Remember how the boys were being punished last week? Well, they were in trouble because some of them apparently went in to the room where their dog was giving birth! That night, just after dinner, the dog went into labor, and the boys were told not to go in. I thought they were staying out, but I guess the excitement got to them. I happened to have my camera, so I could record a quick movie about the incident. There is actually a lot of footage from that night, some of it is apparently inappropriate, and other things are just downright hilarious. Today, watch one of the real versions, and later, I'll share the sillier ones as well. I didn't subtitle it because the conversation is simple enough that I think you'll be able to... Show more

If you're like me, you Fridays are your 재일 좋아하는 날 not because it's the weekend, (although that is a good reason too ^^) but because our very own 선현우 선생님 comes out with his new audio blog.  It's a great way to catch a glimpse of Korean culture and certainly a great way to practice some listening skills. If you're like me, there is always some new vocabulary in his lessons.  Having an advanced vocabulary is one of the hardest things to develop when learning a foreign language.  Take the blog about blood donation for example.  I probably talk about blood donation once or twice a year in English, but of course, I know the word.  In my Korean life, there is a vanishingly small chance that I would ever need to say that word...but I still want... Show more

These children have precious few possessions. Most of what they have is shared. They wear whatever fits, and often it fits several kids. Seems like an unfortunate way to live. But the alternative isn't really any better is it? Simply having lots of stuff doesn't bring happiness or stability to your life either. But it is a real honor to bless the kids with something even if it's just a new pair of awesome Spiderman shoes.  Giving the presents was a real treat.  It was a lot of fun, as you saw in the video from last week's post.  The children were overjoyed, and surprisingly grateful.  They usually don't have the best of manners, so it was refreshing to see them say thank you! 

Christmas is not quite the same in Korea. Christmas Day is a recognized holiday, but many schools aren't closed during the week that follows. Gifts are exchanged, but not to the degree that some of you might be familiar with in Western, Judeo-Christian environments. Christmas at the orphanage is somewhat special though. Several different organizations and companies donate gifts to the kids. My church arranges funds to buy some new clothes for the pre-schoolers. Today was the shopping day. Each volunteer was given an envelope with 100,000원 (roughly $100) to spend on the kids. $100 goes a long way, and if you go shopping at the right places, like 동대문 (where 현우 and I went a couple weeks ago), you can REALLY stretch it. In 동대문... Show more

안녕하세요 여러분, 오스틴입니다. At the 보육원(children's home) where I work there are about 80 boys and girls from birth all the way up 18 or 19. Older students who are taking college classes, working, or doing some other "productive" thing are allowed to stay once they finish high school. I spend most of my time with the elementary aged boys. Currently there are 24 of those boys living together. Of those, only 2 are truly "orphaned." Most of the kids there do have parents. Some of them see their parents on a regular basis. They even go to spend weekends or holidays with their parents! But for whatever reason, they can't live at home. For some parents, a divorce has left them unable to support their children financially. Others are just... Show more