The Journey Ends...

I have been wanting to do another post on this blog to rap things up and give an update on me as things have come to an end overseas. My time in Cambodia ended in August and I headed back to Korea to get my belongings, report on Cambodia, and say my goodbyes.

My time in Cambodia left an impact on my life as I learned more about serving and being served. I greatly appreciated working with the Korean missionaries in Cambodia. They taught me much about the life of a missionary and being devoted to their work as Christians. Through the Korean Taekwondo teacher, I was reminded that whatever gift God has given, you can use for His glory. I made many friendships from my time here, and I am forever grateful for the memories shared. If you'd like to hear more about Cambodia, the people or the country itself, I'd be more than happy to share.

It was good to go back to Korea and have time dedicated to finalizing loose ends and saying my goodbyes. I appreciate my boss letting me stay in his spare apartment and giving me extra time in Korea so I wouldn't feel rushed. [I wanted to post this picture of me and my boss because he we came to form such a special relationship over this past year. He was much more than a boss, like a father at times, and an encouraging fellow servant of the Lord. He will be missed!] It's hard to say goodbye to people you've come to love and have become familiar with having them in your life- but even though that time is over, I still am able to keep up with many of them through the internet.

Coming back in September was wonderful! I was greeted by my friends, family, and FIANCEE! After spending time at my parent's home to readjust to life in the USA, I was able to get an apartment and move to Charlottesville in October which allowed me and Stephanie to be closer and begin learning the joys of being around each other once again. So over the next couple of months, Steph and I prepared for our wedding... and my beautiful fiancee finally became my beautiful bride!
Stephanie and I were married on December 15th, 2007 and were overwhelmed with love and support from our friends and families.

Now that the festivities and holidays are over, we have settled into our home together here is Charlottesville. There is lots to learn about being married, but I am so thankful to have such a special young lady to be learning with. We both are so excited and love spending our days together.
As we look to the future, we are excited to see the good things that God has in store for us- but for now we put our life and energies into the place He has us now. We don't know what doors will open for us as we both have a desire to travel, but we do hope to see friends again in the places we've been. We hope to stay connected with you and even share more of our stories as A NEW JOURNEY BEGINS- OUR JOURNEY.

May the Lord be with you as you continue to live your adventure!

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."
1 John 4:7

The Journey Continues...

It has been a while since I've been able to write an update, but I've been keeping a daily journal so I won't forget all that's happened since I left back at the end of July. For now, I'll give you the quick recap version:

My boss, his two children and I left Vietnam safely (by bus) and crossed the border into Cambodia. We spent a day visiting the 'killing fields', and an old school turned museum which held prisoners of Pol Pot's regime at one time. It was definitely an educational experience as I was clueless that these things were happening... as recent as the 70s. It was sad and horrific to see what they had to endure.
I started teaching at Bright Voice Service Center about the first of the month and have been teaching 4 classes a day. This is my main work and a large part of my experience here- and it is going so well. I can feel the Spirit moving in class and I love seeing the students ask more questions about God. I often use the Bible while I teach and am able to engage my older students more deeply on topics such as love and faith. I could go on with specific stories and talk more about my students ...but this is the condensed version.
Another part of my journey here in Southeast Asia took me to Bangkok, Thailand. I spent a weekend there with another teacher from the Service Center. We had an enjoyable time seeing and riding elephants and spending time with a missionary as he showed us around.
Since then, I've been back at the Center teaching and spending more time with my students. I'm so glad they enjoy practicing their English with me and some have even invited me to do activities with them outside of class in the city or countryside. This has enabled me to see what life outside the capital is like.. and it is an unforgettable experience.
The Service Center is currently taking a break from the normal routine to hold a Youth Summer Camp near the beaches of Cambodia for a few days. They have asked me to come along and be in charge of the games. I enjoy being here with them, and am continuing to learn about what it means to serve with Christians of a different language.
I finish up my time in Cambodia on the 28th of August - will be back in Korea on the 29th and will be heading back to America on the 5th of September.
Thank you for your prayers- as I'm a part of one work in one place in this huge world- I see how prayer is so important for God's work around the world. God continues to supply what we need, and He keeps us connected whether or not we know the specifics. I can't wait to be back and share the stories with you..

A New Journey begins...

Well, it's official- Jarrod has taught his last day in South Korea- Sad but sweet :)
The closing of one chapter didn't delay the opening of another. I had to be moved out of my apartment and packed up for my trip to Southeast Asia by the next afternoon. I was able to do so and I wanted to post an update on our trip:
We (Mr. Lee and his 2 children and myself) had a safe flight to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and have had a good day and 1/2 stay. We are leaving early tomorrow morning to take a bus to Cambodia. There are so many thoughts and happenings I could pass along.. but now is not the time. I will say that I do appreciate the prayers on my behalf- THEY ARE NEEDED. It has been amazing to see God drawing people to himself in the limited time that I've been here. I'm not sure how this will compare with the people in Cambodia, but it seems that God has wasted no time in allowing me to see His hand here in Vietnam. I hope to share more- but until then- pray for the work. Not just mine and all that lies before me- but for the harvest and all it's laborers. It's amazing to see first hand how big the harvest extends... and that wherever we go (or stay), there are people around us that God is working in there lives and we can have a part of it. Maybe not according to our own agendas and how WE think we can affect them, but according to how the Spirit leads..even if it's just a word of encouragement- simply pointing them to the Lord. Whatever more happens is God's plan and purpose.
It's my prayer that as I am in Southeast Asia, I will be ready to extend God's love to specific people that meet them in specific ways for their specific needs (knowing each person has different experiences and beliefs); and also that I would discern the Spirit's speaking to my life through them.
I'm sure there is more that could be said, but I've got to go live out my prayer :)
Hope to join you there...

