THANKSGIVING 2009

The Korean Thanksgiving or Chuseok is in October. Families have huge meals together, and they exchange gifts (mostly food). The kindergarteners came in their traditional dress and lots of food gifts were exhanged. But for the American Thanksgiving, there was a program of entertainment by every class and sooo much food---tables and tables of it. The kids were so great. Each class did their own skit, song, or prayer in English or both. They weren't perfect, but their little hearts went into it. I really loved it. The parents were there, and I'm sure they loved it too. AND then their was FOOD!!!!

My life has settled in pretty well. I've decided to live in the present. I'm becoming more comfortable with the culture and place. Learning Korean helps alot. My friend and I are taking Korean lessons twice a week on our lunch break.. It's a very difficult language so I'm sure it will be a very slow process. I do enjoy it though and feel like I've learned something everytime.
I started a small ladies Bible study in my apartment on Friday evenings. It's kind of hit or miss right now. There's a Korean lady who comes regularly and, of course, Jodelle and I. There's a couple others who occasion it. We're studying the book of John. I'm picking up on many things I've missed in previous readings.
I've wanted to do something for the poor, but it's difficult to find services here in Iksan. Seoul has alot going on in that area, but that's Seoul. I've investigated locations of orphanages in the area and have found two. Our Korean language teacher, Ju Yung, did some intership work for college there and agreed to speak to the director about our volunteering. They were very positive about it. So, next Saturday we'll start working there a couple of hours a week on Saturdays. I'm really excited about it. I'll report on that adventure next.

IKSAN ELDERLY

So many of the now elderly lived on the farm; so, city life is a bit foriegn to them. The open markets and street vendors are generally those that have stayed on their farms growing vegetables to sell--many elderly. They squat on the sidewalks and walk bent over all day showing their wares laid out on the street. I love to buy my vegetables from them. You know they will always be fresh, and handled with care. They patiently hand peel all the garlic gloves and green onions. The white radishes are HUGE--a foot long many times. I love the market. Many of the elderly work in community areas such as parks and along the streets weeding and clearing dead foilage. I'm not sure how that works, but it's very organized. They wear their hats and bonnets and safety vests. Many elderly have hand trailors that they pile high with cardboard and other recyclable items and trudge through the streets to the nearest recycle station. And there's the parks where you can exercise or just meet with other friends to play a game of cards. It's really nice to see them gathered around enjoying the comradary.

WOONUM SAMUL

This is where I live in Iksan. I bet you never thought you'd see me in an apartment again. I like my apartment. It's pretty small with lots of character. I've difinantly made it mine. I am the Queen of my castle--lots of furniture and plants, even outside my front door. There is a shortage of land here so most people live in these apartments. Most don't look great outside, but are quiet nice inside. The problem is they squeeze alot of people in each apartment with no problem. The Koreans don't like much furniture though. Getting home is easy because all taxi drivers know where Woonam Samul is. They don't use street names. They give directions by landmarks. So I only have to say Woonam Samul, and they take me home. To go to church I tell them "The Wedding Hall" (it's across the street from Faith Baptist). They also know the bus station, train station and McDonald's; so I'm pretty set.

Communicating

I've been in Korea now for five months. In many ways, it has gone by so quickly. I'm anxious to learn more Korean so that I can communicate with the people better. If you don't learn the language you really are stuck in a limbo of semi darkness. It's necessary to get into the people's heads to completely understand the culture. So many things here are similar to American culture--I call the Koreans yuppies. They seem to be most interested in cell phones, large cars, FASHION and making money. However, it's the other side I am most interested in knowing. The ones who grow the crops, live in villages, fish for a living. I've visited all of these senarios, but I'm unable to communicate. Christianity is big here. Airports are jammed in the summer with large groups going on mission trips. Going to and from China, there were several large groups stopping to pray in the airports before and after flights. It was heartwarming. Most of the men wore safari hats. I wanted to ask about their trips but didn't know the words. I'm looking for a tutor and may have found one. Hopefully, I'll hear something next week on that. Time keeps ticking on by.

Beijing, China

My week off from school has gone by too quickly--as they always do. The trip to China was terrific. I was so surprized about China. It was not what I expected. It's modern, capitalistic, and much freer than I thought it would be. The people were friendly for the most part. They are very different from the Koreans. They don't mind the sun. Koreans are the yuppies and Chinese the blue collar workers. I'm sure that's way too simplistic, but Koreans do love their fashion and big cars. Both live in modest homes. The Koreans keep their traditions of no shoes in the home, sleeping and eating on the floor at low tables--the men in both countries smoke and drink alot. I felt more at home in China. I don't know why. It was easy to get around. Names of businesses were in English as well as Chinese. We found Bibles at the bookstore and a fully operating Catholic Church. A bride and groom were having pictures taken out front. What's wrong with this scene?? I had a whole different picture in my mind. However, Facebook and some news items were blocked on the internet.

I saw the most magnificant palaces, temples and architectual feats--The Great Wall was "fantastique" as discribed by a Frenchman coming off the wall. We also saw the jade factory, the silk factory, the pearl factory, a Chinese doctor who prescribed herbs for our ailments and visited the inside of a Chinese home in a hutong in old Beijing. Oh yes, and the pandas in the zoo!!

ON THE ROAD KOREA

The three of us hit the road Saturday for a drive in the country. The rice fields as well as everything else is so green. Because of all of the rain and wind lately the river was pretty stirred up but still enticing to the eye with the waving rice plants meeting it at the shore. If it wasn't so humid here, the countryside would be perfect.
We had a great lunch at a country restaurant that had tables set up over the stream. It was great! The stream actually flowed underneath you. Food was good, too! Then we visited another Buddhist temple in the mountains. Each one is a bit different from the next, but all so beautiful with the colorful artwork. Bogwangjeon Sungnemsa was no exception. It was established in 1325 AC as a zen temple. It has since been rebuilt of course.
Later we stopped at a rice farm to buy rice. We recieved a tour by the manager. The rice is grown organically. Instead of insectocide they use snails to kill bugs. I thought that was interesting. We bought several bags of rice that we watched being filled from the machine. FRESH RICE!!

LUNCH NIGHTMARE

HORRORS!!! My friend and I went to lunch today at a restaurant we had eaten at before. They serve a beef bone soup that is very good. We pointed to the picture of the soup when we ordered. When it arrived it looked different. We tasted, and it was good. Tasted like pot roast.
However, it looked different so we asked the waiter in Korean what it was. He said, "dog". Oh my gosh. We started screaming, "no, we can't eat this!" Jodelle started gagging and almost threw up. People came running out of the kitchen to see why these crazy Americans were yelling. Appetites gone, we left the restaurant. They would not let us pay. It was horrible! We found out later, the restaurant had changed hands, and so had the menu.

FEELING FREE

Today I've been enjoying some great music of the 70's while working on my plant collection. It's very humid here--great for plants but I'm suffering. However, I don't use my air conditioning much. By the time I'm home in the evening, it's fairly cool. It's Saturday, and I'm really enjoying the day. I went down the neighborhood plant shop and bought a new potted plant to put outside my front door. Yes, you can do that here in an apartment building. There doesn't seem to be a big problem with theft. People grow vegetables in their yards with no fencing and still have vegetables to harvest. It's amazing to me. I walk by vegetable gardens all the time with amazing food for the taking. Also, people prop their front doors open in the apartment building to create better air flow. Can you image? Anybody could just walk in! I love it! Of course, the kids playing in the parking lots and running through the streets is wonderful too. These are wonderful things! For me, it's a sense of freedom that I haven't felt in such a long time.

