A few days ago Michael Simning - an expat in Gwangju - visited the hospital because he wasn't feeling very well.
He discovered that he has leukemia, was admitted into the hospital immediately (where he will stay for at least a month), and has started to undergo chemotherapy treatments.
As part of his treatment Michael needs to receive several blood transfusions.
Michael's blood type is B-, which is very rare, and so he, his family, and his friends are trying to find people in Korea who can donate blood to him immediately as well as periodically throughout the next couple of weeks. (O- blood won’t work in this case.)
If your blood type is B-, and you are able and willing to donate, please consider contacting Tim Whitman at 011.9600.6378 or tugrocers@gmail.com. Tim will pass your name and phone number along to Michael and his family.
You can also help by passing this message along to friends of yours here in Korea too.
Many people -- unfortunately -- don't know their blood type. You can find out yours -- and at the same time find out if you can help Michael -- by visiting a hospital in your area.
The procedure is relatively painless and should only take a few minutes.
In case you’re worried about communicating with the staff, you can print out and show them the following information, which explains to them why you’re there and why you need this information:
친구가 백혈병에 걸려서 도움이 필요합니다.
제 친구는 Rh-B 형 입니다.
제 혈액형 검사받고 하고 싶습니다. Rh-/Rh+ 인지까지 정확히 검사 받고싶습니다.
Once you find out your blood type, and if it is B-, you can do the same as those who already know theirs: contact Tim Whitman at 011.9600.6378 or tugrocers@gmail.com.
In the meantime Michael’s immune system is very weak so he isn’t able to receive any visitors. He is able to communicate using the Internet and telephone, however, and many friends have been wishing him well using Facebook.
And a side note: Mike’s sickness and rehabilitation may cause a lot of financial strain to him and his wife and daughter, so if you are in Gwangju, please consider supporting him in a very direct manner by shopping at the Underground Grocers and by eating at the First Alleyway, both of which will remain open in his absence.
Underground Grocers is open on Wednesday from 11 to 7, on Thursday and Friday from 1 to 7, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 7; the First Alleyway is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 to 10ish and on Sunday from 11 to 5 for an all day breakfast.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
This past year...
This past year I've...
1. Moved to a foreign country
2. Traveled to three other foreign countries
3. Eaten lots of exotic foods
4. Supported a new team
5. Controled a classroom of 40+ students
6. Learned to like kimchi
7. Learned how to use chopsticks
8. Been a photo opportunity more times than I can count
9. Slightly tortued my own brother
10.Been a teacher
a student
a sister
a daughter
a wife
and friend.
What have YOU done?
1. Moved to a foreign country
2. Traveled to three other foreign countries
3. Eaten lots of exotic foods
4. Supported a new team
5. Controled a classroom of 40+ students
6. Learned to like kimchi
7. Learned how to use chopsticks
8. Been a photo opportunity more times than I can count
9. Slightly tortued my own brother
10.Been a teacher
a student
a sister
a daughter
a wife
and friend.
What have YOU done?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
T Express- Everland
Here is the rollercoaster that I rode back on our school field trip to Everland. Remember, this is supposedly the steepest rollercoaster in the world, basically straight down!! I almost get sick watching it. Be sure to turn down your speakers!
Sejong Academy- Minneapolis
My friend posted an interesting article he found from the "Twin Cities Daily Planet" today about a new Korean charter school opening up in Minneapolis. It sounds like they are still in the planning phase, but far enough in to host a fundraiser. The academy is slated to open in 2012.
The school would most likely attract Koreans or Korean adoptees because Minnesota is the biggest adopter in the United states, and second in the world or Korean adoptions. I never knew that before reading the article.
The school is going to open as a kindergarten- grade 4 school in 2012, and add a grade every year until they become K-8. There is a large number of families interested, but they still need to have a few more to get the final "go."
Since I tentatively plan on being back in the WI/MN/Twin Cities area in 2012, wouldn't that just be perfect for a job and/or volunteering?!
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2010/08/17/korean-cultural-festival-raises-funds-sejong-academy-charter-school
The school would most likely attract Koreans or Korean adoptees because Minnesota is the biggest adopter in the United states, and second in the world or Korean adoptions. I never knew that before reading the article.
The school is going to open as a kindergarten- grade 4 school in 2012, and add a grade every year until they become K-8. There is a large number of families interested, but they still need to have a few more to get the final "go."
Since I tentatively plan on being back in the WI/MN/Twin Cities area in 2012, wouldn't that just be perfect for a job and/or volunteering?!
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2010/08/17/korean-cultural-festival-raises-funds-sejong-academy-charter-school
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
"The Best Country in the World is..."
