Origami cards

Today I had to go back to work even though I am incredibly sick with strep throat, or something like it. The doctor was a little unclear about the name of whatever it is that is infecting my throat and making my tonsols swell up like eggs, but I'm pretty sure it's something along the lines of strep. After going to the doctor yesterday and getting a weird shot of medicine in my rear end, I then got 5 days of antibiotics. To sum up, if I was in the States I would have taken a sick day, but in Korea there is no such thing as a sick day so I had to go in. I said numerous prayers feeling very weary of the day ahead of me, and wondered how I could work from 9:30-7pm and still have a voice and my sanity by the time I left the school. But somehow with these strong Korean meds and God's help, I made it.

When I walked into my Kinder class my students yelled "MS.NIKKI, MS. NIKKI!!!!" They all ran up to me giving me hugs and acting like I had been gone for a year, when I have only missed one day of work! I felt a little bit like Santa Clause with the response I got, and I would be lying if I said it didn't warm my sick little heart. One of the little girls walked up to me and gave me a note that said "This morning Joanne wants to say to you like this 'How are you'?" I looked at the little girl with a smile imagining the conversation she must of had with her mother for her to write this note of how to ask her teacher if she is feeling better. The little girl didn't know the English words to say but her mother gave them to her.

I told all of my kids during circle time that I couldn't yell today so they had to behave, and they all swore to me that they would be on their best behavior. They kept giving me kisses and hugs all day like they were worried about me, or worried I wouldn't come to teach them anymore. It was so endearing when one little girl said, "I am sad because Ms.Nikki is sick." I assured them I would be OK and they continued to behave nicely for me throughout the day.

When playtime came, they made me 'get well' cards on origami paper. This is one thing so typical of Korea; the children here love to do origami and love to color on origami paper. This is the only place in the world where I have been that it is so popular! I know after my 4 months left here are over I will miss getting these kinds of cards and drawings from my students:

 

No matter where else I may teach in the world, or what children I work with, I'm sure it will be a while before I get another origami card once I'm back in the States. So I will cherish these

in the meantime, and try and do exactly what they say; feel better.