I will not be returning from my vacation. My time in Korea is finished. I've come to this conclusion based on many things. I know that many of think that I should stick this out. It is just one more month, but for what benefit.
As many of you know, Kelly got in the habit very early of being very mean. Kelly has never been able to say one nice thing to me. She is an extremely degrading whenever she talks to me. Within the last few weeks she has taken to name calling and blaming me for things, that I'm certain are not my fault. She lies to everyone. She has lied to me and the parents of the school. I have been hiding at work, so as not to come across Kelly.
As a result of being treated this way, I noticed something about myself. It's effecting my health. I'm having trouble sleeping at night and when I do sleep it isn't restful. It's horrible and toss and turn. I wake feeling sore. My hip hurts terrible. (I'll give you this is probably from the rainy weather, but when my back hurts to my hip hurts more.) I wake up must morning with a sore back. My stomach is also upset every morning. I've woken up many morning with it hurting. I've also had the dry heaves many mornings. I can't brush my teeth without gagging. Living like this isn't good. This started about mid June and has gotten progressively worse each week.
I know there is only one month left. However, Kelly is blaming me for students leaving the school. I have a feeling that if I were to come back and stick it out. Kelly wouldn't give my pay or my plane ticket. It says in the contract that if parents and students are unhappy they can release me from the contract. I know that it would to much of an embarrassment for the school to lose 5 teacher since February (this includes both English and Korean teachers).
For those of you who think, I should stay please understand that I have thought about this and prayed about for weeks.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lessons learned in India
It's now time to share the things I learned in India. God seems to teach thing to me whenever I go on these short terms mission trip.
The first lesson I learned was that God's plan are better, well thought out, and more effective than ours. I know we make plans and think things through but God is also planning things out and working things out in such a better way. If school hadn't been canceled there is no way all those children would have gotten vaccanated. Sure it was a little harder on us being with the kids all day long, but those kids were just thrilled to be with us. I think both the children and us were bless more than we could imagine becuase of them being off school.
The second lesson was the hardest to learn. I even struggled with admitting that I need to learn this lesson. I also missed part of the lesson for the first week, but after much pondering and thinking I finally learned all the lesson. I watched these children. That's something I do is watch people. I noticed two things about these children. Number one: they have nothing. They have no parents, they barely have anything. All the things they own fit into a backpack. They have just their basic needs taken care of and not an ounce more. Number two: they are happy. Their faith is enough for them. Their faith is what makes them happy. They enjoy life because they have Jesus. I have the same faith as these children. I believe in the same Jesus as they do. I also have more than they do. I have both my parents and they are still together. I have more then I need. I have things that I want. I have enough stuff to fill two rooms, just ask my parents. My stuff is in box taking up two rooms in their house. I also have gotten to do some amazing things with my life and seen some amazing things. Sometimes, my faith isn't enough. Sometimes my faith doesn't make me happy. Sometimes I want more.
I began thinking about what was wrong. I went down a lot of aveunes. I entrained the thought that God treated us differently. God was better to the children, but if I have more than them how can He better to them. I even thought about well, I don't need God like those children do, so maybe that's the problem. Suddenly, the light came on. These children have a relationship with God. They treat Him like he is their father. They look to Him as father. I have to now admit, that I was problem. My faith hasn't be always been a relationship. It has been lately and lately my faith has been enough. In order for my faith to be enough, it needs to be a relationship.
That's it. That's what I need to learn in India. It may not be deep or insightful but sometimes we need to be taught things that aren't deep or insightful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9WKfTXM3rg
The first lesson I learned was that God's plan are better, well thought out, and more effective than ours. I know we make plans and think things through but God is also planning things out and working things out in such a better way. If school hadn't been canceled there is no way all those children would have gotten vaccanated. Sure it was a little harder on us being with the kids all day long, but those kids were just thrilled to be with us. I think both the children and us were bless more than we could imagine becuase of them being off school.
The second lesson was the hardest to learn. I even struggled with admitting that I need to learn this lesson. I also missed part of the lesson for the first week, but after much pondering and thinking I finally learned all the lesson. I watched these children. That's something I do is watch people. I noticed two things about these children. Number one: they have nothing. They have no parents, they barely have anything. All the things they own fit into a backpack. They have just their basic needs taken care of and not an ounce more. Number two: they are happy. Their faith is enough for them. Their faith is what makes them happy. They enjoy life because they have Jesus. I have the same faith as these children. I believe in the same Jesus as they do. I also have more than they do. I have both my parents and they are still together. I have more then I need. I have things that I want. I have enough stuff to fill two rooms, just ask my parents. My stuff is in box taking up two rooms in their house. I also have gotten to do some amazing things with my life and seen some amazing things. Sometimes, my faith isn't enough. Sometimes my faith doesn't make me happy. Sometimes I want more.
I began thinking about what was wrong. I went down a lot of aveunes. I entrained the thought that God treated us differently. God was better to the children, but if I have more than them how can He better to them. I even thought about well, I don't need God like those children do, so maybe that's the problem. Suddenly, the light came on. These children have a relationship with God. They treat Him like he is their father. They look to Him as father. I have to now admit, that I was problem. My faith hasn't be always been a relationship. It has been lately and lately my faith has been enough. In order for my faith to be enough, it needs to be a relationship.
That's it. That's what I need to learn in India. It may not be deep or insightful but sometimes we need to be taught things that aren't deep or insightful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9WKfTXM3rg
Sunday, May 24, 2009
India
Jack came to me at the end of December and I asked about going to India. At that point I wasn't really talking with God. Things weren't going the way I thought they should. I was more frustrated with myself then with Him, but I was blaming God. I spent the next month upset with Him, but after that I began to seek God. I wanted to know and understand Him. I felt that if I understood God better, maybe I would understand the things happen in my life. While seeking God, I began to plead with Him, to allow me to go to India. I told him on several accounts, that I wasn't worthy of being sent to India, but that I wanted very much to go and shine His light into a very dark country. I wanted to go and make a difference. I had the need to go.
As we were planing for India, I struggled a little with what my role would be there. I do short-term mission often. I like to go and support. I really enjoying serving those that are serving. There didn't seem to be a spot for that. Then I was asked to teach English. I didn't really want to teach English. That's my job. I wanted to get away from that. I really struggle with getting things ready. I struggle with getting the lesson ideas and games together. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to going to India, at this point.
However the ache in my heart was more than my unwillingness. It had been a little bit of a fight to get them time off work, so I figured. I should go. I finally felt that maybe it would be ok, to go on a mission trip and not serve those that are working. I thought maybe is time to try a different role in the group. I let go and let God. I should have known that God had different plans for my trip than the ones we were making.
The Sunday before leaving I meet up with Tracy Phillips. She was in charge of telling the bible stories. I meet her outside of gate 17. Her husband and her took me to dinner at the Navy Club. It was their treat. This was probably the greatest thing ever. I could have anything I wanted. They even let me have a milk shake like the kids. After that, we went to their apartment which is on base. I got to spend sometime relaxing. It was really kinda nice. I also got to shower. Now to some this may not seem big, but when your shower is your bathroom, to shower in a real shower is really very nice. I also got to sleep in a soft bed. I started my trip out with a mountain full of blessings.
Monday wasn't anything special, we flew into India. On Tuesday, we found that what we had plan wasn't what God had planned. The school the children went to had been close for the week. They said it was too hot to go to school. This was a sign that God had bigger and better plans. God knew what He was doing right from the start. We had vaccinations to give to the children. If they would have had to go to school there was no way they would have gotten it done. We left have the children with Lara and Sherrie to give shots, and Tracy and I took the other half. She taught them the bible story. I played the game with them. They had a good time. They love to hear bible stories. We probably could have told them the same bible story all week long and they would have been happy. After the game we made two groups. Tracy took half and the craft. I took the other half to teach them the colors words. One activity, I like to do when teaching color words is have a colored paper snowball fight. The kids crumple colored paper into balls and then through whatever color is called out at each other. Now, I have to admit, this lesson failed. The kids would just throw the paper balls, it didn't matter the color. However, I have never had a group of kids have so much fun with a lesson. Tracy and I traded groups but it was lunch time. After lunch, they started on the younger kids. They need someone to hand out candy. So that's what I did. It turned out that as the smaller children waited in line the more scared they got and it was harder to give out shots. I had to keep the children back from crowding the table. Lara need someone to get the children medicine to, so I handed of the candy to someone else and started helping Lara out. I also found myself running to the kitchen and getting the little containers that had the vaccinations in them. I had no idea how long my day would be or that it would be that long. We went late into the night taking care of these kids. We ran out of the right needles and had to use smaller ones. This made the process take longer, but we got through it. I noticed one little boy who spent most of the evening sleeping the kitchen. He looked like a lot was taken out of him and that this was just too much. The poor thing was sound asleep around 4 or 5 in the evening. We finished around and got back to the hotel around 9pm. I was worn out and hungry. Thankfully Ann and I were sharing a room. She order enough dinner for the both of us. Lara's husband, Shane, had also order dinner for me. I ate dinner, read for a little while and then went to bed.
