Newspaper Article

*I was given the privilege of writing an article for our middle school newspaper, in light of the end of the semester and my upcoming departure.

Greetings to my Cheongryang family!

As you have probably heard by now, I will be returning to the USA at the end of August. When I think about leaving Korea, my feelings are bittersweet. (Bittersweet is a word we use to say something is both happy and sad at the same time). I’m sad to leave Korea because I have enjoyed my time here so much and have grown to love so many people here. At the same time, I’m happy to return to Indiana to see my family and friends again. I am also excited about my plans to go to graduate school to study TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) & Intercultural Studies. I am looking forward to learning how to improve my skills as an English teacher.

As I reflect upon my time in Korea, I am overwhelmed with gratitude (thankfulness). I know that I will never be able to completely express my thanks to you all, but I’d like to at least try…

교장선생님께 & 교감선생님께: Thank you for giving me such a warm welcome to Korea. You have been so gracious and generous to me. I especially appreciate your consideration concerning my apartment in 봉화산 and my trips back to the States. Thank you for being so thoughtful and sensitive to my needs as a foreigner living here in Korea.

선생님들께: You have all been so welcoming, thoughtful, and kind to me. You have been patient with my very limited 한국말 and so many of you have taken extra time and energy to speak English with me. I’ve cherished our times together – Volleyball, Morning Prayer, English Bible Study, Christmas parties, Teacher trips, 회식 dinners, snacks in the 교무실, and random conversations. Thank you for some wonderful memories.

영아 선생님들께: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I often chat with Native Teachers who have had less than ideal co-teaching situations. These conversations always remind me of how blessed I am to co-teach with each of you. I am forever indebted to you for your helpful feedback and support. You have shaped me into the teacher I am today. Thanks so much for all that you’ve done!

학생들에게: It has truly been a joy to teach you! I’m thankful that I could spend my first years as a teacher in Korea with you. You’ve taught me so much about loving, learning, and teaching. Even though English can be difficult sometimes, I’m proud of you for working so hard. Remember: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! J

Finally, I want to thank 하나님for bringing me to Cheongryang Middle School. It has been such a wonderful journey to see how God has answered so many prayers and blessed me with such wonderful people to share my time in Korea with. I prayed for you before I even knew you and will continue to keep you in my prayers.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

With much love,

~ Teacher Holly

P.S. A special note to the 3^rd graders: It’s been such a joy to teach you twice – as 1^st graders and as 3^rd graders. I’ve really enjoyed seeing how you have grown and matured so much. I’m sorry I can’t be here for your graduation (ㅠ.ㅠ), but I will be thinking of you. Best wishes to you in the future!

Dance Class

Went to my first (and last) hip hop dance class last week with 지나 언니 (my big sister, Jina). I found out that if I'm cut out for any type of dancing at all, it certainly is not hip hop.

OEM Retreat: RESTING in His Shadow

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Our pre-retreat dinner

Good times with my Latvian-American friend

Good times with my "Asian" LA friend

Good times with a fellow Hoosier

Good times with my roomies

Highlights of the OEM Retreat:

• Good times of connecting with dear friends (note the pictures above)
• Actually RESTING! I've never been to a retreat that was actually restful. However, the schedule was structured to allow for sleeping in and several optional activities (most of which I surprisingly skipped). It was nice to have some time to just BE.
• Heart to heart conversations on the bus
• Delicious muffins for breakfast (and leftovers to bring home)!
• An awesome condo
• Being nestled among BEAUTIFUL mountains! My apologies... I did a poor job of taking landscape pictures, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
• Getting a surprise facial from my eunni (big sister), Jina
• Finding a small chapel with awesome acoustics - had the place to myself and got to sing my heart out! It's been soooo long since I've been able to do that!
• Questions game with my roomies
• Psalm 107 - Had a refreshing and much-needed time of prayer and journaling. It was a great time of reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past seasons of my life, particularly the times of transition. I finally made peace with my decision to go home in August, trusting that God is going to continue to be steadfast in His love; steadfast in His wondrous works in my life. (I can be so prone to worry sometimes)!

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!

Psalm 107:8, 15, 21,31

P.S. The hymn Jesus, I am Resting, Resting was shared with me when I first came to Korea in August 2008. I had nearly forgotten about it until this retreat, which was completely focused on resting in God's presence. What a sweet reminder as I now prepare to return to the States.

