Ahn-Nyong-Ha-Se-Yo (Greeting)
Today was my first day to venture out by myself. I heard there was a local park nearby, so I got on my basketball shoes and headed there hoping to make friends. As it turned out, I met another American teacher who loves basketball and lives just a couple buildings down from me. He filled me in on the area of Seoul that we live in, telling me that this is a central part of the city where more of the upper class live. After basketball, he showed me more of the neighborhood, had dinner, and played chess.
Over all, I'm learning a lot about Koreans, the city, and how there seems to be restaurants on every corner! I'm still learning what it's like to live in a big city, but I'm actually getting used to it- now if I can just figure out the subway system!
So far what I've picked up on is that people here are generous. Whether that is a Korean bellboy helping me with my bags, a hotel manager letting me use his phone, a lady on the bus giving me a signal that my stop is coming up, students cleaning my apartment, Ken taking me out to eat and then shopping, Ken's patience as I made decisions while shopping, my boss' wife making sure that I have proper dishes and furniture and snacks between classes, my boss' daughter showing me how to use my Korean phone, my Boss giving me some money to get me established, or my basketball buddy giving me a basketball so I wouldn't have to show up to the courts empty handed- I have definitely received much generousity over the past 3 days.
God has definitely blessed me through the people around me. And this is something that I have had to learn to accept. The hopes I had coming here was to be a blessing to others- but to receive it is humbling. I have been encouraged in seeing others practice this gift and also seeing that God is providing for me in the process. May He get the praise for the givings and the receivings :)
"A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
(Proverbs 11:25)
posted by Unknown at 11:36 PM
4 Comments:
what was that you said about pictures connecting us more to you?? ;) Its so good to hear what you are up to...
4:33 PM
I LOVE your blog, yo. The clock is so cool. If most of my viewers lived in a different time zone than me, I'd be so getting one. =)
You're a brave man to be out there alone doing this...But then, I guess the point is, you're not alone. You're doing this because you are being led by God. Keep the perspective, my cuz. Don't lose sight.
I read this morning, "When I realize what Jesus Christ has done for me, then I am a debtor to all human beings until they know Him too, not for their sakes, not because they will otherwise be lost, but because of Jesus Christ's redemption. Am I willing to sell myself to Jesus, to become simply His bondslave, in order that He may see 'the labor of His soul and be satisfied' (Is 53.11)?"
Oswald Chambers was responding to Romans 1.14 in his book "So Send I You." It took me a few minutes to realize that it's true. A soul purpose in preaching the gospel isn't for the people's sakes, although we are called to love them as Christ loves them. Our soul purpose in everything we do is for Christ's redemption and to not make a mockery of what He did on the cross by keeping it to myself. You should read the book, kid. It's awesome.
3:33 AM
Thanks for setting up the blog: I hope you'll share all the ups and downs with those of us out here who are cheering you on and praying for you.
Daphne Haddad
4:50 AM
This is such a great way to have a small connection to what you are doing, it's great! I am sooo glad things are going so well for you. It is always amazing how God turns the tables on us sometimes huh!Sounds like He truly has His hands on what you're doing!
Oh tell your friend that reminded you of me that I said hello!
6:06 AM
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