Wednesday wasn't as long of day, but it took just as much out of me. The kids were sitting out waiting for us. Tracy taught the kids a bible study, and we tried to teach them some songs. We played a game, and gave them some playdoh to play with. They weren't very active. Lara and Sherrie showed up. They were all laying in the shade worn out. Most of them were sleeping. It turns out that most them had high fevers. We lined them up took them temptures and gave them more medicine and had them drink water. Some kids had fevers of 103 or 104. I felt bad for them, but they still seemed happy. The little boy that was sleeping on the couch yesterday came through the line. I notice he had some macus in his ear. I pointed out to Lara and Sherrie. They looked at it and he had an ear infection. No wonder the poor thing looked so worn out, his poor little body was fighting and ear infection and he had shots, the poor thing was just way over worked. After spending the day at the children's home, we went over to the pastor's confernce to give the pastor vaccinations. Lara, Sherrie and Mary were working away at getting the needles ready. I was helping out in all the little ways that I could. The pastors attempted to line up and wait for the turn. It was rather rough because there grown men were having trouble waiting in a line. I gave them some mecidine to help with the fever. They kept asking me to give them shots. I kept just telling them no. I also kept yelling at them to get in line. I finally used my teacher voice and said in a line one behind the other, I know kindergarteners that do it better than you. That straight them up for a little while, but they kept asking me to give them a shot. I had a pastor come up and talk with him. He was worried about getting a shot. He didn't like needles. I tried to explain that a little pain now is better than getting really sick later. The pastor at the fornt of the line kept asking me to give him a shot. I looked at him and said "I am a teacher. They are nurses. If I give you shot, and I do it wrong. You could die. Do you still want me to give you a shot?" His reply, "No, sister, no." Then he turned around and said something to the rest of the pastor and they all left me alone about giving them their shot. I don't know what is about those pastor, but they was probably the best day I had. It was fun interacting with them.
Thursday, we had half the day with the kids at the children's home. The kids were feeling better and a little more active. Tracy told on last bible story. Lara sang with them. We gave them present. We said good-bye. Some of the cried and were sad to see us leave. We had lunch at Pastor JD and Ruth's house. It was very good.
Friday, we went to the Baptist Hospital and then went shopping. Ruth tooks us shopping and was very helpful. We went to the hospital for two reason. One of the children from need so medical attention that he need. Ann had found a lady with a very young baby. The mother was no longer producing milk and the baby was just skin and bones. We brought them to the hostipal to get looked out. The mother had a lump on her breat that need to be drained. The hostipal gave the mother formula for the baby. Mother and baby have both been released from the hostipal and are doing better. They also gave us a tour.
Overall, India was a great experince for me. I stand amazed at how God's plans were better than ours. That God had thought this week out and made things happen that were just unbelievable.
As we were planing for India, I struggled a little with what my role would be there. I do short-term mission often. I like to go and support. I really enjoying serving those that are serving. There didn't seem to be a spot for that. Then I was asked to teach English. I didn't really want to teach English. That's my job. I wanted to get away from that. I really struggle with getting things ready. I struggle with getting the lesson ideas and games together. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to going to India, at this point.
However the ache in my heart was more than my unwillingness. It had been a little bit of a fight to get them time off work, so I figured. I should go. I finally felt that maybe it would be ok, to go on a mission trip and not serve those that are working. I thought maybe is time to try a different role in the group. I let go and let God. I should have known that God had different plans for my trip than the ones we were making.
The Sunday before leaving I meet up with Tracy Phillips. She was in charge of telling the bible stories. I meet her outside of gate 17. Her husband and her took me to dinner at the Navy Club. It was their treat. This was probably the greatest thing ever. I could have anything I wanted. They even let me have a milk shake like the kids. After that, we went to their apartment which is on base. I got to spend sometime relaxing. It was really kinda nice. I also got to shower. Now to some this may not seem big, but when your shower is your bathroom, to shower in a real shower is really very nice. I also got to sleep in a soft bed. I started my trip out with a mountain full of blessings.
Monday wasn't anything special, we flew into India. On Tuesday, we found that what we had plan wasn't what God had planned. The school the children went to had been close for the week. They said it was too hot to go to school. This was a sign that God had bigger and better plans. God knew what He was doing right from the start. We had vaccinations to give to the children. If they would have had to go to school there was no way they would have gotten it done. We left have the children with Lara and Sherrie to give shots, and Tracy and I took the other half. She taught them the bible story. I played the game with them. They had a good time. They love to hear bible stories. We probably could have told them the same bible story all week long and they would have been happy. After the game we made two groups. Tracy took half and the craft. I took the other half to teach them the colors words. One activity, I like to do when teaching color words is have a colored paper snowball fight. The kids crumple colored paper into balls and then through whatever color is called out at each other. Now, I have to admit, this lesson failed. The kids would just throw the paper balls, it didn't matter the color. However, I have never had a group of kids have so much fun with a lesson. Tracy and I traded groups but it was lunch time. After lunch, they started on the younger kids. They need someone to hand out candy. So that's what I did. It turned out that as the smaller children waited in line the more scared they got and it was harder to give out shots. I had to keep the children back from crowding the table. Lara need someone to get the children medicine to, so I handed of the candy to someone else and started helping Lara out. I also found myself running to the kitchen and getting the little containers that had the vaccinations in them. I had no idea how long my day would be or that it would be that long. We went late into the night taking care of these kids. We ran out of the right needles and had to use smaller ones. This made the process take longer, but we got through it. I noticed one little boy who spent most of the evening sleeping the kitchen. He looked like a lot was taken out of him and that this was just too much. The poor thing was sound asleep around 4 or 5 in the evening. We finished around and got back to the hotel around 9pm. I was worn out and hungry. Thankfully Ann and I were sharing a room. She order enough dinner for the both of us. Lara's husband, Shane, had also order dinner for me. I ate dinner, read for a little while and then went to bed.
Wednesday wasn't as long of day, but it took just as much out of me. The kids were sitting out waiting for us. Tracy taught the kids a bible study, and we tried to teach them some songs. We played a game, and gave them some playdoh to play with. They weren't very active. Lara and Sherrie showed up. They were all laying in the shade worn out. Most of them were sleeping. It turns out that most them had high fevers. We lined them up took them temptures and gave them more medicine and had them drink water. Some kids had fevers of 103 or 104. I felt bad for them, but they still seemed happy. The little boy that was sleeping on the couch yesterday came through the line. I notice he had some macus in his ear. I pointed out to Lara and Sherrie. They looked at it and he had an ear infection. No wonder the poor thing looked so worn out, his poor little body was fighting and ear infection and he had shots, the poor thing was just way over worked. After spending the day at the children's home, we went over to the pastor's confernce to give the pastor vaccinations. Lara, Sherrie and Mary were working away at getting the needles ready. I was helping out in all the little ways that I could. The pastors attempted to line up and wait for the turn. It was rather rough because there grown men were having trouble waiting in a line. I gave them some mecidine to help with the fever. They kept asking me to give them shots. I kept just telling them no. I also kept yelling at them to get in line. I finally used my teacher voice and said in a line one behind the other, I know kindergarteners that do it better than you. That straight them up for a little while, but they kept asking me to give them a shot. I had a pastor come up and talk with him. He was worried about getting a shot. He didn't like needles. I tried to explain that a little pain now is better than getting really sick later. The pastor at the fornt of the line kept asking me to give him a shot. I looked at him and said "I am a teacher. They are nurses. If I give you shot, and I do it wrong. You could die. Do you still want me to give you a shot?" His reply, "No, sister, no." Then he turned around and said something to the rest of the pastor and they all left me alone about giving them their shot. I don't know what is about those pastor, but they was probably the best day I had. It was fun interacting with them.
