Today is a hard day to not be home. It would be my mom's 49th birthday. Usually, I would spend the day with my whole family. But being on the road, I can't. Luckily I have the best teammates ever. I warned them that I may be cranky today because of the circumstances. Not only are they so understanding and so loving, but they just surprised me with flowers and a card.
I love them so much. Things like this will make the next 6 weeks so easy to handle.
<3
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
On the road
Hi everyone! I know it has been SO long since I've updated but I don't think I can even explain to you guys how INSANE my last two weeks have been.
I feel like I just went through North Korea boot camp. We have worked over 200 hours in the last 2 1/2 weeks learning about the crisis, learning how to host screenings, watching media, practicing our speaking parts, learning about software, making thousands of cold calls, booking places to go. And finally we are on the road. Since yesterday morning at 9 am, we have driven from Los Angeles, CA to Oklahoma City, OK. It has been so fun but leaving was really hard. The same as saying goodbye to everyone in Pines was bittersweet, leaving LA was bittersweet. It's so crazy to think in the month I was there, it began to feel like home. I know come the end of tour, I am NOT going to want to go back home. In some capacity, I need to continue my work with LiNK. Maybe intern for them in the future, maybe fundraise tons in Tampa...I'm not sure. All I know, is that learning about this issue and spending the time I have at LiNK HQ has changed me as a person, and therefore has changed my life.
I have met absolutely incredible people and had so much fun. I have felt challenged, I have felt scared, I have felt elated. Two nights in particular were absolutely incredible. First, we went to Korean karaoke. It was SO MUCH FUN. Basically, your group gets its own room with couches and strobe lights and a karaoke machine. We had so much. Everyone felt so comfortable and so open and it was a bonding experience that really made everyone more comfortable. Secondly, one night we decided we wanted to watch the South Korea-Argentina game for the world cup. So myself, and a few other people, including one staff member, hung out at a Korean restaraunt until 2 am then went back to the LiNK Office and stayed up all night having a slumber party to watch the game. The game was only at 430 am so we watched it, got ready and stayed in the office for a full day of work. It was so fun. Though I was exhausted the entire day, it was totally worth it.
Speaking of Korean culture, I have fallen in love. We have had Korean food, I've learned how to speak some Korean, I've learned about tradition and listened to music. Seriously, I find it so interesting and so much fun. I need to go to South Korea, soon. And I want to continue to practice the language. It's hard though. Danny, the North Korean refugee we live with, who has become my really good friend, has been teaching me.
We also got to meet Joseph, another refugee rescued by LiNK's first mission. Meeting him really reminded me of why I am here. When he spoke, my eyes filled with tears. I could not believe what he was saying. Hearing someone describe themselves as "an animal living in the streets" broke my heart. I know people are not heartless and I know the awareness tour we are doing will help to bring light to this issue. I need to do something, and I am so glad I have been given this opportunity to ignite change.
OH -- on a fun and more shallow note. We were invited to Helie Lee's house for a BBQ. She is a very well known author who writes about the North Korean situation and some of her family members who had to escape the country. Her husband is the producer of America's Next Top Modeal. SO, not only did we walk in to the most delicious Korean bar-b-que waiting for us (we all need to eat this together, it's SO delish) in the most gorgeous house in west LA with a pool and three-stories, we also walked in to see Nigel Baker (world-renound photographer and judge on ANTM). It was so much fun. We all hung out with Helie's family and Nigel's family. Both of their children was so adorable. It was crazy, I couldn't believe it existed. We were also invited back when we're done with tour. (Maybe Tyra will be there?! ahaha) But for real, Nigel said he would have taken us to the ANTM fashion show if there had been a few less of us.
Seriously though, I am so excited. Our first screening is on Sunday. So tomorrow, we will drive from OK to Little Rock. We will spend the night there, wake up and do a screening (OUR FIRST! AHH) and then drive to Nashville for a night. I am so excited and so nervous at the same time. I know everything will fall into place but I also know we will make some huge mistakes.
This is incredible. Thank you all so much for helping to make this a possibility for me <3 Here are just a couple pictures of us in Cali:
This is my teammate Elyssa and I, with one of the office puppies, Mr. Happy Song. He is adorable and wheezy and only has one lung and poops everyone...but we all love him.
This is my friend Danny. He is silly and pretends not to want to be in the picture, but totally does.