Saturday on Seon-ya-do Island

I've been so tired lately with all the extra work since Carrie's on vacation that I decided I didn't want to go anywhere this last weekend. But plans change, and I decided to go with friends to a small island off western Korea called Seon-ya- do. Only for the day though. No long weekender. We left Kunsan at 8:30 am on the ferry for the one hour and 30 minute ride over. Unfortunately, the weather didn't look so great--very overcast. It was a nice ride though. We arrived fairly early for the island (I guess) because there were no other visitors around. Everybody was fighting for our attention hoping we would rent their cart to tour us around. The island is actually a group of islands; three of which are inhabited. Total poputation of the three is around 900. The island was very beautiful but would have been so much nicer with sunshine and warm weather. The beach was very nice, but noone was on it. We ate an early lunch of fresh seafood and decided to rent motorscooters. At first I said no way, but eventually gave in. It was great fun! The only problem was the rain which came down in buckets as soon as we got on the road. OH well--next time. The ocean was rough with the stormy weather on the trip back, but we took naps on the floor in the passenger room (there is no furniture). It was great! The floor is heated!

WHAT AM I DOING HERE?

Sometimes I wonder why I'm here. I thought I was here to serve the Lord in some way, but I don't feel like I'm doing that very well. In many ways I feel like I'm growing spiritually through the Church I'm attending, but I can't embrace all their ultra conservative practices. For this I feel a bit of a failure. Also, my job confuses me. It's a Christian School, but most kids there are from well to do families; and in my mind, not needy in any way. So, what am I contributing? The kids can drive me crazy at times, but at other times melt my heart. I love to teach them things--when they want to learn. Alot of them don't want to learn though. They can't sit still or concentrate on anything. They're mean to each other and me sometimes. I get frustrated with them. I don't like to have to discipline them either. I've never liked that part. And I hate to sing!!! But when I know they're getting something out of it all, it's the most wonderful feeling.

I want to know I'm doing something right, but I may never feel that I am. I'll just keep thinking about it. Maybe someday the light bulb will go off.

THE DMZ

My visit to the DMZ was very interesting. I learned alot about the Korean War and the history surrounding it and preceding it. The countryside is beautiful there--mountains, green fields, rice fields underwater. The DMZ is a two mile strip of land between North and South Korea that belongs to noone--except the migratory birds that gather there. In the 70's three tunnels were discovered being dug from North to the South by the North Koreans. These tunnels ran for miles and were suppose to be used for a reinvasion. It is believed there are many more. There are three which can be toured part way. We went down in the second tunnel. This whole area is patroled by the Korean army from various outposts along the fence line. There is also an observation area where you can look over into North Korea. We visited several monuments honoring the South Korean soldiers that lost their life. The largest stood on top of a hill where the largest and deadliest battle was fought.

We returned on Sunday evening after spending the night in a Korean home in a small village near the DMZ. The next morning North Korea performed a massive underground nuclear test

and subsequently 6 missles were launched that week.

Man's Best Friend on the Market

I just love calls from home! My magic jack affords me the opportunity to call and be called from the US. Of course, the time difference is significant. Being able to stay in touch with family and friends is so valuable. Lately, I've really missed my critters; Oreo, Cindy, and Horace. They were my little family, and I loved them so much. Unfortunately, I can't call them. They do not know that I miss them. You don't see alot of pets here because so many people live in apartments. Out on the farms the dogs are mainly watch dogs that are tied up at their dog house. Most of the dogs I see have Siberian Husky in them--many are white.

It was in the DMZ that I saw the most upsetting thing though. There was a dog farm in the small village we stayed in. I understand most of those dogs are of the labriador retriever type and are grown in a small area and never allowed out of confinment. They are sold for meat. Evidentally, the meat is very therputic in some way. It is prescribed by docotors for certain ailments. It was very difficult hearing them bark continuously begging for help. It was nauseating. Yes, it made me sick!

PLANTING RICE

I've been fasinated by the landscape of rice fields in this country. The rectangular fields of water that cover the countryside at the foot of the mountainsides are truly beautiuful. I've been very curious about this grain which is so necessary to the Korean diet--along with KimChee. It grows in water (in mud)and is planted in straight rows. How do they do that? Well, now there are machines that do it, but you still see it being done by hand occasionally. I thought that would be an interesting experience. As it happened, I got to try just that on a recent trip to the DMZ.

