Easter Lesson

I spent the week of April 13-17 teaching my students about Easter. It was a very interesting week, to say the least. I spent more time preparing this lesson than I've ever spent on any lesson in the past... and it was the most difficult lesson that I've ever taught. Usually by Tuesday my lesson flows pretty smoothly, but this one didn't come together until Thursday. It took awhile, but once it finally came together, I was quite pleased (and incredibly thankful). I feel like there's so much more I could say... but I'll just share some pics instead.

Some pictures from the lesson:

One of my friends was able to get plastic eggs from the US military base, which was SUCH a blessing! The students loved playing with them!


After the students listened to me share the story of Jesus' death and resurrection, they each got plastic Easter eggs with sentences from the story inside. The students had to read the sentences out loud together and then arranged them in the correct order.



In one of my advanced classes, we had lots of extra time left over. So, the students drew pictures based on what they learned during the lesson. I really appreciated their pictures!!!

















My co-teacher explained to me that this student was being quite genuine with his words and artwork. Most teenagers have pop stars as their "idols." It was cool to see this kid's heart.



It was definitely a special and memorable week. I'm so thankful for the teaching opportunities I have here in Korea!

Stay Tuned

I've got about three or four different blog posts composing themselves in my head... and I've been wanting to write about them all week...but I need to sleep!!!

Just a random fyi.^^

Loving life...
~Holly

Fusion at Olympic Park

Last week, Sara and I began working on our "Adventures List." This list is basically composed of the things that we want to do before our first year in Seoul is finished (reminds me of the lists Jana and I used to make when we were roommates). It's amazing how quickly time is flying!

The first thing on our list: A Fusion Picnic at Olympic Park
For those of you that don't know, fusion is "combining usually widely differing ethnic or regional ingredients, styles, or techniques" (thank you, dictionary.com). I had never really encountered fusion food before coming to Korea. I'm sure there must be fusion restaurants in the States, I just never paid attention to them before, I guess.


Our fusion menu: classic American PB&J, Korean-Chinese mandu (dumplings with meat and veggies inside), Korean kimbap (rice and veggies wrapped in seaweed), mango juice, California oranges, and Asian pear slices.


Sara doing one of her very classic "Sara" poses. =)


Right next to where we had our picnic! =)


How appropriate of a setting for a fusion meal...

It was simply delightful! I'm so thankful that Sara and I get to share adventures together this year. Looking forward to the many more in store...

Spring is Here!!!

A sure sign that Spring is here!


These flowers are all over Seoul


Lovely


So inviting!!!


Pictures just don't capture the vibrancy of color...


About all I caught of the cherry blossoms... =( Next year I'll make it!!!


Overlooking the Han River...


on an incredibly peaceful Saturday afternoon...


Less than a 10 minute walk from my church... I'm thinking some picnics are going to have to be in order!

I LOVE SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clumsy...

One of my New Year's Resolutions for this year was to not be so clumsy. So far, I haven't been doing so well... There were so many clumsy moments tonight, I couldn't help but laugh at myself!

A few months ago, one of the girls from choir (Jamie) left to go to Australia and she very graciously left her rollerblades for me to inherit (you can already see where this story is headed...). I am somewhat ashamed to say that tonight was my first time actually using them. I've been longing to go for quite some time... but it just never seemed to work out. However, I made it a priority tonight and thoroughly enjoyed my time, despite a bit of a wipeout! I contemplated taking the wrist pads and knee pads that Jamie left for me... but silly me decided I didn't need them (why, I'm NOT sure!).

In keeping with tradition of the past several years, I obtained a few decent-sized scrapes again. I say it's tradition because it seems to happen just about every year. Most memorable was my junior year of college when Jana and I were rollerblading at Bethel. I was going down the big hill by the library and wiped out at the bottom - gaining battle wounds on my chin (somewhat resembled a goatee), hands (still have scars to prove it), and knees. Tonight my hands received the worst of the fall. I took pictures, but I'll spare you unless you REALLY want to see them...

It happened at Yongsan Family Park (located near the US military base, my church, and the National Museum of Korea). I decided I kind of wish I lived near the park because it would be a fun place to actually start running again - a really nice area. Anyway, when I fell, a nice old man saw me and rushed to check to see if I was okay. He was so kind and considerate of me. I told him kwenchuniayo (it's okay) and komsahamnida (thank you). I couldn't help but laugh at myself... especially since the rest of the night consisted of extreme caution on the rollerblades and tripping on subway stairs.

On my way to Emart (our version of Walmart) afterward, a kind man on the subway offered some kind of cream for my open wounds. Although I had no clue what it was, I trusted him... people in Korea are just so thoughtful and willing to help.

Yes, tonight was a lovely evening. I think the clumsiness made me laugh and enjoy my time all the more, which may seem silly. I could just hear my dad teasing me about it (something he loves to do).

Although I didn't have a rollerblading partner, I found myself just soaking up the beautiful spring scenery and thoroughly enjoying a free evening. After my rollerblading adventure, I redeemed my punch card at Caffe Pascucci's for a FREE coffee and had a sweet time with the Lord before doing some much-needed grocery shopping.

And now it's way past time for me to call it a night...

He Is RISEN!!!

What a special time of year as we remember the death of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. I find that each year, Easter seems to become more and more meaningful to me. Just tonight, I had the privilege of gathering with my small group for a potluck dinner. We watched Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ. As we watched, I found myself asking "WHY?!?!" Why did the Father allow Jesus to suffer like that? It's so incredibly unfair. But as they were nailing Jesus to the cross, I gained a fresh understanding of the cross... I should have been the one on the cross. I'm the sinner - not Jesus!!! He didn't deserve to die, yet He CHOSE to break His body so that we might have LIFE with Him. Even while He was on the cross, Jesus was asking the Father to forgive His persecutors. What a man of LOVE - love too deep for me to comprehend. I'm so thankful for this time of remembrance... to reflect upon the sacrifice Jesus made... to reflect upon the riches of His grace... and to reflect upon what life is truly all about.

I wouldn't have it any other way...

The other day, I was skyping with my mom and she asked me a great question: Holly, are you glad you decided to spend this year in Korea?

[After thinking for a moment] Yeah, actually I am. I couldn't imagine spending this year any other way... I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be.

I guess I hadn't realized it until my mom asked me. But it's true. I'm so thankful...