling me that I was allowed to stop by his house (which he described to me in the type of lengthy detail that only a five-year-old could do).  He instructed me, "Just come to the door and ring the doorbell.  We will open the door for you.  Okay?" "Okay, Kris.  Thank you." *Sigh*  How sweet is that?