Thursday, we had half the day with the kids at the children's home. The kids were feeling better and a little more active. Tracy told on last bible story. Lara sang with them. We gave them present. We said good-bye. Some of the cried and were sad to see us leave. We had lunch at Pastor JD and Ruth's house. It was very good.
Friday, we went to the Baptist Hospital and then went shopping. Ruth tooks us shopping and was very helpful. We went to the hospital for two reason. One of the children from need so medical attention that he need. Ann had found a lady with a very young baby. The mother was no longer producing milk and the baby was just skin and bones. We brought them to the hostipal to get looked out. The mother had a lump on her breat that need to be drained. The hostipal gave the mother formula for the baby. Mother and baby have both been released from the hostipal and are doing better. They also gave us a tour.
Overall, India was a great experince for me. I stand amazed at how God's plans were better than ours. That God had thought this week out and made things happen that were just unbelievable.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What's all this talk about India?
So many have noticed that I'm going to Karnataka, India here very shortly. My church here in Seoul has planned a mission trip and I get to take part. My church is taking about 10 to go into India. We all have a different role and different places we will be. Tracey and I will be working at the orphanage. We will have 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours after school. We will also go into the village and spend team with street children there. I've come up with some English lesson for the children. I'm very excited to be going. Pastor Jack and Pastor Dan will be preaching in house churches. We also have some women who are RN's and will be able to give some shots out. We will be able to help out in many ways. The orphanage has been trying to dig a well since about mid November. They have been having problems with their pump. Hopefully, we will be able to help them out with getting this fixed.
SIBC has been in contact and helping out these pastors in India a few years now. We help out in ways we can. We've been able to help out by getting bibles for the house churches, and backpacks for the kids. David and Marci are in charge of the children's home. They have about 114 children and only get enough money for about 60 children. However, they children are well taken care. David and Marci mange the money well, so that everyone and everything is taken care of. JD and Ruth are the founders of the Faith Baptist Fellowship which is all the house churches under JD. He goes into cities preaching the word of God and then as people come to beleive he trains pastors to run house churches. SIBC has seen there job as to come along side JD and help him out.
SIBC has been in contact and helping out these pastors in India a few years now. We help out in ways we can. We've been able to help out by getting bibles for the house churches, and backpacks for the kids. David and Marci are in charge of the children's home. They have about 114 children and only get enough money for about 60 children. However, they children are well taken care. David and Marci mange the money well, so that everyone and everything is taken care of. JD and Ruth are the founders of the Faith Baptist Fellowship which is all the house churches under JD. He goes into cities preaching the word of God and then as people come to beleive he trains pastors to run house churches. SIBC has seen there job as to come along side JD and help him out.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I must admit
Let me start with a declaimer. You do not have to read this. I'm in need of an outlet and as most of you have learned this is where I outlet.
For the most part, I don't miss James a lot. Most days, I'm so busy with teaching and every other weekend, I'm at the Turners'. However there are some days, where that is all I do is miss him. I feel that way today. I think 6 months is far away and I can't possibly wait that long to be with him. I very much want to be him. He makes me feel special and loved. He does it well from AL, but I liked it more when he was here. It's better. I try to tell myself that it's only 6 months. It's under 200 days, it's not that long. But it doesn't matter, I want to be near him and close to him. I would like it if he could hold me right now.
So yea, it's hard to be away from the one you love with all your heart.
For the most part, I don't miss James a lot. Most days, I'm so busy with teaching and every other weekend, I'm at the Turners'. However there are some days, where that is all I do is miss him. I feel that way today. I think 6 months is far away and I can't possibly wait that long to be with him. I very much want to be him. He makes me feel special and loved. He does it well from AL, but I liked it more when he was here. It's better. I try to tell myself that it's only 6 months. It's under 200 days, it's not that long. But it doesn't matter, I want to be near him and close to him. I would like it if he could hold me right now.
So yea, it's hard to be away from the one you love with all your heart.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sorry, I'm trying to keep myself busy.
I've been so busy trying to distract myself. I haven't really had to time to blog. I know that many of you look for my blogs and I'm sorry. It's hard being away from James. I find myself missing him when I'm not busy or with my friends, so I've decided to keep myself busy.
The weekend of 3/21, was a single's weekend. By this time we all know what comes down right. Spending the weekend at Pastor's.
The weekend of 3/28, I went on base and had my hair done with Mary Beth and Anita.
The weekend of 4/4, was another single's weekend.
I got to go to the 18th Annual Korean-American Friendship Concert. It was really great. I got to her some tradintional music, the biggest Korean singer, sang two songs, the 8th army band (Mary Beth's, not James' old band), and I heard the Blind Heart Chamber, they are the first all blind chamber group. They were amazing.
I've spend a couple of night hanging out with Jason. One weekend it was Jason, Mary Beth, Anita, and Q (a korean). Another weekend Jason, Sam (a korean friend of Jason) and his girlfriend went out together. I always go somewhere for lunch after church on Sundays. Sonya is back, so the past few, I've gone to lunch with her. Josh (amry guy) brought us on base and we got to have good american beef. One Tuesdays, and Thursday, I've started going to language exchange with Gerrard (new teacher) and some of the Korean teachers. I'm helping them learn english more than I'm learning Korean. Last night I taught Gerrard a pick-up line in Korean. It translate as it hurts here, please kiss me. The teachers had a good laugh that I knew that. They are also were amazed that I knew blood. However I can ask for a bloody nose in Korean. On Wednesday, I meet with Mary Beth. I call it a mid-week pick me up. We get together and read the proverb of the day and talk.
The weather here is amazing, it's starting to feel like spring. The cherry blossoms are blooming and the look great. I might go over to the park before I teach Andy and Kathy and take some pictures. I really am enjoying things. It's quite fun to be here. There is so much to do and I'm having tons of fun teaching my students. I love my kinders. I'm planning on bloging about my class. I enjoying teaching my afternoon class. I have three and they are pretty good kids. They like to mess around and have fun, and we do sometimes, but we also get our work done.
I'm getting ready to go to India. I'll be going in May. I'm looking forward to do some missions work. I really can't wait to play with children. It's exciting to think about what I'll be doing there.
As for James, I talk to him on Saturdays. I e-mail often, and I've probably sent him more flair then he knows what to do with. I do miss him from time to time. I find a place to eat or go and think, it would be nice to come here with James. I'm counting down the days until I see him again. It is hard to be away from someone you love. He amazes me most days. He say things in e-mails or over the phone that makes me feel so special. He sent me a package and a card. In the package was reese's eggs. Both milk chocolate and white chocolate. The card had a picture of him with his trumpet. He looks great in it.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Thanks for praying and thinking of me. I have 5 months left. :)
The weekend of 3/21, was a single's weekend. By this time we all know what comes down right. Spending the weekend at Pastor's.
The weekend of 3/28, I went on base and had my hair done with Mary Beth and Anita.
The weekend of 4/4, was another single's weekend.
I got to go to the 18th Annual Korean-American Friendship Concert. It was really great. I got to her some tradintional music, the biggest Korean singer, sang two songs, the 8th army band (Mary Beth's, not James' old band), and I heard the Blind Heart Chamber, they are the first all blind chamber group. They were amazing.
I've spend a couple of night hanging out with Jason. One weekend it was Jason, Mary Beth, Anita, and Q (a korean). Another weekend Jason, Sam (a korean friend of Jason) and his girlfriend went out together. I always go somewhere for lunch after church on Sundays. Sonya is back, so the past few, I've gone to lunch with her. Josh (amry guy) brought us on base and we got to have good american beef. One Tuesdays, and Thursday, I've started going to language exchange with Gerrard (new teacher) and some of the Korean teachers. I'm helping them learn english more than I'm learning Korean. Last night I taught Gerrard a pick-up line in Korean. It translate as it hurts here, please kiss me. The teachers had a good laugh that I knew that. They are also were amazed that I knew blood. However I can ask for a bloody nose in Korean. On Wednesday, I meet with Mary Beth. I call it a mid-week pick me up. We get together and read the proverb of the day and talk.
The weather here is amazing, it's starting to feel like spring. The cherry blossoms are blooming and the look great. I might go over to the park before I teach Andy and Kathy and take some pictures. I really am enjoying things. It's quite fun to be here. There is so much to do and I'm having tons of fun teaching my students. I love my kinders. I'm planning on bloging about my class. I enjoying teaching my afternoon class. I have three and they are pretty good kids. They like to mess around and have fun, and we do sometimes, but we also get our work done.
