In class New Years Eve, we were talking about resolutions. Going around the classroom, there were the typical, "I want to loose weight," "I want to study harder," etc. My favorite one though, was when we started talking about Christian resolutions.
My resolution...are you ready for it??...is to write the New Testament in a year. Maybe not super exciting, but I've already started, and it's such a great way to stimulate my reading each word. Already, I've read things that I didn't notice before, just because I wasn't necessarily looking at details.
Well, after sharing my resolution with the class, one student looked at me and said, "I have an English Bible. Your voice is very beautiful. Have you ever thought about reading the Bible in one year?" I said that I have read through the Bible before, but not out loud. With complete sincerity and seriousness, he said, "Amy, your New Year's resolution is to record the Bible with your voice. Then you'll give it to me so I can hear the Bible in English. It's not impossible." I said that I wasn't so sure about that, but he kept saying that it wasn't impossible and I must do it for him.
Haha. Kind of funny, but I felt bad at the same time. Another student said yesterday that the Korean Bible is very difficult to understand, and there is no easy version. I guess there are only 3-4 versions of the Bible in Korean, and my students say they're all pretty difficult (older language translated from a Chinese version). He wants to read the Bible, but feels like he can't. He said that he hopes someone translates the Bible into understandable Hangul (Korean language). I felt so sad that there are still people in countries filled with churches who don't feel they have access to understanding the Bible. I'm happy to teach students who desire to learn about God more. Before, I was a little disappointed not to have a class this winter with more Bible students, but I'm seeing God's plan for my teaching these specific students too.
December 31, 2009
December 26, 2009
Sauna and Church
This afternoon I went to the local Sauna/Jimjilbang with Connie and Robert (2 teachers at my school). Going to a sauna is such a fun experience in Korea. In America, we think of the floors being dirty places to sit, but Koreans think it's fine and clean to sit there. So on the main floor, there are people everywhere sprawled out on the floor with kids running around and people laying down reading books. It's an interesting sight. And refreshing to see families spending time together. This sauna had 4 rooms (3 hot ones, and 1 cool one). They also have a massage place, but there were no workers there...Oh well. I'll have to try it next time :) At least I know that there's one there!
It was nice to talk with Robert and Connie without the pressure of time. It was good to just stop thinking and enjoy eachothers company. This weekend felt like my first real weekend. We had Friday off work, and then Saturday we hung out together, and then tomorrow I work/go to church. 2 real days off in a row!! Also, a little Christmas present, we weren't supposed to get paid in December (until January they'd pay us double) for some reason, and Christmas morning, the paychecks were deposited into our accounts! I don't know why we got paid, but I won't ask any questions. I was just relieved to see it.
After the sauna, I came home, changed, and met Jamie. We walked to her church together (remind me that I need to wear my scarf at all times--it's freezing outside!!!), and they had a message with singing, and then 6-7 skits/singing numbers. It was really fun to see, and Jamie was really nice to translate most of it for me. Her young adults group in church splits everyone up by age 21-25, 26-31, 32+ or something like that. So the 25 year olds were moving on to the next level. That's why they were having the party. I was happy to be a part of it, and going to her church always makes me feel comfortable. Even though I'm usually nervous to be in a church that's all Korean, I feel like they're very warm and inviting.
Well, that's that. I'm starting a new resolution/tradition. I'll tell you about it on New Year's...A hint is that it's something that some Korean Christians apparently do, but I've never known an American who's done it :) Do you have any guesses???
It was nice to talk with Robert and Connie without the pressure of time. It was good to just stop thinking and enjoy eachothers company. This weekend felt like my first real weekend. We had Friday off work, and then Saturday we hung out together, and then tomorrow I work/go to church. 2 real days off in a row!! Also, a little Christmas present, we weren't supposed to get paid in December (until January they'd pay us double) for some reason, and Christmas morning, the paychecks were deposited into our accounts! I don't know why we got paid, but I won't ask any questions. I was just relieved to see it.
After the sauna, I came home, changed, and met Jamie. We walked to her church together (remind me that I need to wear my scarf at all times--it's freezing outside!!!), and they had a message with singing, and then 6-7 skits/singing numbers. It was really fun to see, and Jamie was really nice to translate most of it for me. Her young adults group in church splits everyone up by age 21-25, 26-31, 32+ or something like that. So the 25 year olds were moving on to the next level. That's why they were having the party. I was happy to be a part of it, and going to her church always makes me feel comfortable. Even though I'm usually nervous to be in a church that's all Korean, I feel like they're very warm and inviting.
Well, that's that. I'm starting a new resolution/tradition. I'll tell you about it on New Year's...A hint is that it's something that some Korean Christians apparently do, but I've never known an American who's done it :) Do you have any guesses???
Christmas Morning
Christmas morning, I went down to visit my Korean family and bring them a Christmas card. They made me some buns with bean inside. It was kind of neat how they cooked them in a steam pan so the outsides were chewy and cool and the inside was really hot. After saying goodbye and Merry Christmas, I went up to talk to my family on Skype. I was SOOO happy to talk to Holly and my parents both!!!
I opened presents and got lots of nice things that will be very useful now that it's getting really cold out. Liz Charpie came over for lunch, and I introduced her to my family who were really, really excited to meet her (they couldn't stop talking about it today) :) It was cute. And then we headed to see the Nutcracker Ballet!!
We were the only foreigners there, but they were kind enough to say "Don't use cameras/video" over the loudspeakers. Bummer!! I was hoping to use the "I don't speak Korean...I don't understand" card and try to sneak a few pictures. Oh well. It was beautiful!! It was so interesting to see the Korean spin on the original. There was one part where there were a few countries represented, and it was so cool to see how they introduced those countries through dance. I figured out the Spanish one by the fingers snapping in the air, and the Korean one with the traditional costume (only cut shorter) with taekwando moves, but other than that, I would have had little idea other than from the costume.
I still didn't figure one out...It was a costume that had a big dot in the middle and kind of looked like a clown with the bright colors and wide/yet short skirt. They had round rosy circle cheeks. They were dancing with their pointer fingers in the air going up and down...If you can figure it out, I'll buy you an ice cream. I've been thinking about it all weekend :) Anyway, the ballet was really fun, and having front-row tickets ended up being a really great choice.
On the way back to the subway to head downtown, we took these pictures:
Strange/neat looking day-care center
Beautiful sky!!
A national cemetery we found while walking to the subway (ended up taking an hour to walk from one subway station to the next...)
The mounds in the background are the burial sites
I opened presents and got lots of nice things that will be very useful now that it's getting really cold out. Liz Charpie came over for lunch, and I introduced her to my family who were really, really excited to meet her (they couldn't stop talking about it today) :) It was cute. And then we headed to see the Nutcracker Ballet!!
