By Country 모임 at the MC Center (Multicultural Center)

Naver translates 모임 as a meeting. That's what I thought it would be when I decided to attend. Unfortunately, Naver's definition and my own understanding turns out to be on a different page compared to the Koreans and the other people who showed up.

It turned out to be a very casual one, without much purpose but getting people sign up for the other upcoming activities. I'm not sure if the same thing happens with the other groups but it wasn't that really organized in this one.

First, in my book, a meeting should have an agenda. People should show up not just because of free food. The time, effort and funding to gather people should be maximized that it should be more beneficial not just for the people who attended but for others as well. After attending this one, I may not be that interested to do so next time. What's the point?

When I got there, they were doing some coloring. WT...okay, I think it's a good thing to do while waiting for me. hahaha...Kidding aside, I have no problem with that except that it went on until we finished the paper. In between that, there were a couple of people who dropped in to have us sign up for other upcoming activities. The staff also asked about what other programs we can suggest that we would be interested in. Someone suggested belly-dancing, a possible music class for their kids, and I even heard something about noraebang. The last one, seriously? I couldn't understand everything coz even if most of us were from the same country, I heard three different languages spoken during that meeting, not including myself who is more comfortable in English specially when I need to explain my self quickly.

Along with those topics were small individual chats between ourselves. I never got to know much coz I assume everyone knows each other and no introductions were made. I'm not sure if this the first time the the center arranged a so-called "meeting" but if it wasn't so, I won't be surprised why our group is not very much updated with the center's program. It's not just because there is a Vietnamese in the office, it's because we are not organized. If we become organized, we might have a chance for our voices be heard.

I am basically an idea person, and I don't think I can actually get some stuff going specially when it comes to people. If there's someone who is willing to come forward, I'd be willing to pitch in. The problem with my fellowmen is most of them would either just try to find job, usually as a factory worker in my current area. I only know of a few people who are actually invested on their future here. Factory work will not last long in this fast changing Korea.

I'll have to stop right here coz this topic will only lead me more to declining population, ageing population, national pension and all the other macroeconomic issues beyond my grey cells for now. I'll save these little grey cells from dissipating for the time being. Perhaps on another sunny day.