7.05.2011

This is the stuff You use: Korea 13

Every day when I leave work I'm a little more grateful for this internship.

Last night after returning from dinner we ran into some of the other interns from parts of the program. We're spread out between various multinational corporations, law firms and courts around Seoul. Some are even located outside the metropolitan Seoul area. After just a brief discussion I realized just how perfect of an internship mine is.

Yes we work 9-6.

But that's better than 9-7 at the earliest.

Yes it's frustrating constantly being fussed over. Yes it's frustrating that unless I'm speaking to my mentor or co-intern conversations are halting and awkward as they attempt to cross the giant language barrier between us.

But that's better than having our coworkers take absolutely no interest in our existence. It's better than them ignoring us.

Yes it's frustrating that we have a good amount of work to do.

But that's better than being so drowned with work we can't see straight or having so little to do that we end up bored stiff.

Yes it's frustrating that I have to commute for an hour.

But at least my building comes complete with an aquarium, art exhibit, wax museum, food court, convenience store, bank, post office, florist, book store and multiple shopping options. Pictures to follow (when I get my camera to work)!

I truly am blessed to have this internship. It's prestigious. The people are nice. The work is valuable but not overwhelming.

Today while I was working this song came on:

And somehow it just seemed so perfect. Even though I hated this song the first time I heard it, it just seems to come on at moments when I need to hear this message the most. Suddenly that awkward lunch this afternoon, the silence in the office, the hour commute and the pages upon pages of Korean statutes didn't seem quite so bad. Suddenly I'm beyond blessed.
"This is the stuff that drives me crazy. This is the stuff that's getting to me lately. In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I'm blessed. This is the stuff that gets under my skin. But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing. It might not be what I would choose, but this is the stuff You use. So break me of impatience, conquer my frustrations. I've got a new appreciation: it's not the end of the world."
Francesca Battistelli, This is the Stuff lyrics.

1 comment: