Finally back on track: My Impending Journey to Korea

A week after sending out a gazillion resumes to China, Japan, and Taiwan, I am finally back on track to go to South Korea.  I was really trying to convince myself that I would be happy teaching anywhere in Asia, but something kept pulling me back to Korea.  I still haven't been rejected, wait-listed, nor confirmed for EPIK.  I didn't know if or when I would be placed with them.  After a slight melt down and a calm re-evaluation of my situation, I decided (with the help of Mysti) that I would wait for Korea.

As I stated in my previous post, the problem is that I don't have another FBI Criminal Background Check (CBC) and it takes three months to get it.  So I went and got another set of fingerprints and expressed mailed another request to the FBI.  Although it seemed like a long shot, I contacted another recruiter to look at my options.  To my surprise, I was told that I could use a copy of my FBI CBC as long as I got it notarized and Apostille!  Also, we looked at the possibility of getting my documents back from EPIK and have them sent to the new provincial office where I was applying.

I just want to explain how fast everything happened because I've been dealing with my EPIK application since April!  This all started Tuesday, just two days ago!

• I had an interview with the recruiting agency on Tuesday night and sent them a copy of my entire EPIK package.  
• Several hours later, I received a message, which had my interview time with the Chungnam Education Office (the actual employer).  I found out in the morning that Chungnam office had contacted EPIK to get my documents.  This prompted an immediate email from my first recruiter asking for an explanation.
• I had a slight panic attack because I didn't want both places to reject my application for using two recruiters.  Then Mysti calmed me down.  I had already explained my situation to my new recruiter and he was fine with it.
• Last night (Wednesday), I had a 20 minute interview and I explained the EPIK situation again.  She didn't have a problem with it (PHEW!).  Another 20 minutes later, I was offered the job.  
• My new recruiter is sending my Contract and Notice of Appointment tonight (tomorrow morning in Korea)!
• After the interview, I emailed my first recruiter to withdraw my EPIK application and get the contact information for the EPIK coordinator in charge of my file.
• I received the contact information (to my surprise).  I am grateful to them because they didn't have to help me after I withdrew my application.
• I emailed EPIK and asked for my documents to be sent to the Chungnam Education Office.  Now, I wait.
• I emailed my references for another original letter of recommendation and received confirmation from both.  Thank you, Gary Vogt and Dr. Peter Hunt.  You two are lifesavers!!!
• I just got the copy of my FBI CBC notarized!  And now I need to get it Apostille.

My big fear is that something else will go wrong and I will have to start this process all over again.  But if all goes well, I should be boarding a plane for Seoul in about a week (depending on how long it takes for me to get my visa).

Oh right, can't forget about my life lesson!  This is what I've learned (or re-learned) in the last couple of days.  Life doesn't happen the way you plan. But if you want something bad enough, never settle for anything less.  Eventually, it will all work out.  I may still run into road blocks ahead and I may not make it to Korea in the next couple of weeks.  Even if that happens, I will be patient and flexible.  I will eventually make it to Korea!