This is almost everyone. I think we are missing only two interns, and one regional manager. We had mock screenings outside and took this picture. Love them all <3
The girl on the far right and the girl on the far left are my teammates, Elyssa and Bridget. Beside me, Esther, is a Northeast nomad and the girl in front is Liz, a movement intern. We were just taking pictures while waiting for our "intern/nomad" photoshoot to start!
I feel like I just went through North Korea boot camp. We have worked over 200 hours in the last 2 1/2 weeks learning about the crisis, learning how to host screenings, watching media, practicing our speaking parts, learning about software, making thousands of cold calls, booking places to go. And finally we are on the road. Since yesterday morning at 9 am, we have driven from Los Angeles, CA to Oklahoma City, OK. It has been so fun but leaving was really hard. The same as saying goodbye to everyone in Pines was bittersweet, leaving LA was bittersweet. It's so crazy to think in the month I was there, it began to feel like home. I know come the end of tour, I am NOT going to want to go back home. In some capacity, I need to continue my work with LiNK. Maybe intern for them in the future, maybe fundraise tons in Tampa...I'm not sure. All I know, is that learning about this issue and spending the time I have at LiNK HQ has changed me as a person, and therefore has changed my life.
I have met absolutely incredible people and had so much fun. I have felt challenged, I have felt scared, I have felt elated. Two nights in particular were absolutely incredible. First, we went to Korean karaoke. It was SO MUCH FUN. Basically, your group gets its own room with couches and strobe lights and a karaoke machine. We had so much. Everyone felt so comfortable and so open and it was a bonding experience that really made everyone more comfortable. Secondly, one night we decided we wanted to watch the South Korea-Argentina game for the world cup. So myself, and a few other people, including one staff member, hung out at a Korean restaraunt until 2 am then went back to the LiNK Office and stayed up all night having a slumber party to watch the game. The game was only at 430 am so we watched it, got ready and stayed in the office for a full day of work. It was so fun. Though I was exhausted the entire day, it was totally worth it.
Speaking of Korean culture, I have fallen in love. We have had Korean food, I've learned how to speak some Korean, I've learned about tradition and listened to music. Seriously, I find it so interesting and so much fun. I need to go to South Korea, soon. And I want to continue to practice the language. It's hard though. Danny, the North Korean refugee we live with, who has become my really good friend, has been teaching me.
We also got to meet Joseph, another refugee rescued by LiNK's first mission. Meeting him really reminded me of why I am here. When he spoke, my eyes filled with tears. I could not believe what he was saying. Hearing someone describe themselves as "an animal living in the streets" broke my heart. I know people are not heartless and I know the awareness tour we are doing will help to bring light to this issue. I need to do something, and I am so glad I have been given this opportunity to ignite change.
OH -- on a fun and more shallow note. We were invited to Helie Lee's house for a BBQ. She is a very well known author who writes about the North Korean situation and some of her family members who had to escape the country. Her husband is the producer of America's Next Top Modeal. SO, not only did we walk in to the most delicious Korean bar-b-que waiting for us (we all need to eat this together, it's SO delish) in the most gorgeous house in west LA with a pool and three-stories, we also walked in to see Nigel Baker (world-renound photographer and judge on ANTM). It was so much fun. We all hung out with Helie's family and Nigel's family. Both of their children was so adorable. It was crazy, I couldn't believe it existed. We were also invited back when we're done with tour. (Maybe Tyra will be there?! ahaha) But for real, Nigel said he would have taken us to the ANTM fashion show if there had been a few less of us.
Seriously though, I am so excited. Our first screening is on Sunday. So tomorrow, we will drive from OK to Little Rock. We will spend the night there, wake up and do a screening (OUR FIRST! AHH) and then drive to Nashville for a night. I am so excited and so nervous at the same time. I know everything will fall into place but I also know we will make some huge mistakes.
This is incredible. Thank you all so much for helping to make this a possibility for me <3 Here are just a couple pictures of us in Cali:
This is my teammate Elyssa and I, with one of the office puppies, Mr. Happy Song. He is adorable and wheezy and only has one lung and poops everyone...but we all love him.
This is my friend Danny. He is silly and pretends not to want to be in the picture, but totally does.
This is almost everyone. I think we are missing only two interns, and one regional manager. We had mock screenings outside and took this picture. Love them all <3
The girl on the far right and the girl on the far left are my teammates, Elyssa and Bridget. Beside me, Esther, is a Northeast nomad and the girl in front is Liz, a movement intern. We were just taking pictures while waiting for our "intern/nomad" photoshoot to start!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Overloaded
Hey everyone. Sorry I haven't updated. I've barely spoke to my dad or grandma or anyone because things have been insane! We picked people up from the airport the entire weekend...and it has been insane.
