Mogi-Goggi, Mashisoyo

Spring has sprung in Pyeongtaek. The cherry blossoms have come and gone. The Spring rains turned what were once beautiful blossoms into a slushy muck underfoot. That too has washed away, and the rains have brought with them the rest of the May flowers. Color is now strewn across the landscape as if the ground were the canvas of a cosmic Jackson Pollock.

Today, I took one of my higher level classes, 3 twelve-year olds outside after we finished our work for the day 20 minutes earlier than scheduled. I bought them hot chocolates from the snack bar and we sat under a pagoda in the courtyard, protected from the drizzle. We talked and laughed and were actually able to communicate and get to know one another on a heart level. It felt almost like I was their youth pastor. When our time was almost up, I walked toward the building, with them following behind like little ducklings, stopping to bend down and breathe in the heavenly fragrance of the white lilacs that are growing just outside the Youth Center. I smell them almost every time I walk by. I had never smelled lilacs before going to Briercrest. Now, I rollick in their scent whenever I get the chance. They are one of my favorite smells.

The rains will also bring with them mosquito (mogi) season. Last Autumn, before it got too cold for the little buggers, we went out for dinner with Jonathon and our Senior Boss, Mr. Jo. It was just the four of us, which is not something that happens often, as he doesn't speak very much English. Ferial had stepped into the ladies room, and while she was gone, the waiter brought out the second course of our very strange "Italian" meal. There was one dish, which I would liken to a salsbury steak, that was quite tasty. It was some kind of "goggi." All barbecued or roasted meat here is called "goggi" or "fire-meat." Just as we dug in, Jonathon pointed to his steak, noticing a little dead mosquito sitting atop the meat, as if it were put there as part of the presentation. I pointed at it, looked at the two of them and said "Mogi-Goggi?" Usually, Engli-fying Korean words and making any sort of rhyme or pun out of it, falls on deaf ears. However, this one was quite well received. It has since, been a hit every time I have used the term. In one of my classes, I even turned it into a song, singing "Mogi-Goggi mashisoyo!" which would translate, "Mosquito-meat! How delicious!"

The students love it.

We hate mosquitos. You may remember that last year, shortly after arriving in Korea's sweltering heat, Ferial received more than 30 bites in one night. The Koreans told her she needs to eat more kimchi, and the mogis won't bite as much. Either way, she is now traumatized, and will sometime wake up, afraid, even at the thought of hearing a buzzing hum near her ears.

I need to run to class, and this is ending rather abruptly, but let me leave you with this summary.

Spring is wonderful.

We hate mosquitos (however, they are quite delicious)

:)

It's been such a while...

We went to Tokyo for our spring vacation. It was AMAZING, but so so expensive. We're going to try and blog more, we promise. ^^