The nursery was quiet and still. No sounds echoed in the darkened corridors of the Home. A place that was normally teeming with the activities and shouts of dozens of children now seemed unnatural in its peace and calm. It was Thanksgiving Day and all of the children had been taken to various places for the holiday meal. Some to volunteer families' homes, some to homes of the employees of the Home, and others to a local church's dinner. Everyone had been given a chance to experience the expressions of thanksgiving and love, everyone except one.
Far down the hallway in the last room on the right, an enclosed bed sat tucked away in the corner, its occupant seemingly forgotten. No noise came from the bed apart from an occasional grunt and a shifting sound. After a time, the sound of heels striking against the hardwood floor of the hallway approached the room, breaking the heavy silence. Two aides came into the room and crossed to the bed. "Hey Buddy," crooned the shorter of the two, "How are you?" She stroked the rigid hand clenched tightly against the chest. Vacant eyes stared up at the women. "His meds are due in about 10 minutes or so," said the other aide, looking at a log chart. "Do you really want to stay here the whole time with him Dani? We could just give him his medicine and then go eat those Turkey day dinners they donated to the Home. We can watch him in the monitors and hanging out in the common room wouldn't be so bad." "No thanks Anna. You go on home to your family. I don't mind staying here with him until the other kids get back." replied Dani, reaching out to cover the spastic legs with a fleece blanket. "O.K. Call if you need anything." The echo of Anna's footsteps gradually receded down the hall, leaving Dani alone with her charge. She lowered the metal railing and bent over the stiff figure that was rocking slightly. "Come on Anto, let's get you some Thanksgiving dinner."
Twenty minutes later, Dani had completed the arduous task of wrestling the rigid boy into a eating chair, strapping down his flailing extremities, and securing a bib of twice the normal size around his neck. "Alright mister, here's your very own turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes with gravy, pureed to especial perfection." Dani inserted the first bite of the gooey mixture into the gaping mouth and waited for Anto to register that something was actually in there. Presently, the gumming and grinding began and Dani patiently began the long process of feeding Anto. Again she put more food into his mouth and again most of it fell out or was spit out, only to be scooped up and put back yet again. At last, the pains-taking ordeal was done and after the equally challenging job of changing the boy's diaper, Dani settled into a rocker with Anto who seemed like a over-sized baby with his long thin legs and big round head. As she rocked, Anto doubled up his legs and began to giggle softly. "Poor sweet boy," murmured Dani against his head. "They all thought you'd just be too much trouble for anyone to deal with...that their meal would be too disrupted by your neediness." A tear slid down Dani's cheek as she hugged the little boy tighter. "But they just don't know how much they are missing. The blessings that they could have received and been thankful for. The ones that I am thankful for." Dani rubbed Anto's back. "On this Thanksgiving Day Anto, I want to say thank you for being the miracle that you are. For showing me that there is so much more to life than the normal parameters allow. I know you will never be able to express any gratitude or love so here's mine for you." She bent down to lay place a kiss on Anto's cheek as he rocked himself in her lap, grunting and making other odd noises. Dani continued to rock even after Anto fell asleep and even as the sounds of returning people began to filter into the room. Finally, as the shadows lengthened across the room, the rocker slowed to a stop. Laying her cheek against Anto's, whispered words fell from Dani's lips.
"Thanksgiving is a time of cheer
To celebrate the warmth
Of family so near
But not for you.
It's a time of plenty
Where food, love, and laughter
Are shared by many
But not for you.
Thanks is given for much
And many prayers are said
For blessings and such
But not for you.
But in the heavens above
The mighty angels sing songs
Of pure joy and love
And it's all for you."
Dani rose and lifted Anto back into his railed bed. Tenderly covering him with his blankets, she bent down, put her lips against his ear and spoke three more words; "Happy Thanksgiving Anto."
Many of us have fond memories of Thanksgiving Day; I know I do anyway. The family, friends, fellowship, and of course, the food! This past Sunday I participated in a church Thanksgiving meal and was privileged to lead the congregation in singing "For the Beauty of the Earth". In one of the verses, it talks about the joy of human love "brother, sister, parent, child". As I was getting ready to go up and play, I started thinking about all those who don't know the joy of human love or have no family to be thankful for. I know I have been feeling a few pangs of loneliness because I am not able to be with the ones I love this Thanksgiving, but imagine if you had no one to miss and no one to miss you. I pondered over the unfairness-why it is that so many have this fate, particularly those who are less lovable. The boy in the story is just fiction but the reality is real; we pass over those who are unable to express love and gratitude more easily because it seems like a waste to expend emotion on them and because we believe they won't miss it anyways. But justification of neglect always falls flat. It got me thinking; what if families focused outward instead of inward at Thanksgiving? What if they opened up their circles to include the fatherless, the neglected, the handicapped? Isn't that the point of thanksgiving anyways? To give thanks, not just in word but in deed. By letting our gratitude for our blessings spill out and into the lives of others. Anto had someone who was like that for him, but what of all the others? The mentally and physically handicapped orphans of Eastern Europe who lay tied to their beds for days, months, years. The starving orphans of North Korea, their swollen bellies never having known a real meal. The special needs children languishing in hospitals and hospices of affluent North America because no one wants to shoulder the burden of their care. The kids in the projects of North Tulsa whose lives are filled with violence and broken homes. Who will be the ones to pour themselves out for the least of these?
So, my prayer for all of you, my family and friends, is that this would be an action oriented Thanksgiving. Let's not just give thanks on Thanksgiving, let's LIVE thanks.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Erika's Gift
There once was an ordinary little girl who lived in a very ordinary world and did many ordinary things. One day, she was walking along when she happened upon a small silver box. "How curious," she thought, as she knelt down to pick it up. On the box was a white tag which read "Open me and receive a gift that will bring joy and pain, suffering and sorrow, sweetness and delight. Keep me closed and remain safe from all." She shivered with anticipation at the descriptions of goodness, cringed at the words of harshness.
She considered a long while, then with a quick motion removed the bow topped lid. "Oh how dreadfully disappointing. There's nothing inside." She stared down into the empty box for a moment and then replaced the lid and put the box back where she found it. "I should have known it would be nothing because nothing exciting or extraordinary ever happens to me," she thought as she walked away.
Time passed and the little girl grew into a young woman. She continued to live a very ordinary life filled with ordinary tasks like washing pile after pile of dirty dishes, tending to the needs of small children, cooking and baking endless meals, and dozens of other household chores. And despite her busyness, she also found time for ordinary volunteering and education.
Late one night as she lay in her bed drowsily considering all that lay before her the next day, a light suddenly appeared in the room. Startled, she looked up to see a beautiful lady dressed in white gazing at her with intense eyes and a gentle smile. "Who are you? What do you wha-," the girl began, but as she was forming the questions, the lady held up her hand. "I know you have many questions about me. There is a time and place for questions but now is not the time. My errand has one concern only and that is you." "Me? I am the reason you are here?" queried the girl curiously. "Yes. I am here to help you See," the lady of beauty answered. "See? I can see fine,"came the girl's quick defensive reply. "You can only see what you perceive is reality. I am here to help you see what is true and real. The Dimension of Truth we call it. I will take you there now."
The room began to spin and soon it was whirling so fast the girl was afraid she might be sick. But then the motion suddenly slowed and through the haze, the girl could perceive prism like lights and shadowy forms which gradually became various people and colors as her focus grew. As she gazed around her, the girl could see bright gems shimmering in the inside of all the people around her. There was a strangely familiar feel to the whole atmosphere and as she focused more, she began to recognize the people as her family and friends. "What is happening?" she asked. "Why do they all have those precious gems inside them?" "You put them there," the beautiful lady said smilingly. "Me? No, no, I couldn't have. You must be confused," said the girl in a state of bewilderment. "No, it was you and only you," the lady reiterated with a small laugh. "But, how? I am just an ordinary girl without any special powers or extraordinary gifts," stammered the confused girl. "Oh, but you do have a gift, a very special and powerful one. Think back to the day you found a mysterious box and the inscription on that box which described all the risks and delights of its contents. You opened the box knowing that the gift would bring those things and yet you were willing to accept this double sided offering. You thought the box was empty but in fact, that day you DID receive a gift. One that is not perceptible to the ordinary senses. It is called The Compassionate Servant's Heart. Look down. You can see it now." The girl looked down at the area where her heart was located and there, gleaming with an inner glow, was an exquisite gem sparkling with myriads of colors. She gasped in amazement. "I never knew it was there" she whispered, gazing in rapt wonder. "Those who have the gift never do know" said the lady. "They are always too busy giving it away to notice what a treasure they really have." "I have been giving away my gift without ever having the knowledge of its possession?" asked the girl, still trying to understand. "Yes, and therein lies the real beauty and power of this gift. Because the possessor is unaware of their gift, they constantly give it away through the smallest of actions and the most insignificant of words. Watch now and see what the power of your gift has done."
The girl directed her attention in the direction the beautiful woman pointed and as she watched, scenes from her life began to unfold. But now she saw them through unveiled eyes and she stared as she saw the glittering diamonds drip from her fingers into the sudsy dishwater, extraordinary rubies with heart shapes explode from her chest into others as she hugged them, fed them, and gave them medicine, baths, and all forms of love and care, breathtakingly shaped sapphires and topaz stones roll from her tongue as she sang songs at work or to small ears. In the dull, gray landscape of her life, the colors of her gift began to so transform and change it that soon the shimmer and sparkle was hard to bear. But as she looked on with a feeling of intense pleasure, the girl started to feel sharp jabs of pain. "Oh, what is that pain?" she gasped, stunned by its force. "Now you are feeling both sides of your gift. In its impartation, sometimes the gift will cost you great pain and sorrow. At times it must be given in the most humbling and lowliest of circumstances. The Compassionate Servant's Heart has to be broken sometimes in order for you to bestow it," explained the lady with a sympathetic look. The girl, bowed by the intensity of suffering, wished silently that she had never opened the box, never accepted this wonderful gift with its terrible responsibility. But as she considered a life without her gift, she remembered the colorless landscape and lifeless faces which had preceded it. "No I would not change it, even to give myself a better life or situation, free of pain and subservient duties. If I can help bring but a little change to the world around me with my gift, then it is worth all the unpleasantness to gain the pleasure." "You have chosen wisely," a silvery voice said as the air began to swirl and swim around her.
Dawn was breaking as the girl sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes wearily. "That was not a restful night," she thought. "I can't remember any of my dream but it must have been a real adventure because I'm exhausted!" The girl got up and began to go about her usual ordinary tasks but unconsciously there was an extra tenderness in her touch, softness in her voice, and eagerness in her service. And even though the girl never remembered the dream or the beautiful lady who had helped her See, the lingering effects of that subconscious knowledge continue to impact and be felt by all those around her. And I am one of them.
This story was written as a tribute to my sister Erika, whose birthday it happens to be today. She is the possessor of a Compassionate Servant's Heart and I can't think of all the ways in which she has blessed me and many others by her loving heart, crinkly-eyed smile and infectious laugh, her service, and her joyous spirit. All those who know her love her and this is the reason: because the compassionate servant heart of the Savior, Jesus, beats inside her. I know this probably better than most because I was her roommate (and restless bunk mate) for many years. That alone is testimony of her gracious heart! Erika is not only a sister to me, she is also a best friend, a true companion, and best of all, a sister in Christ. She is one of a kind and I just want to say "Happy, Happy Birthday to you Erk! I love you and miss you more than I will ever let on."
She considered a long while, then with a quick motion removed the bow topped lid. "Oh how dreadfully disappointing. There's nothing inside." She stared down into the empty box for a moment and then replaced the lid and put the box back where she found it. "I should have known it would be nothing because nothing exciting or extraordinary ever happens to me," she thought as she walked away.
Time passed and the little girl grew into a young woman. She continued to live a very ordinary life filled with ordinary tasks like washing pile after pile of dirty dishes, tending to the needs of small children, cooking and baking endless meals, and dozens of other household chores. And despite her busyness, she also found time for ordinary volunteering and education.
Late one night as she lay in her bed drowsily considering all that lay before her the next day, a light suddenly appeared in the room. Startled, she looked up to see a beautiful lady dressed in white gazing at her with intense eyes and a gentle smile. "Who are you? What do you wha-," the girl began, but as she was forming the questions, the lady held up her hand. "I know you have many questions about me. There is a time and place for questions but now is not the time. My errand has one concern only and that is you." "Me? I am the reason you are here?" queried the girl curiously. "Yes. I am here to help you See," the lady of beauty answered. "See? I can see fine,"came the girl's quick defensive reply. "You can only see what you perceive is reality. I am here to help you see what is true and real. The Dimension of Truth we call it. I will take you there now."
The room began to spin and soon it was whirling so fast the girl was afraid she might be sick. But then the motion suddenly slowed and through the haze, the girl could perceive prism like lights and shadowy forms which gradually became various people and colors as her focus grew. As she gazed around her, the girl could see bright gems shimmering in the inside of all the people around her. There was a strangely familiar feel to the whole atmosphere and as she focused more, she began to recognize the people as her family and friends. "What is happening?" she asked. "Why do they all have those precious gems inside them?" "You put them there," the beautiful lady said smilingly. "Me? No, no, I couldn't have. You must be confused," said the girl in a state of bewilderment. "No, it was you and only you," the lady reiterated with a small laugh. "But, how? I am just an ordinary girl without any special powers or extraordinary gifts," stammered the confused girl. "Oh, but you do have a gift, a very special and powerful one. Think back to the day you found a mysterious box and the inscription on that box which described all the risks and delights of its contents. You opened the box knowing that the gift would bring those things and yet you were willing to accept this double sided offering. You thought the box was empty but in fact, that day you DID receive a gift. One that is not perceptible to the ordinary senses. It is called The Compassionate Servant's Heart. Look down. You can see it now." The girl looked down at the area where her heart was located and there, gleaming with an inner glow, was an exquisite gem sparkling with myriads of colors. She gasped in amazement. "I never knew it was there" she whispered, gazing in rapt wonder. "Those who have the gift never do know" said the lady. "They are always too busy giving it away to notice what a treasure they really have." "I have been giving away my gift without ever having the knowledge of its possession?" asked the girl, still trying to understand. "Yes, and therein lies the real beauty and power of this gift. Because the possessor is unaware of their gift, they constantly give it away through the smallest of actions and the most insignificant of words. Watch now and see what the power of your gift has done."