Meeting people has been fun but stressful. I never realized how hard of a time I have with figuring out how to deal with everyone's personality. I think it's a bit more stressful because I'm 1 of only 2 drivers and I hate being the one who has to tell people where to go and when to be ready and whatnot. But it's okay, it will all be worked out soon. And I've already met some people I really get along with. Oh, and my team is awesome.
Yesterday, we began training. Right now, actually, I'm working on cold calls because it's a training I don't need to sit through (thanks to being here 2 weeks early! haha). Seriously though, I feel like I am going to learn so much. Yesterday alone, I found out more than I ever knew about North Korea. I can't wait to spread this information and educate people about the travesties. I love seeing the faces of the refugees and knowing who they are and knowing how what we are doing is truly powerful.
Honestly -- North Korea has PRISON CAMPS. TOTAL CONTROL PRISON CAMPS! Hello, how can we all sit around and say that we learned from the Holocaust and that we will never let it happen again but IT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. Seriously, I'm so happy to know that I doing the most I can to bring an end to this travesty. It breaks my heart and honestly tears me apart inside.
I can't wait for tour to start.
Meeting people has been fun but stressful. I never realized how hard of a time I have with figuring out how to deal with everyone's personality. I think it's a bit more stressful because I'm 1 of only 2 drivers and I hate being the one who has to tell people where to go and when to be ready and whatnot. But it's okay, it will all be worked out soon. And I've already met some people I really get along with. Oh, and my team is awesome.
Yesterday, we began training. Right now, actually, I'm working on cold calls because it's a training I don't need to sit through (thanks to being here 2 weeks early! haha). Seriously though, I feel like I am going to learn so much. Yesterday alone, I found out more than I ever knew about North Korea. I can't wait to spread this information and educate people about the travesties. I love seeing the faces of the refugees and knowing who they are and knowing how what we are doing is truly powerful.
Honestly -- North Korea has PRISON CAMPS. TOTAL CONTROL PRISON CAMPS! Hello, how can we all sit around and say that we learned from the Holocaust and that we will never let it happen again but IT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. Seriously, I'm so happy to know that I doing the most I can to bring an end to this travesty. It breaks my heart and honestly tears me apart inside.
I can't wait for tour to start.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
every rose has it's thorn
So, today was our first long day! Ahhhh! We went into work at 730am and worked until 9. It was productive, which is good. For some reason I felt as though my first impression was going to be different than it has ended up being. I was telling Lindsay (the other nomad who is here early) that I honestly can't remember the last time I met strangers without one of my best friends there with me. I mean, in classes you barely meet people. And its not like I have a job where I'm surrounded by other people my age. I think this summer will show me that I need to work on expanding my group of friends and meeting new people. Speaking of new people! I'm so excited because nomads/interns start arriving tomorrow! My full team arrives on Sunday and I'm so excited. We start full training Tuesday. I don't know...I just can't wait for it to happen. I keep going through phases where I get insanely homesick and then when I feel like being away is incredible. I don't know how to explain it. But really, I feel like I'll have so much more to say once we go on the road.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Do you know what Wednesday is?
So, I'm going to try really hard to update this more often. Brianna's going to be starting a blog too since she leaves for camp tomorrow. I'll post her link in here too in case anyone is interested! But I realize that this is a commitment I made to myself and to everyone else and I need to work harder when it comes to updating. I also think I am going to stop updating as much about day to day events and more about how I'm feeling and what I'm learning. Otherwise, you guys are going to be super bored.
On Saturday Kyo, Esther (communications person at LiNK) and I went to Sarang Church in Anaheim to self merch at a screening of the documentary 1040. It's about Christianity and New Asia. So--going to the screening was SO obnoxious. The only redeeming part of it was that I felt as though it opened my eyes to something I had yet to. They discussed the Great Comission and how they believe missionaries must spread the worst of Christ to those who have yet to hear it.
