Currently, I'm waiting to receive my visa certificate number... I'm really hoping that it comes in today because I need to send the rest of my stuff off early next week. I think this process has already taught me a lot about dealing with different cultures and has definitely helped to prepare me for working with the Korean people.
I have a feeling that many Americans in my situation would be very frustrated by the fact that everything is taking a long time and also that the Korean people tend to be reactive instead of proactive. If you had asked me a few years ago how I would deal with this type of situation, I would probably tell you that I was either 1) really perturbed or 2) ready to give up and move on. However, the last couple of years have taught me that the easiest way to make a transition like this is to consciously recognize that you need to make a paradigm shift.
I've realized that I work best and tend to have the most control of my reactions and emotions when I am consciously aware of what is going on in my mind and around me. I was flipping channels the other day and Dangerous Minds was on and Michelle Pfeiffer's character was talking about the power of the word choose. I didn't realize it until then, but the word choose is the real key to freedom and living the life you want to live.
I chose to go to grad school. I chose to study TESL. And now, I am choosing to live in South Korea. As long as I keep reminding myself that I have a choice, I'll have no problem dealing with any hiccups I may encounter.
That being said, I am now choosing to be patient. What will you choose?
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