It was Thursday. The shoes that I bought a month ago at the subway station were definitely falling apart. Alice had promised to go with me to the little shop where I bought them to ask for a refund/new shoes.
The shoes were starting to get holes in the toes. The saleswoman insisted that it was my fault the holes were there... that I purposely put them there. This made Alice really upset. She insisted that was not the case. Other people passing by got involved. Before I knew it, I was witnessing a HEATED debate (in Korean of course) and Alice did not seem very happy - neither did the saleslady. After what felt like at least 10 minutes, Alice turned to me and asked if I wanted a refund or an exchange. I told her a refund would be fine. The woman scowled when she handed me back my change.
Before we were able to debrief too much, Alice had to hurry off to an appointment, only saying that from now on, when I need to buy something, I should ask her for her help. When I asked her if she was okay (she seemed somewhat shaken), she replied, "Yes, I'm fine. I was angry when that woman said that you would purposely destroy your shoes because I know you wouldn't do that. But don't worry Holly, I will fight for you anyday!" Then she was off.
I was left feeling really loved and cared for.
I'll fight for you anyday.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
It's been Awhile...
So I've been slacking on the blogging this week - my apologies! I guess it's just been a little crazy and I've been super-tired this week (more than usual). And... I'm going to be going to bed soon, but decided to just share a few highlights of the week for now:
- Received a sweet reminder Tuesday morning of the hymn Jesus I am Resting, Resting... good timing and good reminder! It's amazing how easily and quickly I forget...
- Reminded of how much I need God's grace... and how much it's NOT about me...
- Been reading Corrie Ten Boom's biography, The Hiding Place. It's definitely a gripping story and I've found myself lost in it several times (I love getting lost in books!). In fact, on my way home one night, I missed my subway stop because I was so engrossed in my reading... and didn't even realize I missed it until four stops later! I have lots to process from reading about Corrie's life experience... so challenging to my heart!
- God is really working through the Tuesday afternoon Bible study. I'm particularly excited about the art teacher that started coming this week. It's cool to see how God is working. Keep praying!
- Continued to celebrate my birthday throughout the week with some incredibly thoughtful packages...
- Alice and I got to play Santa Claus this week with American microwave popcorn. I brought some to school (from one of my lovely packages) and decided to have some during one of my prep breaks. Of course, it's impossible to make popcorn in an office and NOT share (that would be pure torture to everyone else, plus it was refreshing to finally be the one giving rather than receiving). So... we went around and gave some to the other teachers in the office... it was so much fun. Alice and I had a ball!
- New food items tasted this week: fish eggs (didn't realize they were fish eggs until after the fact...), Korean-style cinnamon cakes that I LOVE, acorn jelly, samgyupsal (really tasty pork... basically really thick bacon full of fat and totally unhealthy and completely delicious), fish gelatin, warm tofu jelly-like substance, gunban (I think... delicious roasted chestnuts that warm your whole body when you eat them)... that's all I can remember for now.
More to come later [a preview/reminder for me to write about next time]:
- Alice "fought for me" in the subway station... I'll explain more about that later...
- Celebrated Sports Day at school on Friday and didn't have to teach the whole day. I'll post pics later.
- Had a lovely day trip with Bok ja and some new friends to Suwon today and visited a Korean Folk Village. More to come later (with pics of course)...
The only way is by allowing not a bit of the old life to be left, but only simple perfect trust in God, such trust that we no longer want God's blessings, but only want Himself.
- Oswald Chambers
- Received a sweet reminder Tuesday morning of the hymn Jesus I am Resting, Resting... good timing and good reminder! It's amazing how easily and quickly I forget...
- Reminded of how much I need God's grace... and how much it's NOT about me...
- Been reading Corrie Ten Boom's biography, The Hiding Place. It's definitely a gripping story and I've found myself lost in it several times (I love getting lost in books!). In fact, on my way home one night, I missed my subway stop because I was so engrossed in my reading... and didn't even realize I missed it until four stops later! I have lots to process from reading about Corrie's life experience... so challenging to my heart!
