I think it's really good idea to get your thoughts whether its through communicating on the phone, talking to a friend, or blogging. I THINK it's a great way to express oneself. CHRISTMAS EVE! WOW! Where to begin? Today, was a very busy day! At work we had Christmas Concert with the kids. Each class presented a Christmas carol they had been working on all Month and the winners would receive special prizes! The kids enjoyed watching other classmates from other classes perform. It also was a nice break for us teachers as well to sit back and watch the students present what they had been working hard on. More importantly it was a good way to start the weekend! The traffic this afternoon was insane! It was bumper to bumper a 50min trip took 3hrs! It was quite the journey getting to the Robinsons house in Gapyeong, South Korea. However I managed to make it. I called one of my close Korean friends and mapped out which route I should take and I executed the plan. I do enjoy getting lost sometimes. It forces you to rely on other humans for directions as well use the language. In my case I try to study Korean as much as I can. Living in Korea why wouldn't I try? Anyways, tonight it paid off as I had to navigate through some hurdles. I am glad that I didn't stay behind in my city ICHEON on XMAS Eve. Instead I spent it with people who know me and who I feel comfortable around. To me that's most important. So as I wrap up this post up. Greetings from SOUTH KOREA! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!! GOOOOO GEEETTT LOOOOSSST!

Random Thoughts

Thanksgiving has come and gone. The Birthday celebration is over and X-mas is approaching fast. There has been a lot of speculation as to what NORTH KOREA will or won't do. I have recieved several emails asking me about how it is over here regarding the whole situation. To be honest it's hard to explain to outsiders. Not to be rude but they just won't understand even if I told them. To be honest working and living out here works great for me! I enjoy teaching. I love kids. I love having my own little crib. It's easy to get around! I have met some chill peeps in my city to kick it with during the week. I am apart of a basketball team and we play every single weekend. My best friend is out here. I have close friends in Seoul to stay with on weekends. I have a great work relationship with my Co-Workers. I know I say it all the time but im Blessed. So, I answer the question with a sharp EVERYTHING IS BUSINESS AS USUAL HERE! Koreans have been dealing with this ever since the war ended. My take on it is that they are getting annoyed about hearing about the THREATS. Anyways, I am not gonna dwell on it for too long. I said my prayers nothing I can do about it soooo. Also I have been here almost two months and I have yet to post pictures or videos lol. I guess part of me has lost the 1st time buzz! Snapping pictures of every dinner, building, or drunk Audjushee I see on the ground! However! I haven't lost the desire to be here to explore and learn! I am currently working through a Korean Book right now that is teaching me how to write and read Korean. I have made a lot of progress in this short time! I can't wait for the new journey ahead! This week I have begun to map and plan out my vacation! I have no clue where I am going to go! But hopefully I will be able to go to THAILAND, VIETNAM, JAPAN, OR CHINA so we shall see! Anyways, this was just a semi Rant or Update lol...Hope everyone is good

If your not green and growing. Your ripe and rottening

Fresh off a wonderful 25th Birthday which marked my second Birthday in South Korea. The celebration started on SATURDAY with a Thanksgiving Meal my Nuna (the name you would call an older sister or someone close to you that's an older female) prepared! It made me and my friends all feel at home! We feasted on the foods that bring us happiness around this time of the year! But to be honest I couldn't stop thinking about friends that have passed away so young. I felt really blessed that God allowed me to see another Birthday. I also prayed for the families that lost love ones at a young age. I also couldn't help but think about my old college neighbor who passed away a year after we graduated. He drowned while swimming in Costa Rica where he was caught in a riptide. He was only 22. It just made me realize how blessed I am to be in Korea and in good health. My prayers go out to the GARBER family may God bring you peace.

Ok so where to begin? I don't even no what to write. Honestly I needed some motivation to get back on my blog game! I realize how important it is for those who are debating about teaching in Korea. I love blogs! It's honestly how I made the leap! When I decided to come after I graduated in 08 I did research and read as many blogs as possible! I relied on the feedback of others and what I read to make my decision! Recently I met a fellow ESL TEACHER in SEOUL, her blog has rejuvenated my thoughts and desire to express how Life is here the way I see it! I encourage anyone that is reading or debating teaching English in Korea to check out http://whitneybutler.wordpress.com/2010/09/ There are some people that come to Korea bash the culture,food, and way of life! I can't stand this! You can't come to another country and bring your way of life and get frustrated when things don't go as you are used too! To me that is apart of the learning process and adventure! I feel once one loses that desire or zest. It's time for them to do something else. As for me I am still learning and embracing the culture everyday. So once again check out http://whitneybutler.wordpress.com/2010/09/ blog. My Bro told me "If your not Green and Growing Your Ripe and Rottening." Until next time. Be blessed people. ANNYONG