The girl directed her attention in the direction the beautiful woman pointed and as she watched, scenes from her life began to unfold. But now she saw them through unveiled eyes and she stared as she saw the glittering diamonds drip from her fingers into the sudsy dishwater, extraordinary rubies with heart shapes explode from her chest into others as she hugged them, fed them, and gave them medicine, baths, and all forms of love and care, breathtakingly shaped sapphires and topaz stones roll from her tongue as she sang songs at work or to small ears. In the dull, gray landscape of her life, the colors of her gift began to so transform and change it that soon the shimmer and sparkle was hard to bear. But as she looked on with a feeling of intense pleasure, the girl started to feel sharp jabs of pain. "Oh, what is that pain?" she gasped, stunned by its force. "Now you are feeling both sides of your gift. In its impartation, sometimes the gift will cost you great pain and sorrow. At times it must be given in the most humbling and lowliest of circumstances. The Compassionate Servant's Heart has to be broken sometimes in order for you to bestow it," explained the lady with a sympathetic look. The girl, bowed by the intensity of suffering, wished silently that she had never opened the box, never accepted this wonderful gift with its terrible responsibility. But as she considered a life without her gift, she remembered the colorless landscape and lifeless faces which had preceded it. "No I would not change it, even to give myself a better life or situation, free of pain and subservient duties. If I can help bring but a little change to the world around me with my gift, then it is worth all the unpleasantness to gain the pleasure." "You have chosen wisely," a silvery voice said as the air began to swirl and swim around her.
Dawn was breaking as the girl sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes wearily. "That was not a restful night," she thought. "I can't remember any of my dream but it must have been a real adventure because I'm exhausted!" The girl got up and began to go about her usual ordinary tasks but unconsciously there was an extra tenderness in her touch, softness in her voice, and eagerness in her service. And even though the girl never remembered the dream or the beautiful lady who had helped her See, the lingering effects of that subconscious knowledge continue to impact and be felt by all those around her. And I am one of them.
This story was written as a tribute to my sister Erika, whose birthday it happens to be today. She is the possessor of a Compassionate Servant's Heart and I can't think of all the ways in which she has blessed me and many others by her loving heart, crinkly-eyed smile and infectious laugh, her service, and her joyous spirit. All those who know her love her and this is the reason: because the compassionate servant heart of the Savior, Jesus, beats inside her. I know this probably better than most because I was her roommate (and restless bunk mate) for many years. That alone is testimony of her gracious heart! Erika is not only a sister to me, she is also a best friend, a true companion, and best of all, a sister in Christ. She is one of a kind and I just want to say "Happy, Happy Birthday to you Erk! I love you and miss you more than I will ever let on."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Happy Birthday Jonah!
Today is my "little" brother Jonah's birthday. I don't really have anything unique or clever to say, just that I'm so glad he's my brother and that he celebrates 17 years of life with my family today. I remember back when my mom was pregnant with Jo and found out what she was having. She gathered us around and said "We're going to have another 'wave rider' (our nickname for Noah, the first boy after 4 girls) !" We were all so excited. Then, when he was born, we found out he should have been dubbed "wave maker" because that's what he did. He created huge waves of turmoil by his emergency entrance into the world (due to placental abruption) And afterward, Mom was in a state of shock over this big baby with the huge head and huge eyes that looked so different from all the rest of us. And now that cute baby has turned into a handsome young man with killer dimples in cheeks and chin.
But just like the way he came into the world with a bang, I believe Jonah is going to be a "wave maker" in the world. He sometimes reminds me of the apostle Peter, who was impulsive and passionate, often speaking before thinking and acting on the best of intentions but ending in disaster. And like Peter, Jo may have to learn some hard lessons - the hard way - before he is fit to do the work God has for him. But I believe that Jonah will grow in God and become a man who serves the Lord with all his might. A man who will do great things for the Kingdom and be a real "wave maker" for the glory of the Father.
So, in that vein, I just want to say "Keep going hard after God Jonah. Take that impulsive nature and use it to serve God impulsively. Be passionate about the things of God. Happy Birthday JO-JO! I Love You!!
But just like the way he came into the world with a bang, I believe Jonah is going to be a "wave maker" in the world. He sometimes reminds me of the apostle Peter, who was impulsive and passionate, often speaking before thinking and acting on the best of intentions but ending in disaster. And like Peter, Jo may have to learn some hard lessons - the hard way - before he is fit to do the work God has for him. But I believe that Jonah will grow in God and become a man who serves the Lord with all his might. A man who will do great things for the Kingdom and be a real "wave maker" for the glory of the Father.
So, in that vein, I just want to say "Keep going hard after God Jonah. Take that impulsive nature and use it to serve God impulsively. Be passionate about the things of God. Happy Birthday JO-JO! I Love You!!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Of a conference, a race, and a day at church.
Hello to everyone! I hope all is well in your lives and hearts. The month of October is already half-way over! I can't believe it! The time here is flying by.
Well, as it has been noted before, "Adventures first, explanations take such a long time." (Alice in Wonderland)
So, I'll start with a brief rundown on what's been going on. First, October 3rd was Chuseok (a Korean national holiday). Second, last week-end held two separate special events; a conference on Friday evening and Saturday for the Dongshin English congregation and on Sunday, a 10K race which I ran in and finished in a little under 48 min. (not a great time but there was an incident which affected my time significantly). Third, today at church was great with a general meeting of all the Korean small groups and afterwards good fellowship with 3 friends at a fantastic coffee shop. Lastly, I bought a bike tonight and took my first ride (and first spill) on it. Well, that's the short of it. It's late here so I think I'll save this draft and write the long of it tomorrow. And you can stop reading if you like highlights and dislike details.
Ok, so here goes. The Chuseok holidays took place the first week-end of October and basically that is Memorial Day and Thanksgiving Day rolled into one holiday for the Koreans. It's pretty significant to them and alot of them dress up in han-bok (traditional dress) and everyone travels to ancestoral gravesites and performs gratitude rites. The way it was explained to me is this: the Koreans honor their ancestors by showing them gratitude for the current prosperity. This is done by bringing gifts to leave at the grave site and bowing a special formal bow to the grave. Respect and honoring people of higher positions, especially the dead, is of great importance to the Koreans, so this tradition is a big deal and everyone does it on or near Chuseok. On the same note, I'll share a humorous story about when I asked my oldest students about the New Year's holiday here in Korea. Bart became very animated and said "I go to my grandfather's house and do this" then he got down on his knees along with Tim and they bowed down with their hands stretched out in front of them. I was shocked (and also amused, though I hid my laughter) and asked "Why do you bow to your grandfather?" All the students began answering at once and from the babble I managed to decipher that this is a special bow to show deep respect and when children do it to their parents or grandparents on New Year's Day, they then receive some kind of gift or money. Later, I told my Korean co-teacher about what they said and she laughed really hard when I told her they had physically demonstrated for me. Then she said, "But when you get older, you have to make the bow to your parents and give THEM a gift or money!" So, it pays to be children or older parents or grandparents here.
October 9th and 10th was a church retreat/conference for the English service that I attend. I went out with a group at 10:30 p.m. on Friday night to the Mu-Hak chapel in the mountains outside Daegu. We got there in time for the last half of the first session with the main speaker. He was a Korean who had moved with his family to New York at the age of eight and was fluent in both languages. His personality was very passionate/exuberant and his messages and doctrine were excellent. The first session was on the Lord's Prayer which I only got to hear some of but it was really good. The second session was the one that really grabbed my attention though. It was on the purpose and calling of our lives and I felt like I was listening to a Korean-accented John Piper most of the time. Indeed, he quoted Piper several times thoughout the conference. But what he said that impacted me the most was this. "God doesn't need you to do what you think is your "calling". He can use anyone or anything for that matter to get the job done. What your true calling and primary purpose really is, is to love and glorify Christ. It is not what you do to serve, it is belonging to and finding your existance in Christ." So often I forget that what I am doing is secondary, that it is not my 'calling' but merely the vocation which has resulted FROM my calling, i.e. to belong to God completely, heart, soul, mind, and strength. I needed that reminder that God DOESN'T NEED ME. He graciously allows me to be part of His work and plan. The final session was on repentance and was likewise very insightful and deep. We also had workshops on various topics. The one I chose was the one on 'Waiting' headed up by a girl named Elise. It was a time for some great thoughts and discussion. We camped out on the wooden floors of various rooms on Friday night after a fantastic bonfire (at 12:30 a.m.) which included some fun and worship songs and roasting marshmallows on chopsticks! All in all, it was a wonderful time and I was blessed to be a part of it.
On Sunday after the conference, I headed over to the Dalgubul 10K race at 9:00 a.m. It was kind of weird to see so many Koreans out for this relatively small race (at least I thought, maybe it wasn't). I almost never see Koreans out running but they all look fit anyways so they probably don't even have to train. The course was on a wide dirt/gravel trail along a river (not sure which one) and it was flat and dusty. As I was running the race, several Koreans standing along the trail or passing alongside would say to me "Pighting!!" and once as I passed a water station, they called out "America! America! Good! Pighting!!" It was so nice to be encouraged by perfect strangers in another language when I felt so out of place (being the only foreigner among hundreds). I finished in halfway decent time but had an GI related incident which was not so great and which I will not detail. Afterwards, I was presented with a medal which a smiling Korean hung around my neck. As I was sitting in a chair near a table, a group of Koreans began to beckon to me and invited me to join them for some post-race fare. I thanked them and accepted, whereupon I was promptly given a plate of tofu and kimchi, along with a huge bowl of Makeli (traditional Korean rice wine). Although I was hesitant at first, due to their motions and requests to drink, I finally tried a sip. To my surprise, it tasted rather sweet and not hardly alcoholic at all. I drank about half the bowl and ate some tofu but mostly just stuck with water, which is what I prefer after running a race. I left soon after, walking almost twenty minutes before locating a bus stop. After getting home, I took a nice soak in a hot shower and crashed.
Finally, yesterday was church again and as usual, I was blessed by the warm inclusiveness of my Korean friends. After the main Korean young adult service, they had a big meeting for all the small groups in which they had small cups of fried chicken chunks and spicy egg sandwiches. Then, when that meeting was over, my small group got together and shared prayer requests and prayed together. Once our prayer time was finished, Jo Hyung Chul, Ji-Yung, and another girl whose name is difficult to transliterate, and I went out to a coffee shop called "Hands Coffee" for some more hang time. It's so cool to be around these guys because they are so willing, even eager to answer my questions about Korean language and cultural dos and don'ts. They seem to have fun teaching a Migukun chingu their language. I think that it may be in part because they feel uncomfortable and clumsy with the English language and it makes them feel better to know that I feel that way too and also I think they are glad someone wants to hang out with them and learn their language. We were going over body parts like hand (son), foot (bal), leg (da-lee), arm (pal), ear (kwee), mouth (eep), etc. and also they taught me the correct usages of some words I had heard in conversation. We had some wicked good coffee while we talked and then they dropped me off at the subway station with promises of bowling next week. I can't wait!
Well, this has been a longer post than I planned and I apologize for that. If you read this far, you are truly my friends (or perhaps a little insane or just gluttons for punishment). In any case, I thank you for your patience and time with my long-winded tales.
My prayer requests are:
1. That I would constantly be reminded of what my true calling and purpose in life is
2. That I would stay in good health. Sickness has been making its rounds among the teachers.
3. That I would use my time here wisely and profitably to serve and better equip myself for future service.
4. That my language skills would continue to grow and improve and that I would be diligent in applying myself to learning quickly and in every way I can.
Thanks so much! I love and miss you all!
Faithfully, V
Well, as it has been noted before, "Adventures first, explanations take such a long time." (Alice in Wonderland)
So, I'll start with a brief rundown on what's been going on. First, October 3rd was Chuseok (a Korean national holiday). Second, last week-end held two separate special events; a conference on Friday evening and Saturday for the Dongshin English congregation and on Sunday, a 10K race which I ran in and finished in a little under 48 min. (not a great time but there was an incident which affected my time significantly). Third, today at church was great with a general meeting of all the Korean small groups and afterwards good fellowship with 3 friends at a fantastic coffee shop. Lastly, I bought a bike tonight and took my first ride (and first spill) on it. Well, that's the short of it. It's late here so I think I'll save this draft and write the long of it tomorrow. And you can stop reading if you like highlights and dislike details.
Ok, so here goes. The Chuseok holidays took place the first week-end of October and basically that is Memorial Day and Thanksgiving Day rolled into one holiday for the Koreans. It's pretty significant to them and alot of them dress up in han-bok (traditional dress) and everyone travels to ancestoral gravesites and performs gratitude rites. The way it was explained to me is this: the Koreans honor their ancestors by showing them gratitude for the current prosperity. This is done by bringing gifts to leave at the grave site and bowing a special formal bow to the grave. Respect and honoring people of higher positions, especially the dead, is of great importance to the Koreans, so this tradition is a big deal and everyone does it on or near Chuseok. On the same note, I'll share a humorous story about when I asked my oldest students about the New Year's holiday here in Korea. Bart became very animated and said "I go to my grandfather's house and do this" then he got down on his knees along with Tim and they bowed down with their hands stretched out in front of them. I was shocked (and also amused, though I hid my laughter) and asked "Why do you bow to your grandfather?" All the students began answering at once and from the babble I managed to decipher that this is a special bow to show deep respect and when children do it to their parents or grandparents on New Year's Day, they then receive some kind of gift or money. Later, I told my Korean co-teacher about what they said and she laughed really hard when I told her they had physically demonstrated for me. Then she said, "But when you get older, you have to make the bow to your parents and give THEM a gift or money!" So, it pays to be children or older parents or grandparents here.