- God is really working through the Tuesday afternoon Bible study. I'm particularly excited about the art teacher that started coming this week. It's cool to see how God is working. Keep praying!
- Continued to celebrate my birthday throughout the week with some incredibly thoughtful packages...
- Alice and I got to play Santa Claus this week with American microwave popcorn. I brought some to school (from one of my lovely packages) and decided to have some during one of my prep breaks. Of course, it's impossible to make popcorn in an office and NOT share (that would be pure torture to everyone else, plus it was refreshing to finally be the one giving rather than receiving). So... we went around and gave some to the other teachers in the office... it was so much fun. Alice and I had a ball!
- New food items tasted this week: fish eggs (didn't realize they were fish eggs until after the fact...), Korean-style cinnamon cakes that I LOVE, acorn jelly, samgyupsal (really tasty pork... basically really thick bacon full of fat and totally unhealthy and completely delicious), fish gelatin, warm tofu jelly-like substance, gunban (I think... delicious roasted chestnuts that warm your whole body when you eat them)... that's all I can remember for now.
More to come later [a preview/reminder for me to write about next time]:
- Alice "fought for me" in the subway station... I'll explain more about that later...
- Celebrated Sports Day at school on Friday and didn't have to teach the whole day. I'll post pics later.
- Had a lovely day trip with Bok ja and some new friends to Suwon today and visited a Korean Folk Village. More to come later (with pics of course)...
The only way is by allowing not a bit of the old life to be left, but only simple perfect trust in God, such trust that we no longer want God's blessings, but only want Himself.
- Oswald Chambers
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Frustrating Monday...
I'm afraid today was a frustrating day... for numerous reasons. I've never liked the whole Oh-it's-a-Monday-so-it's-going-to-be-a-terrible-day mentality... but I have to admit, I'm starting to see a pattern with my Mondays at school. My classes on Mondays are chatty and difficult to control. Since it's the first day of the week, it's the day for testing out my lesson plans (and learning what does and does NOT work). Monday seems to be the day that I find myself feeling most like a terrible teacher... but as my dear friend Sara reminded me... my worth is not based on how well my lesson plans do/don't go.
Today was not as difficult as last Monday as far as co-teachers go. We worked much better today and even though the class was still difficult to control, we worked more as a team, so it was helpful.
No, today was somewhat frustrating because I forgot how much flexibility is required at ALL times. They warned us of this at orientation... it seems that things are never really set in stone in Korea... things change at the last minute SO often... flexibility is KEY. I somewhat forgot this when my co-teacher informed me that I would be leaving school today to visit a demo teaching... and that my class schedule would be re-arranged (taking away some prep time). This would normally be somewhat manageable (and turned out okay) but... I was frustrated because of how it affected my after school class. At first, I was told that it would have to be cancelled (AGAIN), so we informed all of the students of this. Then, I found out I would be able to teach... and that I would get back from the demo teaching with 10 minutes to spare before beginning the after-school class (found out most of this about 10 minutes before we left for demo teaching). Good thing I had my lesson mostly planned. I scrambled to make copies of my worksheets and emailed the ppt. to myself before running out the door. It was slightly frustrating... but I understand that there are times when communication gets fuzzy. For the most part, my school normally does a pretty good job of informing me of when things are going to change.
I guess maybe the most disappointing thing was finding out that I probably won't be getting my own English classroom after all. Alice told me this when we were scrambling to get to the demo teaching on time. It was so disheartening... since I travel to 22 different classrooms each week, classroom management is particularly challenging. On days like today (when students are difficult to manage, seats have to be moved around, and nametags are nowhere to be found, computers may or may not work), I often find comfort knowing that next semester I'll have my own classroom with a computer that works, with desks arranged the way I want before class even begins, and with a much more convenient system for nametags. But... it doesn't sound like that's going to be happening after all. Can you believe I almost wanted to cry when I found out? So silly I guess... but I guess it's a lesson in what I should really be putting my hope in.
I continue to be incredibly challenged by feelings of incredible exhaustion in the midst of teaching, inadequacy, impatience, being unsure of what to do at the exact moment a disciplinary issue must be addressed, frustrated with uncooperative students... I'm learning a lot about discipline. I started off way too easy on my students I guess (should have known... Dr. Spivey warned us of this in Learning & Memory)! Now it's difficult to regain control. I've started being more firm, but it's just so hard to find a balance... and so difficult to be the type of teacher I'd like to be!
Yet... I still like my job and I'm still glad to be here. Difficult days are to be expected, right? I'm learning more about how incredibly necessary it is to depend upon the Holy Spirit...
I have so much to learn!
Today was not as difficult as last Monday as far as co-teachers go. We worked much better today and even though the class was still difficult to control, we worked more as a team, so it was helpful.
No, today was somewhat frustrating because I forgot how much flexibility is required at ALL times. They warned us of this at orientation... it seems that things are never really set in stone in Korea... things change at the last minute SO often... flexibility is KEY. I somewhat forgot this when my co-teacher informed me that I would be leaving school today to visit a demo teaching... and that my class schedule would be re-arranged (taking away some prep time). This would normally be somewhat manageable (and turned out okay) but... I was frustrated because of how it affected my after school class. At first, I was told that it would have to be cancelled (AGAIN), so we informed all of the students of this. Then, I found out I would be able to teach... and that I would get back from the demo teaching with 10 minutes to spare before beginning the after-school class (found out most of this about 10 minutes before we left for demo teaching). Good thing I had my lesson mostly planned. I scrambled to make copies of my worksheets and emailed the ppt. to myself before running out the door. It was slightly frustrating... but I understand that there are times when communication gets fuzzy. For the most part, my school normally does a pretty good job of informing me of when things are going to change.
I guess maybe the most disappointing thing was finding out that I probably won't be getting my own English classroom after all. Alice told me this when we were scrambling to get to the demo teaching on time. It was so disheartening... since I travel to 22 different classrooms each week, classroom management is particularly challenging. On days like today (when students are difficult to manage, seats have to be moved around, and nametags are nowhere to be found, computers may or may not work), I often find comfort knowing that next semester I'll have my own classroom with a computer that works, with desks arranged the way I want before class even begins, and with a much more convenient system for nametags. But... it doesn't sound like that's going to be happening after all. Can you believe I almost wanted to cry when I found out? So silly I guess... but I guess it's a lesson in what I should really be putting my hope in.
I continue to be incredibly challenged by feelings of incredible exhaustion in the midst of teaching, inadequacy, impatience, being unsure of what to do at the exact moment a disciplinary issue must be addressed, frustrated with uncooperative students... I'm learning a lot about discipline. I started off way too easy on my students I guess (should have known... Dr. Spivey warned us of this in Learning & Memory)! Now it's difficult to regain control. I've started being more firm, but it's just so hard to find a balance... and so difficult to be the type of teacher I'd like to be!
Yet... I still like my job and I'm still glad to be here. Difficult days are to be expected, right? I'm learning more about how incredibly necessary it is to depend upon the Holy Spirit...
I have so much to learn!
Birthday Blessings
Birthday Festivities of the Weekend:
Friday night after school, Anna/Kim Yeong Chae (my main co-teacher) took me, Kim Kyung Hwa, Kim Kyung Han, and Alice out for dinner at the Outback Steakhouse (yes we have them here in Korea, believe it or not). It was an amazing meal and the time with my co-teachers was sweet.
Saturday evening, several of my friends here in Seoul gathered together for a birthday celebration.