I'm getting ready to go to India. I'll be going in May. I'm looking forward to do some missions work. I really can't wait to play with children. It's exciting to think about what I'll be doing there.
As for James, I talk to him on Saturdays. I e-mail often, and I've probably sent him more flair then he knows what to do with. I do miss him from time to time. I find a place to eat or go and think, it would be nice to come here with James. I'm counting down the days until I see him again. It is hard to be away from someone you love. He amazes me most days. He say things in e-mails or over the phone that makes me feel so special. He sent me a package and a card. In the package was reese's eggs. Both milk chocolate and white chocolate. The card had a picture of him with his trumpet. He looks great in it.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Thanks for praying and thinking of me. I have 5 months left. :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Lesson in Grace.
I've been reading In the Gripe of Grace by Max Lucado lately. It's the book in my purse, so I read on the bus and the subway. Today, I had the chance to see if I had learned anything from what I am reading. For whatever reason the students have been a little crazy today. I took Hercules out to go to the bathroom and Laura Ann is out with my class scolding them. The class had ran out to go to the bathroom, and she didn't tell them they could go, they all just ran out. She told them that she was giving them all minus 2 when they got back in the classroom. When I walked in the room everybody had minus points. I'm pretty sure minus 2 was the lowest. I talk with my students, I tell them I am not happy and this isn't good. That they need to behave. At the end of 4th period, I give them stickes or take stickers away based on their points. So the time comes, and nobody really earns stickes, I should be taking stickers away from everybody. So do I show these students whatever I've learned about reading these past few weeks or do I take the stickers? The teacher in me says take those stickers, how will they learn to be good if they aren't disciplined? I look at their small little faces and I just can't do it. I tell them, everybody should lose stickers, but today, I'm not taking them. Today, I'm just going to earse all the red, and forget about that I should take stickers. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Now did any of this show them grace of God? I'm not sure it might have gone over the 5 year old heads. They probably don't understand that I can give them grace because I accept grace from someone much greater. The art of grace was probably lost on them. Hopefully, years down the road, the seed of grace I just planted, will be watered. Hopefully, somebody will come along and take care of these seeds, I've planted. Then there is the matter of Naomi. My Korean teacher was sitting in the room, I know that she understood what was going on. When I did she reponsed with "Ahh, Wow!" Hopefully, I've planted a seed there too, and if a seed is already planted I know that I did some watering. So there's just a little bit of what I've learned.
Now did any of this show them grace of God? I'm not sure it might have gone over the 5 year old heads. They probably don't understand that I can give them grace because I accept grace from someone much greater. The art of grace was probably lost on them. Hopefully, years down the road, the seed of grace I just planted, will be watered. Hopefully, somebody will come along and take care of these seeds, I've planted. Then there is the matter of Naomi. My Korean teacher was sitting in the room, I know that she understood what was going on. When I did she reponsed with "Ahh, Wow!" Hopefully, I've planted a seed there too, and if a seed is already planted I know that I did some watering. So there's just a little bit of what I've learned.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Some Interesting Title that gets your attention and make you want to read it.
So I made it through the first week of the new school year. I also made it through a very long week. The first week was kinda of rough. It was long. I lead morning circle. I have 11 students in my class. I was very helpful and running around helping all the new teachers the best that I could. I have used up a lot of me. On Tuesday (3/3), the teachers went out for dinner and then singing. On Friday (3/7), I was pretty sure there wasn't anymore of me left. I Honestly, thought about going home and crying instead of going to the base for bible study. I had cooking class and we made cookies. I had spent all just giving over and over again. It seemed like there was nothing left. On Thursday, I had looked at Erik and couldn't remember what class I had to go and teach. He made a comment about the way I looked and the confusion of which day it was really just shows. So come Friday, anybody would can understand the hole, is there any Michelle left? I was pretty sure there was no more. Christine approaches me and ask if I will do morning circle just on Monday. I told her no I won't, but I will find a song ready for whoever is going to do it. Christine didn't like this answer and we sort of had a confrontation. Bill ( a new teacher) told that just went over like a fart in church, but that I was in the right. After that I get on train and head for Yongsan. Mary Beth lost her id, so she couldn't sign me into the base, so I had to wait for Eric (another soldier) to come and let me on. I waited a good long time. I made it there. They were all pretty welcoming. It did me a lot of good to sit around an talk about God. I also got to talk about James and how wonderful he is. After bible study, Eric bought a burger and some apple juice for dinner. The small things that keep you happy. Afterward, I went to the Turners'. Gayle was still up, so I talked with her. I told her about James. Then I went to bed. It still feels like home and life is pretty good.
Saturday (3/7), I had singles. I cooked mac and cheese again. I called my parents in the morning and talked with. I got to hear how things aren't really improving over there. The Az goverment cut spending in education, which never really makes sense to. Things aren't going well, so let's spend less money on it. That will fix things. After singles, Mary Beth, Amber and I went over to Tama, Tama, a bar, and watch some of the army band play. It was nice. Anita (from church) was there. Stephen and Brad (soldiers) were also there. It was relexing evening. Amber and I went back to the Turners'. It was a quite night with just the two of us. I think I like it best when it is just the two of us. Don't get me wrong, I love the people in singles, but sometimes, I just want it to be simple and quite and get that when it is just Amber and I.
Sunday (3/8), I had church. We went out to lunch and then Anita and went to the bookstores. I had another India meeting. Then I meet Jason and went to get DVDs and have dinner.
Had another pretty normal week of school. Things are going well and like my students. It's nice to only have to teach phonics to three class, instead of having two classes of phonics and then having math and language arts to teach my class. It would be great if they were in the same book, but two classes are in one book, and my class is another. It's pretty easy though. Tuesay, the teachers went to say good-bye to VIncent. He has quit. Wednesday, I meet up with Mary Beth. We had dinner and a bible study.
Friday (3/13), Bill had a party at his place for the teachers. I went and hung out. I realized that these new teachers aren't really my crowd of people. There was more of focused on drinking. I prefer the people. It doesn't really matter where my drink is and what it is. It matters to me who I am with more.
Saturday (3/14) I called James. I meet up with Steven (new teacher). He and I went looking for a thrift store, that has either moved or isn't there anymore. We parted ways. I went looking for my bookstore off the 5 line and then meet up with Jason and April for dinner at Dus Tacos. Then we went to Rainbow and sat and talked. It was a nice night.
Sunday (3/15) I went to church. I brought Cathy (new teacher) with me. For lunch, I went over to the Stones. They are this family from SIBC, they open up their home to us and feed us lunch. I played with Faith, the youngest of three. She is very cute and sweet. They are starting to feel like family to me.
That's life the past couple of weeks. Nothing to big, nothing exciting. Anyways, I miss you guys, and I love that you are there for me even though there is an ocean between us.
Saturday (3/7), I had singles. I cooked mac and cheese again. I called my parents in the morning and talked with. I got to hear how things aren't really improving over there. The Az goverment cut spending in education, which never really makes sense to. Things aren't going well, so let's spend less money on it. That will fix things. After singles, Mary Beth, Amber and I went over to Tama, Tama, a bar, and watch some of the army band play. It was nice. Anita (from church) was there. Stephen and Brad (soldiers) were also there. It was relexing evening. Amber and I went back to the Turners'. It was a quite night with just the two of us. I think I like it best when it is just the two of us. Don't get me wrong, I love the people in singles, but sometimes, I just want it to be simple and quite and get that when it is just Amber and I.
Sunday (3/8), I had church. We went out to lunch and then Anita and went to the bookstores. I had another India meeting. Then I meet Jason and went to get DVDs and have dinner.
Had another pretty normal week of school. Things are going well and like my students. It's nice to only have to teach phonics to three class, instead of having two classes of phonics and then having math and language arts to teach my class. It would be great if they were in the same book, but two classes are in one book, and my class is another. It's pretty easy though. Tuesay, the teachers went to say good-bye to VIncent. He has quit. Wednesday, I meet up with Mary Beth. We had dinner and a bible study.
Friday (3/13), Bill had a party at his place for the teachers. I went and hung out. I realized that these new teachers aren't really my crowd of people. There was more of focused on drinking. I prefer the people. It doesn't really matter where my drink is and what it is. It matters to me who I am with more.
Saturday (3/14) I called James. I meet up with Steven (new teacher). He and I went looking for a thrift store, that has either moved or isn't there anymore. We parted ways. I went looking for my bookstore off the 5 line and then meet up with Jason and April for dinner at Dus Tacos. Then we went to Rainbow and sat and talked. It was a nice night.