We were the only foreigners there, but they were kind enough to say "Don't use cameras/video" over the loudspeakers. Bummer!! I was hoping to use the "I don't speak Korean...I don't understand" card and try to sneak a few pictures. Oh well. It was beautiful!! It was so interesting to see the Korean spin on the original. There was one part where there were a few countries represented, and it was so cool to see how they introduced those countries through dance. I figured out the Spanish one by the fingers snapping in the air, and the Korean one with the traditional costume (only cut shorter) with taekwando moves, but other than that, I would have had little idea other than from the costume.
I still didn't figure one out...It was a costume that had a big dot in the middle and kind of looked like a clown with the bright colors and wide/yet short skirt. They had round rosy circle cheeks. They were dancing with their pointer fingers in the air going up and down...If you can figure it out, I'll buy you an ice cream. I've been thinking about it all weekend :) Anyway, the ballet was really fun, and having front-row tickets ended up being a really great choice.
On the way back to the subway to head downtown, we took these pictures:
Strange/neat looking day-care center
Beautiful sky!!
A national cemetery we found while walking to the subway (ended up taking an hour to walk from one subway station to the next...)
The mounds in the background are the burial sites
December 25, 2009
Christmas Night
After we got to Seoul, we found City Hall area where they had the area marked off for a big Christmas tree and lights! It was really beautiful, but getting super cold. I think mostly because of the wind. It was soooo beautiful!! I loved seeing all the colorful lights and the colored spotlights. Christmas in Korea is definitely a couples day, so I was really happy to have Liz with me as a buddy. We were checking things out in the center of the square when all of a sudden HUGE snowflakes started falling on us! They were doing a big performance thing, so we both assumed it was a snow machine. I was checking everywhere to figure out where this was coming from, when I realized that it was REAL snow!!! Yay!!! Honestly, I'd been pretty jealous of all the snow in Minnesota...and was beginning to feel left out. Especially on Christmas. But I felt so happy and blessed really, that we got to experience that snow for quite a few hours. 7 of my friends called/texted me telling me that it was snowing :) It made me feel good that they were thinking of me and happy that it was snowing too!
We headed to McDonalds for lunch, and searched everywhere trying to find bad spellings on signs and stuff. We found a few, so I put one of them up down below. You try to find it :) Then we had Starbucks and braved the cold back to the subway where we parted ways. What a beautiful, unforgetable Christmas. Even though it didn't really feel like "Christmas" like I'm used to, it was one that I am happy to have experienced.
Seoul Station/City Hall area...where Christmas night festivities began!!
Cool building made of art with lights shone through. Each square had a little New Year saying/wish on it.
Liz Charpie, my Christmas buddy :) I'm so thankful we were able to spend the day together!!
The snow started to fall :)
McDonalds now delivers...for free!!
I spy something...funny!! Do you see it??
Seoul is apparently the World Design Capital...
Snow!! Yepbuda (Beautiful!!)
Do you see the moon?
Chunggyecheon Stream running through downtown
Merry Christmas!December 24, 2009
Winter Class
Well, to be honest I wasn't really looking forward to teaching a new set of students during the winter session. Especially when I found out that I was teaching 7 students, and the other teachers were only teaching 2-4... However...!! They're really great!! KBU students never disappoint :)
I have 7 students, 3 guys and 4 girls. 3 of them are students I've had before, 1 of the guys is from a completely different university only taking a few winter classes here, and the other girls are taking English for the first time at KBU. So, it's a pretty good group. We've had 3 classes, and so far so good. They're working well together, and still kind of warming up, but I think it'll be a great situation.
Today we had an easy day watching the 1955 version of "Miracle on 34th Street", singing Christmas songs, and playing English games. I got a few chocolates and a nice Korean pen with bookmark. Yesterday I put up Christmas lights with Daniel, and now my room looks a little Christmasy. But it's still not like being at home. This winter's been hard for me being away, but I'm definitely learning to be content in each situation.
It's been wonderful getting little Christmas gifts from family and friends! Even a well-timed "Merry Christmas" or "I'm praying for you" has been such an encouragement to me this year!! Today was probably the worst day of all. I was so bummed. BUT, I got a phone call from Jamie!! She invited herself over (thankfully I'd just finished cleaning), and we sat talking on my floor for an hour or two about the last month or so that we hadn't met in. It was SOO nice to talk to her! I didn't realize how much I missed her. She's such a good friend. This afternoon I had sent a letter in the mail to her, so I'm sure she'll be surprised of that. It's kind of funny I sent it off the day she came to visit me. Anyways, we made plans to meet on Saturday for a church service of hers and also for a sleepover in January!! Yay!!
SO, tomorrow I'm going to meet Liz and have lunch together. Then we're going to see the Nutcracker Ballet (front row tickets) at 2. I'm not a big ballet fan, but I'm actually really excited for this. Then we're probably going downtown to see the lights. It's supposed to rain/sleet, so I'm not really sure what's going to happen, but that's the plan anyways :)
Then Saturday late morning, I'm going to the sauna with Connie and Robert (coworkers) for some intense cold/head. I'm actually excited for the cold sauna room. It'll feel more like Christmas time!! Maybe they have a massage place too. That's what I'm crossing my fingers for...
Anyways, Merry Christmas Eve!
I have 7 students, 3 guys and 4 girls. 3 of them are students I've had before, 1 of the guys is from a completely different university only taking a few winter classes here, and the other girls are taking English for the first time at KBU. So, it's a pretty good group. We've had 3 classes, and so far so good. They're working well together, and still kind of warming up, but I think it'll be a great situation.
Today we had an easy day watching the 1955 version of "Miracle on 34th Street", singing Christmas songs, and playing English games. I got a few chocolates and a nice Korean pen with bookmark. Yesterday I put up Christmas lights with Daniel, and now my room looks a little Christmasy. But it's still not like being at home. This winter's been hard for me being away, but I'm definitely learning to be content in each situation.
It's been wonderful getting little Christmas gifts from family and friends! Even a well-timed "Merry Christmas" or "I'm praying for you" has been such an encouragement to me this year!! Today was probably the worst day of all. I was so bummed. BUT, I got a phone call from Jamie!! She invited herself over (thankfully I'd just finished cleaning), and we sat talking on my floor for an hour or two about the last month or so that we hadn't met in. It was SOO nice to talk to her! I didn't realize how much I missed her. She's such a good friend. This afternoon I had sent a letter in the mail to her, so I'm sure she'll be surprised of that. It's kind of funny I sent it off the day she came to visit me. Anyways, we made plans to meet on Saturday for a church service of hers and also for a sleepover in January!! Yay!!
SO, tomorrow I'm going to meet Liz and have lunch together. Then we're going to see the Nutcracker Ballet (front row tickets) at 2. I'm not a big ballet fan, but I'm actually really excited for this. Then we're probably going downtown to see the lights. It's supposed to rain/sleet, so I'm not really sure what's going to happen, but that's the plan anyways :)
Then Saturday late morning, I'm going to the sauna with Connie and Robert (coworkers) for some intense cold/head. I'm actually excited for the cold sauna room. It'll feel more like Christmas time!! Maybe they have a massage place too. That's what I'm crossing my fingers for...