We met up at Spaghettia's, a lovely Italian restaurant. Pictured here: Millie, Tim, Josie, Zane, Hil, Makeeya, Kay, Sara, Janis, me & Taryn. Unfortunately, you can't see everyone all that well...
Taryn brought me an amazing cake (and a pink HOLLYS COFFEE mug - yes they actually have a cafe here called HOLLYS COFFEE).
Although I really appreciated their incredibly thoughtful gifts (pictured above), it was so meaningful just to have friends to celebrate with!
We walked along the beautiful Cheunggyecheun (stream in Seoul) and stopped numerous times for random and silly pictures (unfortunately I don't have any of those silly pictures on my camera).
Sara bought me a lovely handmade journal on the street... it was perfect timing since I was on my LAST page that day!
We ended up at Starbucks and enjoyed LOTS of laughter (actually laughed until I cried a couple of times) as we shared some of our crazy teaching/encounters with Korean culture stories...it was wonderful. I was really blessed by our time together.
Sunday morning (the day of my actual birthday)... got to skype with some of my lovely family members. Though not all were able to be present, it was so great to see several of them. I opened up the presents that I hid from myself (from my parents) while we were skyping. It was fun. They sang Happy Birthday to me a second time (they sang last week with my Nana and Papu and I actually blew out one of the candles that my mom sent me when they sang... cheesy and fun!)). It was a delightful time to catch up... though those times always seem much too short!
After skyping with my family, I went over to Sara's and she made pancakes for a birthday brunch. Do you know how tasty chocolate chip and banana pancakes are (especially with peanut butter on top...)?! I highly recommend that you all try them if you've never taken the time to do so! ;) Sara and I spent the remainder of the day together: relaxed and enjoyed each other's company immensely, visited a nearby park, went to the 4:00 p.m. church service (why we didn't do this before, I don't know!), enjoyed cinnamon pancake things, had dinner with our friend Zane... and then dessert afterwards at my place. My Grandma found a microwaveable cake that only requires you to add water... it was delicious and ready in five minutes!
Thanks to all of you who made my birthday so special! Whether it was through emails, e-cards, cards in the mail, packages, text messages, phone calls, Saturday night, prayers and/or Facebook messages... such a blessing to my heart... many in ways I can't even fully describe. Because of the time difference, I got to celebrate my birthday for an additional 12 hours via email and Facebook. :-) Know that I appreciate your love and thoughtfulness... and am so blessed to have each one of you in my life!
Friday night after school, Anna/Kim Yeong Chae (my main co-teacher) took me, Kim Kyung Hwa, Kim Kyung Han, and Alice out for dinner at the Outback Steakhouse (yes we have them here in Korea, believe it or not). It was an amazing meal and the time with my co-teachers was sweet.
Saturday evening, several of my friends here in Seoul gathered together for a birthday celebration.
We met up at Spaghettia's, a lovely Italian restaurant. Pictured here: Millie, Tim, Josie, Zane, Hil, Makeeya, Kay, Sara, Janis, me & Taryn. Unfortunately, you can't see everyone all that well...
Taryn brought me an amazing cake (and a pink HOLLYS COFFEE mug - yes they actually have a cafe here called HOLLYS COFFEE).
Although I really appreciated their incredibly thoughtful gifts (pictured above), it was so meaningful just to have friends to celebrate with!
We walked along the beautiful Cheunggyecheun (stream in Seoul) and stopped numerous times for random and silly pictures (unfortunately I don't have any of those silly pictures on my camera).
Sara bought me a lovely handmade journal on the street... it was perfect timing since I was on my LAST page that day!
We ended up at Starbucks and enjoyed LOTS of laughter (actually laughed until I cried a couple of times) as we shared some of our crazy teaching/encounters with Korean culture stories...it was wonderful. I was really blessed by our time together.