I first tried wading out in the mud with tall boots on. That became too difficult very quickly. My boots literally got stuck so far in the mud that I felt like I was in quick sand. I couldn't pull it out, and I was losing my balance. I was told to pull my feet out and leave the boot--go barefoot. At first, I thought, "Is this man nuts?" But it was so much easier, and I quickly got used to the squish of mud through my toes. I made my way into the field and positioned myself along a string that was strung across the field and attached to two poles. There were tiny red strings attached along the string at about 6 inch intervals. People were lined up along the string. We were given little squares of grass looking plants (like sod). You would tear off the sod with 4-5 tiny plants and plant them in the mud at every red string marker. When that was done, you stepped back two feet while the poles at the end of the field were pulled up and moved forward two feet. The process was then repeated. So it goes until the field is planted!!

RECYCLING

Hey, they have it down here in Korea! It's taken me awhile to get organized in this department, but you have to--out of guilt. They don't give you bags at the grocery store--or bag it for you. If you don't have your own, you have to buy a plastic bag. However, you probably won't accumalate too many of those because you can use them in your trash or garbage can. They don't use these big trash cans here. They have these small little cans in the kitchen that are perfect for that plastic bag you get at the grocery store. In the kitchen, you separate your paper trash, plastic, glass and food garbage. You carry this all out everyday--no large cans or bags--to the collection area at the apartments. There you find a place to throw away plastic, boxes, styrofoam, glass, and yes, food (which goes to the pigs). Trash is picked up everyday at the apartments. Pigs eat pretty well too.

SEOUL--FIRST TRIP

Big City, lots of traffic, polution, noise, lots of interesting people, and lots of interesting things to see! Oh yes and the subway! Lots of subway! I'm just a country girl--love that peace and quiet. I did, however, have a great time in Seoul. Traveling with women under 40 can be a challenge now--I just don't have the same stamina. I retired early on Saturday evening while the rest of the group continued on. The King's Palace, Gyeongokgung Palace, was absolutely incredible with over 100 buildings on the grounds in the middle of Seoul. The Beautiful architecture just amazes me--so intricate and colorful. This was evidentally a second home! We enjoyed seeing the changing of the guards with their colorful uniforms and flags. It was diffinantly worth the sore ankles.

We ran into David, another teacher friend, at the palace. Across the street we found a great little English bookstore/coffee shop and stopped in for a latte. We had a good time there with the owners. We played a Korean game and bought some books in English (which are hard to find, by the way)

Other adventures included: the wholesale fashion world where you shop through the night until 4:00am when the wholesalers close. Eaun Hui, our Korean friend, sales clothes in Iksan to clients. I obviously didn't do the all night shopping thing. An hour was enough for me. It was interesting to see all the designer knock off vendors lining the street. They are very popular here. The subway!!!--yes the never ending subway. And my favorite place...Insadong!! Great shopping, lots of foreigners, lots of characters! I loved it!

Visit to Simgoksa Temple

We drove up into the mountains near Iksan to visit a old Budhist Temple located along a beautiful peaceful mountainside. The priests were in prayer for Budha's birthday, but we were allowed to go inside the temple and photograph while the priest was in prayer. This includes chanting for hours. The chanting was beautiful and very soothing. The view from the temple down the mountainside was so tranquil. The breezes were soft and cooling.

