I'm teaching in South Korea, and I signed up because I knew that this was probably going to be my only Christmas present. So I knew I was going to be happy with anything, and this was more then I could have ever expected.

My Secret Santa went out of her way to research me on the internet and find out my interests. Which was amazing since outside of my resume it can be hard to find out more then I like games.

I got the box at the start of my teaching day when I was getting ready for class. I knew that I couldn't go the whole day waiting and after reading the import slip I knew there was candy in there. So I waited for my super advanced class at the end of the day. I explained to the bilingual fourth grade students what they package was and who it was from. (I don't think they understood that a total stranger sent me presents from the internet.) I opened the box and there were four packages and a letter. First I opened the package that said 'A taste of home.' It was Dad's Root Beer Candy. I love root beer and you can only get it on the black market or at Costco here. It's so good and I shared it with many students who were curious and ever single one of them thought it was really strange. It's not a taste found in Korea but at least I know I can leave it at school for long days and know that the students won't take it from me :) I had to share it with the teachers after the students started going up to them and saying 'Teacher gave me beer candy!'. They were not sure what to think but agreed it wasn't beer flavored candy.

Next I opened the package labeled as something that I could take with me when I travel on and it's Kino's Journey. I've heard of it but haven't watched it. I will have to put it on my ipad when I go to Thailand for Christmas.

After that I opened a small box labeled as something I can play with my coworkers. It's a two player board game called Rise. I've never heard of it but it was recommend by Father Geek who I follow on G+.

I knew the last one was a book and I picked it up and it was a big book! I'm a traveler so big paperbacks are nice to have around. Especially since I need some good reads for when I got to South Africa in a few months to set up AfrikaBurn. It's a manga which imminently when I said that word all my students were excited to see a comic book and gave me the 'boo teacher it's from Japan look.' It looks awesome from flipping through it and will be tagging along on my Christmas trip.

Last there was an envelope that told me I should open it last. I was so touched by what she wrote. She talked about her love of travel and how much effort she put into finding the perfect gifts. I was so touched that a total stranger put so much effort into finding out about me and figuring out things that I will enjoy.

Thank you, and watch your mail box there's a thank you gift coming your way.