Sunday morning (the day of my actual birthday)... got to skype with some of my lovely family members. Though not all were able to be present, it was so great to see several of them. I opened up the presents that I hid from myself (from my parents) while we were skyping. It was fun. They sang Happy Birthday to me a second time (they sang last week with my Nana and Papu and I actually blew out one of the candles that my mom sent me when they sang... cheesy and fun!)). It was a delightful time to catch up... though those times always seem much too short!
After skyping with my family, I went over to Sara's and she made pancakes for a birthday brunch. Do you know how tasty chocolate chip and banana pancakes are (especially with peanut butter on top...)?! I highly recommend that you all try them if you've never taken the time to do so! ;) Sara and I spent the remainder of the day together: relaxed and enjoyed each other's company immensely, visited a nearby park, went to the 4:00 p.m. church service (why we didn't do this before, I don't know!), enjoyed cinnamon pancake things, had dinner with our friend Zane... and then dessert afterwards at my place. My Grandma found a microwaveable cake that only requires you to add water... it was delicious and ready in five minutes!
Thanks to all of you who made my birthday so special! Whether it was through emails, e-cards, cards in the mail, packages, text messages, phone calls, Saturday night, prayers and/or Facebook messages... such a blessing to my heart... many in ways I can't even fully describe. Because of the time difference, I got to celebrate my birthday for an additional 12 hours via email and Facebook. :-) Know that I appreciate your love and thoughtfulness... and am so blessed to have each one of you in my life!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Mid-Week Update
So, this week is progressively getting better and better.
Monday was a rough day (another one of those teary-eyed days)... had some conflicts to work through with one of my co-teachers. But I think we're both on the same page finally... and I think things will go much smoother in the classroom! She's working on being more involved/attentive/helpful in the classroom and I'm working on being less of a pushover with the students. *BALANCE*
Tuesday morning when I arrived at school, there was a bunch of coffee (and disposable cups) on my desk with a note that read, "Holly, enjoy coffee and my heart. -Mrs. Moon" I love her!!! She is such a cheerful giver. I think I could probably dedicate an entire blog post to her... and maybe I will sometime. This morning, she left a big bag of tootsie pops on my desk to use as rewards in the classroom because she knew I was running low on the Dum-Dum suckers she gave me two weeks ago. Oh, and did I mention that she brings breakfast for us every morning (except Mondays) to our before-school prayer/devotion time? Oh, and she always eats breakfast before that with her family... so she just feeds us and hurries out of the room to do her teacher-stuff. So incredibly generous and thoughtful...
Thanks so much to those of you that were praying for the after-school English Bible Study (on the book of John) with my Cheongryang teachers. Although I had been feeling kind of nervous/anxious about it all, when I woke up Tuesday morning, I had an overwhelming peace. We had eight teachers come and I was so encouraged, especially since everyone was really busy with turning in mid-term grades during that time. It was especially exciting to have them participate in the discussion - I had been slightly concerned that I would have trouble getting them to speak, since many Koreans (though not all) seem to be naturally shy about speaking out. As the Lord continues to remind me, this is HIS study... not my study!
Tuesday evening, Hil and I met up for our weekly Bible study (on the book of John - the theme book of this year for me). We got to know a girl named Cassi, who is brand-new to Korea (even newer than me!). Since she's never had galbi (meat cooked over the fire at your table) before, we spontaneously splurged a bit (it's more expensive) and enjoyed her first galbi experience with her. It was sweet. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.
Tonight, after chatting with my lovely mother for a little bit, I got to see the beautiful and amazing Miss Sara Nelson! The original idea was to meet up for coffee/ice cream... but we picked a new subway stop (to us) and couldn't find either (rare for Seoul). So, we ended up just hanging out in the subway and had some quality conversations. So thankful for that girl!
On my way home, I saw Mr. Chung (my fruit man) and he stopped me to give me an apple. Of course, he had me wait for him to find the most "beautiful" apple and then shined it for me before giving me a "present-uh." I'm still smiling. Those little blessings are SO meaningful to me!
