I sent the following post as a prayer update to friends. I then thought, I should post this on the blog. It's rather long but hopefully, it gives you a sense of our full lives here in South Korea.
"Wow! Life has sure gotten full in three months!" This is what Todd said to me this morning as he left for work. It's so true! I think we were both under the assumption that we would have a lot of time in Korea. In three months, life has become full!
On one hand, our lives here seem so normal and then we're reminded that it's not normal at all . . . we live in Korea! There are days that are challenging and frustrating, days when we feel like we don't really "like Korea" and long for what is familiar and comfortable. We have so much to learn about Korea, it's culture and people. It's helpful to stay in this place of learning and discovery. Not always but most of the time, when we take frustrating moments to learn and discover, the situation is diffused and doesn't seem so overwhelming--laughing also helps!
Here is a little snapshot of what we're up to and areas that we would so value your prayers.
1. Todd is a very busy teacher! He enjoys teaching and the relationships that he's building with the students. He asked for prayer to have wisdom in teaching, to effectively communicate with the students and in all of his preparations. He is teaching 5 different courses and this requires a lot of planning. He works most evenings when the kids go to bed, grading papers, writing lesson plans and preparing for his classes. He's tired!
2. Todd is also leading a prayer group with the students. The students want to pray. Some of them aren't Christians but they come because they know it's "good" and want to be part. Todd is praying for God to meet with these students. Prayer is more like an obligation and they don't know about having a relationship with Christ and hearing his voice. Along with that, Todd would love to have you pray for his 9th and 10th grade Bible class. They are studying the gospels. Most of the kids have a very religious view of Christianity, this has given Todd wonderful opportunity to share the "gospel" with the kids. Todd really believes God wants to break through in these kids lives! Many of them are under a lot of pressure academically and are very lonely.
3. Lia-Joy. It's been wonderful for us to see Lia flourishing here. Lia was suppose to start Kindergarten this fall. Due to here English abilities they have put her in 1st grade. The work is 1st grade work! Although this is challenging she is working very hard and enjoys school very much. Please pray for continued peace over her heart--we've been so thankful for how well she's done here. She loves looking like everyone and comments often about how great that is! :-) Two of Lia's closet friends at school will not be there next semester. Please pray for this adjustment--she's going to miss them a lot--she doesn't know yet that this is going to happen.
4. Zach. First, thank you for all your prayers for Zach. We believe they are making a difference. We still ride waves of frustration but Zach is doing well. School is always challenging for Zach and the added pressure of cultural differences is difficult. Please pray that Zach has strength, motivation to do well and most of all an awareness of God's peace. He has had some really tender moments when we've talked about relationship with Jesus. Through all of his frustrations, it seems that God is graciously drawing Zach to Himself. Zach has made some good friends and has got involved with the youth club from church--Praise God!!
5. Thursday Nights. About a month ago we started gathering with a small group of friends that we've met here to worship, pray and wait on God together. We share a meal together and then worship and wait. These times have been incredible. Really, it's been amazing how God has met with us during our gatherings. Please pray that we continue to hear God's heart for South Korea and how we are to better serve and see His Kingdom come in this land.
6. Kim (me). I've been sick for about 4 weeks. I'm better but not 100%--maybe like 65%. Thursday mornings I've begun to gather with some really great girls for prayer and to read the scriptures together. I love these times and really feel that God has orchestrated these relationships. Each of these girls recently graduated from college, have moved to SK and are teaching English. I'm telling you, God is up to something here! I'm also starting to participate in English conversation with Korean woman who are taking the Boundaries class. After the class, they have lunch together, fellowship and continue discussion. They love to practice English and are very hungry for more of Jesus.
The school has offered me a part time position as the school librarian. I have mixed emotions about this but feel I should give it a trial run to see how it goes. They will assist in our transportation to school and other benefits (and pay) and I will work about 20 hours a week. There is a lot involved in this and I would ask for prayer to have strength, to exude the presence of Jesus and to build relationship with the Korean staff at the school.
7. Housing. The apartment we live in is in a wonderful location. Though it's a bit cramped, we like it for the most part. That said, winter is quickly approaching and it's COLD! We were told by the previous tenants that the utilities are outrageous--they even suggested that the school not use this apartment again but in a scramble they just gave it to us. We are a bit stressed about what this is going to look like financially. We are pursuing the possibility of moving to a better location/home. I won't even go into the details of what this involves but it's challenging--culturally it's very challenging on so many levels. Please pray for wisdom, humility and understanding--most of all love! as we communicate with the school.
Our Father who art in Heaven
Hallowed be Your Name
Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread
Forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation and
deliver us from evil
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Glory
and the Power, Forever and Ever.
Amen.
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