Anyways, Merry Christmas Eve!
December 11, 2009
Deck the Halls
I know it's a rather Christmas title and my post has little to do with it, but I was just reminiscing over this last week and remembering how silent these school hallways have been. This week was Finals week, and all the students have been anxiously studying for their final exams. I found students sleeping in the library, computer lab, and prayer rooms. I saw piles and piles of books in the weary arms of studying students.
But the one thing I didn't hear were voices. I've been working in my classroom preparing for winter classes and finishing up a final test of my own for Hamline's grad program, but usually I hear voices echoing down the hall from the English Zone foyer. But the halls have been silent this week.
Until today!
Today is Friday, and I think most students have finished their finals. The halls have been decked with laughter and singing! It brings such a joy to my heart to hear their happy voices. Even though they are speaking Korean (despite being in the "English Zone"), I'm so glad to hear them. It makes me happy to hear them being happy.
Joy is contagious!
But the one thing I didn't hear were voices. I've been working in my classroom preparing for winter classes and finishing up a final test of my own for Hamline's grad program, but usually I hear voices echoing down the hall from the English Zone foyer. But the halls have been silent this week.
Until today!
Today is Friday, and I think most students have finished their finals. The halls have been decked with laughter and singing! It brings such a joy to my heart to hear their happy voices. Even though they are speaking Korean (despite being in the "English Zone"), I'm so glad to hear them. It makes me happy to hear them being happy.
Joy is contagious!
December 9, 2009
Homesick
We have a week "off" teaching, so I've been working like mad on finishing up the final test for my master's level linguistic class. I'm happy to have done the work, but don't think I'll take another class like that online... :)
Today I got to go to lunch with Juny (one of my student-friends who went hiking with me once), and we had Chinese! Yum...there's a really good Chinese restaurant right across from school that a lot of students hit up at lunch time. We each had a Korean-Chinese noodle dish and shared tangsuyuk (kind of like sweet-and-sour pork). My favorite part though was having popsicles on the walk back to school. I can't believe it's the middle of December and it's still warm enough to wear light jackets and have popsicles!! Some days are cold, but most are pretty nice so far.
On my way home, I was thinking a lot about being here alone for the holidays and talking to Juny about home made me miss it a lot. This last week has been rough, and it all kind of cumulated today. I felt really stupid crying on the bus, and even more walking home, but once I got close to the apartment I remembered that I'm not here alone. Someone does care about me. A lot! My Korean family...
So I walked into the restaurant probably looking a mess, and sat down quietly. My Korean mom came over and started talking together, and it felt really good to have her calm me down. I'm so blessed to have her with me here. The other ladies came over and gave me a special soup that they made. Then we all shared some raw sweet potato together :) It wasn't the best food I've had by far, but it was so generous, and in their best of hearts. I stayed for 3 hours sitting and talking and helping them prep for the next day, and I loved every minute of it. Korean mom tells me every few minutes I can stop if I want, but I've learned the Korean word for fun "kipuda" and use it often. It reminds me of a mix between "yepbuda" which means "beautiful" and "kiputuh" which is Konglish for "gift". When I put "beautiful" and "gift" together, it's what reminds me of helping in the restaurant. It's such a beautiful gift that they've given me, the privilege of being together with them-no strings attached-and having someone to go to when I'm happy or sad.
Even though it's lonely here at times, I'm reminded daily of how good God is in giving me special people who have touched my life in ways they may never realize. I hope that I do that for other people. I hope that I can touch the lives of others in unexpected ways.
Today I got to go to lunch with Juny (one of my student-friends who went hiking with me once), and we had Chinese! Yum...there's a really good Chinese restaurant right across from school that a lot of students hit up at lunch time. We each had a Korean-Chinese noodle dish and shared tangsuyuk (kind of like sweet-and-sour pork). My favorite part though was having popsicles on the walk back to school. I can't believe it's the middle of December and it's still warm enough to wear light jackets and have popsicles!! Some days are cold, but most are pretty nice so far.
On my way home, I was thinking a lot about being here alone for the holidays and talking to Juny about home made me miss it a lot. This last week has been rough, and it all kind of cumulated today. I felt really stupid crying on the bus, and even more walking home, but once I got close to the apartment I remembered that I'm not here alone. Someone does care about me. A lot! My Korean family...
So I walked into the restaurant probably looking a mess, and sat down quietly. My Korean mom came over and started talking together, and it felt really good to have her calm me down. I'm so blessed to have her with me here. The other ladies came over and gave me a special soup that they made. Then we all shared some raw sweet potato together :) It wasn't the best food I've had by far, but it was so generous, and in their best of hearts. I stayed for 3 hours sitting and talking and helping them prep for the next day, and I loved every minute of it. Korean mom tells me every few minutes I can stop if I want, but I've learned the Korean word for fun "kipuda" and use it often. It reminds me of a mix between "yepbuda" which means "beautiful" and "kiputuh" which is Konglish for "gift". When I put "beautiful" and "gift" together, it's what reminds me of helping in the restaurant. It's such a beautiful gift that they've given me, the privilege of being together with them-no strings attached-and having someone to go to when I'm happy or sad.
Even though it's lonely here at times, I'm reminded daily of how good God is in giving me special people who have touched my life in ways they may never realize. I hope that I do that for other people. I hope that I can touch the lives of others in unexpected ways.
December 8, 2009
Dreams coming true
Well, I haven't found my true love yet... :) But I have had a few exciting last couple of days!
Saturday morning I woke up to a beautiful snow-covered mountain outside my window! It was so refreshing to see, and even more wonderful when it started snowing later. It's snowed here probably 4-5 times this year, but it hasn't stuck at all. So seeing white ground was thrilling!
Saturday afternoon, I met my Children's Center coworkers and supervisor to go to Apkujeong. It's a really nice, ritzy area of Seoul that has a lot of fun places to eat and hang out!! We walked through blowing snow for 15 minutes or so to a small little restaurant called Smokey's Saloon. Small restaurant, big taste!! They feature 15 or so different kinds of burgers (American style), so we chose 3 different kinds and tried parts of everyone's. YUM!!
It was so cold on the walk back to the subway that we stopped for tea and coffee. The guy who helped us at the coffee shop was so kind-and handsome-and definitely didn't fit any Korean stereotype. He was really tall, bigger built, and didn't seem to be obsessed with his appearance. Ah, I wish I spoke Korean...Oh well, now I have something to do during the next 2 months off teaching. I teach a winter intensive class for 3 weeks starting this Tuesday, and after that I don't have to teach until March! I'm really looking forward to studying Korean enthusiastically!! I can't wait!!
