Happy Halloween

This picture is of myself with the two Korean English teachers that help me in my classes at Lila. We are posing for a picture right before being bombarded with children as we passed out candy. So, you may be wondering what Halloween is like in Korea.. Well I will share with you my experiences with it. Halloween has made it's way into the Korean culture, but as far as I know, it's stays mainly in schools, especially those with English programs. And because I work at such a school, Halloween was an eventful day. It all started when I went to Lila on tuesday to teach. The room had been decorated for weeks with pumkin-spider streamers, stickers, skeletons, and other knickknacks. When I arrived I took a halloween hat from among the decorations and taught my students along with the korean English teacher who was wearing her own funny hat. I began class by talking about different activities people do on halloween beyond trick or treating.. like hay rides and pumpkin carving. Then I used a website my brother had given me so we could actually carve a pumpkin online and play scary music- we had fun with it.
After my classes, I ate a quick lunch then had to rush back to the 4th floor so I could help pass out candy to the students. I got to see all kinds of costumes; but even if kids didn't dress up, we would still give them candy as long as they would speak English and say trick-or-treat. In this next picture you can actually see the kids attacking me for the goods. My only defence was to stand up and hold the bag of candy over my head. I wonder what would happen if treat-or-treaters did this in America... Kids love candy- that's for sure!
When the lunch period was over, kids made their way back to their respective classrooms and I began to gather my things so I could head back to my apartment for a quick break before teaching at FFLS. But before I left, I noticed the 5th graders were using 'English Zone' (where I teach) to carve real pumpkins. When I came back the next day, I could see (and smell) all the different scary pumpkins they had made.

It's fun to be reminded of familiar activites from back home, and good to be in a place that doesn't do things exactly how I'm used to them being done. It gives me a bigger picture of life beyond the USA and life beyond mine. How exciting (and stretching) it is to see life from a different perspective!

Into my 3rd Month...

Life is enjoyable here in Korea and I continue to see God working in life around me. As I have settled more into my teaching, I am learning to connect more personally with the students. This is good because it creates a better atmosphere for learning as they feel more relaxed to participate and for building trust in what I have to share with them. But it still comes with challenges- sometimes I have to work harder just to keep their attention. I am also trying to keep the perspective of enjoying each moment in teaching, and not letting my focus be on getting through the class and to the end of the day. I still am learning what it means to be an effective teacher, but I’m thankful that God blesses me with creativity (and flexibility) as well as having co-workers who want to help me succeed.

As for church, this past Sunday I was able to go to Kwanglim Prayer Mountain with the English service congregation (See Pictures). During this trip, I got to know more of the congregation and really felt connected; praise the Lord! The congregation in the English service is smaller- my guess would be around 40 people. I'm still desiding if this church is where I want to regularly attend. Some factors weighing in this are how could I contribute to the needs of this specific church, how is this church reaching out and what is its desire for ministry.

As for my family, we are still going through difficult times and learning to persevere. It is comforting to know God is present with us as He reveals more of the path my family is to walk. I trust He is fulfilling His purpose in this, while making sure to take care of us along the way. I know there are green pastures and quiet waters ahead as our Shepherd leads the way through the valleys- with His gentle voice calling us to place our fears aside and let him restore our souls. And like the picture suggests- He's even willing to reach out to us when the path gets rocky, making sure we're not lost along the journey.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart" Isaiah 40:11

Ordinarily Unique!

Last week was the Korean Thanksgiving holiday (Chuseok). And just as in America, many people travel cross country to visit their grandparent's homes and the towns where they grew up. (This is one of the few times the city of Seoul actually doesn't feel so crowded and busy. A pleasant time for sure!) Since I was able to have some free time, I went to visit an aquarium with some friends. But instead of going into all about the aquatic animals we saw- I want to turn the focus to a picture I took while I was there.

If you'll notice you can see hundreds and hundreds of small fish swimming in a large round-shaped fish tank where every fish looks just like the others. They are all swimming and they all are trying to do something to occupy their time. But if you take a closer look, you may be able to notice that they all are NOT identical, nor are they are doing the same things. Some are swimming one way, and many another direction. Some like to swim near the top, while others prefer the bottom. Some would rather hide out near the log where passer-byers cannot see them as easily-while others don't mind being out in the open for the whole world to see (and take pictures of). As I think about these things, I see how easy it is to make the connection to our life. Yes it's true that we all live on this large round-shaped world with many other people. We all are living just like everyone else, trying to do something of value with our time. But when it comes down to it, each and every person is made differently. We not only look different, but we all have different preferences, where we like to be, and how we spend our time. Some like to 'swim' with the current, while others battle against it. Some are young, some are old. Some are happy and some are not. Some are getting plenty of food and some are not getting enough. But no matter how you look at it, each one is different. As I look at this photo, I can't help but see how the fish all look the same yet each fish is separate- having their own mind, their own agenda, their own life to live. And I think that must be how God looks at us. Maybe not as he looks at fish, but as he sees each one of us so different, so special. To take care of us as a whole, yet allowing us to know Him individually; seeing the potential in group as a whole but also in each person. Making each one of us with differences- putting us in different places with different circumstances; assigning to each of us different tasks, and giving us different things to handle.