Sunday (3/15) I went to church. I brought Cathy (new teacher) with me. For lunch, I went over to the Stones. They are this family from SIBC, they open up their home to us and feed us lunch. I played with Faith, the youngest of three. She is very cute and sweet. They are starting to feel like family to me.
That's life the past couple of weeks. Nothing to big, nothing exciting. Anyways, I miss you guys, and I love that you are there for me even though there is an ocean between us.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Right, God, I do need to be refocused.
I've been having a little bit of a rough couple of weeks. Things just keep piling on me. It's all at work, and only at work. As soon as I leave work, the life and happiness returns and I have drive again, but lately when Friday comes, I just want to go home and cry. I don't. After a really rough day, Hymie ask me how am I, and just let all unload. I go teach my class. I prep for tomorrow, and now what is one to do. There is a party at Bill's (a new teacher), and I've told Steve and Kathy (new teachers) I go with them. They don't get done until 5:30. I guess, I could go home and come back, but I don't. I sit down at my desk and grab Chronicles of the Cross by Max Lucado. I'm in the middle of And the Angels Were Silent. See God is trying to make a point and I want to share. People are powerful and they are important. They impact our lives and they have to power to build up and the power to demolish. However, you have the choose, do you let them. Those that build you up, do you let them build you? Those that demolish, do you let them? It is all on where you focus. Just try it.
Name the ten wealthiest men in the world. (I can't name one.)
Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners. (I don't even know what sport it goes with.)
Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest. (The last time I watched Miss America I was 7 which was almost 20 years ago and I don't even remember who then.)
Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. (Ummm.)
How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture. (Nothing is coming to mind.)
The last decade's worth of World Series winners. (Daddy, if you read this don't get mad, but I can't think of any, I know the Braves, Red Socks, Yankees are in there.)
Did you do any better than me? That would be hard. Now let's try the next set of question.
Think of three people you enjoy spending time with. (James, Mary Beth, Jackie Fry, Kerry, Jason, Cathy, Steven, Amber, the Turners, the Burns. I just went over three opps.)
Name ten people who taught you something worthwhile. ( Jackie Fry, Hilda, James, Angle, Jeff, my father, Richard (yes my old principal), Pamela, my second Kinder class, Mayla.)
Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time. (Angle, Kerry, Ashlee, Sam, Jason and Amber)
List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school. (Mrs Boyer, Fenton, Rex, Emily, Corrie)
Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. (Now, this is hard for me, I can't seem to remember any.)
Now, this is where Max and I differ on the lesson to be learned here. He says, "The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern. " I've been focus on the people who are concerned. I have people in my life who are concerned for me and care about my well being. I also have people out there who don't care about me. I'm just another person, nobody special. I need to stop looking at these people, I need to stop focusing on them. I need to focus on those that love and care about me. So yes, Kelly, you can show me all the disrespect in the world. Yes Meriel, you can be mean to me and upset. I, however, don't care. I don't care because when I check my e-mail there will be something from James saying how he loves me, and is glad that we have each other, and even if there isn't anything from him, I've saved the e-mails. I will see Mary Beth, Amber, and Jason and they will make my heart happy. I will feel good around them. There will be word from Jackie, and Christie, and the other ladies at church about how they are glad I am here, and that they love me. If that isn't enough. I have letters from Tammy and Hilda filled with love. Yes, Kelly and Meriel, it doesn't really matter how you treat me. I'm not focusing on that anymore. I am focus on the ones that matter. Then ones God has sent me as love letter from Him. That is what you are to me, a love letter from God. I will read them over and over again, just like I do with the e-mails from James.
Name the ten wealthiest men in the world. (I can't name one.)
Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners. (I don't even know what sport it goes with.)
Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest. (The last time I watched Miss America I was 7 which was almost 20 years ago and I don't even remember who then.)
Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. (Ummm.)
How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture. (Nothing is coming to mind.)
The last decade's worth of World Series winners. (Daddy, if you read this don't get mad, but I can't think of any, I know the Braves, Red Socks, Yankees are in there.)
Did you do any better than me? That would be hard. Now let's try the next set of question.
Think of three people you enjoy spending time with. (James, Mary Beth, Jackie Fry, Kerry, Jason, Cathy, Steven, Amber, the Turners, the Burns. I just went over three opps.)
Name ten people who taught you something worthwhile. ( Jackie Fry, Hilda, James, Angle, Jeff, my father, Richard (yes my old principal), Pamela, my second Kinder class, Mayla.)
Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time. (Angle, Kerry, Ashlee, Sam, Jason and Amber)
List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school. (Mrs Boyer, Fenton, Rex, Emily, Corrie)
Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. (Now, this is hard for me, I can't seem to remember any.)
Now, this is where Max and I differ on the lesson to be learned here. He says, "The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern. " I've been focus on the people who are concerned. I have people in my life who are concerned for me and care about my well being. I also have people out there who don't care about me. I'm just another person, nobody special. I need to stop looking at these people, I need to stop focusing on them. I need to focus on those that love and care about me. So yes, Kelly, you can show me all the disrespect in the world. Yes Meriel, you can be mean to me and upset. I, however, don't care. I don't care because when I check my e-mail there will be something from James saying how he loves me, and is glad that we have each other, and even if there isn't anything from him, I've saved the e-mails. I will see Mary Beth, Amber, and Jason and they will make my heart happy. I will feel good around them. There will be word from Jackie, and Christie, and the other ladies at church about how they are glad I am here, and that they love me. If that isn't enough. I have letters from Tammy and Hilda filled with love. Yes, Kelly and Meriel, it doesn't really matter how you treat me. I'm not focusing on that anymore. I am focus on the ones that matter. Then ones God has sent me as love letter from Him. That is what you are to me, a love letter from God. I will read them over and over again, just like I do with the e-mails from James.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Time keeps on passing
So it's been a while since the last blog. Sorry about that. I did warn you back in the Sept this might happen. I got so much going on it's hard to sit down and type about my happenings. Anyways life if good and I am fairly happy. Things are on the up swing right now, I've been taking in all the happiness I've been given.
2/20, It was graduation. My kids did a great job. In fact all the classes did well. It was a good day. Friday after work. I went up to Oijeongbu. That is where Camp Red Cloud is, James was stationed there. I had dinner with him. We played darts and pool. I spent the whole weekend in the area because it is long train from Anyang.
2/21 We went over to Camp Casey. We had breakfast and hung out around there. We played cards and bowling. We watched the band in a parade. We went to the movies and say He's Just Not that into You. We had dinner.
2/22 We went to church. We had lunch at Pita Time with the SIBC group. Then we went to Starbucks and sat and talked. I had a meeting at church about India, so James waited downstairs. After that we went to the tower. We had dinner at Outback.
The rest of the week there was no kinder to teach, but I had afternoon classes. I went to work and we played games on the net. We went out for lunch every day. It was kinda nice. I had my afternoon class still. I gave test. I had report cards to do and test to grade. We also had orientation for kinder one day, we just sang songs.
2/27 James came down, and we celebrated Mike's last day. Erik, Mike, James and I went to Garten Beer and sat waited until Gina got off. Then we meet up with Gina, Christine and Sarah and had dinner at Red Station. Then James and I went up to Oijeongbu.
2/28 James and I got breakfast. We walked over to see what movies were playing. Nothing good was playing. We walked around and looked in the stores windows. We went back on base and over to the CAC, we went online for awhile, played pool and cards. We went to dinner.
2/29 I went to church. I was glad to see that Sonya made it back. She was getting settled, so she didn't want to go for lunch. I was invited over to the Stones. They had order pizza for lunch. They got the pizza from Pizza Hut on base. We just sat around and talked. It was great group. It's kinda like what Pastor and Gayle do, but without the bible study. They do more of a fellowship. After that Mary Beth took me on base. I played rock band with Stephen. Then I hung out a little with Mary Beth.
Today was the first day of school. Most of the new teacher arrived over the weekend or that morning. Things went pretty well. I wasn't handed anything until this morning. That's ok. I took two of the girls around showed them where the E mart and post office was. It was fun for me. They are sweet girls. I told them I had plans of going on base for a bible study and they were both excited. I told them, I've got a great church and I attend two bible studies. They are welcome to join me. So life is good.