World Cup 2010

Admittedly, I've NEVER had an interest in the World Cup. I think this is mostly due to the fact that I grew up in America, a land that seems to have little interest in soccer (although soccer does seem to be growing in popularity). However, the excitement surrounding the World Cup 2010 here in Korea has been contagious and I've found myself quite intrigued over the past couple of weeks.

So, I decided to teach a lesson on the World Cup, knowing that my students would immediately be interested in the topic AND that I would be forced to get myself educated about this current worldwide event. I'm pleased to report that both goals were accomplished. My students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the lesson last week (which I completely loved teaching). Also, it was definitely beneficial for me to add some general facts to my very limited knowledge of South Africa, FIFA, Korean soccer history, and random bits of World Cup trivia. For example, did you know that the Waka Waka,(sung by Shakira) is the official 2010 FIFA Theme Song? Did you furthermore know that the official mascot is named Zakumi, a cute little leopard packed with symbolism in his name and appearance?*

Since I was learning so much about the World Cup, I decided that I simply had to watch at least a couple of the games. So, last Thursday night, I headed to City Hall (one of the most popular and crowded places) to watch Korea play Argentina. It was definitely a memorable experience!

My friend Liza and I arrived about 2 1/2 hours before the game started, but there was no grass left in front of City Hall. So, we spread our blankets out on the street with everyone else and had a nice little picnic dinner while we waited for the game to begin.

Note the sea of red. The Korean team is nicknamed the "Red Devils." Thus, everyone must wear red to support the team.

Daniel, me, Liza, and Paul - Dae-han-min-guk!!! (the official title of the Korean nation and most popular chant at the games)

Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my little Want to Sound like a World Cup Expert? notes. While doing research for my World Cup lesson plan, I stumbled across this amusing article and printed it out, fully intending to bring it to the game. Although my knowledge about World Cup facts increased somewhat last week, my knowledge of the actual game of soccer is still very limited.

Tried to give you all an idea of how surrounded we were by red. Even if I wanted to escape, I don't think it would have been possible...

Finally were able to meet up with some other OEM friends toward the end of the game. Trying to give them directions to find us during the game was basically impossible.

Sadly, the final score was 4-1, Argentina. After Argentina scored the fourth goal, the crowd started to clear up rather quickly. However, we stayed and supported our team to the very end!

At 3:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, Korea will be playing Nigeria in the World Cup. This game will determine whether or not Korea will make it to the semi-finals. It's a pretty big game. Although I've grown in my love for Korea and my appreciation of the World Cup, I'm afraid that sleep is going to win out over the game... hopefully Korea will forgive me.

*If you're interested in learning more general facts about the World Cup, I'd be more than willing to share my PPT file with you. Just shoot me an email!^^

Psalm 91 - Encouragement for my friends going to the Nations this Summer

To my incredible friends who are obeying God's command to GO and serve (to Zambia, Kenya, Haiti, Nepal, El Salvador, Ecuador, Ohio, etc. to name a few) this summer:

You all have been an incredible source of support to me in SO MANY ways and I'm so thankful to finally be able to play the role of supporting YOU this summer!!!

When Sara and I were in China this past February, we decided to memorize Psalm 91 due to some circumstances that really kind of scared us. It's taken awhile to actually follow through with the memorization, but our most recent goal was to finish memorizing before she leaves for her trip to Kenya this week. I was afraid I might not meet the goal again, but praise God, this morning, I finally finished memorizing, with only a few minor mistakes!

As I was typing it out and testing my memorization to share with Sara, I decided that I wanted to share it with the rest of my friends who are also serving the Lord on mission trips this summer. So, may this be a source of encouragement. Regardless of where you're going, what you're doing... even if you're staying home and serving the Lord in your local community, BE ENCOURAGED:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,

my God in whom I trust."

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his pinions

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes

and see the recompense of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place,

the Most High, who is my refuge,

No evil shall be allowed to befall you,

nor plague come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands, they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the adder,

the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him.

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him.

I will be with him in trouble.

I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him,

and show him my salvation."

Something that kind of struck me a few days ago when I was meditating on this... perhaps this psalm is somewhat evangelistic? This thought came from the different pronouns - switching from I/my to you/your. It's as if the psalmist is trying to convince his reader to hold on to Jesus - to trust Him completely, no matter what.

I love the words of our Father at the end in quotes. It's like his sweet affirmation of everything that was just said.

What sweet promises you have to take with you, my dear friends!

Praying for you...