Here are some excerpt's from a recent issue of Newsweek. I picked up a copy while at the O'Hare airport on my way back to Korea. I found it really interesting! It is all in the answer to the question "If you were born today, which country would provide you the very best opportunity to live a healthy, safe, reasonably prosperous, and upwardly mobile life?" Well, here are the top 15:
1. Finland
2. Switzerland
3. Sweden
4. Australia
5. Luxembourg
6. Norway
7. Canada
8. Netherlands
9. Japan
10. Denmark
11. USA
12. Germany
13. New Zealand
14. UK
15. South Korea
In the specific category of Education, here is a small blurb about education of South Korea:
"Finland heads this category for good reason, but South Korea isn't far behind. The Asian nation is legendary for the quality of its schooling and the fervor of its students, who are among the likeliest in the world not only to complete their secondary education but then to go on and acquire college degrees (South Korean parents are notorious for spending huge sums of money on test-preparation courses for their kids). It's hard to imagine now, but back in the 1960's, South Korea's national wealth was on par with Afghanistan's. Today, it's one of the world's richest nations, in large part thanks to its focus on education."
There was another short article about 10 world leaders who have "managed to win some serious respect." What is says about South Korea:
"The CEO in charge- Lee Myung Bak- The global financial crisis provided a showcase for the South Korean president's management skills. Drawing on his experience as a former Hyundai CEO, Lee guided Korea Inc. through the storm, slashing interest rates and saving troubled banks. The result: the fastest recovery among OECD nations, and forecasts of 5.8% growth in 2010."
I thought this entire magazine was very interesting, as well as eye opening. I'd like to be able to use it in a future lesson, perhaps with my after school classes that will be starting soon, but I'm not entirely sure how. Any suggestions are welcome!
1. Finland
2. Switzerland
3. Sweden
4. Australia
5. Luxembourg
6. Norway
7. Canada
8. Netherlands
9. Japan
10. Denmark
11. USA
12. Germany
13. New Zealand
14. UK
15. South Korea
In the specific category of Education, here is a small blurb about education of South Korea:
"Finland heads this category for good reason, but South Korea isn't far behind. The Asian nation is legendary for the quality of its schooling and the fervor of its students, who are among the likeliest in the world not only to complete their secondary education but then to go on and acquire college degrees (South Korean parents are notorious for spending huge sums of money on test-preparation courses for their kids). It's hard to imagine now, but back in the 1960's, South Korea's national wealth was on par with Afghanistan's. Today, it's one of the world's richest nations, in large part thanks to its focus on education."
There was another short article about 10 world leaders who have "managed to win some serious respect." What is says about South Korea:
"The CEO in charge- Lee Myung Bak- The global financial crisis provided a showcase for the South Korean president's management skills. Drawing on his experience as a former Hyundai CEO, Lee guided Korea Inc. through the storm, slashing interest rates and saving troubled banks. The result: the fastest recovery among OECD nations, and forecasts of 5.8% growth in 2010."
I thought this entire magazine was very interesting, as well as eye opening. I'd like to be able to use it in a future lesson, perhaps with my after school classes that will be starting soon, but I'm not entirely sure how. Any suggestions are welcome!
The Deserts
http://gwangjublog.com/708
This coming weekend, my good friends are playing in a concert downtown. They'll have two concerts, one Friday and one Saturday, according to Andrew. So far, I've seen them play three times in Gwangju, but not recently. It's summer vacation now for some people, and they've all been busy traveling. The last concert I saw they played six songs- they were great! Check out the link for some more details and history about Deserts!
This coming weekend, my good friends are playing in a concert downtown. They'll have two concerts, one Friday and one Saturday, according to Andrew. So far, I've seen them play three times in Gwangju, but not recently. It's summer vacation now for some people, and they've all been busy traveling. The last concert I saw they played six songs- they were great! Check out the link for some more details and history about Deserts!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
USA Vacation
During my 25 days in the USA for summer vacation, I did a lot of nice things with my family and ate some great food! The big event that happened while at home in WI was going to my grandparent's 60th anniversary! We had a family reunion weekend filled with family, food, and fun times. Here they are with their cake!
Happy Anniversary!
As for returning back to Korea, I'm leaving Friday and will arrive Saturday night. I know I'm going to be jet lagged, and am not looking forward to having only 1 day to recoup before going to school on Monday!
Happy Anniversary!
As for returning back to Korea, I'm leaving Friday and will arrive Saturday night. I know I'm going to be jet lagged, and am not looking forward to having only 1 day to recoup before going to school on Monday!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Here's one for Mike...
If you've been wondering why I haven't posted recently, it's because I'm finally on vacation in the States! I have 25 days off total, and only a week left! I can't believe it's gone by so fast. I've been able to see lots of friends and family, and can't complain about the weather! Much nicer than Korea this time of year!
I was sailing on Lake Michigan for the last two days, and my friend Mike commented that I hadn't posted anything on my blog recently! Well, Mike, here you go. This is our group that went sailing together up in Sturgeon Bay:
I was sailing on Lake Michigan for the last two days, and my friend Mike commented that I hadn't posted anything on my blog recently! Well, Mike, here you go. This is our group that went sailing together up in Sturgeon Bay:
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