A New Journey begins...

Well, it's official- Jarrod has taught his last day in South Korea- Sad but sweet :)
The closing of one chapter didn't delay the opening of another. I had to be moved out of my apartment and packed up for my trip to Southeast Asia by the next afternoon. I was able to do so and I wanted to post an update on our trip:
We (Mr. Lee and his 2 children and myself) had a safe flight to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and have had a good day and 1/2 stay. We are leaving early tomorrow morning to take a bus to Cambodia. There are so many thoughts and happenings I could pass along.. but now is not the time. I will say that I do appreciate the prayers on my behalf- THEY ARE NEEDED. It has been amazing to see God drawing people to himself in the limited time that I've been here. I'm not sure how this will compare with the people in Cambodia, but it seems that God has wasted no time in allowing me to see His hand here in Vietnam. I hope to share more- but until then- pray for the work. Not just mine and all that lies before me- but for the harvest and all it's laborers. It's amazing to see first hand how big the harvest extends... and that wherever we go (or stay), there are people around us that God is working in there lives and we can have a part of it. Maybe not according to our own agendas and how WE think we can affect them, but according to how the Spirit leads..even if it's just a word of encouragement- simply pointing them to the Lord. Whatever more happens is God's plan and purpose.
It's my prayer that as I am in Southeast Asia, I will be ready to extend God's love to specific people that meet them in specific ways for their specific needs (knowing each person has different experiences and beliefs); and also that I would discern the Spirit's speaking to my life through them.
I'm sure there is more that could be said, but I've got to go live out my prayer :)
Hope to join you there...

Hot, Humid, and Rainy

This past month has been another good month filled with experiences that I am thankful for. For one, I officially turned another year older making me 25 years old (Korean age :) When I think about what I should write to update you on, my thoughts quickly go to the future and wanting to share my upcoming plans. But before I go into them, I want to let you know that teaching is still going well. Quick story: In one of my classes at Lila Elementary School, we got to a chapter in our book where it talked about beliefs. It was a wonderful opportunity to open up a discussion about God and give Biblical examples of people who lived their lives based on what they believed. The students listened and even added to the discussion. As my time draws to an end with my students, I’m trying to make the most of it- remembering that a part of teaching is simply loving and enjoying each other.

I am still actively a part of Kwanglim Methodist Church’s English Ministry and a member of their praise team. It has been amazing to see how my upcoming absence has already been filled by a new foreign teacher that has just begun attending the service.

Seeing God’s hand at work in Korea has been a blessing. I have not only seen it in situations around me but also within my own life. He continues to teach me and I love taking in the wisdom He offers. I have been reading through the Old Testament and I have recently come to the book of Micah. In it, there is a verse that is a good reminder as I go through life and must be ready to face whatever situation I’m confronted with. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you God (Micah 6:8). Just as God directs the step of those who trust in Him, I believe He also teaches those who live humbly before Him.

Now, I’d like to take just a moment to share with you my upcoming schedule as it stands right now. July will be my last month of teaching in Korea and then I will be heading to Cambodia to work for a church/outreach center teaching children English and evangelizing. It has been my boss’ desire to send one of his teachers for such a work, but I am also going through his church, Myung Sung Presbyterian Church. I will leave Korea on the 28^th of July and return a month later. I am planning on doing a presentation for his mission group and then saying my goodbyes and heading back to America the first week of September.

As I look to the future and all that is happening in my life right now, I am thankful and realize that I daily need to rely on God for strength, grace, and guidance as it’s His purpose that prevails. I desire to keep in step with the Spirit so I will be able to see how God is working and follow in His way. I would greatly appreciate your prayers in the upcoming days and months ahead.

I continue to be amazed at how the church is connected around the world- We are a part of a great family- a great Kingdom- which is always growing. May we always be advancing with it, investing in its work as we encourage those around us.

"Let us not become weary in doing what is good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9).