Ok...so on to my "dream coming true". Whenever I go to meet my Korean mom, I have a weird desire to make Korean food myself. Not at home, but in the restaurant. I've thought many times of asking to watch her make the food when we're alone, but I've never had the courage (even though I think she'd be happy that I asked). So Sunday night I was the only one in the restaurant with her, and I was helping her prepare some crab meat for the next day. It was so fun helping her, and I know it helps her out as well as lets me have something to talk to her about. So...I wanted to try something more exciting...and I started my plan and asked to order kimbap. She stood up to make one for me, and I followed her to watch over her shoulder :) They make the kimbap at the front of the store in front of the window, so it wasn't awkward or weird or anything for me to watch. She made one, and after seeing that I was watching her more closely than normal, she smiled and put her sanitary gloves on my hands. I was so happy!!! I tried my best to spread the rice evenly over the seaweed, but quickly realized that it's a lot harder than it looks...Oh well. She laughed and helped me out. I put some egg, cucumber, radish, carrot, and mushroom inside and then rolled it up. I think that the only part I was actually good at was the rolling :)
She could tell I was really happy, and in the midst of my excitement I searched for the right words to say in simple English...what could I say that could communicate that I had watched her do that for so long and I always wanted to try? The words came out how my students typically communicate just that... "It was my dream!!" Haha!! I must have sounded so funny. Making kimbap is something very simple to Koreans...but very intricate to me. Here's a picture of my handiwork!! Very beautiful if I do say so myself :) "Yepbuda" as they say in Korean!
Saturday morning I woke up to a beautiful snow-covered mountain outside my window! It was so refreshing to see, and even more wonderful when it started snowing later. It's snowed here probably 4-5 times this year, but it hasn't stuck at all. So seeing white ground was thrilling!
Saturday afternoon, I met my Children's Center coworkers and supervisor to go to Apkujeong. It's a really nice, ritzy area of Seoul that has a lot of fun places to eat and hang out!! We walked through blowing snow for 15 minutes or so to a small little restaurant called Smokey's Saloon. Small restaurant, big taste!! They feature 15 or so different kinds of burgers (American style), so we chose 3 different kinds and tried parts of everyone's. YUM!!It was so cold on the walk back to the subway that we stopped for tea and coffee. The guy who helped us at the coffee shop was so kind-and handsome-and definitely didn't fit any Korean stereotype. He was really tall, bigger built, and didn't seem to be obsessed with his appearance. Ah, I wish I spoke Korean...Oh well, now I have something to do during the next 2 months off teaching. I teach a winter intensive class for 3 weeks starting this Tuesday, and after that I don't have to teach until March! I'm really looking forward to studying Korean enthusiastically!! I can't wait!!
Ok...so on to my "dream coming true". Whenever I go to meet my Korean mom, I have a weird desire to make Korean food myself. Not at home, but in the restaurant. I've thought many times of asking to watch her make the food when we're alone, but I've never had the courage (even though I think she'd be happy that I asked). So Sunday night I was the only one in the restaurant with her, and I was helping her prepare some crab meat for the next day. It was so fun helping her, and I know it helps her out as well as lets me have something to talk to her about. So...I wanted to try something more exciting...and I started my plan and asked to order kimbap. She stood up to make one for me, and I followed her to watch over her shoulder :) They make the kimbap at the front of the store in front of the window, so it wasn't awkward or weird or anything for me to watch. She made one, and after seeing that I was watching her more closely than normal, she smiled and put her sanitary gloves on my hands. I was so happy!!! I tried my best to spread the rice evenly over the seaweed, but quickly realized that it's a lot harder than it looks...Oh well. She laughed and helped me out. I put some egg, cucumber, radish, carrot, and mushroom inside and then rolled it up. I think that the only part I was actually good at was the rolling :)
She could tell I was really happy, and in the midst of my excitement I searched for the right words to say in simple English...what could I say that could communicate that I had watched her do that for so long and I always wanted to try? The words came out how my students typically communicate just that... "It was my dream!!" Haha!! I must have sounded so funny. Making kimbap is something very simple to Koreans...but very intricate to me. Here's a picture of my handiwork!! Very beautiful if I do say so myself :) "Yepbuda" as they say in Korean!
December 5, 2009
Procrastination/Thanksgiving
Well, my final day of the semester was officially yesterday! So no more teaching, but prep work for the winter classes will begin. I'm definitely looking forward to the change in pace at least for a week or so. But the winter classes should be fun too! We're only teaching 2 students each for 3 hours a day for 3 weeks. Since they're small classes and 3 hours long, that gives us plenty of time to do fun things like field trips...
Last week, I was teaching about procrastination (the topic of the day was "stress" and they were listing off reasons for why people are stressed), and I realized how much of a procrastinator I am with writing on this blog...I have something interesting to share but then either get tied down with work or think, "Oh, I can do it later" :) So, the procrastination stops right now. For today at least.
A week before Thanksgiving, a Korean Bible teacher invited us to his home for a traditional "Thanksgiving dinner". Turkey is nowhere to be found in Korea, so I was so happy that we'd have the opportunity to share at least that one thing together. And it was delicious. There ended up being 2 Korean professors, and one of the professors wives (she did the cooking for us). They all spoke really great English, and it was a delicious way to start the Thanksgiving holiday!
Afterwards, we went to the Chung-gae-cheon, which is a stream that runs through the middle of downtown Seoul. Every year about this time they have a Lantern Festival that runs for a week or two, and then they decorate it for Christmas with other beautiful lights. Well, at the time that we went, it was the last day of the Lantern Festival. So there were soooo many people! But it was beautiful.
November 23, 2009
Sunday
After teaching Sunday School at KBU, I headed off quickly to near Bundang (about an hour away) to meet one of my students. He was performing in a festival for his church young adults program, and invited me to come as a "VIP". It was so fun! I met him and his pastor at the subway station, and they drove me to the church building. I was pleasantly surprised to meet so many people who spoke really good English. The singing was so uplifting, and their performance was easy to understnad even though I didn't understand any of the words.
The message was about how we are sometimes lost sheep. We stray away from God. Yet even when one of us comes to repentance for our sins, the angels in heaven rejoice! What a good reminder to return to the grace and loving arms of our good God.
After the message and skits, they brought me and the other invited guests to the front and had us say a little something. Then they gave us a gift bag. Mine had a towel and a Korean plate/bowl made of china.
It was kind of funny because I was the only international person there. Everyone else was Korean. But they would translate little things for me during the day. It was so considerate. They said that they hold this kind of event 3 times a year, and this was their first time to have a foreigner. Everyone was so warm and kind. Plus, they were all about my age, so it was really great to be around young adults--especially who speak such good English.
On the way home I was craving pizza for some strange reason (I usually don't really care for pizza), so I headed to the pizza store named "I Love Pizza" after getting back from church. I ordered it to go, and while sitting down waiting for it, an older man sat down at the table with me. I was a little surprised, but the rest of the small room was packed already and my table was the only one unoccupied. I said hello in Korean and didn't expect the conversation to go much further, but turns out that he spoke perfect English!! He told me about how when he was 22 (my age), he defected to South Korea from the North, and joined the American Army. He knew Russian and was a translator for the Americans. He told me about how he knew many languages: Russian, English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and one or two others that I can't remember. What an amazing ability! We talked about Suraksan Mountain around where we live and how beautiful they are. He hikes them every morning he said! I was a little surprised since he looked in his upper 70's/low 80's, but that seems to be pretty common here: people in their retirement age hiking every day.