BUSY WEEKEND

Busy weekend again this week. Saturday was the Christian Women's Meeting for several churchs throughout Korea. It was held at Faith Baptist Church which I have been attending. It was great to meet other women both Korean and American sharing the same values. The main guest speaker was Mrs Dutton, who has spent the last 30 years in missionary service with her husband, Pastor Dutton. They have just retired and moved back to the states, but made the trip over to be here for the event. She gave a very interesting and inspirational talk on women as the backbone of a Christian home. Fellowship was great! The food was great! And the men served our lunch and cleaned up. We got to enjoy the day. I really enjoyed meeting other teachers from KCIS Kunsan as well as the pastor and his wife from the Haven in Kunsan. In fact, I went to church today at the Haven with Jodelle and Eauni. The Haven has been in existance since 1971 in Kunsan and is pastored by Mr Stewart and his wife Linda, missionaries of 28 years. It is located just outside the Kunsan Air Force base so is attended by many service men stationed there as well as teachers from KCIS Kunsan and Koreans. English is used exclusively there.
After the service, Eauni, a new Korean friend, drove Jodelle and I to the nearby beach to take a few pictures. It's still a bit cold to really enjoy the beach, but it was wonderful to walk around and enjoy the scenery and nature. There is a ferry there that will take you out to some islands offshore. Many people were there with tour buses to go over. This is a growing area which will be a popular resort area soon. I really enjoyed it. We stopped at another fabulous restruant on the way home for a Korean meal. Always good and always healthy!

SHOPPING AND PRAYING

Jodele (another teacher at my school) and I went to the open market after church today. It was an interesting experience. So many kinds of fish. Many I've never seen. All kinds of foods, fruits, and vegetables. And mushrooms in all shapes and sizes. It was amazing. I found some great plants at much cheaper prices than you find in the shops. I bought a nice palm type which the vendor put in a nice pot for me. It was so heavy I had to buy a shopping cart to move it around. It did fit in the taxi thank, goodness. I've been plant happy this week. I also bought two citrus trees. The cumquat tree has fruit on it, and the other I'm not sure what fruit it is because it's still in blossoms. I couldn't understand which fruit it was. They look great in my apartment.
This weekend I spent quite a bit of time at church. Saturday volunteers went in for Spring cleanup. I painted almost the entire dining hall. It looked great today. The santuary was also sparkling. I had an interesting talk with the pastor at lunch yesterday. I had questions about a few things from their perspective. Pastor Adam can quote the passages backing up his claims. I'm still having a bit of trouble with some of them. He explained to me how a person will change after finding faith and how you continue to change with reading the Bible and discovering the truth in God's words. The Bible study and sermon today was totally based on our conversation.
It was very inspiring. He assured me that I was being lead by God, and I only needed to continue asking for His guidance. Amen.

MY HEAD BEGINS TO CLEAR

I finally got my computer set up in my own apartment, and I'm loving it! Now, I can download pictures, as well. I've had a bad week as I've been sick from "yellow dust" from China. That's to say, I've got a sinus infection. I finally went to the doctor who prescribed a multitude of pills including antibiotics. I'm feeling much better everyday. As a matter of fact, today was the best day I've had yet. My head seemed clearer, and I was able to concentrate on my teaching. My classes went very well today. Over the last week I've given 7 tests. That means grading and a multitude of other chores. My voice is back so I can even sing the songs I've been teaching the kindergardeners. I lost it for about 4 days last week.

I want to talk a bit about the church I'm attending--Faith Baptist Church. It's a very small Korean/American church. The sermon is spoken in both Korean and English. The pastor is an American who is married to a Korean. I'm feeling very comfortable there. A huge lunch called "pot blessing" is served every Sunday after church. It's been great socializing with everyone. I've met several other American teachers as well. I'm slowly developing a small network of commrades. I've started attending an adult Bible study which meets the hour before the service. It's very interesting. I'm discovering many new truths. I bought a new Bible. It's Korean and English--King James Version. Pastor Adam does a great job of picking apart the details. I'm learning! This Saturday is the annual church cleanup. I'm going in for that. It's an all day affair of cleaning and painting. I'm spending more and more time at church. Next, I guess they will have me out "soul saving" in the park. I do find the family atmoshere very soothing.

I moved into my apartment this Sunday. I really love my little place. I have an extra room with a desk where I'm setting up shop. I'll send pictures after I decorate. Can't help it!

