Almost every morning I go for a jog over at a local Korean university, just to clear my mind and prepare for what is sure to be another day of tension-filled life at HiExpat.com and as a foreigner in Korea.   This morning, however, I had clearly woken up on the wrong side the Pacific.  My head played a video loop of everything that I was frustrated with, everything I despised, everything that disappointed me, about my life in Korea.  As I jogged around the school field, with a cold, withering sneer across my lips and a deep furrow in my brow, I spotted a child, walking towards me with her mom in tow. 

Photo:  Corporate philanthropy at my old gig.


"What the hell is she running for," I thought to myself, as I drew closer.   "Why is everyone around here always in such a damn hurry?!"


But judging the child's gait and face, along with the mom's body language, I quickly saw that the young girl was a special needs child.  Not that anyone had bothered to tell her yet, because apparently today was the greatest day she had ever lived.   I watched her dart around the grass in her white, Spring turtleneck, with a smile that filled half the track, eyes wide with excitement and an infectuous laugh that I can still hear now.   Pleased to be alive and kick away at an errant, flat soccer ball that someone had abandoned on the side of the field.


And I was ashamed.  For here was a lovely little woman, living life to her fullest, despite what challenges she had faced or was yet to face.   No complaints, no oh-woe-is-me, just getting it done.   I realized right there what an absolute idiot I am (no comments on this point necessary).   Here I am, living in Korea,  an exciting, unpredictable country; I'm somewhat healthy; I've had every break go my way since the day I was born; I'm overpaid; the Seoul Spring is here, the sun is finally warm and, to tell you the truth, I haven't stopped grinning yet.    Ok, enough on how wonderful I am, time for all of us to stop being so ungrateful and do something valuable with whatever free hour or two we have each week.


I chatted recently with some friends in the Seoul Government, who recommended the following opportunities to volunteer in Korea.  Its just the start of a list, so please do add those other volunteer opportunities in so we can add a full category listing for Korea:
 

Global Village Center Volunteer Group:   (click "useful links," then click "publications").


Seoul Volunteer Center website:  (click "for foreigners" on the right side of the page)


BEAN Seoul :  Events include orphanage visits, delivering food to disabled/low income, etc.  Very rewarding.

 
Always Hope:  Teach English to under-privileged children.


Volunteer for Plur:   Helping the homeless and orphans with food and visits.


Mustard Seed Seoul: Volunteer to help lower-income, single parent or underprivileged kids learn English!  Rewarding, fun and challenging all in one.


Again, its all just a start, and I'd really enjoy getting some additional groups from you all to put up here, and eventually create a full volunteer category in our Business Directory.


Thanks!

DannyB

  

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