To be honest, these past couple of weeks have been a difficult time for my family. We are facing old and new challenges in our life right now and we're trying to support each other through them. I feel as though it is a crucial time for my family because the outcome will have a lasting impact on relationships within. And during this time I'm trying to guard my emotions and thoughts. My thoughts so quickly run to trying to search for answers to the 'Why?' questions. I'm reminded of the story of Job. A man who stood out in life to those around him because of his distinguished life-doing many good things. And then all of the sudden, disaster falls on him and he desperately wants to know why! After the Lord speaks with him, he realizes the bigger picture. "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted...surely I spoke of things too wonderful for me to know." That's it- Job admits that ultimately God is in control and can do what he desires and we have to accept it and trust that God isn't giving us more than we can carry. But even more, to realize that God isn't allowing hard things to happen for no reason. If we believe in Him, we can trust there is a purpose in EVERYTHING that hits us because it has been 'God-filtered'. I can only image all the things that He has protected us from, giving me even more to be thankful for.

Surely we have a God who eagerly provides for those who trust Him, and desires to give them good things. Can a bad thing be turned into a blessing? Most definitely! In Job's case, the latter part of his life was blessed more than the first. And in the book of James we are told that trials which test our faith develop perseverance making us complete, 'not lacking anything.' They make us well-rounded Christians, realizing that God isn't only present in the good times, but He is actively working even in the bad.

What a blessing to have a God that has made us differently, cares about us individually and is with us in all circumstances!

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

The Apartment

I figured some people might want to know about my living conditions here is Seoul, so I'll spend this update talking about my apartment. I've been blessed to have a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment provided for me through my boss. It has been fun to do things to make it more personalized. When I got here on August 16th, I had a table with a TV and VCR, a queen size mattress on the floor, a refrigerator, airconditioner, pots and pans, silverwear, dishes, and a big round table. Since then, my boss and his wife have bought/got me: a new single mattress (which sleeps great and saves room), a fan, a nightstand, a floor cabinet, a cutting knife, Tupperware, a pitcher, a new pillow, a mattress cover, and more. I been able to add some of my own additions like a lamp to set the mood and a framed collage of pictures above my computer. I've also taken down the TV and VCR, put more stuff in storage, and rearranged the furniture. Let me go ahead and explain these pictures to you: In the top picture, you can see my front door, kitchen, and main floor space as well as my waterheater/storage closet.

In this next picture, you can see my bedroom and desk area where I write my blogs and talk on my headset with those back home.

Here, you can see my bedroom & bathroom (equipped with a toliet, washer, and sink where I take my shower using a hose extention and a hand-held shower head.)

The smaller picture to the left is another shot of my kitchen, desk and floor space but it also includes my 'dining room' by the window. The smaller picture to the right is a picture of what you see at the end of my bed when the bathroom door is closed. I have a hanging rack, next to the floor cabinet and fridge.

I hope these pictures help protray more accurately my life here in Korea. Hopefully, it's not just an idea that Jarrod is living aboard, now you can begin to see it more practically.

I do love hearing from you, and I am sincerely thankful for the prayers on my behalf. God is answering prayer as he provides daily for me- renewing my strength, my thoughts, and my faith as He reminds me of His faithfulness and His presence in the life and circumstances that surround me.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Zoom!

Time seems to be passing quickly here in Korea and a new month has come bringing with it more cool days and feelings of fall that make me want to go put on a sweater and play backyard football. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a football here yet, but I have been able to play more basketball. That has been enjoyable because not only does it give me exercise, I've also been able to make some new friends. As a matter of fact, just yesterday I met a Frenchman who spoke English, and we ended up having a long discussion about God after one of our games. As we were talking, I thought to myself how much I wanted to share Christ with him but at the same time it was hard to know how best to do that. He told me he didn't know if God existed or not and he was content with not knowing. He told me that life is about happiness and learning from mistakes. I tried asking him questions to see where I might be able to bring in the Good News (like seeing God in creation or what he thought about sin), but he would resort to saying that he didn't know or it didn't matter. I didn't know exactly how God was working in our conversation, but I was thankful that the man did ask some about what I believed. It saddens my heart that some people are content to not seek God. They think it's okay to wait to find out about Him. But what they are missing out on is a relationship with the one who made them, who saved them, and who can give them purpose to live. As much as I want this man to believe, I see that a relationship with God isn't something people should be reasoned into (or they might be reasoned out of it). Coming to God is a matter of a changed heart which leads to a changed life in humility before our awesome Creator- and this supernatural change must come from the Lord. So what am I going to do in the mean time? Live my life with the purpose I've received- striving to reflect Christ's love to others and share that in words when given the opportunity... We left on a good note, and I hope to see him on the courts again soon :)

As for other parts of my life, I am still searching for a church to regularly attend. I have been visiting many different English services since I've been here, but I really want to connect with one congregation- worshipping with them, getting to know them, and seeing ways to serve with them. Today I attended Kwanglim Methodist Church, which I've been told is the largest Methodist church in the world! (About a 5 minute walk from my apartment.) When I got there, I was hoping to find someone who could help me find out about the English service. I found one man, but he could only tell me '3rd floor'. When I when up there, I found the place where they give out headsets so you could listen to the Korean service being translated into English (high tech, but appreciated). After getting a headset, I walked into the Korean Service and a greeter, noticing I was alone, pointed me down toward the front of the balcony. I sat down in the empty seat next to a white person who introduced himself and helped me with my headset.. And as God would have it, he actually was the minister for the English service! Who better to answer my questions about the English service then the pastor- what a privilege. After the service, he took me out for a hamburger and we got to know each other better. We had to cut our conversation a little short because we had to go back to the church for the English service at 1:30pm. I felt very welcomed there and hope to attend again.

Many other things are happening, and I hope to write more soon. It's always good to be able to reflect on my life here and things I'm learning- but it's even better to be living it!

"..He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in Him we live and move and have our being'..." (Acts 17:26-28)