October 9th and 10th was a church retreat/conference for the English service that I attend. I went out with a group at 10:30 p.m. on Friday night to the Mu-Hak chapel in the mountains outside Daegu. We got there in time for the last half of the first session with the main speaker. He was a Korean who had moved with his family to New York at the age of eight and was fluent in both languages. His personality was very passionate/exuberant and his messages and doctrine were excellent. The first session was on the Lord's Prayer which I only got to hear some of but it was really good. The second session was the one that really grabbed my attention though. It was on the purpose and calling of our lives and I felt like I was listening to a Korean-accented John Piper most of the time. Indeed, he quoted Piper several times thoughout the conference. But what he said that impacted me the most was this. "God doesn't need you to do what you think is your "calling". He can use anyone or anything for that matter to get the job done. What your true calling and primary purpose really is, is to love and glorify Christ. It is not what you do to serve, it is belonging to and finding your existance in Christ." So often I forget that what I am doing is secondary, that it is not my 'calling' but merely the vocation which has resulted FROM my calling, i.e. to belong to God completely, heart, soul, mind, and strength. I needed that reminder that God DOESN'T NEED ME. He graciously allows me to be part of His work and plan. The final session was on repentance and was likewise very insightful and deep. We also had workshops on various topics. The one I chose was the one on 'Waiting' headed up by a girl named Elise. It was a time for some great thoughts and discussion. We camped out on the wooden floors of various rooms on Friday night after a fantastic bonfire (at 12:30 a.m.) which included some fun and worship songs and roasting marshmallows on chopsticks! All in all, it was a wonderful time and I was blessed to be a part of it.
On Sunday after the conference, I headed over to the Dalgubul 10K race at 9:00 a.m. It was kind of weird to see so many Koreans out for this relatively small race (at least I thought, maybe it wasn't). I almost never see Koreans out running but they all look fit anyways so they probably don't even have to train. The course was on a wide dirt/gravel trail along a river (not sure which one) and it was flat and dusty. As I was running the race, several Koreans standing along the trail or passing alongside would say to me "Pighting!!" and once as I passed a water station, they called out "America! America! Good! Pighting!!" It was so nice to be encouraged by perfect strangers in another language when I felt so out of place (being the only foreigner among hundreds). I finished in halfway decent time but had an GI related incident which was not so great and which I will not detail. Afterwards, I was presented with a medal which a smiling Korean hung around my neck. As I was sitting in a chair near a table, a group of Koreans began to beckon to me and invited me to join them for some post-race fare. I thanked them and accepted, whereupon I was promptly given a plate of tofu and kimchi, along with a huge bowl of Makeli (traditional Korean rice wine). Although I was hesitant at first, due to their motions and requests to drink, I finally tried a sip. To my surprise, it tasted rather sweet and not hardly alcoholic at all. I drank about half the bowl and ate some tofu but mostly just stuck with water, which is what I prefer after running a race. I left soon after, walking almost twenty minutes before locating a bus stop. After getting home, I took a nice soak in a hot shower and crashed.
Finally, yesterday was church again and as usual, I was blessed by the warm inclusiveness of my Korean friends. After the main Korean young adult service, they had a big meeting for all the small groups in which they had small cups of fried chicken chunks and spicy egg sandwiches. Then, when that meeting was over, my small group got together and shared prayer requests and prayed together. Once our prayer time was finished, Jo Hyung Chul, Ji-Yung, and another girl whose name is difficult to transliterate, and I went out to a coffee shop called "Hands Coffee" for some more hang time. It's so cool to be around these guys because they are so willing, even eager to answer my questions about Korean language and cultural dos and don'ts. They seem to have fun teaching a Migukun chingu their language. I think that it may be in part because they feel uncomfortable and clumsy with the English language and it makes them feel better to know that I feel that way too and also I think they are glad someone wants to hang out with them and learn their language. We were going over body parts like hand (son), foot (bal), leg (da-lee), arm (pal), ear (kwee), mouth (eep), etc. and also they taught me the correct usages of some words I had heard in conversation. We had some wicked good coffee while we talked and then they dropped me off at the subway station with promises of bowling next week. I can't wait!
Well, this has been a longer post than I planned and I apologize for that. If you read this far, you are truly my friends (or perhaps a little insane or just gluttons for punishment). In any case, I thank you for your patience and time with my long-winded tales.
My prayer requests are:
1. That I would constantly be reminded of what my true calling and purpose in life is
2. That I would stay in good health. Sickness has been making its rounds among the teachers.
3. That I would use my time here wisely and profitably to serve and better equip myself for future service.
4. That my language skills would continue to grow and improve and that I would be diligent in applying myself to learning quickly and in every way I can.
Thanks so much! I love and miss you all!
Faithfully, V
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Its the small things in life
I have made a discovery. I know its nothing new or original but for me, it's a potent reminder. I have discovered that when your memories get triggered by certain stimuli, it is usually not the ones you think would be very moving or momentous...certainly wouldn't make a good flashback movie. The things you remember are often chores you did day after day, or meals you ate day after day, not to mention the familiar scenery that you were surrounded by for so many years, that seemed so mundane and boring. But what I have found is that in hindsight, you get to see everything with fresh eyes, to watch it from afar and realize that the days you were just living normally WAS in fact significant to your subconscious heart and mind.
For example, I made dinner tonight and it was pancakes and eggs (I don't know what it is about pancakes, maybe because we had them so much growing up). The aroma of the pancakes, syrup, and cooked eggs took me back to Saturday mornings when we had spent the early hours loading up pigs for the butcher, or doing some extra chores like building new animal pens and finally around mid-morning, ravenous and filthy, we would sit down to a late brunch of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and other deliciousness. Usually my mom would have the baby in her lap as we ate and would be doing double duty. Then, Dad would get his Bible out and we would have devotions. Sitting there stuffed and a little sleepy after the morning's work, so many minds being filled up with even better things than we had just filled our stomachs with.
Which brings me to the other example. Family Devotions. I was deciding the other day what to start reading next for my devotions when I decided that I would read through the Psalms and Proverbs just like Dad had done so many times with us. And lo and behold, as soon as I began to read the 1st chapter of Proverbs, I heard my dad's voice reading it out loud. It was so weird and yet so comforting too. I could even remember some of his commentary on it as well. It got me thinking about all of those early mornings we were dragged ruthlessly out of bed to participate in devotions before Dad went to work. I, being more of a morning person than some of my siblings, didn't often succumb to dozing off, but I spent my share of mornings in a rather drowsy, stupefied state. Yet, despite that, I could remember things that my dad had said as I flipped through the pages of Kings, Chronicles, the Gospels, and other books in the Bible. I could even picture us sitting there, still in our pajamas, Dad leaned over one arm of the chair holding his Bible in the light of the lamp. So, I guess what this means is that if you are faithful to keep on doing something, day in and day out, it WILL make an impact and difference.
So, I know most people reading this are thinking, "Ok, we get it, you had a perfect childhood and perfect parents. Enough with the sentimental posts, just give us the facts ma'am." Well, here are the facts: I am here in Korea for some reasons known to me and others that are not. I am here to learn and grow hopefully. And one of the things I am learning is that I should live in every moment as if it were as precious as gold. I am learning that time spent in service to your family is not time wasted but is the thing you remember and cherish most. If I could go back and relive some of those moments, I would view them and embrace them with a completely new attitude. I didn't have a perfect childhood or the perfect parents but I did have a God-filled childhood and faithful parents who sought to instill His truth inside me. Looking back, I should have thanked my parents each and every day for their willingness to do what most people won't but I regretfully did not. SO now, I want to say "THANK YOU MOM AND DAD, FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO GOD AND TO YOUR CHILDREN. YOUR LOVE AND DEVOTION FOR ALL THESE YEARS HAS NOT COME BACK VOID." It is a tribute to my parents that despite numerous challenges and obstacles, they have kept on keeping on.
I guess what I have to say is this: It's the small things done for the Kingdom that will endure. Sometimes when we see a big structure, we admire the smooth lines, the flawless structure. But what we didn't see were the little adjustments made to make it so. A beam moved slightly to the right, a few bricks tapped into plumb, an angle narrowed by a 1/2 an inch. These are the things that ultimately make the building what it is. And so it is with small things done faithfully; they will have the greatest impact on the outcome. It is why they are remembered and cherished. So just as I took encouragement and exhortation from my memories, let me voice some encouragement as well. Keep on being faithful. You may not see the fruit for many years or maybe never at all but I believe that God's promise is true. His Word will never come back void; service done in His Name, no matter how small, will accomplish His purpose and will be rewarded.
Sorry for sounding preachy in this post. I don't want to sound pompous or holier-than-thou. However, this is a blog for what is happening on the inside and outside of my life so I can only keep reporting.
Faithfully, V
For example, I made dinner tonight and it was pancakes and eggs (I don't know what it is about pancakes, maybe because we had them so much growing up). The aroma of the pancakes, syrup, and cooked eggs took me back to Saturday mornings when we had spent the early hours loading up pigs for the butcher, or doing some extra chores like building new animal pens and finally around mid-morning, ravenous and filthy, we would sit down to a late brunch of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and other deliciousness. Usually my mom would have the baby in her lap as we ate and would be doing double duty. Then, Dad would get his Bible out and we would have devotions. Sitting there stuffed and a little sleepy after the morning's work, so many minds being filled up with even better things than we had just filled our stomachs with.
Which brings me to the other example. Family Devotions. I was deciding the other day what to start reading next for my devotions when I decided that I would read through the Psalms and Proverbs just like Dad had done so many times with us. And lo and behold, as soon as I began to read the 1st chapter of Proverbs, I heard my dad's voice reading it out loud. It was so weird and yet so comforting too. I could even remember some of his commentary on it as well. It got me thinking about all of those early mornings we were dragged ruthlessly out of bed to participate in devotions before Dad went to work. I, being more of a morning person than some of my siblings, didn't often succumb to dozing off, but I spent my share of mornings in a rather drowsy, stupefied state. Yet, despite that, I could remember things that my dad had said as I flipped through the pages of Kings, Chronicles, the Gospels, and other books in the Bible. I could even picture us sitting there, still in our pajamas, Dad leaned over one arm of the chair holding his Bible in the light of the lamp. So, I guess what this means is that if you are faithful to keep on doing something, day in and day out, it WILL make an impact and difference.
So, I know most people reading this are thinking, "Ok, we get it, you had a perfect childhood and perfect parents. Enough with the sentimental posts, just give us the facts ma'am." Well, here are the facts: I am here in Korea for some reasons known to me and others that are not. I am here to learn and grow hopefully. And one of the things I am learning is that I should live in every moment as if it were as precious as gold. I am learning that time spent in service to your family is not time wasted but is the thing you remember and cherish most. If I could go back and relive some of those moments, I would view them and embrace them with a completely new attitude. I didn't have a perfect childhood or the perfect parents but I did have a God-filled childhood and faithful parents who sought to instill His truth inside me. Looking back, I should have thanked my parents each and every day for their willingness to do what most people won't but I regretfully did not. SO now, I want to say "THANK YOU MOM AND DAD, FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO GOD AND TO YOUR CHILDREN. YOUR LOVE AND DEVOTION FOR ALL THESE YEARS HAS NOT COME BACK VOID." It is a tribute to my parents that despite numerous challenges and obstacles, they have kept on keeping on.
I guess what I have to say is this: It's the small things done for the Kingdom that will endure. Sometimes when we see a big structure, we admire the smooth lines, the flawless structure. But what we didn't see were the little adjustments made to make it so. A beam moved slightly to the right, a few bricks tapped into plumb, an angle narrowed by a 1/2 an inch. These are the things that ultimately make the building what it is. And so it is with small things done faithfully; they will have the greatest impact on the outcome. It is why they are remembered and cherished. So just as I took encouragement and exhortation from my memories, let me voice some encouragement as well. Keep on being faithful. You may not see the fruit for many years or maybe never at all but I believe that God's promise is true. His Word will never come back void; service done in His Name, no matter how small, will accomplish His purpose and will be rewarded.
Sorry for sounding preachy in this post. I don't want to sound pompous or holier-than-thou. However, this is a blog for what is happening on the inside and outside of my life so I can only keep reporting.
Faithfully, V
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Goodbye August, Hello September!
Hello my Miguk friends and family!
Well, I don't think I've given an actual update in a while (a month I think). I apologize AGAIN, because as I've said before, communication is not my best or strongest point. But here goes my next offering.
I think I sent everyone pictures of the baseball game and church picnic I attended on August 16th and 17th. They were both alot of fun.
The baseball game was kind of organized chaos as it took forever for us to finally get organized, loaded up, and into the stadium. One thing about Korean baseball is that you don't have vendors selling anything in the stands. And there's no food/drink stands inside the stadium. People load up on food sold by vendors outside the stadium and bring it in. There isn't a "no food" policy here. Quite the opposite. Our group got a ton of kimbab and chicken for the munchies.
The picnic was held at a park near Palgong Mountain and had a nice lake and great scenery as well. We played soccer volleyball and regular soccer, badminton, and threw around baseballs. I brought my guitar to play on and I sat under a tree for a good bit playing by myself. We also played Bible trivia and had a drawing for prizes. I got a wodden roller for massaging. All in all, it was a good time of fellowship and fun.
Teaching at the hagwon is going well. One of our ENT teachers (my British housemate) is leaving on the 16th, and so I am going to take over his preschool classes and four other classes of his. That will increase my teaching load to about 38-40 classes per week. I don't really mind too much because usually the more work I get, the better I seem to operate. My schedule will now start at 9:50 am and finish at 7:00-8:00 pm. I'll get a break in between teaching my preschool classes and teaching the PM ones. I am getting to know some of the Korean teachers better and have fun discussing with them the does and don'ts of Korean culture.
Well, my experience at the Korean church service keeps getting better. I am now a part of two small groups. One is the year 84 group that I've mentioned before and we get together about once a month or so. We also divided into smaller groups of around 4 people each to get even more personal. My group consists of Eu-Na, Mi-Sun, Duk-Gyu, and myself. I also became involved in a small group that studies through various passages of scripture each week after the service. They are a very nice group of people and the leader can speak some English which he uses to help me get the gist of what is being said. Everyone in both groups are very helpful in my quest to learn Korean. In fact, sometimes they are so enthusiastic I feel a little overwhelmed. One of the guys said to me "I want you to learn Korean very quickly so we can talk a lot together." (translation) The Bible study small group is going to the countryside for an outing on the 26th so I am very excited for that.
I have been hiking in the mountains a few more times and it is such a great way to enjoy the scenery of Korea. My hiking companions told me I was a very good hiker, so I guess I am doing OK even though I've never done mountain hiking before. Korea is 75% mountain so there is a virtually endless variety to choose from.
