He is 58, South Korean, friendly and always smiling. Unfailingly he brightens up my day.
I don't know why, but he attached himself to me. Perhaps it is because he knows little English and others misunderstand him or poke a little harmless Canadian humor at him which he takes in good stride. I am patient with his attempts to be understood and hopes he gains a few words and their context from our meetings and conversations. I don't know why Joon came to Canada with his family. He spent 10 years in the army (you are required to serve 3) and he is a successful civil engineer. He worked for big Korean construction companies in Seoul, the last 3 years in Saudi Arabia. We both roar with laughter when he speaks his Korean accented Arabic to me. He is 8 months in Canada but cannot find a job here because of language. There are many civil engineering jobs in construction in Toronto, prospective employers are impressed with his resume but shy off when they conduct a phone interview and realize he speaks little recognizable English. He translates what he hears into an electronic Franklin Korean-English dictionary, retranslates into English and memorizes the resultant phrases. Hard work and may be not so effective. So he has worked hard at a heavy duty truck licence and is now certified to drive and operate virtually any large vehicle or heavy duty machinery. He has now realized that he isn't going anywhere without English and he has enrolled in a community college language course. Why am I telling you all this? Joon has been an inspiration to me with his determination, hard work and meeting all the challenges that come his way and they are many, as one more obstacle to be overcome. It makes me realize what a gift of language we Goans have that others do not and how much we do less while going through life than people like Joon do. One of these days I will understand why he left the comfort and security of of a prosperous life at home in a good country at his age to start anew in Canada. A good life in Canada to you Joon. Roland. Sent from Samsung Mobile