MY Pacific Ocean List

Six months before Sara left Korea, she began making a "Pacific Ocean" list - things she wanted to do before crossing the Pacific Ocean to go back home. I really liked her idea and have been inspired to do the same. Rather than sharing my whole list now, I'm going to share what a few of the things on my list that have already been accomplished (in no particular order):

• DMZ Visit (5/29) with Liza, Marika, and Gabbi
  
  
• War Memorial (5/21) with Makeeya
  
  
  
• Learned how to make bulgogi with my Korean mother
  
  
  
• Jimjilbang/Sauna (5/21) with Makeeya & Steph
  
  
  
• Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival (4/20) with one of my co-teachers
  
  
• Went to the top of Namsan Tower (4/24) with Jennifer W & Jennifer K
  
  
• Started language exchange (4/24) with my "big sister/oenni" Jina
  
  
  
• Finished Experiencing God study with my small Group
  
  
• Half-finished with memorizing Psalm 91 (with Sara)
  
  
• Read English Teaching as Christian Mission (6/2)
  
  
• Took the GRE Practice Exam (6/2)
  
  
• Hosted a game night last month (and planning to continue to have one each month before I leave
  
  
  
• Received a hanbok from my Korean parents!!!!!!!!!!! (I had been wanting a hanbok for a long time, but figured I probably wouldn't get one because they're so expensive. I love how God really knows the desires of my heart - even seemingly small, insignificant ones)!
  

If you have any questions/would like more details about the things listed about, I will accept requests (although I cannot promise great expediency in responding)... ;-)

Perhaps I'll share more of my Pacific Ocean list at a later time. It is still under construction, so if any of you have any suggestions, I will take them under consideration. ^^

Korean Election

I'm SO glad the elections are finished here in Korea! It was really interesting to be able to observe the way elections are held in Korea and I'm thankful for the educational opportunity and cultural experience. However, as you can see from the cartoon below, I'm definitely not missing the campaigning!

*For more fun cartoons that will give you a little bit of an idea of life as a foreigner here in Korea, you can check out this website: http://www.roketship.com/. I find myself LOLing. The artist really captures life pretty well here.^^

Tensions with the North

Over the past couple of weeks, I received a few emails expressing concern over the relationship between North & South Korea, which had been receiving a lot of attention in the news. For those of you that aren't aware, on March 26th of this year, the South Korean's Cheonan warship was broken in two and sunk near the North Korean border. On May 20, South Korea officially accused North Korea of launching a torpedo to attack.

When I first heard about this, I thought it might be possible for the Korean War to resume (it is really only at a cease-fire, from what I understand). This thought was fueled primarily by the American news media (particularly CNN).

However, after talking this incident over with several of my Korean colleagues, I realized that very few (if any) of them were concerned about it. Of course, they were grieving the loss of the members of the Cheonan, but did not feel that their national security was threatened in any way. They are accustomed to the North making, as they refer to it, "empty threats." This attitude really surprised me last year when North Korea was planning to test their missiles. However, I can somewhat understand the so-called "complacency" of most South Koreans, since many of them have never really known life without the North throwing out threats.

I thought that the most recent incident with the Cheonan warship was more serious than all the other threats, though, particularly since 46+ soldiers lost their lives. However, several Koreans that I've talked to seem to think that the South Korean government may have even had something to do with the incident, since the timing coincided quite nicely with the most recent election (which took place last Wednesday). Numerous political candidates used the situation for their own benefit. Apparently, the subject of national security (and drama with North Korea) often comes up whenever election time is close, much to the dismay of my co-workers.

Honestly, I'm not exactly sure what to think. Like most Koreans, I don't really feel like my safety is in jeopardy. (Believe it or not, my trip to finally visit the DMZ was actually scheduled in the midst of all of the drama. I promise, it was not intentional!). Reading the American news definitely had me a little more concerned a couple of weeks ago. It is interesting that things seem to have died down in the news now that the South Korea elections are over. The thought of the South Korean government being behind the Cheonan incident is incredibly unsettling and I just can't buy it.

Regardless of who is responsible for the torpedo that allegedly caused the Cheonan to sink, as Christians here in Korea, we are continuing to pray for the re-unification of the North & South. In order for that to happen, I suppose some dramatic events may need to take place. I'm thankful that regardless of what happens, GOD is still ALMIGHTY and holding us in His hands.

Blast from the Past - 1996

Now that Sara is back home and I'm still here in Korea, we've started writing letters back and forth again (the old-fashioned way). We first started exchanging letters way back in 1996 - when our friendship was just beginning. In the package she recently sent me, she included a bunch of old letters that I sent to her. As I started reading through the things we used to write back and forth, I could hardly contain my giggles. Fourteen years brings a lot of changes...

