no classes, again?

I am continually amazed by the number of days that I don't do any teaching. Yesterday I walked into my first period class as the traditional Korean music that serves as the bell "rang" and was surprised to find a completely empty classroom. I stayed, thinking maybe the students were delayed in homeroom, but no one ever showed up. At the end of the period I learned from my co-teacher that all 3rd graders had a practice exam of some sort so I had no classes to teach all day. I haven't taught a Wednesday class since September 17th. That was five weeks ago! Keep in mind that I only see my students once a week, which means I've only seen the Wednesday kids three times since I arrived here about seven weeks ago. As little as they've seen me, I would be surprised if these students even remember my name.

At least they all recognize me. Some say what they can whenever they see me, which usually entails a "Hello, how are you?" from me, with a "Hello, I am fine, and you?" from them. Many are too shy to say more even if they can. Sometimes when I ask how they're doing, students will run off laughing to their friends to find out how to respond, then come running back with the answer. They may be loud and don't always listen in class, but they do keep me amused :) On my way home on the bus today I was a couple stops away from school when I looked out the window and saw a few of my students standing at another bus stop at the same time they saw me. They all yelled "hello" and waved. It was pretty funny and several people on the bus laughed as I said hi and waved back before the bus pulled away.