I came down with a cold of sorts on the 7th of this month and I haven't been able to shake the resulting cough yet. It's a little annoying but I'm hoping it goes away soon. I've been eating yogurt almost every day here in an attempt to keep lots of good bacteria going in my stomach and so far I think its working. I have enjoyed yet another item of the Korean cuisine, delicious galbi. It is marinated meat (your selection) that you cook up on a small grill that is built right into the table. They bring all sorts of good things to mix and eat with it including onion slices soaked in a brown sweet sauce. MMMHHHMMM! So good!
Well, that's all for now I guess.
Annyong!
Well, I don't think I've given an actual update in a while (a month I think). I apologize AGAIN, because as I've said before, communication is not my best or strongest point. But here goes my next offering.
I think I sent everyone pictures of the baseball game and church picnic I attended on August 16th and 17th. They were both alot of fun.
The baseball game was kind of organized chaos as it took forever for us to finally get organized, loaded up, and into the stadium. One thing about Korean baseball is that you don't have vendors selling anything in the stands. And there's no food/drink stands inside the stadium. People load up on food sold by vendors outside the stadium and bring it in. There isn't a "no food" policy here. Quite the opposite. Our group got a ton of kimbab and chicken for the munchies.
The picnic was held at a park near Palgong Mountain and had a nice lake and great scenery as well. We played soccer volleyball and regular soccer, badminton, and threw around baseballs. I brought my guitar to play on and I sat under a tree for a good bit playing by myself. We also played Bible trivia and had a drawing for prizes. I got a wodden roller for massaging. All in all, it was a good time of fellowship and fun.
Teaching at the hagwon is going well. One of our ENT teachers (my British housemate) is leaving on the 16th, and so I am going to take over his preschool classes and four other classes of his. That will increase my teaching load to about 38-40 classes per week. I don't really mind too much because usually the more work I get, the better I seem to operate. My schedule will now start at 9:50 am and finish at 7:00-8:00 pm. I'll get a break in between teaching my preschool classes and teaching the PM ones. I am getting to know some of the Korean teachers better and have fun discussing with them the does and don'ts of Korean culture.
Well, my experience at the Korean church service keeps getting better. I am now a part of two small groups. One is the year 84 group that I've mentioned before and we get together about once a month or so. We also divided into smaller groups of around 4 people each to get even more personal. My group consists of Eu-Na, Mi-Sun, Duk-Gyu, and myself. I also became involved in a small group that studies through various passages of scripture each week after the service. They are a very nice group of people and the leader can speak some English which he uses to help me get the gist of what is being said. Everyone in both groups are very helpful in my quest to learn Korean. In fact, sometimes they are so enthusiastic I feel a little overwhelmed. One of the guys said to me "I want you to learn Korean very quickly so we can talk a lot together." (translation) The Bible study small group is going to the countryside for an outing on the 26th so I am very excited for that.
I have been hiking in the mountains a few more times and it is such a great way to enjoy the scenery of Korea. My hiking companions told me I was a very good hiker, so I guess I am doing OK even though I've never done mountain hiking before. Korea is 75% mountain so there is a virtually endless variety to choose from.
I came down with a cold of sorts on the 7th of this month and I haven't been able to shake the resulting cough yet. It's a little annoying but I'm hoping it goes away soon. I've been eating yogurt almost every day here in an attempt to keep lots of good bacteria going in my stomach and so far I think its working. I have enjoyed yet another item of the Korean cuisine, delicious galbi. It is marinated meat (your selection) that you cook up on a small grill that is built right into the table. They bring all sorts of good things to mix and eat with it including onion slices soaked in a brown sweet sauce. MMMHHHMMM! So good!
Well, that's all for now I guess.
Annyong!
Monday, August 24, 2009
A confession (Upon reading Lamentions 2 and 3)
Too long have I put this off, too many things have I sought to distract me. As a man dying of thirst runs from the stream and looks for wine to drink instead, so have I been running from the life-giving substance I know is right here before me. But I am tired of running, tired of fighting a thirst I know deep down cannot be slaked by anything else. I know what is needed, what it is that my soul so desperately craves; a full plunge into the stream of the living water of the Holy Spirit.
I have been tiptoeing around in the shallows for so very long, even occasionally venturing out to try and dip my head under. Yet, here I still stand on the brink, afraid to dive in. Like a man afraid of the shock he will receive when he submerses himself in cold water, I retreat back when the fear takes over. The fear of what full and abandoned submersion will feel like, the fear of having to adjust myself to the temperature of the water and the fear that maybe I never will. But, as I ponder on this, I remember that the shock of jumping into cold water only lasts momentarily when the motive is to gain as much joy and pleasure as possible by doing activities that warm you and make you forget why you even hesitated in the first place. I also think of time when I physically took the plunge into a cold swimming pool just to be with the people I cared about and loved. To be a part of their happiness and love and to experience it in myself. There were times that I think of though, when I chose not to jump in, preferring to miss out on the laughter, love, and fellowship. I later regretted my choice at those times, knowing that I had missed an opportunity that would never come my way again. As I think back on my regret and on the loss which can never be repaired, I know that I can't go on piddling about on the edge, backing away, hoping to find other streams more suited to my taste in temperature. Streams that don't demand a complete re-adjustment of the entire body, mind, and soul. Water that I don't have to keep active in to keep warm, that I can just float along in. I must go all in because I do not want to live my life in regret. I want to leave this life knowing I gave all and risked all.
So, too long has my wavering spirit been within me. Arise my soul, take your plunge into the deepest waters of the fountain spring of God's Heart. Drink deeply of the water and fill yourself with the presence of His Spirit. No more tiny sips like a rebellious child who refuses to give in to his parents command that he drink it all, even though he knows the command is for his good. Because, my soul, you are a rebellious child. Knowing and experiencing the greatest gift of all, God's Spirit of Love, you have spurned all but the bare minimum. Like a person offered a feast, you accept only bread and water. Like someone given the most luxurious suite in a hotel, you choose to stay in the attic. And you are a deceitful child as well, for you write to others, telling them of the grand things you eat and the wonderful places you stay, not mentioning that you are in actuality shutting out the very things you brag of. You even deceive yourself, convincing and soothing by declaring all is well and this is as good as it can get.
"The Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against His Word.
But hear all you people and look at my suffering. For these
things I weep upon my bed, my tears flow with tears. A
Comforter is far from me, one that can revive my spirit. I
called to others but they have deceived me. Look, O Lord, I
am in deep distress. My stomach churns, my heart is torn
within my breast. I have been very rebellious."
And so my soul, you have admitted your guilt before God. Now turn and repent my soul! Declare your repentance without ceasing.
"Let tears stream down like a torrent day and night. Give your-
self no rest, your eyes no respite! Arise, cry out in the night, at
the very beginning of the evening. Pour out your heart like water
before the presence of the Lord. Lift your hands to Him in prayer."
But I feel that I am not worthy to be forgiven. That indeed, I am deserving of the punishment he has placed upon me.
"He has driven and brought me into the darkness without any light
Though I call and cry out for help, He shuts out my prayers.
I am filled with bitterness, my soul is bereft of peace. I have
forgotten what happiness is. Because of this, my endurance is
gone and so is my hope from the Lord. When I remember all
this, I am always overwhelmed inside."
But my soul, remember what is promised in the scriptures; the precious promises that never fail us. Give your self reminder that:
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never
come to an end, they are new every morning."
Yes, oh yes, my soul! Arise, enter the stream of His love, mercy, and tender faithfulness and cry aloud His praise!
"The Lord is my portion' says my soul, therefore, I will hope in
Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to those who
seek Him."
So wait my soul, wait for the Lord to fulfill His abundant promises. Wait and wonder at the grace and wondrous forgiveness you have been shown. Give yourself daily reminder that the afflictions and temptations of the present are to be endured in hope.
"It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the
Lord. It is good for a person that they bear this burden of
waiting in their youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is
laid upon him; let him put his mouth in the dust because there
may yet be hope. For the Lord will not cast off forever, but
though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to
the abundance of His steadfast love. Therefore, my eyes will
flow without ceasing, without respite, until the Lord from
heaven looks down and sees."
Remember my soul, that is is through the hand of the Lord that everything comes to pass. Blessing and punishment, conviction and confession. Good times and bad. So, do not complain of your situation but rather "test and examine your ways and return to God. Lift up your heart and hands to God in heaven."
I have been tiptoeing around in the shallows for so very long, even occasionally venturing out to try and dip my head under. Yet, here I still stand on the brink, afraid to dive in. Like a man afraid of the shock he will receive when he submerses himself in cold water, I retreat back when the fear takes over. The fear of what full and abandoned submersion will feel like, the fear of having to adjust myself to the temperature of the water and the fear that maybe I never will. But, as I ponder on this, I remember that the shock of jumping into cold water only lasts momentarily when the motive is to gain as much joy and pleasure as possible by doing activities that warm you and make you forget why you even hesitated in the first place. I also think of time when I physically took the plunge into a cold swimming pool just to be with the people I cared about and loved. To be a part of their happiness and love and to experience it in myself. There were times that I think of though, when I chose not to jump in, preferring to miss out on the laughter, love, and fellowship. I later regretted my choice at those times, knowing that I had missed an opportunity that would never come my way again. As I think back on my regret and on the loss which can never be repaired, I know that I can't go on piddling about on the edge, backing away, hoping to find other streams more suited to my taste in temperature. Streams that don't demand a complete re-adjustment of the entire body, mind, and soul. Water that I don't have to keep active in to keep warm, that I can just float along in. I must go all in because I do not want to live my life in regret. I want to leave this life knowing I gave all and risked all.
So, too long has my wavering spirit been within me. Arise my soul, take your plunge into the deepest waters of the fountain spring of God's Heart. Drink deeply of the water and fill yourself with the presence of His Spirit. No more tiny sips like a rebellious child who refuses to give in to his parents command that he drink it all, even though he knows the command is for his good. Because, my soul, you are a rebellious child. Knowing and experiencing the greatest gift of all, God's Spirit of Love, you have spurned all but the bare minimum. Like a person offered a feast, you accept only bread and water. Like someone given the most luxurious suite in a hotel, you choose to stay in the attic. And you are a deceitful child as well, for you write to others, telling them of the grand things you eat and the wonderful places you stay, not mentioning that you are in actuality shutting out the very things you brag of. You even deceive yourself, convincing and soothing by declaring all is well and this is as good as it can get.
"The Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against His Word.
But hear all you people and look at my suffering. For these
things I weep upon my bed, my tears flow with tears. A
Comforter is far from me, one that can revive my spirit. I
called to others but they have deceived me. Look, O Lord, I
am in deep distress. My stomach churns, my heart is torn
within my breast. I have been very rebellious."
And so my soul, you have admitted your guilt before God. Now turn and repent my soul! Declare your repentance without ceasing.
"Let tears stream down like a torrent day and night. Give your-
self no rest, your eyes no respite! Arise, cry out in the night, at
the very beginning of the evening. Pour out your heart like water
before the presence of the Lord. Lift your hands to Him in prayer."
But I feel that I am not worthy to be forgiven. That indeed, I am deserving of the punishment he has placed upon me.
"He has driven and brought me into the darkness without any light
Though I call and cry out for help, He shuts out my prayers.
I am filled with bitterness, my soul is bereft of peace. I have
forgotten what happiness is. Because of this, my endurance is
gone and so is my hope from the Lord. When I remember all
this, I am always overwhelmed inside."
But my soul, remember what is promised in the scriptures; the precious promises that never fail us. Give your self reminder that:
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never
come to an end, they are new every morning."
Yes, oh yes, my soul! Arise, enter the stream of His love, mercy, and tender faithfulness and cry aloud His praise!
"The Lord is my portion' says my soul, therefore, I will hope in
Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to those who
seek Him."
So wait my soul, wait for the Lord to fulfill His abundant promises. Wait and wonder at the grace and wondrous forgiveness you have been shown. Give yourself daily reminder that the afflictions and temptations of the present are to be endured in hope.
"It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the
Lord. It is good for a person that they bear this burden of
waiting in their youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is
laid upon him; let him put his mouth in the dust because there
may yet be hope. For the Lord will not cast off forever, but
though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to
the abundance of His steadfast love. Therefore, my eyes will
flow without ceasing, without respite, until the Lord from
heaven looks down and sees."
Remember my soul, that is is through the hand of the Lord that everything comes to pass. Blessing and punishment, conviction and confession. Good times and bad. So, do not complain of your situation but rather "test and examine your ways and return to God. Lift up your heart and hands to God in heaven."
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The last two weeks + pictures
Sorry about not keeping up too well everyone! Maybe I'm just being ego-centric when I say that. It probably doesn't matter to hardly anyone whether I keep this blog up or not but in case it does, sorry again.
So, to recap quickly the last two weeks. I had a holiday July 29th through August 2nd and I took advantage of the time off to go hiking in the mountains and visit the local amusement park. It was a good time to revamp from the crazy cycle of teaching and I also enjoyed spending three days of outside activity. The last two days of vacation weren't very fun however as I came down with something and spent most of that Saturday and Sunday in bed recovering.
Last week found me back at DDD teaching as usual although with a bit heavier schedule as I was covering for teachers who were taking a few days off. I had a ENT seminar on Saturday which involved all the other ENTs from the four branches of DDD in Daegu meeting together and discussing good teaching methods. I knew a few of the ENTs from going to observe another school so I went with a few of them for lunch afterwards.
Sunday I gave my testimony to the two English childrens services at Dongshin Church. The first time was very brief because they were very young and understood little but the second was much longer and detailed. I enjoyed speaking to the kids from my heart about what God had done in my life and what He had called me to do. I shared the verses of Hebrews 12:1-2 and 28-29 as my message. They seemed to receive it well and understand (I think).
This week is going well. I have a class that has been giving me trouble but today was much better. I hope I've hit upon a method that works.
I am including links to the pictures I have uploaded onto Facebook. If you can't get them, just let me know and I'll try to figure out something else.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028995&id=1404165545&l=ad289f2517
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030069&id=1404165545&l=85422a8942
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030071&id=1404165545&l=2c8e6a60ab
Farewell!
So, to recap quickly the last two weeks. I had a holiday July 29th through August 2nd and I took advantage of the time off to go hiking in the mountains and visit the local amusement park. It was a good time to revamp from the crazy cycle of teaching and I also enjoyed spending three days of outside activity. The last two days of vacation weren't very fun however as I came down with something and spent most of that Saturday and Sunday in bed recovering.
Last week found me back at DDD teaching as usual although with a bit heavier schedule as I was covering for teachers who were taking a few days off. I had a ENT seminar on Saturday which involved all the other ENTs from the four branches of DDD in Daegu meeting together and discussing good teaching methods. I knew a few of the ENTs from going to observe another school so I went with a few of them for lunch afterwards.
Sunday I gave my testimony to the two English childrens services at Dongshin Church. The first time was very brief because they were very young and understood little but the second was much longer and detailed. I enjoyed speaking to the kids from my heart about what God had done in my life and what He had called me to do. I shared the verses of Hebrews 12:1-2 and 28-29 as my message. They seemed to receive it well and understand (I think).
This week is going well. I have a class that has been giving me trouble but today was much better. I hope I've hit upon a method that works.
I am including links to the pictures I have uploaded onto Facebook. If you can't get them, just let me know and I'll try to figure out something else.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028995&id=1404165545&l=ad289f2517
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030069&id=1404165545&l=85422a8942
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030071&id=1404165545&l=2c8e6a60ab
Farewell!
Wisdom through love
She was the beginning of the journey, the firstborn of our family's "girls". Lost from the moment we saw her abundant curly hair atop the round cheeked face, capitulation to her charms continued as we eagerly awaited her arrival. When we held her in our arms, we felt that a dark-haired little angel with nut brown skin had been given to us. As she grew, so did our adoration and devotion. But the thing that amazed and attracted the most was how well she lived up to her name.
Sophia Love.
You see, Sophia in the Greek means 'wisdom' and when combined with Love, can mean "wisdom with love" or "wisdom through love". Our Sophia does both. She shows wisdom with love because she loves unconditionally, and without pretense, and as that is how the Bible teaches us to love, I would say she is demonstrating wisdom every single day. Every time she throws her arms around a complete stranger and shares a ray of complete and uninhibited love with that person, every time we hug her and feel the better for it, it is a reminder that she showing us wisdom through love because she loves "not in word or talk, but in deed and truth." Whenever people receive an act of love from Sophia, they have the assurance that she is doing it solely because she loves them and not for any other reason. That's why her hugs and kisses are so welcome; they are unhindered and untainted. Some might say its utter foolishness to love the way she does, without any reason or prompting. But what is foolishness to us is wisdom in God's eyes. And I think that's why He made her like she is. So that we world weary people, jaded and suspicious of everything, could have a source of love that we did not have to earn, that we knew was truly genuine, and give us a little clearer picture of what His love is like.
So we have been the beneficiaries of her love for eight wonderful years now and I pray that many more years and people will be enriched and enlightened by the love of Sophia. The love of wisdom.
I wish I were there to get a hug right now. Since I can't, everybody else will have to do double duty for me which no one will mind I'm sure.
Happy early Birthday Phi-Phi Love!
Love, Sessa
Sophia Love.
You see, Sophia in the Greek means 'wisdom' and when combined with Love, can mean "wisdom with love" or "wisdom through love". Our Sophia does both. She shows wisdom with love because she loves unconditionally, and without pretense, and as that is how the Bible teaches us to love, I would say she is demonstrating wisdom every single day. Every time she throws her arms around a complete stranger and shares a ray of complete and uninhibited love with that person, every time we hug her and feel the better for it, it is a reminder that she showing us wisdom through love because she loves "not in word or talk, but in deed and truth." Whenever people receive an act of love from Sophia, they have the assurance that she is doing it solely because she loves them and not for any other reason. That's why her hugs and kisses are so welcome; they are unhindered and untainted. Some might say its utter foolishness to love the way she does, without any reason or prompting. But what is foolishness to us is wisdom in God's eyes. And I think that's why He made her like she is. So that we world weary people, jaded and suspicious of everything, could have a source of love that we did not have to earn, that we knew was truly genuine, and give us a little clearer picture of what His love is like.
So we have been the beneficiaries of her love for eight wonderful years now and I pray that many more years and people will be enriched and enlightened by the love of Sophia. The love of wisdom.
I wish I were there to get a hug right now. Since I can't, everybody else will have to do double duty for me which no one will mind I'm sure.
Happy early Birthday Phi-Phi Love!
Love, Sessa
Monday, July 27, 2009
The post you've been waiting for...picture post!
Yes, its true! I have finally taken some pictures of my classes, the kids, and a few random shots of Korea. I have no idea how to put them on here. We'll see how it goes. Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028510&id=1404165545&l=6fdaa1876a
So, to update on the news. I have pretty much been doing the same things for the past two weeks as I was doing before. Teaching, Korean class, church, tutoring at the orphanage, etc.
In Korean class, I now have a vocabulary of about 30-40 words and some conversational phrases. Interesting tidbit; in Korea they have this saying "Please be nice to me" which you might use with a superior at work or to someone you meet because you're a foreigner. Transliterated it sounds something like "jal bu tak heyo". The girl I was working with laughed when we learned it and said she had never used that phrase before. She said the younger generation didn't use it and if I were to use it, "use ONLY with older people." I was told on Saturday by at least two people that my accent sounded very good and that I seemed to be doing well at learning a language. I hope they're right!
Teaching is going well. I now have two more classes I'm teaching. One is a special class on Monday nights for two higher level girls and the other is a brand new beginner class. There are three little girls ages 6 and 7 in it and I got the opportunity to give two of them their English names so I named them after Erika and Hannah, my sisters. They are so much fun to teach.
Saturday the 18th was tutoring day and I tutored the same little boy named Dong Min. He's really quite funny and has a great attitude. We had a birthday cake for two of the kids and then played some baseball, soccer, and football with them afterwards. This coming Saturday we are taking the kids swimming at a rec center and then the next Saturday we are taking them to a baseball game. It should be good times.
This past Saturday, I went to Outback Steakhouse (yes, they have one here!) with some people from church to celebrate the birthday of one of the church leaders. After a shockingly westernized lunch, four people of the younger, single set and I decided to go downtown and hang out. We ended up going to an arcade for awhile and playing lots of games and then Sam, the native Korean guy with us who spoke phenomenal English, asked if we wanted to go billi-bowling. I had never heard of it before but all the others had played so we went so a place called Billi-bow's for some action. It turned out the game was a combination of billiards and bowling. The alley was up on tables and you shot the billiard sized ball with a cue stick down the alley to try and knock over the miniture bowling pins. It was lots of fun but frankly, I didn't show much of a knack for it. We also played darts and I fared better there. All in all, it was good times and good fellowship.
Well, I will wrap this up. Next post should be less boring. I have a few days of vacation coming up and I am planning on going hiking on at least two mountains and going to an amusement park. There is also a very tall tower in the park that has a rotating restaurant at the top and a bungee jump of sorts for those so inclined. I think I might just do it for the experience.
Till next time!
So, to update on the news. I have pretty much been doing the same things for the past two weeks as I was doing before. Teaching, Korean class, church, tutoring at the orphanage, etc.
In Korean class, I now have a vocabulary of about 30-40 words and some conversational phrases. Interesting tidbit; in Korea they have this saying "Please be nice to me" which you might use with a superior at work or to someone you meet because you're a foreigner. Transliterated it sounds something like "jal bu tak heyo". The girl I was working with laughed when we learned it and said she had never used that phrase before. She said the younger generation didn't use it and if I were to use it, "use ONLY with older people." I was told on Saturday by at least two people that my accent sounded very good and that I seemed to be doing well at learning a language. I hope they're right!
Teaching is going well. I now have two more classes I'm teaching. One is a special class on Monday nights for two higher level girls and the other is a brand new beginner class. There are three little girls ages 6 and 7 in it and I got the opportunity to give two of them their English names so I named them after Erika and Hannah, my sisters. They are so much fun to teach.
Saturday the 18th was tutoring day and I tutored the same little boy named Dong Min. He's really quite funny and has a great attitude. We had a birthday cake for two of the kids and then played some baseball, soccer, and football with them afterwards. This coming Saturday we are taking the kids swimming at a rec center and then the next Saturday we are taking them to a baseball game. It should be good times.
This past Saturday, I went to Outback Steakhouse (yes, they have one here!) with some people from church to celebrate the birthday of one of the church leaders. After a shockingly westernized lunch, four people of the younger, single set and I decided to go downtown and hang out. We ended up going to an arcade for awhile and playing lots of games and then Sam, the native Korean guy with us who spoke phenomenal English, asked if we wanted to go billi-bowling. I had never heard of it before but all the others had played so we went so a place called Billi-bow's for some action. It turned out the game was a combination of billiards and bowling. The alley was up on tables and you shot the billiard sized ball with a cue stick down the alley to try and knock over the miniture bowling pins. It was lots of fun but frankly, I didn't show much of a knack for it. We also played darts and I fared better there. All in all, it was good times and good fellowship.
Well, I will wrap this up. Next post should be less boring. I have a few days of vacation coming up and I am planning on going hiking on at least two mountains and going to an amusement park. There is also a very tall tower in the park that has a rotating restaurant at the top and a bungee jump of sorts for those so inclined. I think I might just do it for the experience.
Till next time!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Bigah Sue
There is a little girl
Her name is Bigah Sue
Her eyes and smile capture
When she looks at you
Always up to mischief
Always on the run
But if and when you catch her
She'll make your life so fun
With eyes of sky
And hair of corn
And skin as fair
As the day she was born
Some people love her
Who've never even met her
And some people wonder
At our luck to get her
But I know it was not
"Luck" that stepped in
It was God and His plan
That made her my kin
The day she was created
A huge smile was what He wore
As He looked at the clay in His hands
And saw something so much more
"Oh my child" He breathed
And then He laughed with delight
"You will be a joy to create
A magnificent sight"
"A heart as innocent
And pure as gold
With a sprinkling of cheekiness
To keep them on their toes"
"A smile full of sunshine
That lights an entire room
And enough love in your heart
To pierce the darkest gloom"
"I will keep from you the knowledge
Of mens' cruel greed and malice
And through you bring the world
Affection without prejudice"
"The world will call you defected
Unfit to live or be born
But they cannot see you are perfected
Unblemished and untorn"
"I will place you in a family
To flourish and to grow
And as they wait for you
They cannot even begin to know"
"The love you will give
The joy you will be
The blessings you will bring
To their happy family"
"These are the gifts I give
For you are MINE
And you are special
An image DIVINE"
So with an almighty flourish
On July 27th, 2003
He fashioned the life
By spoken decree
And I'm so glad He did
Such a miracle that day
A little sister to love
To laugh and to play
So Happy Birthday from Sessa
My little Bigah Sue
You are my white-haired angel
And I will always love you.
Her name is Bigah Sue
Her eyes and smile capture
When she looks at you
Always up to mischief
Always on the run
But if and when you catch her
She'll make your life so fun
With eyes of sky
And hair of corn
And skin as fair
As the day she was born
Some people love her
Who've never even met her
And some people wonder
At our luck to get her
But I know it was not
"Luck" that stepped in
It was God and His plan
That made her my kin
The day she was created
A huge smile was what He wore
As He looked at the clay in His hands
And saw something so much more
"Oh my child" He breathed
And then He laughed with delight
"You will be a joy to create
A magnificent sight"
"A heart as innocent
And pure as gold
With a sprinkling of cheekiness
To keep them on their toes"
"A smile full of sunshine
That lights an entire room
And enough love in your heart
To pierce the darkest gloom"
"I will keep from you the knowledge
Of mens' cruel greed and malice
And through you bring the world
Affection without prejudice"
"The world will call you defected
Unfit to live or be born
But they cannot see you are perfected
Unblemished and untorn"
"I will place you in a family
To flourish and to grow
And as they wait for you
They cannot even begin to know"
"The love you will give
The joy you will be
The blessings you will bring
To their happy family"
"These are the gifts I give
For you are MINE
And you are special
An image DIVINE"
So with an almighty flourish
On July 27th, 2003
He fashioned the life
By spoken decree
And I'm so glad He did
Such a miracle that day
A little sister to love
To laugh and to play
So Happy Birthday from Sessa
My little Bigah Sue
You are my white-haired angel
And I will always love you.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Pancakes and Memories
If you want to get nostalgic in a hurry, just move to South Korea and make yourself some buttermilk pancakes with strawberry preserves...at least this is what I have found works anyways. I went to the store tonight and purchased all the necessary ingredients for pancakes (which was NOT an easy task let me tell you). I just wanted to sink my teeth into some good old-fashioned hotcakes smothered in lots of maple syrup. Well, I found out that maple syrup is impossible to find here so I settled for strawberry jam, which in my opinion, is just as good anyhow. SO when I got to my apartment, I whipped up some batter, measuring out by eyeball as we don't have measuring utensils here. It turned out looking pretty good so I poured the cakes and got cooking. I sat down with a plate of strawberry covered cakes minutes later, itching to taste them melting in my mouth. But I was not prepared for what hit me at the first bite. Don't misunderstand. The pancakes were awesome (not to brag, just stating facts) but it was the smell and taste triggering memories that knocked me for a loop. I just sort of froze for a second with my fork in my hand as I remembered.
See, pancakes with strawberry jam is what my daddy made for me the first morning I started driving for UPS and also what he made the first morning I started college. And he also made me french toast the morning I left for Florida. I don't know if he remembers those mornings but I do. I know it seems like nothing much but I know that my dad was showing his love for me by making me a good breakfast. I even remember him saying the morning of UPS, "You need to eat cause you're gonna need all the energy you can get" and I was too nervous to eat much of anything. My dad has always been an early riser and often makes breakfast on Saturdays for the family. I realize now that its just one of the many ways he shows love to us. He doesn't have to do that and he didn't have to do it for me on those occasions but he did because he loved me and wanted the best for me. Making breakfast was just a way for him to express that. So, thanks Daddy, for breakfast and for loving me enough to make me pancakes at 5:30 in the morning. I love you more than I can say!
See, pancakes with strawberry jam is what my daddy made for me the first morning I started driving for UPS and also what he made the first morning I started college. And he also made me french toast the morning I left for Florida. I don't know if he remembers those mornings but I do. I know it seems like nothing much but I know that my dad was showing his love for me by making me a good breakfast. I even remember him saying the morning of UPS, "You need to eat cause you're gonna need all the energy you can get" and I was too nervous to eat much of anything. My dad has always been an early riser and often makes breakfast on Saturdays for the family. I realize now that its just one of the many ways he shows love to us. He doesn't have to do that and he didn't have to do it for me on those occasions but he did because he loved me and wanted the best for me. Making breakfast was just a way for him to express that. So, thanks Daddy, for breakfast and for loving me enough to make me pancakes at 5:30 in the morning. I love you more than I can say!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
THE DAEGU NEWS BULLETIN "A rather blustery day"
Annyong! Today is very windy, with a smattering of sprinkles and general cloudiness. However, if it wasn't so blustery, the air would be be totally saturated with moisture. As it is, the mugginess is bearable. That's it for the weather report, now for the top headlines!
Well, it appears not much is happening at the moment besides the usual weekly activities of teaching, Korean lessons, and church. Today's top story involves the college and career Korean worship service. The sermon, while not understood very well by one worshipper in particular, was excellent and in summary was about how our lives are changed by Jesus Christ and that through difficult circumstances, we should be mindful of that change and praise Him. Regretfully, a foreigner who was in attendance came down with a headache and could not participate in small groups afterwards. In the weekly news, 3 classes were given oral tests by their Mingugin teacher and all did very well. And now, time for sports!
In the sports world, a few new developments are taking place. First, a certain foreign teacher was spotted this morning at Duryu Park taking advantage of some newly purchased roller blades on the skating area. Then, she was seen getting in a 2.5 mile run afterward. All of this activity in the extra humid weather produced an enormous amount of sweat but it did not seem to deter that teacher. In the coming week, it is rumored she will start Taekwondo lessons again. It is also known that this teacher intends to find out how to become a member of her in-apartment gym so as to take advantage of the very nice weight equipment. And as we leave the world of sports behind, we will now enter the world of the arts.
Topping the news of the arts is the recent acquirement of new skills by a guitar-playing teacher. She had now learned a new song which in difficulty, has proved somewhat of a challenge to both strumming and finger work. However, now that she has worn new blisters on her fingertips by constant practice, the song and the confidence gets better every day. Moving on, it looks like there is news on the food watch.
On Saturday, a few ladies and their foreign friend from the English Bible Study went to a local Chinese restaurant for some delectable cuisine. On the menu was Dyong Bon (the spicy soup from last Sunday) and chunks of fried pork smothered in a sweet, sticky sauce. It was delicious and was enjoyed by all.
Well, we hope you have enjoyed our broadcast for this evening. We hope you'll join us again next time for the latest news and happenings in Daegu city. Till then, annyong i kaseyo!
Well, it appears not much is happening at the moment besides the usual weekly activities of teaching, Korean lessons, and church. Today's top story involves the college and career Korean worship service. The sermon, while not understood very well by one worshipper in particular, was excellent and in summary was about how our lives are changed by Jesus Christ and that through difficult circumstances, we should be mindful of that change and praise Him. Regretfully, a foreigner who was in attendance came down with a headache and could not participate in small groups afterwards. In the weekly news, 3 classes were given oral tests by their Mingugin teacher and all did very well. And now, time for sports!
In the sports world, a few new developments are taking place. First, a certain foreign teacher was spotted this morning at Duryu Park taking advantage of some newly purchased roller blades on the skating area. Then, she was seen getting in a 2.5 mile run afterward. All of this activity in the extra humid weather produced an enormous amount of sweat but it did not seem to deter that teacher. In the coming week, it is rumored she will start Taekwondo lessons again. It is also known that this teacher intends to find out how to become a member of her in-apartment gym so as to take advantage of the very nice weight equipment. And as we leave the world of sports behind, we will now enter the world of the arts.
Topping the news of the arts is the recent acquirement of new skills by a guitar-playing teacher. She had now learned a new song which in difficulty, has proved somewhat of a challenge to both strumming and finger work. However, now that she has worn new blisters on her fingertips by constant practice, the song and the confidence gets better every day. Moving on, it looks like there is news on the food watch.
On Saturday, a few ladies and their foreign friend from the English Bible Study went to a local Chinese restaurant for some delectable cuisine. On the menu was Dyong Bon (the spicy soup from last Sunday) and chunks of fried pork smothered in a sweet, sticky sauce. It was delicious and was enjoyed by all.
Well, we hope you have enjoyed our broadcast for this evening. We hope you'll join us again next time for the latest news and happenings in Daegu city. Till then, annyong i kaseyo!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
"This Is Not Forever"
So, this is not my song. It is the lyrics of a band which shall remain nameless but of whom I am a fan. The words really spoke to me and I hope they will to others too. We live in such an instant gratification society that it is hard to endure struggles both spiritual and physical without crying out for immediate relief. If we don't walk (not run) through the testing that God has for us, we will never learn the lessons He has for us or see the beauty that results from the lesson. Sometimes we have to crawl through or, as this song puts it, be taken or pulled through, but in the end, it is NOT forever and it IS worth it. Because we get to see and know more of God. And just that little glimpse more is worth any amount of suffering.
Hope is, getting through this night
Life is, not dying in this fight
Begging You, to deliver me
Confused why, You won't take this pain from me
My steps never felt so hard
The end never looked so far but
If You won't take me out
Then please take me through this
Stay with me, so I won't leave
Make me see
That this is not forever
Cause all I need, is Your love
Pulling me
What is, the reason for this night?
Is hope found, in moments with no light?
Does strength grow, in our greatest fears?
God I pray
Something good will come of this pain
My steps never felt so hard
The end never felt so far but
If you won't pull me out
Then please take me through this
Stay with me, so I won't leave
Make me see
That this is not forever
All I need, is Your love
Pulling me
With You here, I know
I don't go alone
I am Yours and so
Through the fire I'll go
(copyright BG 2009)
Hope is, getting through this night
Life is, not dying in this fight
Begging You, to deliver me
Confused why, You won't take this pain from me
My steps never felt so hard
The end never looked so far but
If You won't take me out
Then please take me through this
Stay with me, so I won't leave
Make me see
That this is not forever
Cause all I need, is Your love
Pulling me
What is, the reason for this night?
Is hope found, in moments with no light?
Does strength grow, in our greatest fears?
God I pray
Something good will come of this pain
My steps never felt so hard
The end never felt so far but
If you won't pull me out
Then please take me through this
Stay with me, so I won't leave
Make me see
That this is not forever
All I need, is Your love
Pulling me
With You here, I know
I don't go alone
I am Yours and so
Through the fire I'll go
(copyright BG 2009)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Me and my new friends
I promise this will not be a long post...just an update about today and what happened. When I thought things couldn't get better, they did!
I went to the English service this morning again at Dongshin Church and we had communion which was very refreshing since I haven't partaken since I was in Florida. Then a man named Pastor Ken gave the message out of Acts 8:27-36. It was on evangelism and the Holy Spirit's role in it, as illustrated by the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch. It was a little odd for a big African-American guy to be preaching to a mostly Korean audience but the seeming incongruity only serves to give more evidence to the fact that we are all one in the Lord.
After that service was over, I was taken by a young woman named Choun to the college/young career service downstairs. This service is all in Korean so I didn't understand harldy any of it but the worship was fantastic. The young people are SO enthusiatic in their worship, both singing and in preaching. They were constantly amening the preacher and at the end song, the whole room burst into spontaneous prayer. It was like nothing I've ever experienced.
When we were done with the service, everyone broke up into small groups according to age. I am two years younger than Choun, so I was placed in the year 84 group (everyone in it was born in 84 and in Korean years that means they are 26). It was a little awkward at first because they were a bit intimidated to speak their very broken English around me but once we all were introduced, they quickly warmed to me. Two guys in particular could speak English a bit better than the others so they tried to act as my interpreters though I still had trouble understanding at first. They talked a bit about mission team needs and prayer groups and then they asked if I would like to eat a meal with them. I said yes of course and they ordered in. They asked me if I wanted chan pon (sp?) and I said sure, not knowing what the heck I was getting. Turns out, it was a spicy version of ramen, only with spaghetti noodles. It also had squid and various vegetables. I really liked it and they kept exclaiming how surprised they were at my obvious enjoyment of the food. After dinner, they then asked if I wanted to go bowling. I said "I would love to!" Ju Chan (my main interpreter and a very nice guy) and Ji, one of the girls, drove with me to the bowling alley. We had a blast! Despite all the language barriers, this is one fun group of young people who know how to make a Migugin (American) feel very welcome. We all laughed at each others gutter balls, cheered stikes and spares, and took silly pictures to boot. They ended up calling me 'Ne-SAH" after they asked what my nickname was, so when I went up to bowl a couple of times they chanted "Ne-SAH, Ne-SAH". It was so funny. They also have this cheer that comes from the English word fighting but when they say it, it sounds like "Pighting!" It means "we can do it, or buck up, or cheer up" My team would gather up and put our hands in and say "Sam, ran, han, Pighting!"
I really enjoyed getting to know and hang out with people of my own age who all got my phone number and were so genuinely happy that "Ne-Sah" is part of their group now. I don't mind the language barrier so much any more. I think it will just create an even better incentive to learn the language faster.
Well, I promised this wouldn't be long. Or at least not too long.
Pighting!!
I went to the English service this morning again at Dongshin Church and we had communion which was very refreshing since I haven't partaken since I was in Florida. Then a man named Pastor Ken gave the message out of Acts 8:27-36. It was on evangelism and the Holy Spirit's role in it, as illustrated by the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch. It was a little odd for a big African-American guy to be preaching to a mostly Korean audience but the seeming incongruity only serves to give more evidence to the fact that we are all one in the Lord.
After that service was over, I was taken by a young woman named Choun to the college/young career service downstairs. This service is all in Korean so I didn't understand harldy any of it but the worship was fantastic. The young people are SO enthusiatic in their worship, both singing and in preaching. They were constantly amening the preacher and at the end song, the whole room burst into spontaneous prayer. It was like nothing I've ever experienced.
When we were done with the service, everyone broke up into small groups according to age. I am two years younger than Choun, so I was placed in the year 84 group (everyone in it was born in 84 and in Korean years that means they are 26). It was a little awkward at first because they were a bit intimidated to speak their very broken English around me but once we all were introduced, they quickly warmed to me. Two guys in particular could speak English a bit better than the others so they tried to act as my interpreters though I still had trouble understanding at first. They talked a bit about mission team needs and prayer groups and then they asked if I would like to eat a meal with them. I said yes of course and they ordered in. They asked me if I wanted chan pon (sp?) and I said sure, not knowing what the heck I was getting. Turns out, it was a spicy version of ramen, only with spaghetti noodles. It also had squid and various vegetables. I really liked it and they kept exclaiming how surprised they were at my obvious enjoyment of the food. After dinner, they then asked if I wanted to go bowling. I said "I would love to!" Ju Chan (my main interpreter and a very nice guy) and Ji, one of the girls, drove with me to the bowling alley. We had a blast! Despite all the language barriers, this is one fun group of young people who know how to make a Migugin (American) feel very welcome. We all laughed at each others gutter balls, cheered stikes and spares, and took silly pictures to boot. They ended up calling me 'Ne-SAH" after they asked what my nickname was, so when I went up to bowl a couple of times they chanted "Ne-SAH, Ne-SAH". It was so funny. They also have this cheer that comes from the English word fighting but when they say it, it sounds like "Pighting!" It means "we can do it, or buck up, or cheer up" My team would gather up and put our hands in and say "Sam, ran, han, Pighting!"
I really enjoyed getting to know and hang out with people of my own age who all got my phone number and were so genuinely happy that "Ne-Sah" is part of their group now. I don't mind the language barrier so much any more. I think it will just create an even better incentive to learn the language faster.
Well, I promised this wouldn't be long. Or at least not too long.
Pighting!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
What one day can hold
Annyong haseyo everyone! Also, Happy Fourth of July!
I am writing this blog post with a very happy and full heart. I feel like I have a new family (again). It is truly amazing to me the way the body of Christ extends beyond all cultural and language barriers to unite people with one single thing in common-the passion for God's glory and the spread of His fame. How true the verse is in the Scriptures that tells us if we give up family and friends for His sake, he will increase our family one hundred fold and more. I am humbled and grateful to our Lord for being faithful above and beyond to His promises and providing me with so much more than I dared to ask or think.
Today I went to Dongshin Church for my first Korean lesson. My lesson last week went well but this one was even better. Everyone there had their own tutor who provided them with correct pronunciation and a conversational partner. My partner's English name was Gloria. She was very nice and told me that I was doing extremely well. She asked how long I had been in Korea and if I had already had some lessons and was amazed that I had only had been in the country a little over two weeks with only one lesson. We learned the alphabet sounds again and then how to ask a person's name and how to give ours. We also learned how to say "It's nice to meet you" and "It's so hot!". After repeating the alphabet sounds a few times, my tutor said "Ah, you learn so fast!" so then she taught me a few other phrases like "How much is this?" and "I like it very much". After the lesson, we exchanged numbers so that she could call me or I could call her and we could dialogue and review the things I learned.
Then, as I was getting ready to leave, Gloria asked if I would like to go to lunch with her and another ENT named Rob who was there at the lesson as well. I gladly agreed and we walked to a Pop-Eye's to have fried chicken. While we were eating, I found out that she and Rob were going with a lady from another church in Daegu to an orphanage on the city's outskirts to give free English lessons. They asked if I would like to join them and of course I said "Yes, I'd love to!" So we met the woman whose name was Clara (English) and rode to Ansim district. The orphanage was clean although very spartan, and the children seemed happy. I helped tutor a little boy whose Korean name I cannot recall, and he was so tickled about the funny English words and the funny English teacher that he kept cracking jokes and bursting into spontaneous laughter. I couldn't help but laugh too, especially when Clara translated what he was saying to me! All in all, it was a great time and I loved every minute of it. Then, when we were done, Clara gave me a ride back to the church to go the Bible study there. She also gave a ride to a young woman from her church who was also going to the Bible study. Her name was Young-Shin and she spoke English fairly well. Young-Shin is only a year older than I am with a very friendly personality. We conversed in a limited way in the car and I hope that we will become friends in the future. I gave Clara my phone number so she could call me about the orphanage again and then Young-Shin and I went to the Bible study. Grace, the lady who welcomed me so warmly last week is the moderator of the study and she was so excited that I came. It was a very good study that lasted over 2 hours. We talked about the 17th chapter of Acts and Paul's approach to Evangelism. I actually added quite a bit of input and they expressed appreciation several times for what I had said. They were curious to learn the methods of evangelism in the US and also how I believed reaching young people was possible. I said that I believed that young people needed to be shown that following Christ was not about following rules or what they could or couldn't do or should and shouldn't do. Evanglism is about showing Christ to be the greatest treasure that they could ever find; the One that fills the void of their hearts; the only way to obtaining supreme happiness and joy and peace in this life and in the life to come. It was truly a wonderful time of fellowship and discovery. I have had a longing for good Christian fellowship since I got here and I sensed today that sweet scent of the body of Christ which filled that longing.
After we were done, Grace took me and another Korean girl, whose name I cannot remember in English or Korean (because I learned so many today!) to a Korean place and treated us to dinner. It consisted of kimchi mandu, gul mundu, tuna kimbab, kimchi kimbab, and anchovi soup. So good! During dinner, they told me about the college age service at the church which is in Korean but has many young people there who speak some English. So I decided I would go to that as well tomorrow so as to absorb more Korean and then to the small groups afterward.
When we were done, we parted ways, they going back to Grace's car at church and me to the subway. I stopped off in downtown and wandered around a bit. I found the Daegu train station which is helpful and also went to a coffee and waffle house where I had what I consider to be the best cup of joe I've ever tasted and this amazing waffle that was topped with strawberry and lime ice-cream and lots of fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle. I wish I had my SD card for my camera so I could've taken a picture. But I'll probably be going back so not to worry!
All in all, this has been an extremely good day for me and the week before wasn't bad either. I am now using what I learned in Florida to good use and playing my guitar for the kids in class. They LOVE it! They were so excited when I brought it in to class and repeatedly asked "Teacher, guitar....teacher, guitar?" When I said yes, they all went "Ahhh" and then "Play?" I said yes again and they all went crazy and started cheering and jumping up and down! Of course, when I took it out of the case, they all wanted to touch it and strum the strings. So far, I've used it in all my classes and have sung "If you're happy and you know it" "Looby lou" "The more we get together" "My Bonnie" "Is there any cookies in the cookie jar" and "Row, row, row your boat". I also had to learn and teach "Let It Be" by the Beatles to my high level class. That was quite interesting. All the Korean teachers are eating it up and asking if I can play every class. I told them "Sure thing! I think I enjoy it almost as much as the kids do!"
Well, this has been a very long post but I can't help saying PTL for all the goodness He has given to me here so far. I also want to say thank you again for all your prayers! They are availing much!
Annyong i kesejo! (Literal translation-Please be safe and healthy at home)
I am writing this blog post with a very happy and full heart. I feel like I have a new family (again). It is truly amazing to me the way the body of Christ extends beyond all cultural and language barriers to unite people with one single thing in common-the passion for God's glory and the spread of His fame. How true the verse is in the Scriptures that tells us if we give up family and friends for His sake, he will increase our family one hundred fold and more. I am humbled and grateful to our Lord for being faithful above and beyond to His promises and providing me with so much more than I dared to ask or think.
Today I went to Dongshin Church for my first Korean lesson. My lesson last week went well but this one was even better. Everyone there had their own tutor who provided them with correct pronunciation and a conversational partner. My partner's English name was Gloria. She was very nice and told me that I was doing extremely well. She asked how long I had been in Korea and if I had already had some lessons and was amazed that I had only had been in the country a little over two weeks with only one lesson. We learned the alphabet sounds again and then how to ask a person's name and how to give ours. We also learned how to say "It's nice to meet you" and "It's so hot!". After repeating the alphabet sounds a few times, my tutor said "Ah, you learn so fast!" so then she taught me a few other phrases like "How much is this?" and "I like it very much". After the lesson, we exchanged numbers so that she could call me or I could call her and we could dialogue and review the things I learned.
Then, as I was getting ready to leave, Gloria asked if I would like to go to lunch with her and another ENT named Rob who was there at the lesson as well. I gladly agreed and we walked to a Pop-Eye's to have fried chicken. While we were eating, I found out that she and Rob were going with a lady from another church in Daegu to an orphanage on the city's outskirts to give free English lessons. They asked if I would like to join them and of course I said "Yes, I'd love to!" So we met the woman whose name was Clara (English) and rode to Ansim district. The orphanage was clean although very spartan, and the children seemed happy. I helped tutor a little boy whose Korean name I cannot recall, and he was so tickled about the funny English words and the funny English teacher that he kept cracking jokes and bursting into spontaneous laughter. I couldn't help but laugh too, especially when Clara translated what he was saying to me! All in all, it was a great time and I loved every minute of it. Then, when we were done, Clara gave me a ride back to the church to go the Bible study there. She also gave a ride to a young woman from her church who was also going to the Bible study. Her name was Young-Shin and she spoke English fairly well. Young-Shin is only a year older than I am with a very friendly personality. We conversed in a limited way in the car and I hope that we will become friends in the future. I gave Clara my phone number so she could call me about the orphanage again and then Young-Shin and I went to the Bible study. Grace, the lady who welcomed me so warmly last week is the moderator of the study and she was so excited that I came. It was a very good study that lasted over 2 hours. We talked about the 17th chapter of Acts and Paul's approach to Evangelism. I actually added quite a bit of input and they expressed appreciation several times for what I had said. They were curious to learn the methods of evangelism in the US and also how I believed reaching young people was possible. I said that I believed that young people needed to be shown that following Christ was not about following rules or what they could or couldn't do or should and shouldn't do. Evanglism is about showing Christ to be the greatest treasure that they could ever find; the One that fills the void of their hearts; the only way to obtaining supreme happiness and joy and peace in this life and in the life to come. It was truly a wonderful time of fellowship and discovery. I have had a longing for good Christian fellowship since I got here and I sensed today that sweet scent of the body of Christ which filled that longing.
After we were done, Grace took me and another Korean girl, whose name I cannot remember in English or Korean (because I learned so many today!) to a Korean place and treated us to dinner. It consisted of kimchi mandu, gul mundu, tuna kimbab, kimchi kimbab, and anchovi soup. So good! During dinner, they told me about the college age service at the church which is in Korean but has many young people there who speak some English. So I decided I would go to that as well tomorrow so as to absorb more Korean and then to the small groups afterward.
When we were done, we parted ways, they going back to Grace's car at church and me to the subway. I stopped off in downtown and wandered around a bit. I found the Daegu train station which is helpful and also went to a coffee and waffle house where I had what I consider to be the best cup of joe I've ever tasted and this amazing waffle that was topped with strawberry and lime ice-cream and lots of fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle. I wish I had my SD card for my camera so I could've taken a picture. But I'll probably be going back so not to worry!
All in all, this has been an extremely good day for me and the week before wasn't bad either. I am now using what I learned in Florida to good use and playing my guitar for the kids in class. They LOVE it! They were so excited when I brought it in to class and repeatedly asked "Teacher, guitar....teacher, guitar?" When I said yes, they all went "Ahhh" and then "Play?" I said yes again and they all went crazy and started cheering and jumping up and down! Of course, when I took it out of the case, they all wanted to touch it and strum the strings. So far, I've used it in all my classes and have sung "If you're happy and you know it" "Looby lou" "The more we get together" "My Bonnie" "Is there any cookies in the cookie jar" and "Row, row, row your boat". I also had to learn and teach "Let It Be" by the Beatles to my high level class. That was quite interesting. All the Korean teachers are eating it up and asking if I can play every class. I told them "Sure thing! I think I enjoy it almost as much as the kids do!"
Well, this has been a very long post but I can't help saying PTL for all the goodness He has given to me here so far. I also want to say thank you again for all your prayers! They are availing much!
Annyong i kesejo! (Literal translation-Please be safe and healthy at home)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday and the day that follows
Now that I have access to a computer, I intend to be more frequent in my updates. However, if you are worried that I might start an avalanche of information...not to worry. I've never won any awards in the area of good communication and I don't think I'll be up for one anytime soon. I just wanted to relay a good piece of news from Sunday.
I googled churches on Saturday night and found a few with English speaking services. One in paticular looked promising so I thought I'd go and try it out. It is located just to the north of downtown Daegu, about a forty-five minute subway ride as I had to transfer on to the other line. I got off at the right stop but I took a wrong turn (as the streets were narrow and winding) and ended up having to ask a very nice Korean lady where Dongshin church (kyoyo) was. Turns out she had just come from there but as she didn't speak English and I didn't speak Korean, she very kindly and obligingly took me personally to the church. So I got there but about 20 minutes late. The worship part had just ended and the sermon was starting. It was on faith and was from the book of James. It was good but kind of long and even though the content was sound, the preacher (who was American) was not the most natural speaker in the world. But I enjoyed getting to hear the preached Word again-in my natural language. Afterwards, I got to meet alot of the people who were there and most of them happened to be ENTs just like I am. I also met a Korean woman named Grace who was extremely welcoming and kind. She introduced me to the Korean pastor who was also very nice and then as she walked me out, she told me about different Bible studies they had. Then she mentioned that they had a Korean class which met on Saturdays. She said it was very little cost and that it would be great for me. I was explaining that I had already signed up for another class on Saturdays when she pulled the associate pastor over and he began to excitedly give more details. Turns out that this class has several tutors instead of just one instructor and who are more than willing to give one-on-one time with the students, even over the phone during the week. He said it would have alot of the ENTs who were at the service and that it would be a good opportunity of bonding and fellowship as well. SO, seeing as how I've only signed up for the other class and not paid for it, I will just return my books and tell them I changed my mind. He was very excited and so enthusiatic and warm that I couldn't help feeling the same way. I really feel like this will be a good place for me as I start my new life here.
Now it is Monday and very late. I was dragging at the school today but then I got wound up as soon as I got back home. Hmmm...not a good pattern. Anyhoo, just thought I'd share that and let everyone know that I sincerely appreciate all your prayers, love, and support. It really means a lot to know you have that at your back.
Cheers!
I googled churches on Saturday night and found a few with English speaking services. One in paticular looked promising so I thought I'd go and try it out. It is located just to the north of downtown Daegu, about a forty-five minute subway ride as I had to transfer on to the other line. I got off at the right stop but I took a wrong turn (as the streets were narrow and winding) and ended up having to ask a very nice Korean lady where Dongshin church (kyoyo) was. Turns out she had just come from there but as she didn't speak English and I didn't speak Korean, she very kindly and obligingly took me personally to the church. So I got there but about 20 minutes late. The worship part had just ended and the sermon was starting. It was on faith and was from the book of James. It was good but kind of long and even though the content was sound, the preacher (who was American) was not the most natural speaker in the world. But I enjoyed getting to hear the preached Word again-in my natural language. Afterwards, I got to meet alot of the people who were there and most of them happened to be ENTs just like I am. I also met a Korean woman named Grace who was extremely welcoming and kind. She introduced me to the Korean pastor who was also very nice and then as she walked me out, she told me about different Bible studies they had. Then she mentioned that they had a Korean class which met on Saturdays. She said it was very little cost and that it would be great for me. I was explaining that I had already signed up for another class on Saturdays when she pulled the associate pastor over and he began to excitedly give more details. Turns out that this class has several tutors instead of just one instructor and who are more than willing to give one-on-one time with the students, even over the phone during the week. He said it would have alot of the ENTs who were at the service and that it would be a good opportunity of bonding and fellowship as well. SO, seeing as how I've only signed up for the other class and not paid for it, I will just return my books and tell them I changed my mind. He was very excited and so enthusiatic and warm that I couldn't help feeling the same way. I really feel like this will be a good place for me as I start my new life here.
Now it is Monday and very late. I was dragging at the school today but then I got wound up as soon as I got back home. Hmmm...not a good pattern. Anyhoo, just thought I'd share that and let everyone know that I sincerely appreciate all your prayers, love, and support. It really means a lot to know you have that at your back.
Cheers!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
First Blog Post From Korea
Well, Hey to all of you who read this blog...which is maybe one, two perhaps? Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Getting over jetlag and getting used to the crazy schedule of teaching has taken some time but I think it's getting better. I am in the Dalseo Gu (or district) of Daegu, South Korea which is towards the outer perimeter. I am right by several mountains, one of which I am planning on hiking soon, but even being on the outskirts of Daegu doesn't mean a lack of "citiness". From what I've observed, Korean cities are so much more brightly lit. I mean, they use almost every color imaginable in their shops and signs. When you walk down the streets in the evening, neon lights blink and flash everywhere. And you've got all these little street vending things and fruit and vegetables laid out along the sidewalk. I walked out tonight and got some apples from a fruit vendor and "bul mandu" (boiled mandu-korean dumplings stuffed with yumminess) from one of the myriads of tiny shops. There's not a lot of big shops here, but you will have smaller shops devoted exclusively to one thing or brand like the Adidas shop, or the Nike shop, or there was one shop which sells boyfriend and girfriend matching t-shirts (its both fashionable and a statement like "he/she belongs to me". I find the Koreans seem to like just walking around shopping, talking and being together. I don't usually see people walking around with a lot of bags.
Anyways, about my school. It's located on the 2nd and 3rd floor of a building right across from the apartments where I live. It takes like 2 minutes max to get there everyday. I am one of four ENTs (English Native Teacher), the other three being guys, two from Britain and one from the US. There are five KTs (Korean Teacher) who work with us teaching one half of each of our classes. I have six classes altogether which take place about 3 times a week. 3 are on M, W, F...2 are on T, Th, F...and one is on M,W, Th. I teach either the 40 minute session before or the session after the KT. Its fairly easy to teach the material, the main problem is classroom control. Maybe problem isn't exactly the right word...it depends on the class you have. One of my classes, R2, has two boys and four girls, all of which are fairly smart and always want to answer all the questions. They get so hyped up and excited about getting points (they get points for right answers and winning) and playing games. I have to frequently quiet down the incessant cry of "Teacher, Teacher!!" when I'm asking questions and tell them to sit back down when they get too worked up. But they are a fun class. Oh, let me explain about the names of our classes. All of the classes are assigned a letter and number so my classes are A1, R2, B3, T4, T3, and C3. T4 has the opposite problem of R2. They are so quiet I have to practically force the answers out of them. Last time though, I got them slightly animated with a game of sticky-ball tic-tac-toe. C3 is the highest level class at the school so the students are more advanced in their English skills and yet it seems that I have the most trouble with them speaking Korean during class (mostly the boys though). One girl in paticular named Sue is very smart though and has a lot of potential. In fact, most of the students in that class are smart and funny too. Its hard to keep a straight face at Bart and his antics. All in all, I really enjoy all of my students and they seem to like me too.
I went for my first Korean class today in downtown Daegu. It was funny to be with all these grownups making such weird sounds and faces. I got a start on reading the Korean or Hangul alphabet. Its really fairly simple and I found myself being able to make out a few of the words on shop signs. I found out my name in Korean is 바 네 사, literally "Bah-Neh-Sah". Aftewards, I went to the downtown shopping district and wandered about for a good bit. Then I took the subway back (I used the subway for the first time and it was crowded like expected but fun). To give you and idea of how big Daegu is, it takes about 20 minutes by subway just to reach downtown and thats only halfway down the subway line! The Koreans take every opportunity on the bus or train to nap so half the people on the subway were dozing.
I've been keeping myself well stocked with milk so that my stomach doesn't do what it did in FL. So far it seems to be working. Even with all the spicy food I've been consuming, the tummy seems to be doing just fine.
As for finding a school at which to continue my Taekwondo, I have been frustrated and discouraged. I can't seem to locate any schools that are the Chang Do Kwan style I was learning back in the states. None of the Koreans I've met so far have been able to help and research on the web hasn't come up with anything either. I know there is a big school in Seoul but that's two hours away by the KTX train which isn't practical at all. I guess I'll just have to keep on trying.
Well, I better wrap this post up. I think its long enough to justify my absence and satisfy all (if any) curious minds.
갈채하다, 환성을 지르다; 기운을 북돋우다 !!!!!!
Anyways, about my school. It's located on the 2nd and 3rd floor of a building right across from the apartments where I live. It takes like 2 minutes max to get there everyday. I am one of four ENTs (English Native Teacher), the other three being guys, two from Britain and one from the US. There are five KTs (Korean Teacher) who work with us teaching one half of each of our classes. I have six classes altogether which take place about 3 times a week. 3 are on M, W, F...2 are on T, Th, F...and one is on M,W, Th. I teach either the 40 minute session before or the session after the KT. Its fairly easy to teach the material, the main problem is classroom control. Maybe problem isn't exactly the right word...it depends on the class you have. One of my classes, R2, has two boys and four girls, all of which are fairly smart and always want to answer all the questions. They get so hyped up and excited about getting points (they get points for right answers and winning) and playing games. I have to frequently quiet down the incessant cry of "Teacher, Teacher!!" when I'm asking questions and tell them to sit back down when they get too worked up. But they are a fun class. Oh, let me explain about the names of our classes. All of the classes are assigned a letter and number so my classes are A1, R2, B3, T4, T3, and C3. T4 has the opposite problem of R2. They are so quiet I have to practically force the answers out of them. Last time though, I got them slightly animated with a game of sticky-ball tic-tac-toe. C3 is the highest level class at the school so the students are more advanced in their English skills and yet it seems that I have the most trouble with them speaking Korean during class (mostly the boys though). One girl in paticular named Sue is very smart though and has a lot of potential. In fact, most of the students in that class are smart and funny too. Its hard to keep a straight face at Bart and his antics. All in all, I really enjoy all of my students and they seem to like me too.
I went for my first Korean class today in downtown Daegu. It was funny to be with all these grownups making such weird sounds and faces. I got a start on reading the Korean or Hangul alphabet. Its really fairly simple and I found myself being able to make out a few of the words on shop signs. I found out my name in Korean is 바 네 사, literally "Bah-Neh-Sah". Aftewards, I went to the downtown shopping district and wandered about for a good bit. Then I took the subway back (I used the subway for the first time and it was crowded like expected but fun). To give you and idea of how big Daegu is, it takes about 20 minutes by subway just to reach downtown and thats only halfway down the subway line! The Koreans take every opportunity on the bus or train to nap so half the people on the subway were dozing.
I've been keeping myself well stocked with milk so that my stomach doesn't do what it did in FL. So far it seems to be working. Even with all the spicy food I've been consuming, the tummy seems to be doing just fine.
As for finding a school at which to continue my Taekwondo, I have been frustrated and discouraged. I can't seem to locate any schools that are the Chang Do Kwan style I was learning back in the states. None of the Koreans I've met so far have been able to help and research on the web hasn't come up with anything either. I know there is a big school in Seoul but that's two hours away by the KTX train which isn't practical at all. I guess I'll just have to keep on trying.
Well, I better wrap this post up. I think its long enough to justify my absence and satisfy all (if any) curious minds.
갈채하다, 환성을 지르다; 기운을 북돋우다 !!!!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Last post in the USA
Well, its really late and I should be in bed right now but I wanted to post one last time before heading to South Korea. I don't have anything earth-shattering to share, just that I will miss all my family and friends very much and want them to know I will be thinking about them. The travel tomorrow will be hectic as I have to be checked into my flight for South Korea 2 hours ahead of departure and I won't even be getting in on my domestic flight to Dallas until 2.5 hours before. So I'm praying everything goes smoothly and that I can connect without any trouble. Then I have to purchase a bus ticket once I reach the airport near Seoul and make another trip of over four hours to reach Daegu. This means by the time I get there I will have been traveling for nearly 24 hours straight. Jet lag I'm sure will be loads of fun!
Well, until I get to the other side.
Cheers!
~~~Well, this is fun...the internet died while I was typing this post so now I might not get to post it after all. If you don't see it till some time later, know it WAS written here in the US~~~~
Well, until I get to the other side.
Cheers!
~~~Well, this is fun...the internet died while I was typing this post so now I might not get to post it after all. If you don't see it till some time later, know it WAS written here in the US~~~~
Friday, June 12, 2009
Firmly in place
My plans and travel schedule are finally in place. I have an itinerary which has me leaving on Tuesday morning at 7:15 and arriving in South Korea at 3:05 p.m. on Wednesday. Talk about a long trip! Its roughly a fourteen hour flight from Dallas to Seoul so I'm planning on taking some sort of sleeping aid with me to combat my usual inability to sleep on planes. I might need one of those travel pillows as well.
The reality of being gone for a whole year really hasn't set in yet. I just have so much adrenaline and excitement flowing that I can't really feel anything else. I feel bad for people here who are already sad about my leaving but I'm sure it will kick in for me eventually, probably when I'm over there and all alone. So take comfort all you who must think I am a cold, unfeeling person who doesn't care; I shall get my just rewards.
Well, I guess that's all for now. I might write one more post before I leave or the next one might just be written from a far off place.
The reality of being gone for a whole year really hasn't set in yet. I just have so much adrenaline and excitement flowing that I can't really feel anything else. I feel bad for people here who are already sad about my leaving but I'm sure it will kick in for me eventually, probably when I'm over there and all alone. So take comfort all you who must think I am a cold, unfeeling person who doesn't care; I shall get my just rewards.
Well, I guess that's all for now. I might write one more post before I leave or the next one might just be written from a far off place.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Visa at last!
I made it to Houston today by plane instead of by car as originally planned (due to parental concern about lack of sleep, etc.) I arrived in plenty of time for my 2:30 interview which went very well and was thankfully fairly brief. I was then told I could come back at 4:00 and pick up my passport which would contain my Visa. Talk about fast! I was shocked and kept thinking they meant 4:00 the next day but she said no, today. So, here I am sitting in a hotel room that I didn't really need after all, knowing that I have to wait all day tomorrow until 7:00 to fly back. Frustrating but unavoidable because you really can't plan these things ahead, just have to make the most conservative plans possible, which is what I did.
I also received an e-mail today from the director of my school in Korea saying that he had booked a flight for the 16th of next week. It is a direct flight from Dallas, TX to Incheon International Airport near Seoul. I think I read that the flight was about fifteen hours long.
I am extremely thankful tonight for the way things are falling into place. I just can't wait to get home and organize and pack (not!). Seriously though, PTL for answered prayer!
I also received an e-mail today from the director of my school in Korea saying that he had booked a flight for the 16th of next week. It is a direct flight from Dallas, TX to Incheon International Airport near Seoul. I think I read that the flight was about fifteen hours long.
I am extremely thankful tonight for the way things are falling into place. I just can't wait to get home and organize and pack (not!). Seriously though, PTL for answered prayer!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Today I set up the visa interview with the Korean Consulate in Houston, TX. I will leave at about 2 or 3 in the morning and get there in plenty of time for my 2:30 interview. Hopefully the visa will be processed by the next day because I am staying at a hotel and I only booked it for one night! I let the director of the school in Korea know because he was wanting to try and book my flight right away. Things are moving very fast now and I am getting very excited. It's hard to grasp that I could be halfway around the world by this time next week!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Someone told me it might be a good idea to start a blog and chronicle all of my adventures (warning-for those of you looking for something exciting to read, leave now; this blog may bore you to tears!).
Okay, so to start things off, I should explain the name of my blog. People who know me fairly well know that I have a passion for gardening and in particular, compost. I like to look for parallels in the Bible and the Christian life that I can relate to what I am learning in the garden.
So, I have this theory that my life and all other Christians lives are in many ways like compost piles. God is our master gardener if you will, and we are His compost piles which are turned by His divine pitchfork. We start out as compilations of refuse; the leftovers and cast-offs. God takes these piles and inoculates us with nitrogen or the Holy Spirit. We then begin to heat up and start a transformation process that will be a slow and painful one. Because you see, a compost pile is only good if it decomposes, if it dies. All the while that the gardener (God) is turning and shaping us as piles, we are slowly dying to what we were and transforming into something new and so much better: the black gold of finished compost. The transformation comes with difficulty-suffering is the key element (i.e. the material must break down in order to decompose; I Peter 1:6-7 "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious that gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ).
Sometimes (as I have learned by experience) the compost piles slow down or stop in the middle of this breaking down process. By turning the piles again, adding new inoculate, and watering the piles down, the process can be fired back up. I know as a pile that I get comfortable and just want to stop in the middle of my transformation but by God's grace, I am gently turned again, re-kindled by the Holy Spirit, and watered with His Word. This gives me much to hope and rejoice in because you see, I don't want to remain in my unfinished, putrid state but press forward to become that which is good-smelling and complete (believe me, finished compost smells fantastic-you can smell LIFE). And I have assurance that my Gardener won't leave my pile unfinished "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6.
The best part about being a compost pile is that we have that ultimate example of what a compost pile is supposed to look like in Jesus Christ. He became a compost pile and became the perfect finished product through decomposition (i.e. His suffering and death) "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering" Hebrews 2:10.
So why do we as compost piles desire to become perfect and complete products of compost? What is the purpose? Well, if you think about it, all the praise and honor for a banner batch of compost does not go to the compost pile does it? We don't stand looking down on a pile saying "Oh what a good little pile you are, you did so good at turning yourself into rich humus". That would simply be ridiculous. No, all the honor and glory and praise goes to the gardener-he who worked over that pile, turning and stimulating it until it becomes the product he planned for it to be in the beginning. The number one reason then, is to bring glory and honor to our beloved Gardener. The other purpose for becoming nutrient rich humus is so that life may spring forth from us. Think about it: we start out as refuse, decompose and die and are reborn as life-containing and life-giving compost. The great part about finished compost is that when a new pile is started, some of the old is added in to give it a boost of micro and macro nutrients (aka LIFE).
Anyways, enough of my sermon on compost and life...that's just the tip of the iceberg BTWs. This whole explanation is just to explain why I gave my blog its name! Hope you enjoy!
Someone told me it might be a good idea to start a blog and chronicle all of my adventures (warning-for those of you looking for something exciting to read, leave now; this blog may bore you to tears!).
Okay, so to start things off, I should explain the name of my blog. People who know me fairly well know that I have a passion for gardening and in particular, compost. I like to look for parallels in the Bible and the Christian life that I can relate to what I am learning in the garden.
So, I have this theory that my life and all other Christians lives are in many ways like compost piles. God is our master gardener if you will, and we are His compost piles which are turned by His divine pitchfork. We start out as compilations of refuse; the leftovers and cast-offs. God takes these piles and inoculates us with nitrogen or the Holy Spirit. We then begin to heat up and start a transformation process that will be a slow and painful one. Because you see, a compost pile is only good if it decomposes, if it dies. All the while that the gardener (God) is turning and shaping us as piles, we are slowly dying to what we were and transforming into something new and so much better: the black gold of finished compost. The transformation comes with difficulty-suffering is the key element (i.e. the material must break down in order to decompose; I Peter 1:6-7 "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious that gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ).
Sometimes (as I have learned by experience) the compost piles slow down or stop in the middle of this breaking down process. By turning the piles again, adding new inoculate, and watering the piles down, the process can be fired back up. I know as a pile that I get comfortable and just want to stop in the middle of my transformation but by God's grace, I am gently turned again, re-kindled by the Holy Spirit, and watered with His Word. This gives me much to hope and rejoice in because you see, I don't want to remain in my unfinished, putrid state but press forward to become that which is good-smelling and complete (believe me, finished compost smells fantastic-you can smell LIFE). And I have assurance that my Gardener won't leave my pile unfinished "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6.
The best part about being a compost pile is that we have that ultimate example of what a compost pile is supposed to look like in Jesus Christ. He became a compost pile and became the perfect finished product through decomposition (i.e. His suffering and death) "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering" Hebrews 2:10.
So why do we as compost piles desire to become perfect and complete products of compost? What is the purpose? Well, if you think about it, all the praise and honor for a banner batch of compost does not go to the compost pile does it? We don't stand looking down on a pile saying "Oh what a good little pile you are, you did so good at turning yourself into rich humus". That would simply be ridiculous. No, all the honor and glory and praise goes to the gardener-he who worked over that pile, turning and stimulating it until it becomes the product he planned for it to be in the beginning. The number one reason then, is to bring glory and honor to our beloved Gardener. The other purpose for becoming nutrient rich humus is so that life may spring forth from us. Think about it: we start out as refuse, decompose and die and are reborn as life-containing and life-giving compost. The great part about finished compost is that when a new pile is started, some of the old is added in to give it a boost of micro and macro nutrients (aka LIFE).
Anyways, enough of my sermon on compost and life...that's just the tip of the iceberg BTWs. This whole explanation is just to explain why I gave my blog its name! Hope you enjoy!
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