Hot, Humid, and Rainy

This past month has been another good month filled with experiences that I am thankful for. For one, I officially turned another year older making me 25 years old (Korean age :) When I think about what I should write to update you on, my thoughts quickly go to the future and wanting to share my upcoming plans. But before I go into them, I want to let you know that teaching is still going well. Quick story: In one of my classes at Lila Elementary School, we got to a chapter in our book where it talked about beliefs. It was a wonderful opportunity to open up a discussion about God and give Biblical examples of people who lived their lives based on what they believed. The students listened and even added to the discussion. As my time draws to an end with my students, I’m trying to make the most of it- remembering that a part of teaching is simply loving and enjoying each other.

I am still actively a part of Kwanglim Methodist Church’s English Ministry and a member of their praise team. It has been amazing to see how my upcoming absence has already been filled by a new foreign teacher that has just begun attending the service.

Seeing God’s hand at work in Korea has been a blessing. I have not only seen it in situations around me but also within my own life. He continues to teach me and I love taking in the wisdom He offers. I have been reading through the Old Testament and I have recently come to the book of Micah. In it, there is a verse that is a good reminder as I go through life and must be ready to face whatever situation I’m confronted with. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you God (Micah 6:8). Just as God directs the step of those who trust in Him, I believe He also teaches those who live humbly before Him.

Now, I’d like to take just a moment to share with you my upcoming schedule as it stands right now. July will be my last month of teaching in Korea and then I will be heading to Cambodia to work for a church/outreach center teaching children English and evangelizing. It has been my boss’ desire to send one of his teachers for such a work, but I am also going through his church, Myung Sung Presbyterian Church. I will leave Korea on the 28^th of July and return a month later. I am planning on doing a presentation for his mission group and then saying my goodbyes and heading back to America the first week of September.

As I look to the future and all that is happening in my life right now, I am thankful and realize that I daily need to rely on God for strength, grace, and guidance as it’s His purpose that prevails. I desire to keep in step with the Spirit so I will be able to see how God is working and follow in His way. I would greatly appreciate your prayers in the upcoming days and months ahead.

I continue to be amazed at how the church is connected around the world- We are a part of a great family- a great Kingdom- which is always growing. May we always be advancing with it, investing in its work as we encourage those around us.

"Let us not become weary in doing what is good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9).

New Release!

No need to rush off to the video store- we have the latest and greatest new release for your viewing pleasure. Here's the quick review: Get comfortable in your seat, and for the next 3 and a 1/2 minutes, you are going to embark on a journey that leads you to the heart of two young lovers. The story picks up where Jarrod (played by Jarrod) and Stephanie (play by, you guessed it, Stephanie) are just sitting down on a park bench, to share their highlights from Stephanie's second trip to Seoul, Korea. So sit back and prepare yourself to behold sights you've never seen before... Oh, and by the way, you may want to click the play button first, pause it until the video loads, fix popcorn, then play it all at once so you get the full effect. Enjoy!

Shout it from the rooftops!

I have found the one my soul loves- her name is Stephanie Cole.

From May 9 thru the 20th, Stephanie came to South Korea to visit me once again... and my life has changed forever. To be honest, my top priority has not been to update this blog while she's been here. In fact, ever since Steph arrived, I have hardly touched my computer. My life adjusted to focus on the one whom I am completely in love with- giving her my time and attention. We both knew the task that faced us- to cram all the Jarrod and Stephanie time we've missed over the past 4 months into 11 days, making each moment seem as if it were weeks spent by each other's side and in each others arms - We were up for the task :)
But now, seeing as Stephanie is back in America, the time has finally come to sit down and type out our experience. There's lots to be said about all the memories we've made, but for the purposes of this blog, I'll stick with the one you'll probably be most interested in.
So, Friday was the big day. Stephanie and I rode to Lila Elementary where she was immediately received as a movie star- with kids chanting her name, drawing her picture, or doing silly things to get her attention. They loved her and I was so glad to have her with me. Then after school, my time came...
We took a motorcycle ride and ended up at Namsan- a mountain in Seoul, surrounded by the city on all sides. There was a walk-road on the mountain, and it led to a quiet place with a gazebo and bench. Sitting on the bench, we opened up the Bible to Proverbs 31 and thus I began the declaration of my love.

I then took her by the hand and led her into the gazebo.. got down on my knee and asked Stephanie to marry me. The best moment of my life was hearing her respond with a confident yes! I feel as though I have no greater gift than having her in my life. You mean the world to me Stephanie, and I am forever grateful to our Father for giving you to me- You truely are my priceless jewel.

If we could choose only one word to describe this time of our lives, then it would have to be 'Blessed'. We have not stopped receiving blessing upon blessing from the Lord in big and small ways. We feel the strong support from our family and friends as well as the people here in Korea who have shared in our joy with us. I could go on and talk about the specifics, but I need not here. We are confident in where the Lord has brought us. Timing has been key throughout our whole history together- and it has been amazing to have the Lord's confirmation that now is our time. We have been preparing our whole lives for this and the time has finally arrived.
Steph and I declare with confidence that as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledging Him and His ways, He has and continues to unite our spirit, show us His favor, and direct our steps. We are excited and ready to see all that the Lord has in store. And so we enter into this new realm with smiles on our faces, love in our hearts, and Christ as our guide.

I love you Stephanie, with all that I am.

He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22

The Time has (almost) Come...

Alright, for the record- 94 more hours until I see my beautiful girlfriend! :) This coming tuesday, Steph gets on a plane and starts her journey once again to the other side of the globe. Ever since she's left, we've been looking forward to the day we can spend together again and now the time has come.. well almost... But saying we are excited is an understatement!

We appreciate your prayers for her travel and our time together once again.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)