I left Sunday feeling blessed and encouraged from the beautiful service with my student and the conversation with the older gentleman in the pizza store.
The message was about how we are sometimes lost sheep. We stray away from God. Yet even when one of us comes to repentance for our sins, the angels in heaven rejoice! What a good reminder to return to the grace and loving arms of our good God.
After the message and skits, they brought me and the other invited guests to the front and had us say a little something. Then they gave us a gift bag. Mine had a towel and a Korean plate/bowl made of china.
It was kind of funny because I was the only international person there. Everyone else was Korean. But they would translate little things for me during the day. It was so considerate. They said that they hold this kind of event 3 times a year, and this was their first time to have a foreigner. Everyone was so warm and kind. Plus, they were all about my age, so it was really great to be around young adults--especially who speak such good English.
On the way home I was craving pizza for some strange reason (I usually don't really care for pizza), so I headed to the pizza store named "I Love Pizza" after getting back from church. I ordered it to go, and while sitting down waiting for it, an older man sat down at the table with me. I was a little surprised, but the rest of the small room was packed already and my table was the only one unoccupied. I said hello in Korean and didn't expect the conversation to go much further, but turns out that he spoke perfect English!! He told me about how when he was 22 (my age), he defected to South Korea from the North, and joined the American Army. He knew Russian and was a translator for the Americans. He told me about how he knew many languages: Russian, English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and one or two others that I can't remember. What an amazing ability! We talked about Suraksan Mountain around where we live and how beautiful they are. He hikes them every morning he said! I was a little surprised since he looked in his upper 70's/low 80's, but that seems to be pretty common here: people in their retirement age hiking every day.
I left Sunday feeling blessed and encouraged from the beautiful service with my student and the conversation with the older gentleman in the pizza store.
November 21, 2009
Thursday Night
Thursday after school, my 8am class and I went out together! We had such a great time eating and talking together. We went to a galbi restaurant down the road from school, and then went to a fun "hang-out" area (Nowon) after. We wanted to remember our special night together, so we went to a picture place and had our pictures taken in a little booth. It was soo fun!! The pictures were really cute, and we split them up over Korean style "ice cream". I don't think I've ever seen/eaten this anywhere else. Obviously there is regular ice cream that you'd think of, but there's this other stuff (I don't know the name) that is basically shaved ice with ice cream, red bean, and fruits all mixed together. Hmm... :) It was fun to try anyways...
I love each of my classes and value so much the times we've been able to spend together. I can't believe the year is almost finished! 2 more weeks and we're done for the winter. Korea starts new University semesters in March instead of August like in the States.
I love each of my classes and value so much the times we've been able to spend together. I can't believe the year is almost finished! 2 more weeks and we're done for the winter. Korea starts new University semesters in March instead of August like in the States.
Konkuk University
Last weekend I was supposed to meet WanSeok downtown to hang out, but he had to work late and cancel. He is one of my best friends here, and it was so disappointing to not be able to meet him even though I completely understood his situation. However, on Wednesday he called and said he could meet for dinner! Yay!! I was so happy!!
So we met at Konkuk University where we went out for dinner and met one of his other friends. It was so nice to just relax and talk about whatever without pressure. It's nice having friends where you don't feel the need to act/be any certain way. You can just be you. Especially with WanSeok, I don't feel any stereotype about being American or female or any specific way. I know that however I act or whatever I do/say, we'll always be friends.
So we met at Konkuk University where we went out for dinner and met one of his other friends. It was so nice to just relax and talk about whatever without pressure. It's nice having friends where you don't feel the need to act/be any certain way. You can just be you. Especially with WanSeok, I don't feel any stereotype about being American or female or any specific way. I know that however I act or whatever I do/say, we'll always be friends.
November 14, 2009
Holly
Well, last weekend was my little sister's birthday. Happy 21st Birthday, Holly!!
Holly has been a great sister to me over these last 21 years. When she was only 1 day old, I got to hold her for the first time. After a few seconds, I looked at my parents and said, "All done..." Now I can't get enough time with her!! She's my best friend. I think that sometimes we don't realize how important something is until we don't have it anymore. Last year was tough being away from her, but during the middle year I was back in the states, we grew closer friends than I could have ever imagined, and I'm so thankful for that!
Thank you Holly for always being there for me, for listening to my random (and often long) stories, and encouraging me in so many ways. You encourage me to be a better friend to others, to have passion for whatever I am doing, and to be a more generous person.
I love you! Happy Birthday!!
Holly has been a great sister to me over these last 21 years. When she was only 1 day old, I got to hold her for the first time. After a few seconds, I looked at my parents and said, "All done..." Now I can't get enough time with her!! She's my best friend. I think that sometimes we don't realize how important something is until we don't have it anymore. Last year was tough being away from her, but during the middle year I was back in the states, we grew closer friends than I could have ever imagined, and I'm so thankful for that!
Thank you Holly for always being there for me, for listening to my random (and often long) stories, and encouraging me in so many ways. You encourage me to be a better friend to others, to have passion for whatever I am doing, and to be a more generous person.
I love you! Happy Birthday!!
November 11, 2009
Sin and Salvation
It's amazing how when we mess up, God still draws us back to Himself in forgiveness. I've been convicted of not only sin, but the fact that I'm a wretched sinner who returns again and again to my sin. I hate being that way. I want to be more and more like Jesus, but it seems like one step forward produces 2 steps back towards my old sinful self. I guess that's what it means when we're to die daily to our old lives. And nothing we can do on our own can make us become more like Him. It is in drawing near to God that will allow us to reflect His goodness.
I'm reading a book by Watchman Nee, and he wrote how when we are convicted of sin, we know that we cannot face God because of His holiness. He is perfect, and we are not. BUT, dwelling in our weakness will never make us strong. Doing penance will not help us to be holier. God is light, we are called to walk in "the Light", and when we allow God to see our exposed lives He still loves us. He loves us in spite of our sins, not because of anything that we have done, but because of Jesus who took our place of penalty by dying for us. John 1:9 says that by the Blood of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed from every sin.
What marvelous truth. No matter our sin, God will forgive us if we allow Him. It's nothing good in what we do. It's not in feeling guilty. It's only through Jesus blood that covers our sins that we can have renewed fellowship with God.
Thank you, Jesus, for being my mediator so that I can have communion with Your Father. I love you.
I'm reading a book by Watchman Nee, and he wrote how when we are convicted of sin, we know that we cannot face God because of His holiness. He is perfect, and we are not. BUT, dwelling in our weakness will never make us strong. Doing penance will not help us to be holier. God is light, we are called to walk in "the Light", and when we allow God to see our exposed lives He still loves us. He loves us in spite of our sins, not because of anything that we have done, but because of Jesus who took our place of penalty by dying for us. John 1:9 says that by the Blood of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed from every sin.
