Settling In

This week has been my first week at Lila Elementary School, so finally I am beginning to learn what my daily rountine is like. In the mornings I take a taxi to Lila, then teach 2 or 3 classes depending on the day (grades 1-3). Most days I stay for lunch where I eat with other teachers. From what I hear, there are about 28 Korean teachers and 2 Foreign teachers (Yup, Ken and myself). The other teachers are nice and some try to speak English with us. After lunch, I usually take the subway back to my apartment; then it's to FFLS to teach 4 or 5 more classes. The difficult part of the routine is that much of my weekday is taken up by teaching; I normally leave around 9-10 and don't get home until 7-8 (with the exception of a few hours for break). But honestly, I enjoy the teaching! The students are very good learners, most of whom have a prior knowledge of English. And because of my teaching schedule, I see that being a teacher is the major part of my ministry here. At FFLS, I have been able to start my classes with prayer and then have the students write down a Bible verse of the day. It's a good way to share about God with them because I get to explain the meaning of the verse. I am still growing in what it means to be a good teacher and still learning what it means to be a Christian while living in another country... but the challenge is rewarding. No matter where we go, we are called to 'fight the good fight of faith.' God always has lessons to teach, if we are just willing to take time to learn. I want to close with a familiar hymn. The words reflect some of my own feelings while I have been here in Korea:

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.