December's Update

Another month has past and I find it hard to tell you all that has happened in it (perhaps it's due to the fact that I saved the updating for a one time entry as opposed to little entries throughout the month- but that's beside the point :) My work at Lila Elementary School has finished for the year, so I am currently spending all my working hours at my boss’ academy. Also, Seoul has seen its first snow accumulation of a few centimeters which was exciting. As for other activities, I have went to a Christmas party with church members, watched Christmas movies, listened to Christmas music including Handel’s Messiah sang by the Kwanglim Korean Choir, played basketball with friends in below freezing temperatures, and celebrated Christmas with friends.

Let me elaborate on what Christmas has been like in Korea. If you were to drive around the city of Seoul, you wouldn’t help but notice many Christmas lights decorating the already lit city. In my classroom at Lila there were Christmas decorations up, and I enjoyed telling my students the Christmas story. I told them about Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the magi, and how baby Jesus came into the world. I also tried to address some of the reasons why we do what we do for this season- like giving presents, singing carols, etc. It was interesting see how the students responded. Some wanted to know who Santa Claus was and if he was Mary’s husband or Jesus or a Magi because he gave gifts. But when it was all over, I asked them if it was Jesus’ or Santa’s birthday- and they understood it was Jesus'. They also had mazes, word finds, and Christmas trees to color to add to the Christmas festivities. At the academy, we also have been going through the account of Jesus’ birth, but we have been doing it small parts (verses) at a time. We also have been decorating my room with Christmas chains, home-made snowflakes, and colored Christmas trees.

As for my personal Christmas, two friends from church came and spent the night Christmas Eve. We had a wonderful time celebrating with games, movies, food, presents and laughter... and enjoying the fact that we didn't have to spend it alone.

This Christmas has been a unique one for sure since I never have celebrated it away from my family; but I see that what matters is having people around to share in it. Being a part of the Body of Christ has given me this opportunity; I have found fellow brothers who share a common love for God and desire to live in Him. It is comforting to know that there are people not only in the USA who love God and share their love to me- but I have also found it many miles away in the people here in Korea. I am thankful to the Lord for how He has continued to provide for me and show me His unfailing love. I am learning so much and hope that I can live out the lessons with those around me.

I continue to appreciate the prayers on my and my family's behalf. It is still a time of dealing with new things for us- but new changes bring new opportunities- so I look forward to the future and what lies ahead. It is on that note that I add one last update...

Stephanie is visiting Korea on January 2nd!

Needless to say, we're both excited ;) So I'll sign off by simply saying... TO BE CONTINUED!