Here's the first letter I ever wrote to her, postmarked May 15, 1996:

Dear Sara,

I hope you like our school next year. We had a lot of fun with our teacher this year.

How many brothers and sisters do you have? I have 3 brothers. Zachary is 8 years old and in 2nd grade. Joshie (I forgot we used to call him that!) is 4 years old and Caleb is going to be 3 in August. I don't have any sisters (Emmie wasn't even born yet!).

What church do you go to? We go to NLCF.

Do you play an instrument? I play the piano and Mrs. Sherill (our music teacher) made us learn to play the recorder.

I have a piano recital at school May 16 (tomorrow). I hope I do a good job and don't make any mistakes. Last year I made a mistake. This year I'm playing 2 songs from Little Suite in Baroque Style. There is four songs in it, but I didn't get to the other 2 songs this year.

I have a softball game Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and a game Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

What kind of books do you read? I like to read mysteries, Mandie books, Anne of Green Gables books, and books by Janette Oke, June Masters Bacher, and Lois Walfrid Johnson. I like to read Elizabeth Gail books too.

When do you get out of school? We get out May 30, Friday.

Do you have an American Girl magazine? I have a bunch of magazines you could borrow them if you want. Do you have the calendar and posters? I do, you could look at them if you want to.

What you like to spend your time on? I read, play with a girl in my neighborhood, help my mom clean, watch movies and T.V., play school with my brother, and play office with my friends or brother.

What are your favorite T.V. shows? Mine are Full House, Family Matters, and Hanging with Mr. Cooper. I sometimes like to watch cartoons. What are your favorite movies? I have a lot of favorite movies, but I don't know if I could tell you all of them, it would take forever.

Does your mom work? My mom doesn't work. Well, she works at home. She likes to be there when we get out of school or if we need her to come to school if we forget our things, she can most of the time come if she does not have a really busy day.

Do you buy your lunch at your school? We only can buy our lunch on Fridays at school. We have to turn-in our order form by Wednesday morning.

I hope we can see each other soon!!

Your new friend,

Holly

P.S. What is your middle name? Mine is Nicole. Bye :)

Never in my wildest dreams (especially at 10 years old!) would I have dreamt that 13/14 years later Sara and I would spend 18 months together in South Korea, of all places. God has truly blessed me with a treasure of a friend! Although I sure do miss her now, I cherish the time we were able to spend together in Korea and look forward to spending more time together again soon!

Hanging by a Moment

Over Christmas, Kate and Paul sent me a mix of fun songs, one of which was titled, "Hanging by a Moment" by Lifehouse. The lyrics of the song finally sunk in this evening, as I was hiking around the lovely little mountain behind my apartment building.

Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

Forgetting all I'm lacking
Completely incomplete
I'll take your invitation
You take all of me now...

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you

There's nothing else to lose
There's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world
That can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
There is nothing else

I'm so thankful for these sweet moments to hang onto - falling more in love with HIM.

O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.
-Psalm 59:17

Speaking Tests, Volleyball, & Cherry Blossoms

That's the abbreviated version of my day yesterday. For more details, read below:

I'm giving speaking tests this week to my students. Each student has 1.5 minutes to demonstrate his/her speaking ability and earn up to 20 of their 100 possible points for their English grade this semester. Pretty intimidating for most of them. (Note: This is the only time I'm able to give grades to my students. The Korean English teachers factor in the speaking test with the rest of the assignments/tests of the semester).

This year, I stressed to my students that I really want them to be as creative as possible. I got so tired of hearing the same thing 350+ times last year. I'm thankful that I was able to have more input in the test content and procedures this year, as opposed to last year. We chose more useful questions and phrases that students might actually be able to use in the future! Although it's not as much of a speaking test as it is a "memory" test, I think the students are learning. As a former psych major, there are still parts of this test that make me cringe. However, steps of progress are being made! [Perhaps I should write a more thorough reflection and place it in my emerging teacher's portfolio]...

After a long day of giving tests, I practiced volleyball for about 30-45 minutes with a few other teachers from my school. We're getting ready for the annual district volleyball tournament. I played last year and had a great time. This year I was hardly even given the option not to play. After another lesson on cultural differences, I'm honored to be playing on the team again. Our first game is next Monday.