So many more little things I could write about... totally feel like the Lord has been reminding me of His incredible love in such tangible ways lately (again)! He's so faithful and abundantly gracious.... Time for me to sign off...
Be blessed today!
Monday was a rough day (another one of those teary-eyed days)... had some conflicts to work through with one of my co-teachers. But I think we're both on the same page finally... and I think things will go much smoother in the classroom! She's working on being more involved/attentive/helpful in the classroom and I'm working on being less of a pushover with the students. *BALANCE*
Tuesday morning when I arrived at school, there was a bunch of coffee (and disposable cups) on my desk with a note that read, "Holly, enjoy coffee and my heart. -Mrs. Moon" I love her!!! She is such a cheerful giver. I think I could probably dedicate an entire blog post to her... and maybe I will sometime. This morning, she left a big bag of tootsie pops on my desk to use as rewards in the classroom because she knew I was running low on the Dum-Dum suckers she gave me two weeks ago. Oh, and did I mention that she brings breakfast for us every morning (except Mondays) to our before-school prayer/devotion time? Oh, and she always eats breakfast before that with her family... so she just feeds us and hurries out of the room to do her teacher-stuff. So incredibly generous and thoughtful...
Thanks so much to those of you that were praying for the after-school English Bible Study (on the book of John) with my Cheongryang teachers. Although I had been feeling kind of nervous/anxious about it all, when I woke up Tuesday morning, I had an overwhelming peace. We had eight teachers come and I was so encouraged, especially since everyone was really busy with turning in mid-term grades during that time. It was especially exciting to have them participate in the discussion - I had been slightly concerned that I would have trouble getting them to speak, since many Koreans (though not all) seem to be naturally shy about speaking out. As the Lord continues to remind me, this is HIS study... not my study!
Tuesday evening, Hil and I met up for our weekly Bible study (on the book of John - the theme book of this year for me). We got to know a girl named Cassi, who is brand-new to Korea (even newer than me!). Since she's never had galbi (meat cooked over the fire at your table) before, we spontaneously splurged a bit (it's more expensive) and enjoyed her first galbi experience with her. It was sweet. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.
Tonight, after chatting with my lovely mother for a little bit, I got to see the beautiful and amazing Miss Sara Nelson! The original idea was to meet up for coffee/ice cream... but we picked a new subway stop (to us) and couldn't find either (rare for Seoul). So, we ended up just hanging out in the subway and had some quality conversations. So thankful for that girl!
On my way home, I saw Mr. Chung (my fruit man) and he stopped me to give me an apple. Of course, he had me wait for him to find the most "beautiful" apple and then shined it for me before giving me a "present-uh." I'm still smiling. Those little blessings are SO meaningful to me!
So many more little things I could write about... totally feel like the Lord has been reminding me of His incredible love in such tangible ways lately (again)! He's so faithful and abundantly gracious.... Time for me to sign off...
Be blessed today!
Monday, October 13, 2008
PASSION SEOUL
What is PASSION SEOUL all about?
"Finding in Christ all we need, and spending our lives to make Him famous in this generation... that's what The Passion Movement is all about and what has attracted hundreds of thousands of university aged young people to Passion gatherings over the past eleven years. Passion is more than an event. Passion is a movement made up of young people who have abandoned the idea of living simply for themselves and are daily giving up everything so the world can see Jesus more clearly. Passion is about the glory of God, inspiring a wave of students to taste and see that He is good and to do something now to change the world in Jesus' name. We've discovered that every major city in the world is a university town, most home to hundreds of thousands, and in some cases millions of students. So, Passion is off on a crazy journey to the cities of the world in 2008, uniting university students around the globe in a story so much bigger than our own."
-Taken from the PASSION website
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8
Our group for the weekend: Tae, David, me, Sara, and Zane. I had such a great time with these guys! Lots of laughter and quality conversations. We also fully enjoyed Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, David Crowder Band, Louie Giglio, and Francis Chan together!