Feels good to be back

Summer was crazy to say the least. I enjoyed being back home hanging out with my family and friends. The timing couldn't have been any better though. I just felt that I left premature the first time around. I wanted to at least say that I tried Grad School and Coaching. I def miss Coaching. I was blessed to work with a great group of guys and Coaching staff. However I don't miss school at all lol. Anyways, fast forward! Ok so this is my second week working at N-KIDS ACADEMY. It is so different than my public school job! I went from teaching 35+ kids in one class to 5-6 advanced students. I love it! I actually get to cover material that I enjoy and I also get a chance to be more creative. In Korea we often have debates about whats better teaching in the Public School or Private School. Both have their Pros and Cons. I encourage everyone that is deciding to teach English in Korea to weigh their options and do whats best for YOU. I will try to make a post about what I BELIEVE is better Private School vs. Public School. Overall it's good to be back! I enjoy teaching my work hours are low. I don't start work until 2:30pm I live close to my school. The city I work in is 45min from Seoul. I have everything I need in my city. The shopping is def going to be a problem we have everything. I will take some pictures and post some up! Anyways I hope all is well with everyone!

SOKO

Back at it! The grind! The weekends! The food! The lights! The Studio's! The laughs! It's going to be a great journey. New city. New school. New Apartment. New work hours but the same old Jered. I can't wait to touch down in my new city. It's 1:56am and I have many things to do tomorrow. I have to pick up my Passport from the Korean Consulate. Then I have a DR appointment for my finger that I ruptured. Then it's later USA for just a little while. I love the feeling of traveling there in nothing quite like it. Anyways, I made this blog awhile back to encourage those thinking about Teaching English Abroad. I will do my best to keep it updated with events, pictures, videos, and etc. I will always keep it honest and how I see it! As I always like to tell people. Do research for yourself and ask as many questions as you can that's the best way to know if your making the right decision. Anyways later for now!

My Seoulful Journey: "Its time for All of us who claim in God we trust to take stand."

Wow! It has been awhile since my last post many things have happened since then. I honestly do not know where to begin. That is the hardest part about writing for me. I have so many thoughts that I want to share and express but sometimes at a lost for words. By no means am I a journalist. I respect there craft because it is difficult to create and convey a message through words. Anyways, I am just going to get off my chest what has been burdening me lately. In the past 5months so much has happened throughout the world Earthquakes in Haiti & Chile, Health Care bill being passed, passing of friends, people losing jobs and homes, and conflict arising between North and South Korea. I guess you could say that my travels through the world have made me very sensitive to what's going on around me. I still say to this day that moving to Korea was the EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE. However being back at home has brought me back to reality and the real issues we as people face everyday. When I first started the blog I made it really clear that I was a firm believer in the Christian faith. I honestly believe that we are not put on earth to eat,drink,sleep, and work. I believe we are called to share the Love of God to all, help those in need, lend a helping hand, be active in our church, and above all display the character of Christ.

In the past month two young brotha's passed away. I had a very tough time deciding if I was going to go to the service or not. My heart just melted for the family and couldn't imagine the pain they were going through. A mother lost a son and a sibling lost a brother. After much debate I decided to go and show my support and pay my respects. SEAN RASCOE was only 20 and passed away a day before his 21st birthday. When I was a senior in high school he was a freshmen. He was very talented, smart, and charismatic. A joy to be around. The short time he had here on earth he impacted the lives of those around him.

The second passing was a member of my church community here in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) NATHAN ANDERSON. Although I did not know him very well. The times I did come into contact with him he was always smiling and display a cheerful spirit. It doesn't take long to notice a persons character! Listening to friends and family speak about him is chilling. An asset he was to the Adventist Community touching lives of others through music ministry.

These two passings among others hit hard because they were so young. It made me realized that nothing in this world is promised. It gave me a BURNING desire to rededicate my life to Christ. I am far from perfect but the Bible says "Come to me all ye that are heavy burden and I will give you rest" It's comforting to know that through my faults God is there. All we have to do is ask. I personally don't want to get caught up in life that I forget the purpose that I'm here. To hold up the light! And share the word of GOD with others. Please enjoy this video that I posted. Take time to listen to the lyrics and really apply those lyrics to our lives! HOLD UP THE LIGHT

This Post is in loving memory of

Candace Drakes (Cousin)
Loraine Kelton (Aunt)
Arthur Lyons (Grandfather)
Dawn Davis (Aunt)
Steve Kelton (Uncle)
James White (Family Friend AND MENTOR)
Arthur Kelton (Uncle)
Gerad Griffin (COACH,ELDER, AND MENTOR)
William Frazier (ELDER,AND MENTOR)
Kenneth Peters (ELDER, AND MENTOR)
Sean Rascoe (Friend)
Nathan Anderson (Friend)

Wow! Time surely does fly doesn't it? 6 months ago I was working and residing in one of the worlds most populated countries. Now I'm back in the states doing something I love! I promise everyday I wake up and thank God for all the blessings he has given me! I am always super reflective before a huge trip! I want to encourage people whenever you get the chance to travel GO!! Its an eye opening experience that I believe everyone should go through! Anyways hope all is well with everyone reading! I will post from PR
God Bless
Jrock