Since the weather was so nice when I was practicing for volleyball, I felt inspired to spontaneously go to see the cherry blossoms with one of my co-teachers. We've been talking about it a lot recently. She asked me again yesterday to go, and although I was planning to spend the evening at home, I just couldn't resist the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful evening with my friend and co-teacher. I'm glad I went. We went to Yunjungno, a street lined with cherry blossoms in Yeoido (also home of the largest church in the world - Yeoido Full Gospel Church).

Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me, since this was a spontaneous venture. The good news is, I'm not the only one who likes to take pictures of cherry blossoms in Yeoido:


So thankful for these beautiful spring days...

Welcome Back

Tuesday was a long day for me. Since my flight was delayed from Japan to Seoul, I didn't get back to my apartment until nearly 2 a.m. I slept for about 4 hours, then went to school for a FULL day of teaching - 7 total classes. Needless to say, I was exhausted. I think I visited the teacher's nap room twice - to sneak in a couple of 10 minute power naps.

Although the day was crammed full, I was really blessed by the thoughtfulness of one of my students, Ha-Young. Before I went home, I taught a lesson about Easter. Ha-Young had been particularly touched by the lesson. Upon my return to school on Tuesday, she presented me with this:



So sweet.

Wonderful Whirlwind

Arrived Friday, April 2 at 4:45 p.m. Greeted with roses from Mom. Attended Good Friday service. Played Wii for the first time. Bought lots of Easter candy for my students. Ate Mom's homemade PIZZA. Celebrated Josh's birthday. Went Shopping. Celebrated Easter Sunday. Caught up with amazing family members. Ate homemade cheesecake. Drove to Purdue with Zac, Josh, & Mom. Encouraged by Proverbs 23:18. Hope & Panera. Visited Korean food store. Made 된장찌개 (Dwenjang chigae - Korean soybean paste soup) with Sara. Lunch at Hacienda with my parents. River walk with my lovely family. Ice cream at Coldstone. Tasted Victorian Pantry's delicious Walnut Roast coffee. Sweet deals at a consignment shop. Made sweet potato burritos with Kate & Liz. Lovely phone chat with Jana Alexis. Wedding Rehearsal Dinner. Kate's personal shower. Met Kate's awesome husband. Pizza King. Got my hair done up. Had a ball being Kate's maid-of-honor. Celebrated the marriage of Paul & Katie Cronenwett!!! Enjoyed Caleb's baseball games. Got sunburned. Ate Chick-fil-A. Played Apples to Apples. Looked at Emma's China pictures. Heard lots of country music. Tears. Departed on Sunday, April 11 at 11:25 a.m.

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18, ESV

Travels, Travels, Travels

Well, 2010 has certainly turned out to be pretty eventful with travels thus far!
January 12-21: Trip to Turkey
February 12-21: Trip to China with Sara
(no the parallel dates were not intentional, though I like the way it worked out...)
March: actually stayed in ONE country... even the same city the whole time!
April: Trip home for Easter & Kate's wedding

About the April trip...
It's amazing how the Lord has demonstrated His provision to me this year. When I found out about Kate's wedding, I desperately wanted to go, but was afraid it wouldn't work out for several reasons, particularly finances, vacation days, and teaching. God has demonstrated His provision for this trip in so many ways... I'll be working on the list while I'm on the plane tomorrow.^^

It truly is a miracle that my principal gave me permission to go, especially since it's during the regular school year. It's pretty much unheard of to get days off like that. All of the teachers at my school have been in shock - so surprised that I actually get to go. God has really lavished His favor... I'm so thankful.

The timing is really perfect - Easter weekend, spring break with (most of) my family, and Kate's wedding!!! I only wish that there was more time to catch up with everyone I've been missing...

Well, speaking of time, I think it's about time for me to get some rest so that I can avoid jet lag as much as possible!^^

Transitioning to a New Season

I've been anxiously awaiting spring here in Seoul, and I think it's finally almost here! When I first started to see flower buds on the trees a couple of weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with anticipation. I'm so ready for spring!!!