What marvelous truth. No matter our sin, God will forgive us if we allow Him. It's nothing good in what we do. It's not in feeling guilty. It's only through Jesus blood that covers our sins that we can have renewed fellowship with God.
Thank you, Jesus, for being my mediator so that I can have communion with Your Father. I love you.
Overflow of Blessings
I was talking with a student after school yesterday about how good God is in helping us when we need it most. Some may say that things happen by chance and good fortune, but I truly believe that God has a good purpose for everything--good and bad.
This last week was tough for a number of reasons. But God always revives our spirits when we need it most...
Monday: Jamie (my friend who did the nail dying) invited me to meet her parents for dinner. I thought we were going back to their house to eat, but they "kidnapped" me and we drove out of Seoul!! I guess I should back up and tell you that I've met them before, and they're the kindest, most Godly people who I've ever met. Her dad's one of the assistant pastors at their church, and her mom is so generous. Anyways, as we were driving, I couldn't unglue my face from the window. I NEVER get the opportunity to get out of Seoul, let alone in a car! I got to see my favorite mountains: Bukhansan, Suraksan, Buramsan, and Dobongsan. We drove about 45 minutes, and had a wonderful time talking in the car. It felt like being home. I didn't think of myself as a teacher. I didn't think of myself as a foreigner. I only relaxed and joked around with Jamie while making conversation with her parents. It was so comfortable. We finally arrived at our destination, and we were the only ones in the restaurant. It was a really warm atmosphere, and home-like. They brought us out a black circle cut open with orange coming out. It was a pumpkin! They take a green pumpkin, steam it so that the inside is nice and soft, and then fill it with pork that is then steamed inside also. It was amazing!! I don't think I've ever eaten pumpkin out of the rind before...After we were so full we could hardly move, we went out for hot chocolate and coffee. At the beginning of the night, the dad would open and close the van door for me, but when we were leaving from the coffee shop, he just hopped in the driver's seat. Then looked back quickly and apologized. He said something softly in Korean, and Jamie said that he felt like we were both his daughters, and he forgot that I was Jamie's friend. It was one of my favorite memories of the night...
Tuesday: At the Children's Center where I work twice a week, I started to become friends with 2 girls who also work there. They're a little older than me, but not by much. They told me that they want to learn English, and asked for English names. I named them Grace and Joy as fit their personalities. They also gave me a Korean name! Eun Joo. It means "Jesus' grace".
One of the small children ran up to me and gave me a little something that she had made in class that day. Then about 4-5 students ran around me and gave me hugs and wanted to sit on my lap! I love the kids, and it made me so happy to have their little arms around my neck for the first time!!
Also at the Children's Center, the director gave me a big bag full of special surprises. There was an expensive looking box full of Korean rice cakes. There were also some special noodles to make Kimchi Mariguksu (my favorite Korean food that I had told her about). Lastly was some brown powder to make a breakfast drink with. It's a special Korean, 7-grain mixture that is apparently really healthy. When you stir it up in milk, it tastes just like the brown pieces in Lucky Charms. Yummy!
After the Children's Center, I came back to teach one more class, and a student gave me a big bottle of vitamins so that I have more energy and stay healthy.
Today (Wednesday): Today is Pepero Day. Pepero is a cookie stick covered by chocolate, and today is 11-11, so the 1's look like pepero sticks...anyways...people give each other these pepero things to each other. It's a fun holiday completely made up by the Pepero companies.
This morning, I received so many boxes of pepero!! Regular chocolate ones, chocolate filled ones, chocolate with almond pieces on the outside...and it goes on and on...
One student gave me a Christmas wrapped package, and after opening it home, I found that it had not only a cute bag full of pepero, but it also had fancy, warm gloves and "sleep socks". I've been teaching about sleep the last 2 days, and most of my students said that in order to fall asleep, they wear "sleep socks". I had no idea what they were talking about, so I guess this student wanted to help me understand better :) It was soooo sweet and really thoughtful.
Also today, the student who stays after school to talk with me gave me a cd by Tommy Walker (a CCM artist)! I have heard of him, but never really listened to him. Little did I know that he wrote one of my favorite songs: He knows my name.
What an amazing few days I've had. And the week isn't even over yet...I know of a few more blessings to come! Thursday night and Saturday are also going to be good gifts from God. I'll write more when those days are passed. When I have low days, I need to remember these times. God has really, truly blessed me with great students and thoughtful people surrounding me. I hope and pray that I'm as giving and generous to others around me. I'm overwhelmed by the love and generosity of those people around me. It makes me so thankful to know them, and to know that we share a good God who is watching over our lives.
This last week was tough for a number of reasons. But God always revives our spirits when we need it most...
Monday: Jamie (my friend who did the nail dying) invited me to meet her parents for dinner. I thought we were going back to their house to eat, but they "kidnapped" me and we drove out of Seoul!! I guess I should back up and tell you that I've met them before, and they're the kindest, most Godly people who I've ever met. Her dad's one of the assistant pastors at their church, and her mom is so generous. Anyways, as we were driving, I couldn't unglue my face from the window. I NEVER get the opportunity to get out of Seoul, let alone in a car! I got to see my favorite mountains: Bukhansan, Suraksan, Buramsan, and Dobongsan. We drove about 45 minutes, and had a wonderful time talking in the car. It felt like being home. I didn't think of myself as a teacher. I didn't think of myself as a foreigner. I only relaxed and joked around with Jamie while making conversation with her parents. It was so comfortable. We finally arrived at our destination, and we were the only ones in the restaurant. It was a really warm atmosphere, and home-like. They brought us out a black circle cut open with orange coming out. It was a pumpkin! They take a green pumpkin, steam it so that the inside is nice and soft, and then fill it with pork that is then steamed inside also. It was amazing!! I don't think I've ever eaten pumpkin out of the rind before...After we were so full we could hardly move, we went out for hot chocolate and coffee. At the beginning of the night, the dad would open and close the van door for me, but when we were leaving from the coffee shop, he just hopped in the driver's seat. Then looked back quickly and apologized. He said something softly in Korean, and Jamie said that he felt like we were both his daughters, and he forgot that I was Jamie's friend. It was one of my favorite memories of the night...
Tuesday: At the Children's Center where I work twice a week, I started to become friends with 2 girls who also work there. They're a little older than me, but not by much. They told me that they want to learn English, and asked for English names. I named them Grace and Joy as fit their personalities. They also gave me a Korean name! Eun Joo. It means "Jesus' grace".
One of the small children ran up to me and gave me a little something that she had made in class that day. Then about 4-5 students ran around me and gave me hugs and wanted to sit on my lap! I love the kids, and it made me so happy to have their little arms around my neck for the first time!!