This has been a very busy and tiring week for me, but progress I have made. I went to the Faith Baptist Church last Sunday for my first exposure to a Korean Church. Carrie goes here as well as a couple of other Americans. The pastor is American but has a Korean interpretor. This little church was started several years ago by another English teacher at KCIS. It originally started as a Bible study and just grew. After church, it is the custom here for everyone to eat a meal together at the church. The food was great, and the fellowship was wonderful. The Koreans are always ready to socialize with you. I really enjoyed it.

My teaching week was very hectic and confusing. However, things are looking clearer now. I just finished my lesson plans for next week, and I'm finally making some sense of things. I have 13 classes and no two are at the same place. But my worse problem is the "singing". Not MY Bag! Yet, I have to teach and sing songs with my 4 kindergarden classes. I had no voice at the end of the week. Speaking of the kindergarden, we took them all to the park Friday morning. It was really great fun. They are just too cute-- lines of little China dolls marching in unison.

Mrs Kim took all us teachers to dinner Thursday night to celebrate Jodelle's 40th birthday. It was very nice. Mrs Kim encouaged us American girls to eat the "hamburger steak" as it was made special for the "western taste". (Secretly, we all wanted to order the pork cutlet which is especially good) So out of respect to her we did. It was meatloaf! Not that it was bad, but she ordered the pork cutlet, and it was delicious. Afterwards, we toured her new church which is very modern and very large and always open. We played a few games of ping pong. None of us were any good. It was a nice evening in which the Korean and American teachers were able to bond.

Saturday we all had to go in to the school to meet some of the parents. Mrs. Kim introduced us all, and they talked with us later. Several mothers took us out to lunch afterwards. Koreans are very friendly people. The restruant had low tables, and you sit on the floor. I had a very hard time getting down there (my ankle has been swelling). There was food everywhere--so much food. I couldn't get up when we were finished.

ARRIVING IN IKSAN

My first week here is coming to an end, and I'm beginning to get settled in--almost. I need my own nest. My apartment won't be ready for a couple of weeks. So until then I'm living out of 4 suitcases. Yes, four! I just couldn't narrow it down any further. I'm still getting tired early in the afternoon and getting up early in the morning. But day by day it's getting better.
I've had two observation days at school and will begin teaching next week sometime. Koreans are very study oriented. I'm amazed how these little kids go from class to class with only an hour lunch break. The meals are large with lots of Korean variety. They all eat everything on their plates. Then they can play until the next class. Everything is in English. We don't speak any Korean to them. However, Bible class is interpreted. The children take turns saying the prayer for each class. The classes are only 30 minutes long; then they change. The teachers teach 13 classes a day. You have to be very organized to get everything in that needs to be covered. The children range in age from 3 to 7 years. However, here their ages start from conception, not birth. So, it is difficult to understand. I guess they have a conception day?? Anyway, once a month the school celebrates birthdays for those born in that month. It's a really big deal. I did a video of the celebration yesterday, but can not post it yet as I don't have my laptop hooked up to internet yet. I'm using my roomates computer now.
Today is a Saturday. I went shopping for a few necessities and cleaned the apartment. Carrie is busy with her Church all weekend. I may go with her tomorrow, but I want to go to the church in Kunsan eventually.
I will be writing again next week. Everything is so new right now. I'm sure I'll have alot to talk about with my new adventure. See you then!

SEARCHING FOR MY PLACE

Two days to departure. I leave Monday morning to San Francisco where I will connect with Singapore Airlines to Seoul, Korea. I've been so stressed out the last two weeks getting everything done to leave. These last two days I'm staying with Tommy and Stacey and the girls. Samantha is being baptised Sunday. That will be a fun day. I'm so proud of her. Leaving is bittersweet. I'm excited to begin this new adventure, but sad to leave my family. I will miss them so much. I wish I could be happy here in Atlanta. I'm not. Cities are lonely places for me. I pray for guidance in finding my place in this world.

