The Latest...

This month has raced by as the new semester keeps me busy. I am teaching more classes at Lila than I was last semester and like I mentioned, they are the upper grades. Teaching older students is fun because they understand more of what I’m teaching; but it also comes with challenges. I try to remind myself that this means opportunities. For example, I am teaching all the boys in 6^th grade (separated into classes of about 15 students). They don’t hesitate to share with me their age-related issues. I really feel like I have a wonderful chance to talk about these things and guide them through them. One principle I’ve learned in teaching is to be flexible and willing to adjust to the students and their specific needs and to what just ‘comes up’ during class. This includes discipline when necessary, but it also involves always looking for a chance to teach in those times and not just book knowledge. I believe making the most of those moments requires being open to the Spirit; thus I’m trying to live my life in the Spirit and not have it compartmentalized.

Overall, The changes have been good. I have become friends with all the new teachers and even get to spend time with them outside of school. At the academy I am teaching less hours but still enjoy the children. Sometimes it’s hard to discipline because at times when they are disruptive, it’s not because they are fighting, but because they are jumping on me or taking my slippers, or some other mischief. They are still learning about God, and I am grateful for that. That reminds me- Easter is approaching and I have asked the principal at Lila if I could talk about the holiday with the students. I could sense a hesitation from her, but still, she wasn’t opposed. I ask for prayer in this matter- that the Spirit would be present and I would use this opportunity boldly.

I will mention one other opportunity that excites me and it's about Stephanie. She will be finished with her semester at the beginning of May and she has some time before she starts summer classes. We plan on her returning here for her second visit in the middle of May and we are both thrilled! You will have to stay tuned for more pictures and updates as our lives will be together once again.

I would love to hear from you if you are able.
May the Lord bless you as you live and labor unto Him.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humbe and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

A Time of Transitions

It has been transitional times for me here in Korea as I have had to say goodbye to my co-worker Ken, and Hello to 3 new co-workers. Lila Elementary School has finally started its next semester and I'm getting familiar learning my new schedule. This semester I no longer am teaching grades 1 and 2 at Lila, I am actually teaching the upper grades (3-6) as well as Math and Reading/Writing for grades 4-6. Today was introductions, and I enjoyed showing my students many pictures from back home. Also, I have past my contract’s halfway point and I anticipate the next 6 months being quite different than the first. Looking back over the past 6 months, I see that I have done a lot of learning and a lot of settling into the routines of life here. I have made many friends and have established myself where I am at- making it feel like I belong here. But as I look ahead, I see there is going to be change. I know changes bring new opportunities and being accustom to life here and confident in the Lord makes me excited to face these new changes.
My work at my boss’ academy is going well. I am still sharing the Bible with the students as they begin class by writing down the quotation of the day. I love sharing with them for a few minutes about God and His love and how we can live for Him. Just the other day, Ken told me that he was also sharing the Bible and after his class he was able to pray a prayer of salvation with an inquiring young boy. Praise the Lord that our efforts are not in vain!
There have been a couple of holidays this past month: Valentine’s Day and (Chinese/Lunar) New Years Day. For Valentine’s Day in Korea, it is the girls who give chocolate to the boys- so needless to say, I ate a lot of chocolate this year :) As for New Years- I had a three day weekend and was able to have guys over to my apartment for those days. We played lots of games and shared some good laughs.
Again, I am looking forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead and excited to continue to live out my faith here with different people and in different ways. It is my prayer to have a teachable heart and an open mind to the Lord's wisdom and His ways. I eagerly desire to live in Him and be lead by the Spirit as I continue to live here in Korea..

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10