Also at the Children's Center, the director gave me a big bag full of special surprises. There was an expensive looking box full of Korean rice cakes. There were also some special noodles to make Kimchi Mariguksu (my favorite Korean food that I had told her about). Lastly was some brown powder to make a breakfast drink with. It's a special Korean, 7-grain mixture that is apparently really healthy. When you stir it up in milk, it tastes just like the brown pieces in Lucky Charms. Yummy!
After the Children's Center, I came back to teach one more class, and a student gave me a big bottle of vitamins so that I have more energy and stay healthy.
Today (Wednesday): Today is Pepero Day. Pepero is a cookie stick covered by chocolate, and today is 11-11, so the 1's look like pepero sticks...anyways...people give each other these pepero things to each other. It's a fun holiday completely made up by the Pepero companies.This morning, I received so many boxes of pepero!! Regular chocolate ones, chocolate filled ones, chocolate with almond pieces on the outside...and it goes on and on...
One student gave me a Christmas wrapped package, and after opening it home, I found that it had not only a cute bag full of pepero, but it also had fancy, warm gloves and "sleep socks". I've been teaching about sleep the last 2 days, and most of my students said that in order to fall asleep, they wear "sleep socks". I had no idea what they were talking about, so I guess this student wanted to help me understand better :) It was soooo sweet and really thoughtful.
Also today, the student who stays after school to talk with me gave me a cd by Tommy Walker (a CCM artist)! I have heard of him, but never really listened to him. Little did I know that he wrote one of my favorite songs: He knows my name.
What an amazing few days I've had. And the week isn't even over yet...I know of a few more blessings to come! Thursday night and Saturday are also going to be good gifts from God. I'll write more when those days are passed. When I have low days, I need to remember these times. God has really, truly blessed me with great students and thoughtful people surrounding me. I hope and pray that I'm as giving and generous to others around me. I'm overwhelmed by the love and generosity of those people around me. It makes me so thankful to know them, and to know that we share a good God who is watching over our lives.
November 8, 2009
Halloween Party
I invited my 8am class over to my house for hiking and a Halloween party this weekend, and it was a blast!! 3 guys and 1 girl met me at the subway to start our hike at 1. We went to Suraksan (the mountain by my house), and I think it was bigger than they imagined...It was hard for me too since I haven't really been hiking in quite a while. We got pretty far though. The mountain goes through stages. There are pieces of really hard hiking, but between are easy transitions. We had 1 more really hard piece to go before getting to the top. But when we were done, we had reached "our top". So we were really happy about that. The leaves were still changing colors, so it was beautiful. I only have one picture of our time together, and the students have the other pictures. So I'll post the other pictures sometime this week.
It was fun to go hiking with people my own age and to have a more friendly atmosphere. We joked around and they tried so hard to speak English all day. I know it was difficult, but I was so proud of them!
At home, one more girl came for the party, so there were 3 guys and 3 girls including me. We ordered pizza and chicken. We also made deokboki (a ricecake spicy stew) in my house and steamed sweet potatoes!! It was really fun, and I loved seeing how to make this very traditional Korean food. We just sat around and talked, and then I brought out the pumpkin. It was huge!! We drew a face on it, and then cut it together. I showed them how to scoop out the seeds with their hands (as children typically do in the US), and then we put a small candle inside. They took pictures of it and we must have sat there for 20 minutes or so just looking at the pumpkin and talking about Halloween. What a great time!!
November 6, 2009
Cafeteria Sights
I've been thinking about the differences of Korea and America in terms of food and social etiquette. It's been a fun little exercise to think about as I eat in the cafeteria each day for lunch and have time to observe many things. I'll share one example of a day not so uncommon. Imagine these things almost every day...
I was sitting down to eat lunch and looking down at my tray to see what was given to me. It was rice with octopus/squid (I couldn't tell which it was) tentacles reaching into the air. At first it was really off-putting, but now I just eat the food leaving the bumpy little legs in a pile at the bottom. After eating what I could, I started people watching...I noticed one of my students (who is about 40 years old) feeding another older man with chopsticks. His friend definitely had the ability to feed himself, but feeding each other delicious food is a symbol of love and friendship.
Earlier that day, before lunch, I was teaching but distracted by a couple of boys touching each others' legs. Both are in their 20's, and one has a girlfriend. One was rubbing the other guy's leg and stomach. It was soooo awkward looking!! I couldn't help but stop teaching and smile at them until I got their attention. They were wrapped up in some discussion apparently about their stomach and legs, and didn't notice my stopping teaching. Finally, one of the other guys in class muttered something to the boys touching each other. They quickly stopped and looked horrified saying, "Not gay! Not gay!!" I know they're not gay, but it was so cute to see them concerned about each other. Where in America could you see two guys care so much about each other that they physically touch each other? Usually even if two guys accidentally touch, they make a big deal about it because they're embarrassed. Not so here! I see guys walking arm in arm all the time!! It's kind of nice to see guys have both a strong and sweet side.
I was sitting down to eat lunch and looking down at my tray to see what was given to me. It was rice with octopus/squid (I couldn't tell which it was) tentacles reaching into the air. At first it was really off-putting, but now I just eat the food leaving the bumpy little legs in a pile at the bottom. After eating what I could, I started people watching...I noticed one of my students (who is about 40 years old) feeding another older man with chopsticks. His friend definitely had the ability to feed himself, but feeding each other delicious food is a symbol of love and friendship.
Earlier that day, before lunch, I was teaching but distracted by a couple of boys touching each others' legs. Both are in their 20's, and one has a girlfriend. One was rubbing the other guy's leg and stomach. It was soooo awkward looking!! I couldn't help but stop teaching and smile at them until I got their attention. They were wrapped up in some discussion apparently about their stomach and legs, and didn't notice my stopping teaching. Finally, one of the other guys in class muttered something to the boys touching each other. They quickly stopped and looked horrified saying, "Not gay! Not gay!!" I know they're not gay, but it was so cute to see them concerned about each other. Where in America could you see two guys care so much about each other that they physically touch each other? Usually even if two guys accidentally touch, they make a big deal about it because they're embarrassed. Not so here! I see guys walking arm in arm all the time!! It's kind of nice to see guys have both a strong and sweet side.
October 31, 2009
Firsts
2 new things happened on Friday: I got to meet the new teacher, and I went to a new Bible study.
The new teacher to replace Bryan is named Connie. She seems pretty nice, and has a lot of experience with Korea. She's Korean-American, and also taught in Korea last year. I'm excited to get to know her more, and hopefully have a friend to talk about school stuff with.
I went with Robert (my coworker) to a Bible study he goes to each Friday night. The pastor of the church and leader of the Bible study teaches at school every once in a while, so I've met him briefly before. The church was small, but there were probably 10-15 people sitting in a circle for the study. Another first-time visitor was my co-teacher from the children's center I got to on Tuesdays!! It was so random but neat to see her there. Most of the people were older than me (mid 30's-50), but it was uplifting to meet them. There are 3 women who are part of the church and missionaries that their church in the states supports to help Pastor Steven and his wife with their ministry. 1 of them really connected with me, her name is Dana. She goes to a free Korean language class on Tuesdays, and invited me to come along with her, so that'll be awesome!!