So, now I guess I should give the 411 on James. James is 22. He is the army band. He plays the trumpet. I think he is just the most amazing thing out there. I feel so lucky that I got to meet him. He is everything I could ask for in guy. Right now he is Cali visiting his family. After that he is off to AL, he's next station is Fort Rucker. We are going to try this long distance thing. If things work out, I'll visit after Europe before going home, and we see how things work. I can't discribe him. The words that come to mind aren't good enough. We both fell head over heels in love with the other which is hard to believe. A few weeks before meeting each other, we both decided that there wasn't anyone out there, and we would be alone for the rest of our lives. That first day, I was spending him mix massages. I really didn't want to fall in love, but he had my attention, and I was interested. He plays poker and is really good at reading people. He got the message that I was interested in him, but he also saw that I wanted to keep him at arms lenght. He didn't allow that though, and so now we are just wating hoping the next 8 months go quickly.
2/20, It was graduation. My kids did a great job. In fact all the classes did well. It was a good day. Friday after work. I went up to Oijeongbu. That is where Camp Red Cloud is, James was stationed there. I had dinner with him. We played darts and pool. I spent the whole weekend in the area because it is long train from Anyang.
2/21 We went over to Camp Casey. We had breakfast and hung out around there. We played cards and bowling. We watched the band in a parade. We went to the movies and say He's Just Not that into You. We had dinner.
2/22 We went to church. We had lunch at Pita Time with the SIBC group. Then we went to Starbucks and sat and talked. I had a meeting at church about India, so James waited downstairs. After that we went to the tower. We had dinner at Outback.
The rest of the week there was no kinder to teach, but I had afternoon classes. I went to work and we played games on the net. We went out for lunch every day. It was kinda nice. I had my afternoon class still. I gave test. I had report cards to do and test to grade. We also had orientation for kinder one day, we just sang songs.
2/27 James came down, and we celebrated Mike's last day. Erik, Mike, James and I went to Garten Beer and sat waited until Gina got off. Then we meet up with Gina, Christine and Sarah and had dinner at Red Station. Then James and I went up to Oijeongbu.
2/28 James and I got breakfast. We walked over to see what movies were playing. Nothing good was playing. We walked around and looked in the stores windows. We went back on base and over to the CAC, we went online for awhile, played pool and cards. We went to dinner.
2/29 I went to church. I was glad to see that Sonya made it back. She was getting settled, so she didn't want to go for lunch. I was invited over to the Stones. They had order pizza for lunch. They got the pizza from Pizza Hut on base. We just sat around and talked. It was great group. It's kinda like what Pastor and Gayle do, but without the bible study. They do more of a fellowship. After that Mary Beth took me on base. I played rock band with Stephen. Then I hung out a little with Mary Beth.
Today was the first day of school. Most of the new teacher arrived over the weekend or that morning. Things went pretty well. I wasn't handed anything until this morning. That's ok. I took two of the girls around showed them where the E mart and post office was. It was fun for me. They are sweet girls. I told them I had plans of going on base for a bible study and they were both excited. I told them, I've got a great church and I attend two bible studies. They are welcome to join me. So life is good.
So, now I guess I should give the 411 on James. James is 22. He is the army band. He plays the trumpet. I think he is just the most amazing thing out there. I feel so lucky that I got to meet him. He is everything I could ask for in guy. Right now he is Cali visiting his family. After that he is off to AL, he's next station is Fort Rucker. We are going to try this long distance thing. If things work out, I'll visit after Europe before going home, and we see how things work. I can't discribe him. The words that come to mind aren't good enough. We both fell head over heels in love with the other which is hard to believe. A few weeks before meeting each other, we both decided that there wasn't anyone out there, and we would be alone for the rest of our lives. That first day, I was spending him mix massages. I really didn't want to fall in love, but he had my attention, and I was interested. He plays poker and is really good at reading people. He got the message that I was interested in him, but he also saw that I wanted to keep him at arms lenght. He didn't allow that though, and so now we are just wating hoping the next 8 months go quickly.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Waiting offline
I know I have been off line for a while and there is a good reason, and I'll get to that. First let's go back to the last time I blogged.
1/30 We went sledding. It was fun. On the first run down. Alice ended up on the bottom of a pile up. I left my sled and hers on the hill to take care of her. Ellis was also in the pile up and we left her sled too, but she seemed fine. I felt a little bad. I saw Jennifer teacher wasn't getting a sled. I figured she would go down with Alice, but she didn't ride at all. The second time Alice rode with me. Everyn ticked me off a little. She told Alice to get on the sled, but Alice, wouldn't. I had set down our sled and left her standing by it while I got my other students settled on their sleds. I knew wouldn't sit until I did, so I left her. Everyn got upset with her, but Alice just stood there until I got on the sled.
1/31 I didn't really do anything.
2/1 I went to church. I went to What the Book and met Jason. Sue Young went with me. I found a tour book on Europe. Then Jason and I had dinner at the Hard Rock. After that we went over to Yongsan and I picked up some dvd's.
2/2 The week of Parent Teacher Confernces. I only meet with Eric, Tommy and Daniel.
2/6 I meet with Jason for dinner. We hung out and then we went home.
2/7 Amber, Sue and I attempted to go sledding, but failed. We went looking for a sledding hill, but didn't find it. Amber and I went to singles. It was a quite Saturday. Teawon, Danny and Jon showed up. They're Koreans. Amber and I didn't go out for dinner, we just stayed in. It was a nice quite evening with Pastor and Gayle.
2/8 I went to church. It was a good service. Afterwards, this large group went to Hard Rock. It was Melissa's last Sunday. I sat with Mary Beth and she had invited James. He is very nice guy. Afterwards, James and I went to Coldstone. James walked me to church for a meeting about India.
2/10 I met Jason and his co teacher and we sat and talked. We had a good time. His co teacher said I was really nice and sweet.
2/13 It was a long day. Katie had left, so I had to cover one of her class and taught without my hour break that I normally get. I went up to the Yongsan base. Mary Beth invited to a bible study on base. It was a nice a little group and I had a nice time.
2/14 I called my parents. I went to Katie's apartment and cleaned out the stuff I wanted. Then I went to the Korean House, The Village nearby and another palace. The palace had an art musuem on its grounds.
2/15 I got up and went to church. Afterwards I had lunch with James. I took James up to Gyeongbuk palace, but it closed. So we walked around the palace museum. He is very sweet guy. We walked around Insa dong, and then went to the movies. He is very sweet and puts up with my Michelleness very well.
The lack of internet came from a choose I made. I had felt this tugging at my art. I wanted to know God better. I put the internet aside and spent time reading things. I read books written by great Christian authors. I read my bible. I got back in the habbit of reading my deviontionals. I learned about who God is and what He has done. I have learned that he made the choice. He could have found another way, but he choose to do it through Christ. I've been a little out of focus, a little off key, a little short sighted. I wasn't focus on where I need to focus. So I took the time to refocus. I wanted to seek my God. When you seek God the great thing about it is that He lets you find him. Along my walk around Seoul on Saturday we talked. I asked God what was the problem between Him and I. He respond that it was me. I am not allowed to demand things from Him. He knows my needs, my wants and my desires. He will meet them. He will take care of all of them. However, He will do it as He see fits. He will do it in his time. Wait is just as much an answers as yes and no. Just because He says wait doesn't mean He isn't going to give to me, I am not ready to hear the answer. I have to change my heart before I am ready to hear the answer. The things that are in limbo are that way for reason. The things that don't make sense, is because I only have a part of the puzzle and will someday all fall into place. So I wait.
1/30 We went sledding. It was fun. On the first run down. Alice ended up on the bottom of a pile up. I left my sled and hers on the hill to take care of her. Ellis was also in the pile up and we left her sled too, but she seemed fine. I felt a little bad. I saw Jennifer teacher wasn't getting a sled. I figured she would go down with Alice, but she didn't ride at all. The second time Alice rode with me. Everyn ticked me off a little. She told Alice to get on the sled, but Alice, wouldn't. I had set down our sled and left her standing by it while I got my other students settled on their sleds. I knew wouldn't sit until I did, so I left her. Everyn got upset with her, but Alice just stood there until I got on the sled.
1/31 I didn't really do anything.
2/1 I went to church. I went to What the Book and met Jason. Sue Young went with me. I found a tour book on Europe. Then Jason and I had dinner at the Hard Rock. After that we went over to Yongsan and I picked up some dvd's.
2/2 The week of Parent Teacher Confernces. I only meet with Eric, Tommy and Daniel.