This is pretty much my favorite picture of Sara and me. We were pretty pumped about being at Passion... (I'm SO thankful for this girl... fyi).
Did I mention that PASSION was held at the Olympic Park? Yeah... pretty amazing!
My dear friend Tae...
Saturday morning we had some sweet girl time while we were waiting for the session to begin. Loved it!!!
Highlights of the conference:
Looking forward to the greater things...
"Finding in Christ all we need, and spending our lives to make Him famous in this generation... that's what The Passion Movement is all about and what has attracted hundreds of thousands of university aged young people to Passion gatherings over the past eleven years. Passion is more than an event. Passion is a movement made up of young people who have abandoned the idea of living simply for themselves and are daily giving up everything so the world can see Jesus more clearly. Passion is about the glory of God, inspiring a wave of students to taste and see that He is good and to do something now to change the world in Jesus' name. We've discovered that every major city in the world is a university town, most home to hundreds of thousands, and in some cases millions of students. So, Passion is off on a crazy journey to the cities of the world in 2008, uniting university students around the globe in a story so much bigger than our own."
-Taken from the PASSION website
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8
Our group for the weekend: Tae, David, me, Sara, and Zane. I had such a great time with these guys! Lots of laughter and quality conversations. We also fully enjoyed Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, David Crowder Band, Louie Giglio, and Francis Chan together!
This is pretty much my favorite picture of Sara and me. We were pretty pumped about being at Passion... (I'm SO thankful for this girl... fyi).
Did I mention that PASSION was held at the Olympic Park? Yeah... pretty amazing!
My dear friend Tae...
Saturday morning we had some sweet girl time while we were waiting for the session to begin. Loved it!!!
Highlights of the conference:
- Hearing Francis Chan speak about GRACE... hearing his story reminded me so much of my own. I'm so thankful for God's grace... and that there is NOTHING we can do to earn his love and favor. How often I have to be reminded that life in Jesus is not based on works! Such a refreshing truth... and such a joy to join God in His work - not to earn His love but to bring Him glory!
- I am yours... forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever... There's an unexplainable security in knowing that this relationship with Jesus is going to last FOREVER. Thanks for the reminder, Mr. David Crowder!
- Greater things have yet to come, Greater things are still to be done in KOREA... Chris Tomlin's song, God of this City, made me so excited! God has truly done great things... but those great things are certainly not just memories in the past! Greater things are still to be done... here in Korea... and throughout the rest of the world (including Indiana... and China)!
Looking forward to the greater things...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Suwon Trip - Hwasseong Palace & Archery Practice
After my lovely field trip on Thursday, I got to take another field trip on Friday. All of the new Native English Teachers from my school district went together. Our district supervisor took us to Suwon (about 1 1/2 hrs. away). We visited the Hwasseong Palace, took a trolley ride up a mountain, and got to practice archery. I enjoyed exchanging stories with the other teachers.
Hwasseong Palace in Suwon
Items NOT for sale... so we were told.
Chinese characters!!!
We kind of got a behind-the-scenes tour. These guys were all dressed up and getting ready to rehearse for some performance for later in the evening.
Target practice
Me attempting archery (too bad I didn't get a pic from the opposite angle... oh well!)
The first arrow that I tried to shoot fell about three feet in front of me and the string from the bow snapped at my hand pretty hard... yeah, archery isn't my sport. I enjoyed it, but definitely not talented with it!
It was a good time...
Hwasseong Palace in Suwon
Items NOT for sale... so we were told.
Chinese characters!!!
We kind of got a behind-the-scenes tour. These guys were all dressed up and getting ready to rehearse for some performance for later in the evening.
Target practice
Me attempting archery (too bad I didn't get a pic from the opposite angle... oh well!)
The first arrow that I tried to shoot fell about three feet in front of me and the string from the bow snapped at my hand pretty hard... yeah, archery isn't my sport. I enjoyed it, but definitely not talented with it!
It was a good time...
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