As everyone knows, I consider myself an agnostic. I have no idea what I believe in and don't have a strong faith in anything except being good to others. But, watching this film made me realize that I really need to educate myself about religion. Not just Christianity but Islam and Judaism and Budhism and whatever else. Because I do plan to work in nonprofits, and I hope to live my life fighting social injustices and human rights issues, I think these are important things to have a better understanding of. But in addition to the interpersonal relations it will improve, I think it has the chance of teaching me a lot about myself and others. So, I'm going to try and read the Bible this summer. Then the Koran and some parts of the Torah since most of it is covered in the New Testement. I think when Jason Ma said he things the second-coming of Jesus is bound to happen during our generation (not saying he's right...) I realized this was something I needed to learn about. Why be ignorant to religion when it helps to define so many people and is the cause of great love and great conflict and other such things? I'm not sure if I'm making sense. But I hope you guys understand what I am saying, at least somewhat.
Also, this summer I want to work on my journaling. Not just my blog (sorry) but my real journal too! Writing is such a good way of looking inside yourself and I feel like I often ignore my own emotions and doubts and beliefs and stuff. But I'm realizing other people my age dont just ignore themselves and justify it by saying "oh i'm young, who cares." Really, I have so many goals for myself this summer. Some I can share, other's I am not even sure of yet.
But okay -- enough emotion and insight for now. I'm going to go help Lindsay do her hair, make cookies and watch The Hills. We had a long day at the office, it's time for relaxing!
(today i was reminded why i hate being away from my family -- i also want to help. it kills me to know i am nowhere close to my grandpa while he wont eat and is saying crazy things. i need someone to help him, and im almost positive me being there would make no difference. it breaks my heart. but okay, time to be positive! and make cookies.)
On Saturday Kyo, Esther (communications person at LiNK) and I went to Sarang Church in Anaheim to self merch at a screening of the documentary 1040. It's about Christianity and New Asia. So--going to the screening was SO obnoxious. The only redeeming part of it was that I felt as though it opened my eyes to something I had yet to. They discussed the Great Comission and how they believe missionaries must spread the worst of Christ to those who have yet to hear it.
As everyone knows, I consider myself an agnostic. I have no idea what I believe in and don't have a strong faith in anything except being good to others. But, watching this film made me realize that I really need to educate myself about religion. Not just Christianity but Islam and Judaism and Budhism and whatever else. Because I do plan to work in nonprofits, and I hope to live my life fighting social injustices and human rights issues, I think these are important things to have a better understanding of. But in addition to the interpersonal relations it will improve, I think it has the chance of teaching me a lot about myself and others. So, I'm going to try and read the Bible this summer. Then the Koran and some parts of the Torah since most of it is covered in the New Testement. I think when Jason Ma said he things the second-coming of Jesus is bound to happen during our generation (not saying he's right...) I realized this was something I needed to learn about. Why be ignorant to religion when it helps to define so many people and is the cause of great love and great conflict and other such things? I'm not sure if I'm making sense. But I hope you guys understand what I am saying, at least somewhat.
Also, this summer I want to work on my journaling. Not just my blog (sorry) but my real journal too! Writing is such a good way of looking inside yourself and I feel like I often ignore my own emotions and doubts and beliefs and stuff. But I'm realizing other people my age dont just ignore themselves and justify it by saying "oh i'm young, who cares." Really, I have so many goals for myself this summer. Some I can share, other's I am not even sure of yet.
But okay -- enough emotion and insight for now. I'm going to go help Lindsay do her hair, make cookies and watch The Hills. We had a long day at the office, it's time for relaxing!
(today i was reminded why i hate being away from my family -- i also want to help. it kills me to know i am nowhere close to my grandpa while he wont eat and is saying crazy things. i need someone to help him, and im almost positive me being there would make no difference. it breaks my heart. but okay, time to be positive! and make cookies.)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Hello June
Hey everyone, thank you for your comments. For some reason I can't find a way to reply to them. But I love you and miss you all. :)
I'm actually at the office right now. But I figured I could take a second time update. I had a really nice weekend. Went to the beach and the mall. Another nomad, Lindsay, is here.
Right now I am working on booking still...it's not fun. And Kyo leaves tonight which is a bummer because we really got along. But now I have a friend who lives in South Korea, so thats cool.
This is a horrible post -- sorry! I promise a better one, soon!
I'm actually at the office right now. But I figured I could take a second time update. I had a really nice weekend. Went to the beach and the mall. Another nomad, Lindsay, is here.
Right now I am working on booking still...it's not fun. And Kyo leaves tonight which is a bummer because we really got along. But now I have a friend who lives in South Korea, so thats cool.
This is a horrible post -- sorry! I promise a better one, soon!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Mid-week Update
So, apparently my dad thinks I should update every day! Haha, I would but I feel like I am going to get repetitive in what I say.
Since Monday morning, I've been working at the office. The hours are 9-5 for right now but are probably going to be increasing to 9-9 because it's getting close to the launch of tour. What we are doing right now is just trying to set up screenings around the nation. (SO IF ANYONE KNOWS OF ANY CHURCHES, COMMUNITY GROUPS, ETC INTERESTED IN HOSTING...PAST THAT INFORMATION MY WAY!). I've been working on booking North Carolina and tomorrow I will move on to South Carolina. Booking is not easy...lots of phone calls, lots of e-mails, lots of rejection. It's frustrating because people are just so clueless about what is happening in North Korea so when you begin to explain it to them, they act as though you're lying. But it will all work out, and as soon as more nomads arrive it will be better because we'll have more people working. Also, when the nomads get here we'll start with some training and classes about the North Korean crisis. I'm excited about that because I feel like I will be much better prepared to go on the road and answer people's questions.
As of today, I am officially driving the LiNK van. I am on insurance and I've practiced. Today, Andy, taught me how to parallel park. Not going to lie...it was SO hard. But I think I will get better as I practice more and more. Or...I'll just find huge spots so it's easy for me to get in and out of.
I've spending a lot of time with Kyo. She's here from South Korea to volunteer for a week and a half. She's super nice and only 18. She somehow convinced her parents to let her fly to LA, alone. I love learning about South Korean culture and teaching her about US culture. She was translating something and it talked about a "chill spot" and she asked me why people would choose to go to a cold spot. Ahahahahahaaaa. Tonight she made me Korean food her mom sent her. It was rice, tuna, pork (none for me), seaweed paper, and some kind of leaves. It was all good..loved the seaweed paper wrapped around rice. Also, I watched the Glee Gaga episode with her last night and may have gotten her addicted to Glee. I think we're going to watch another episode tonight.
Overall, things are going really well. I need to find someway to fill my weekend...I have the van so I can go wherever but I dont know what to do in LA, or what's around! I'm a little nervous of driving so hopefully I can find places that are in walking distance. Cant wait for more nomads so we can go out and figure out the area together (mostly I just need someone to get out of the car while I parallel to make sure I dont hit any cars). But ya, all is well. And I'm in love with California weather <3
Since Monday morning, I've been working at the office. The hours are 9-5 for right now but are probably going to be increasing to 9-9 because it's getting close to the launch of tour. What we are doing right now is just trying to set up screenings around the nation. (SO IF ANYONE KNOWS OF ANY CHURCHES, COMMUNITY GROUPS, ETC INTERESTED IN HOSTING...PAST THAT INFORMATION MY WAY!). I've been working on booking North Carolina and tomorrow I will move on to South Carolina. Booking is not easy...lots of phone calls, lots of e-mails, lots of rejection. It's frustrating because people are just so clueless about what is happening in North Korea so when you begin to explain it to them, they act as though you're lying. But it will all work out, and as soon as more nomads arrive it will be better because we'll have more people working. Also, when the nomads get here we'll start with some training and classes about the North Korean crisis. I'm excited about that because I feel like I will be much better prepared to go on the road and answer people's questions.
As of today, I am officially driving the LiNK van. I am on insurance and I've practiced. Today, Andy, taught me how to parallel park. Not going to lie...it was SO hard. But I think I will get better as I practice more and more. Or...I'll just find huge spots so it's easy for me to get in and out of.
I've spending a lot of time with Kyo. She's here from South Korea to volunteer for a week and a half. She's super nice and only 18. She somehow convinced her parents to let her fly to LA, alone. I love learning about South Korean culture and teaching her about US culture. She was translating something and it talked about a "chill spot" and she asked me why people would choose to go to a cold spot. Ahahahahahaaaa. Tonight she made me Korean food her mom sent her. It was rice, tuna, pork (none for me), seaweed paper, and some kind of leaves. It was all good..loved the seaweed paper wrapped around rice. Also, I watched the Glee Gaga episode with her last night and may have gotten her addicted to Glee. I think we're going to watch another episode tonight.
Overall, things are going really well. I need to find someway to fill my weekend...I have the van so I can go wherever but I dont know what to do in LA, or what's around! I'm a little nervous of driving so hopefully I can find places that are in walking distance. Cant wait for more nomads so we can go out and figure out the area together (mostly I just need someone to get out of the car while I parallel to make sure I dont hit any cars). But ya, all is well. And I'm in love with California weather <3
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