Trip to Arizona

Oh, I know, alot of time has passed since my last post. What a roller coaster I've been on! Not surprised? Me either. Seems par for the coarse in my life. This week I had a 3 day estate sale, a farewell party, rented my house, sold my car, borrowed a car, cancelled my utilities, OH, and had my debit card number stolen. And I booked my ticket to South Korea! Yep, I'm really leaving on March 23rd. My grandaughter, Sam, is being baptised on the 22nd, and I have to be there for that. Saturday the 14th we move the last of my things out of the house.
BUT--two weeks ago I was in Arizona. I flew out to see and say goodbye for now to family and friends there. I stayed with Laura, my good friend and ventured out from there. She and I went up to the White Mountains to see another good friend, Mike McMillan. He lives in Luna, NM which is a tiny village of 190 people. He's pretty much a hermit up there. He lives in a small cabin (3 rooms) in a forest on a ranch. It was really great-so quiet and peaceful. He has a big beautiful white dog, Velvet, that was amazing. He had his own cot in the living room. Mike also has a cat named Callie Kitty who was pretty big herself. And two horses-also pretty big. Needless to say, we ate very well there. I used to live in this area, so we did alot of visiting local sites. We found some wonderful pottery shards down on the Blue. Since it was winter, there weren't many people roaming around, but I did see some old acquintances in the Bear Wallow Cafe. The weather was beautiful and the air so fresh--pine scent in the air. Great!
Back in Tucson, Jolene and I did alot of running around. Josh took her and I to lunch one day. We had dinner for 10 people at my sister's place. The whole Kucko family was there, and I had to cook. It was so much fun. Jody and I went fishing at Parker Canyon Lake down south one day. It was really the first time I've actually fished from a boat. It was so relaxing. We caught 15 rainbow trout. We could only keep 6 so we did some catch and release (which I'm not sure I understand). Fish dinner that night.
I really had a great time , and it was hard to leave. Thanks Laura for being so hospitable!

PREPARATION

Well, I'm back in the processing stage to go to Iksan. I've sent documents, but I had to redo one form and get an apostille (an authorization of authenticity needed by Korea). So, I'm waiting for that. I'm trying to rent the house now since I won't be coming back to it. I've decided to give up all my possesions. My pets are still a problem. I can't find the friend that was suppose to take them, shelters are full (which I don't think I can do anyway). Cindy is not considered unadoptable. Horace is hard to place because of age. But he's very healthy. My kitty will go to live with Stacia. I think I've found homes for alot of my furniture. I'll have a yard sale soon, and the rest I will donate to the Union Mission. Oh yes, I still have to sell my car. Not much!
I'm communicating now with an American woman at the school. Hopefully, I'll get a better insight into things. The director of the school is Korean and doesn't speak English well. I pray everyday that I am following God's Will. There's been many setbacks. They tell me that is to be expected. My ankle is healing well. It only bothers me when I'm tired or it's tired. I wish it would warm up a bit--I just want to stay in my bedroom and curl up with a blanket.

Follow the Coarse

What a day! I was glued to the television all day for the inaugeration. It was so wonderful to see how many Americans pulled together, celebrated, and praised the day for our new president. This won't be any picnic, and we need to do our part. Me, I'm going to Korea to teach. Well, this I'm doing at God's request. There are things I still need to learn and hopefully teach to others. I should be ready to go in March. My ankle is healing nicely. I have arrangements to make. I look on this adventure as a time for growth. I've decided to give up all material possesions and follow the coarse. Who knows where it will lead me.

HITTING THE BOOK

Hey guys! I started back to class tonight for Bible Training for Christian Leaders (BTCL). This coarse is New Testament Survey which will last a year. I really enjoyed class tonight even if I had to go on crutches. My foot got a bit tired after 3 hours, but it was great to see everybody. I had several "AHA MOMENTS" during our discussions. Studying the Bible to this extent has been great for me. I feel like my head swells everytime I go--I learn so much! Anyway, I've had a month off, and it feels great to be back to the book.

Wishing all my friends a blessed New Year!