Random things that have happened over the past month:
- Said good-bye to Sara
- Started a new school year with 350 new students, 350 former students, 2 new co-teachers,and four former co-teachers
- got to re-connect with some former teachers over dinner
- learned to send text messages in Korean
- had an "extreme makeover" sermon series at OEM (my church)
- started reading Keith Green's biography, No Compromise
- tasted cactus chocolate
- hosted a birthday party at my place
- it snowed three times (after I thought spring already came)
- experienced God's amazing provision (once again) through a dear friend at church. I inherited a bunch of clothes from her sister... God is amazing - He knows EXACTLY what I need!
- received a drive-through campus tour of Seoul National University via a friend who works on campus
- celebrated the baptism of a former small group member
- learned how to cook 된장찌개 (dwen-jang-chi gae; a bean-paste soup) from my Korean "big sister"
- taught my students how to answer the question, "How are you?" without responding, "I'mfinethankyouandyou!"
- noticed my little rose bush beginning to grow wildly (and begging for a bigger pot!)
- attended a former small group member's long-awaited wedding
- tasted chrysanthemum tea
- started teaching an elite class one night each week
- taught my 3rd graders about Easter
- prepared a speaking test for 1st & 3rd graders (to be taken in a couple of weeks)

Although this month started out pretty rough, I'm really thankful for God's faithfulness and provision. There have been so many blessings, amidst the many challenges.
Looking forward spring...

Coping with Change

Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto,--do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms....The same everlasting Father who cares for you today, will take care of you to-morrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
- Francis de Sales (quoted in Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)

To say the past couple of weeks have been challenging would be an understatement. It's almost embarrassing how faithless I can find myself, yet God still continues to be SO faithful.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:4

I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.

I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD.
Hosea 2:19-20

Though I am incredibly unworthy (which I've been reminded of in multiple ways), somehow He still loves me. I don't understand it.

...the love relationship is why God created you. That is far more important to Him than what you do. - Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
I Corinthians 1:9

He's ALWAYS been faithful to me...
for that, I'm thankful.

China Trip Highlights

• Got to re-connect with my Chinese friend Penguin. Met her family, celebrated Chinese New Year, observed an ancestor ritual service, played Dutch Blitz, learned Chinese paper-cutting, and had opportunities to water the seeds that were planted 2 years ago.

• Tasted lots of interesting foods: dumplings, lamb, duck, tons of fish, eel, pig's tongue, black eggs, dumplings, pig skin, shaddock (delicious fruit), tangyuan (sweet sesame-filled rice cakes), dumplings, bamboo sprout, cabbage, sweet & sour pork/chicken, beef-flavored candy, fried bananas, sugar-glazed strawberries, dried fish, dumplings... and so much more!
  
  
• Learned more about Chinese culture and superstition (ex: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/11/slideshow.chinese.new.year/index.html?hpt=C2).
  
  
• Revisited Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Wanfujing, the markets etc. in Beijing; also got to experience a Chinese Tea House and the Ming Tombs for the first time.
  
  
• Got scammed by a rickshaw man. It was pretty scary, but thankfully our Father really protected us. Psalm 91 became the theme of our trip.
  
  
• Got to re-connect with a family working in Beijing (and re-visited my old stomping grounds).^^
  
  
• Was blessed and convicted by Sara's incredible servant heart and selflessness (and noticed my own flesh coming out more than I would have liked). I'm so thankful for a grace-filled friendship!
  
  
• Treated ourselves to cheap manicures and a hotel (rather than a hostel) on the last night in Beijing.
  
  
• Obtained a greater appreciation and love for Korea.
  
  
• Felt a sense of closure when we were leaving China; knew that it would be okay if I never returned.
  
  
• Sensed the Lord confirming what He's already been placing on my heart concerning the upcoming months.
  

Off to China!

I'm excited to visit my friend Penguin, with Sara over Chinese New Year (and Valentine's Day) this year!!! I wrote about Penguin in previous posts back in 2008 during my PacRim Semester Abroad: First Meeting, Easter Weekend, Yu Yuan Tan Park, & Bowling. I'm so excited to reconnect with this dear friend!!! Lots of reminiscing in store... as well as making new memories!!!

Ice & Cream Social

The first week of January, we had an OEM Small Group event titled, "Ice & Cream Social." It was very cold... but fun. I had a blast with these lovely ladies. In fact, our time together was reminiscent of my college days. Good times for sure!!!


Susie, Ji-Hye, Jennifer, me, Sara


Jennifer, Ji-Hye, Sara, me


OEM Small Group folks


Ice Cream at Cold Stone afterward

After the ice cream, we got to see an amazing violinist performing on the street near the Cheongyecheun (a nicely manicured stream that flows through the center of the city). Ji-Hye, Jennifer and I couldn't resist taking a little stroll past the Cheongyecheun, even though it was freezing cold, we had a lovely, giddy, girly time!

Off to Turkey...

I'm off to Turkey for the next several days. I'll do my best to get things fully up-to-date when I get back. Thanks for being patient until then!

A picture of my team: