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!!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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
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