2/6 I meet with Jason for dinner. We hung out and then we went home.
2/7 Amber, Sue and I attempted to go sledding, but failed. We went looking for a sledding hill, but didn't find it. Amber and I went to singles. It was a quite Saturday. Teawon, Danny and Jon showed up. They're Koreans. Amber and I didn't go out for dinner, we just stayed in. It was a nice quite evening with Pastor and Gayle.
2/8 I went to church. It was a good service. Afterwards, this large group went to Hard Rock. It was Melissa's last Sunday. I sat with Mary Beth and she had invited James. He is very nice guy. Afterwards, James and I went to Coldstone. James walked me to church for a meeting about India.
2/10 I met Jason and his co teacher and we sat and talked. We had a good time. His co teacher said I was really nice and sweet.
2/13 It was a long day. Katie had left, so I had to cover one of her class and taught without my hour break that I normally get. I went up to the Yongsan base. Mary Beth invited to a bible study on base. It was a nice a little group and I had a nice time.
2/14 I called my parents. I went to Katie's apartment and cleaned out the stuff I wanted. Then I went to the Korean House, The Village nearby and another palace. The palace had an art musuem on its grounds.
2/15 I got up and went to church. Afterwards I had lunch with James. I took James up to Gyeongbuk palace, but it closed. So we walked around the palace museum. He is very sweet guy. We walked around Insa dong, and then went to the movies. He is very sweet and puts up with my Michelleness very well.
The lack of internet came from a choose I made. I had felt this tugging at my art. I wanted to know God better. I put the internet aside and spent time reading things. I read books written by great Christian authors. I read my bible. I got back in the habbit of reading my deviontionals. I learned about who God is and what He has done. I have learned that he made the choice. He could have found another way, but he choose to do it through Christ. I've been a little out of focus, a little off key, a little short sighted. I wasn't focus on where I need to focus. So I took the time to refocus. I wanted to seek my God. When you seek God the great thing about it is that He lets you find him. Along my walk around Seoul on Saturday we talked. I asked God what was the problem between Him and I. He respond that it was me. I am not allowed to demand things from Him. He knows my needs, my wants and my desires. He will meet them. He will take care of all of them. However, He will do it as He see fits. He will do it in his time. Wait is just as much an answers as yes and no. Just because He says wait doesn't mean He isn't going to give to me, I am not ready to hear the answer. I have to change my heart before I am ready to hear the answer. The things that are in limbo are that way for reason. The things that don't make sense, is because I only have a part of the puzzle and will someday all fall into place. So I wait.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Happy New Year in Asia
I had a good couple of weeks. I didn't blog last week because there wasn't too much going on. It's been pretty normal. Nothing exciting. The new year was on Monday. On Friday, the kids came to school in their hon boks. It's the traditional dress in Korea. They were so cute. We played traditional Korean games with them. It was kinda fun.
Having a four day weekend was nice. I talked with my parents. Then I meet Jason and we had lunch. We were going to see a movie, but nothing good was playing. We went over to a coffee shop and sat. Then I went over to the COEX mall. They have an aquarium. Then I went home and called it a day.
Sunday, I got up and met Amber for lunch. We went to Starbucks and then to my church. After church, we meet Jason and had dinner. After that we went and saw the Changeling. It was great movie. I got a little worry during the middle that is one of the those chainsaw killer movies that Michelle doesn't go and see, but it wasn't. Then we went home and called it day.
On Monday, I meet up with Jason and Amber at Outback to play cards. We played Phase 10. It was a very close game. Afterward, Amber and I went to city hall and checked out the ice skating there. Then we walked over to the stream. It was pretty. We parted ways. Amber looked for a bus and I went to the subway. I found a bookstore with a huge English section. Normally the English section is small and right now more than half the books are about Obama. He is our president, but I don't really want to read about him.
On Tuesday, I called Hilda and Tony. I had a nice long talk with both of them. Then I meet Danny, Sue, Elizabeth, Hannah and Amber to ice skate at city hall. We bought tickets for 4 because that was the next open spot. We walked over to the stream and walked around there. We ice skated for the whole hour. It was a ton of fun. Then we had dinner at Lotte Ria, it's kinda like buger king. Then we split ways and I called it a day.
It was a good weekend. I enjoyed myself. I got to spend time thinking on all the bus rides to and from Seoul I made this weekend. One thing, I thought a lot about was God. I realized that I'm searching. I want to know God. I want to get lost in my God. I'm seeking Him, with all my heart. I want to know everything about Him. I have a long list of things to read. While at work I'm reading Max's Lucado Chronicles of the Cross. It contains No Wonder They Call Him Savior, Six Hours One Friday, and And the Angles Were Silent. I have Mere Christianity, Case for Christ, and lots of other books.
I also realized that sometime over the weekend, I am no longer daddy's little girl. I'm not sure how it happened. Those of you that know me, know that I am daddy's little girl. That my father is the greatest thing in my world. I think the world of my father. I couldn't ask for a better dad. I lovingly call him Poppy bear. However, I got an e-mail from and read it. Just the way I read it in my head, I heard that I'm no longer daddy's little girl. He sees me as a grown-up. In his eyes, I'm an adult. So the days of being daddy's little girl are over.
Having a four day weekend was nice. I talked with my parents. Then I meet Jason and we had lunch. We were going to see a movie, but nothing good was playing. We went over to a coffee shop and sat. Then I went over to the COEX mall. They have an aquarium. Then I went home and called it a day.
Sunday, I got up and met Amber for lunch. We went to Starbucks and then to my church. After church, we meet Jason and had dinner. After that we went and saw the Changeling. It was great movie. I got a little worry during the middle that is one of the those chainsaw killer movies that Michelle doesn't go and see, but it wasn't. Then we went home and called it day.
On Monday, I meet up with Jason and Amber at Outback to play cards. We played Phase 10. It was a very close game. Afterward, Amber and I went to city hall and checked out the ice skating there. Then we walked over to the stream. It was pretty. We parted ways. Amber looked for a bus and I went to the subway. I found a bookstore with a huge English section. Normally the English section is small and right now more than half the books are about Obama. He is our president, but I don't really want to read about him.
On Tuesday, I called Hilda and Tony. I had a nice long talk with both of them. Then I meet Danny, Sue, Elizabeth, Hannah and Amber to ice skate at city hall. We bought tickets for 4 because that was the next open spot. We walked over to the stream and walked around there. We ice skated for the whole hour. It was a ton of fun. Then we had dinner at Lotte Ria, it's kinda like buger king. Then we split ways and I called it a day.
It was a good weekend. I enjoyed myself. I got to spend time thinking on all the bus rides to and from Seoul I made this weekend. One thing, I thought a lot about was God. I realized that I'm searching. I want to know God. I want to get lost in my God. I'm seeking Him, with all my heart. I want to know everything about Him. I have a long list of things to read. While at work I'm reading Max's Lucado Chronicles of the Cross. It contains No Wonder They Call Him Savior, Six Hours One Friday, and And the Angles Were Silent. I have Mere Christianity, Case for Christ, and lots of other books.
I also realized that sometime over the weekend, I am no longer daddy's little girl. I'm not sure how it happened. Those of you that know me, know that I am daddy's little girl. That my father is the greatest thing in my world. I think the world of my father. I couldn't ask for a better dad. I lovingly call him Poppy bear. However, I got an e-mail from and read it. Just the way I read it in my head, I heard that I'm no longer daddy's little girl. He sees me as a grown-up. In his eyes, I'm an adult. So the days of being daddy's little girl are over.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The year is still going
I had a pretty normal week. Nothing excting really happened. We had birthday Friday, and since it was Eric's birthday, I didn't have to beg for cake this month. I did ask about going to India and Kelly said, "no." I think I'm going to ask again at the beginning of February. I took home Mike's jeans and washed them. Mike has this pair of jeans that he changes into as soon as he gets to work and changes back out of them. He hadn't taken them home since he brought them back in March. I had to wash my jeans, so I did his too. Mike bet me that I wouldn't wash them and remember to bring them back, but I did.
Saturday I went out with Katie. She wanted to see the tower and the war memorial, so I found myself back there. Then we got dinner at Hard Rock. While eating, it occured to me that I eat there a lot. I should probably cut back.
Sunday, I slept until noon. I needed a day where I didn't do much. I watched some of my DVDs and straightened up my aparment a little.