The Bible Study was about the requirements for a church leader, and they were things like being above reproach, temperate, respectable, able to teach, etc. Steve reminded us that these are not things that are natural in our sinful selves. They are only gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us allowing us to be seen and known as being different to this world.
I was able to share prayer requests with a group of other Christians for the first time since being here, and it was such a blessing. I've been aching inside with things that I need prayer for. We split into groups to pray, and I ended up being paired up with the pastor. God has been breaking my heart multiple times this week and then repairing me. I cried while listening to the pianist I mentioned in an earlier post because it was such a reminder to pour all my heart into however I am serving God, whether that be through playing piano or teaching. The same with praying together with the pastor. Every time that I pray from my heart in front of someone, I end up crying. I felt self-conscious, but know that God needed to hear me. It's most hard to pray for my students because their pains are my pains. But maybe that's not such a bad thing. Praying with conviction and emotion isn't a bad thing. Maybe it's best for God to see our true heart when talking with Him.
Sorry, I don't mean to sound/portray myself as a person who cries all the time. I really don't. I haven't cried much at all since I got here. It's just been in the last few weeks that my emotions have gotten the better of me. However, I know that I've been harboring different sins in my heart that needed to be confessed, and I truly believe that sometimes God needs to break our hearts in order to allow us to heal properly. It hurts to have turmoil, but afterwards, the peace
(for God's children) that passes understanding is more wonderful than could ever be explained. Let God heal your heart. Trust that you can't live without His grace, and accept Jesus gift of salvation for your life. Only after you confess your sins and accept God's love can you experience a personal relationship with God that offers peace and true joy.
The new teacher to replace Bryan is named Connie. She seems pretty nice, and has a lot of experience with Korea. She's Korean-American, and also taught in Korea last year. I'm excited to get to know her more, and hopefully have a friend to talk about school stuff with.
I went with Robert (my coworker) to a Bible study he goes to each Friday night. The pastor of the church and leader of the Bible study teaches at school every once in a while, so I've met him briefly before. The church was small, but there were probably 10-15 people sitting in a circle for the study. Another first-time visitor was my co-teacher from the children's center I got to on Tuesdays!! It was so random but neat to see her there. Most of the people were older than me (mid 30's-50), but it was uplifting to meet them. There are 3 women who are part of the church and missionaries that their church in the states supports to help Pastor Steven and his wife with their ministry. 1 of them really connected with me, her name is Dana. She goes to a free Korean language class on Tuesdays, and invited me to come along with her, so that'll be awesome!!
The Bible Study was about the requirements for a church leader, and they were things like being above reproach, temperate, respectable, able to teach, etc. Steve reminded us that these are not things that are natural in our sinful selves. They are only gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us allowing us to be seen and known as being different to this world.
I was able to share prayer requests with a group of other Christians for the first time since being here, and it was such a blessing. I've been aching inside with things that I need prayer for. We split into groups to pray, and I ended up being paired up with the pastor. God has been breaking my heart multiple times this week and then repairing me. I cried while listening to the pianist I mentioned in an earlier post because it was such a reminder to pour all my heart into however I am serving God, whether that be through playing piano or teaching. The same with praying together with the pastor. Every time that I pray from my heart in front of someone, I end up crying. I felt self-conscious, but know that God needed to hear me. It's most hard to pray for my students because their pains are my pains. But maybe that's not such a bad thing. Praying with conviction and emotion isn't a bad thing. Maybe it's best for God to see our true heart when talking with Him.
Sorry, I don't mean to sound/portray myself as a person who cries all the time. I really don't. I haven't cried much at all since I got here. It's just been in the last few weeks that my emotions have gotten the better of me. However, I know that I've been harboring different sins in my heart that needed to be confessed, and I truly believe that sometimes God needs to break our hearts in order to allow us to heal properly. It hurts to have turmoil, but afterwards, the peace
(for God's children) that passes understanding is more wonderful than could ever be explained. Let God heal your heart. Trust that you can't live without His grace, and accept Jesus gift of salvation for your life. Only after you confess your sins and accept God's love can you experience a personal relationship with God that offers peace and true joy.
The Piano Man/Pumpkin
Jamie invited me the other night to come to her church and hear a piano concert. I asked Juny (my friend from hiking) to join us, and the 3 of us walked to her church about 15 minutes from my apartment. The pianist was originally from Jamaica and then America. His music was Christian hymns with a jazz flare. It was really beautiful and uplifting. His heart was completely immersed in playing for God's glory, and it was amazing to see that. We all really enjoyed it, and got to spend some time at the end talking to the pianist and his friends since I speak English and my friends speak well also.
At the end of the night, Jamie and I were both hungry, so her mom offered to make us ramyon at her house! Yay!! It was really nice to meet her parents and spend more time with them. They're really kind and also very generous people. Her dad gave me a box of tea from Sri Lanka, and her mom gave me a bunch of fruit. They invited me over for chicken baked in a pumpkin some time next week, so that should be kind of fun and interesting :)
Speaking of pumpkins, Jamie and I picked out a small pumpkin, and I hollowed it out the other day. My knife was too big, so I ended up just making a bunch of triangle holes around the top in order to let oxygen in and light out. Then of course cut the top off. I brought it into school on Friday to celebrate Halloween in a small way, and the students were amazed that I'd done that. It was so funny how they asked how I made it and to see their expressions. They didn't know people could actually carve pumpkins, and none of them had ever seen/done it in their lives. They wanted to keep the lights off during class so they could watch the pumpkin glow. Cute!
At the end of the night, Jamie and I were both hungry, so her mom offered to make us ramyon at her house! Yay!! It was really nice to meet her parents and spend more time with them. They're really kind and also very generous people. Her dad gave me a box of tea from Sri Lanka, and her mom gave me a bunch of fruit. They invited me over for chicken baked in a pumpkin some time next week, so that should be kind of fun and interesting :)
Speaking of pumpkins, Jamie and I picked out a small pumpkin, and I hollowed it out the other day. My knife was too big, so I ended up just making a bunch of triangle holes around the top in order to let oxygen in and light out. Then of course cut the top off. I brought it into school on Friday to celebrate Halloween in a small way, and the students were amazed that I'd done that. It was so funny how they asked how I made it and to see their expressions. They didn't know people could actually carve pumpkins, and none of them had ever seen/done it in their lives. They wanted to keep the lights off during class so they could watch the pumpkin glow. Cute!
Sunday KBU Pictures
On Sundays, part of my work contract is to teach English to children. The week shown in the pictures we got to play outside, and the kids had a performance in the service. It was really cute!
October 29, 2009
Students/School
"Everyone make a heart!"
They wanted to pretend to be bodyguards :) A few of them did a good job, the others I'm not sure I'd want to hire :)
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