I did some thinking this weekend. I was thinking about India and how it may not happen. As I thought, I began to become ok without having to go. It's one of those things that I don't know if it is in the cards. I'm not sure India is the reason why I was sent here. The school is going to have at least 20 new teachers starting at the same time that I would be going or getting ready to go. Part of me wants to tell God, "just show me the road map," or,"give me a clue as to what is going to happen." Just when I'm about to get mad at God, I remember, I haven't been very faithful with my reading. I hadn't picked up Streams in the Desert since I was in Busan. I can't tell you if I took the One Year Book of Hope out of my bag. So it's my fault I don't have the road map. It's almost as if the phone is ringing but I'm not answering. So I need to do some catch up. I need to get back into the groove. I was doing pretty good with my reading, but then I got back from Busan and I wasn't doing so great. If I were in the word, maybe God would let me see the road map.
I have also learned that the people that I lose respect for I have trouble being friends with. I know that I should be friends with them, but it's hard to respect them because due to the choices they made. However, I still feel that I need to be there for them and help them out if I can. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. What really sucks is that if I say anything to the person(s), it puts the friendship in jepordary. I don't really want to do that. But if I say something to anyone else, others might get hurt or upset in the process, and it's going to suck even more for those involved. I don't know what to do. It's one of those times where you wish the right answer would just come and hit you in the head.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Things that will be weird when I come back
I relieze things are different here. Some of those things I'm getting use to and others will take more. Some of these will stick around when I go back to America so I've started a list of things I have to get use to or change when I come home.
1.) When entering any place I will take my shoes off.
2.) I will look for the bathroom light switch outside the bathroom.
3.) I will not understand the purpose of a shower curtain.
4.) Nor will I understand the tub either.
5.) I will look for the remote when I want to adjust a/c.
6.) I will be surprised that I will know what the commercials are about.
7.) I will think I can walk to just about anywhere.
8.) I will want go and get a shrimp burger
9.) I will wonder why I can't have fries on pizza.
10.) I will have to teach and my students will have to learn on Fridays.
11.) I will have to dress professionally when I get back, no more of this jeans everyday.
12.) I will want to use chopstick when I eat.
13.) I will wonder what sub to take to get somewhere.
14.) When I go to a meeting, I'll be surprised to get an agenda
15.) When I get an agenda, I'll be surprised that it isn't in Korean.
16.) I will wonder why I can't take my shoes and socks off and play in the fountains.
17.) I won't have to ask people to write down what I want when I go to the store or bank.
18.) I will have to come up with new inside jokes.
19.) I will tell people to go wash their hair in the sink or be quiet and I will be the only one laughing.
20.) I will want to open yahoo messenger while I'm at work and talk with Jason.
21.) I will be surprise all the things I will know how to work because I can read.
22.) I will be surprised at all the new music that came it and everyone else will think the song is old.
23.) I will be surprised at how warm the winter is back home.
24.) I will miss my DVD guy.
25.) I will attempt to spend every other Saturday at Pastor Lord's. I will probably insist on cooking lunch for his family.
26.) I will want to write letters and send pictures to Hilda and Tammy.
27.) I will wonder why they cut my sandwich before they wrap it at Subway.
28.) I will want to take off a bunch stuff, but will have nothing to take off.
29.) I will miss Mike calling me Nanniers.
30.) I will be less annoyed because things like my computer and the internet will work.
31.) I miss hanging out with Katie.
32.) I think I'll laugh less, because I laugh so much at work.
Here are the photo websites they both have new photos
http://michellespicturesinkorea.shutterfly.com/
http://michellespicturesofdek.shutterfly.com/
1.) When entering any place I will take my shoes off.
2.) I will look for the bathroom light switch outside the bathroom.
3.) I will not understand the purpose of a shower curtain.
4.) Nor will I understand the tub either.
5.) I will look for the remote when I want to adjust a/c.
6.) I will be surprised that I will know what the commercials are about.
7.) I will think I can walk to just about anywhere.
8.) I will want go and get a shrimp burger
9.) I will wonder why I can't have fries on pizza.
10.) I will have to teach and my students will have to learn on Fridays.
11.) I will have to dress professionally when I get back, no more of this jeans everyday.
12.) I will want to use chopstick when I eat.
13.) I will wonder what sub to take to get somewhere.
14.) When I go to a meeting, I'll be surprised to get an agenda
15.) When I get an agenda, I'll be surprised that it isn't in Korean.
16.) I will wonder why I can't take my shoes and socks off and play in the fountains.
17.) I won't have to ask people to write down what I want when I go to the store or bank.
18.) I will have to come up with new inside jokes.
19.) I will tell people to go wash their hair in the sink or be quiet and I will be the only one laughing.
20.) I will want to open yahoo messenger while I'm at work and talk with Jason.
21.) I will be surprise all the things I will know how to work because I can read.
22.) I will be surprised at all the new music that came it and everyone else will think the song is old.
23.) I will be surprised at how warm the winter is back home.
24.) I will miss my DVD guy.
25.) I will attempt to spend every other Saturday at Pastor Lord's. I will probably insist on cooking lunch for his family.
26.) I will want to write letters and send pictures to Hilda and Tammy.
27.) I will wonder why they cut my sandwich before they wrap it at Subway.
28.) I will want to take off a bunch stuff, but will have nothing to take off.
29.) I will miss Mike calling me Nanniers.
30.) I will be less annoyed because things like my computer and the internet will work.
31.) I miss hanging out with Katie.
32.) I think I'll laugh less, because I laugh so much at work.
Here are the photo websites they both have new photos
http://michellespicturesinkorea.shutterfly.com/
http://michellespicturesofdek.shutterfly.com/
Back to the blog
I had an easy week at work. I didn't have to work on New Year's day. I did have to go back to work on Friday. We did science. It's was a fairly easy experiment. I let them play in the gym for a while and then we reviewed.
On New Year's eve, I went to Iteawon and had dinner with Jason. We were going to see a movie, but it wasn't playing anymore. I went home and finished extracting files from my ipod video. Then I synced my ipod touch. I'm in love with my ipod touch. I think it is the greatest thing ever. I stayed up until midnight.
New Year's day, I had lunch with Krista, Darrick, Lee, and Jason. The we went shopping. After that Jason and I had coffee.
Saturday, Katie and I went to the Chicken Art Museum. It only had two rooms, and you weren't suppose to take pictures. I however put my camera on mute and took a few pictures. After that we went looking for a music store, but couldn't find it. We went to Meoyng-dong and then over to Iteawon. It was a good day.
Sunday, I went to church. I talked with Pastor Jack. SIBC is planning a missions trip in March to India. I want to go. It is very hard to get time off. I have to talk to Kelly and hope that she lets me. So pray for God's will in this. I meet Jason for lunch and then called it a day.
I guess that's about it. I know not to exciting. I have come to terms with the fact that I need to give up Martio. I told Jim, that I wanted to find her a home, and that I'll look when I get back, however, if someone from the dog park wants a second dog, then he can give her to them. It might be hard to come home to no Martio though.
I did make two New Year's resolutions. Number one is to focus on God. Number two is to grow up. I'm turning 27 this year, and it's time to act like an adult and handle things like an adult.
On New Year's eve, I went to Iteawon and had dinner with Jason. We were going to see a movie, but it wasn't playing anymore. I went home and finished extracting files from my ipod video. Then I synced my ipod touch. I'm in love with my ipod touch. I think it is the greatest thing ever. I stayed up until midnight.
New Year's day, I had lunch with Krista, Darrick, Lee, and Jason. The we went shopping. After that Jason and I had coffee.
Saturday, Katie and I went to the Chicken Art Museum. It only had two rooms, and you weren't suppose to take pictures. I however put my camera on mute and took a few pictures. After that we went looking for a music store, but couldn't find it. We went to Meoyng-dong and then over to Iteawon. It was a good day.
Sunday, I went to church. I talked with Pastor Jack. SIBC is planning a missions trip in March to India. I want to go. It is very hard to get time off. I have to talk to Kelly and hope that she lets me. So pray for God's will in this. I meet Jason for lunch and then called it a day.
I guess that's about it. I know not to exciting. I have come to terms with the fact that I need to give up Martio. I told Jim, that I wanted to find her a home, and that I'll look when I get back, however, if someone from the dog park wants a second dog, then he can give her to them. It might be hard to come home to no Martio though.
I did make two New Year's resolutions. Number one is to focus on God. Number two is to grow up. I'm turning 27 this year, and it's time to act like an adult and handle things like an adult.
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