Well.....

We got a little bit of snow here!  As I was riding the bus to Seoul (to go to the dentist), I looked and had to do a double take, like is that really snow?!?  Yhep, sure was!  The closer (or so I thought) that the bus got to Seoul, the more traffic accidents I noticed.  An hour and 30 minute trip ended up taking two hours!  Nonetheless, I made it safe and sound!  

My first visit to the Korean dentist was a SUCCESS and best of all NO cavities!  My dentist, very thankfully, speaks excellent English (he went to Penn State).  He definitely knows his dentistry and their  equipment is hands down next to none...they have us beat!  I told him that the hygienist did a better job than the ones that I have had in the states!  Because I traveled so far to see him, he gave me my fluoride treatment for free (usually 30,000 won)! They don't give free "goodie bags" (with the toothbrush, toothpaste, floss) like they do in the states, but I did manage to get a free toothbrush!  I will definitely be back for my six month check up!  

On a different note......

I went to the grocery store today to pick up my weekly groceries.  I went to the check out line and the lady began to ring up my items.  When she rang up my soy sauce, she started laughing!  I was looking at her like what's so funny?  Then, she held it in her hand and laughed even more as she looked at the size.  I bought the smallest size, I guess that was funny to her?  Why would I buy a big bottle?  I live by myself, won't use it that often, and that is way too much salt!  Geesh!  

Finally, please know that I am safe with all the North Korea/South Korea mess that is going on.  I could feel a little bit of tension when I traveled to Seoul this weekend.  I noticed that it wasn't as busy as it usually is, but that could be because of the cold too! Thank you for your prayers and emails!  If nothing else, please continue to pray for the two countries for peace and UNITY!  

Highlight of Today

As I came into the office late this afternoon to go to my desk, I noticed that the big screen was on (yes, there is a huge t.v. in the teachers office).  At first I didn't think anything of it because it's not unusual to find teachers watching the 2010 Asian Games.  But then I noticed that something was a tad bit different because of how the other teachers were tunning into what was being said.  Of course, being in Korean, I wasn't able to understand anything that was being said. 

My co-teacher told me what was going on.  North Korea attacted South Korea.  It wasn't a big attack, but was nonetheless an attack.  Then, she later told me that if we were to undergo a full fledged attack, we (people in Seoseok, where I teach) would be in danger because we are close to North Korea.  My response was, "I'm not worried." She in turn said to me, "Pray that Jesus......" I finished her sentence...."protects us."

So that I could get a better understanding of what was happening, I went to CNN.com.  What do you know...it was the first thing that came up (under the Asia headline).  Below is the article from CNN.com:

Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea on Tuesday fired artillery into the sea near its tense western sea border with South Korea, injuring at least 14 South Korean miltary personnel and two civilians, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Four of the military personnel were seriously injured, Yonhap said.
At least 200 rounds of artillery hit an inhabited South Korean island after the North started firing about 2:30 p.m. local time, Yonhap said.


South Korea's military responded with 80 rounds of artillery and deployed fighter jets to counter the fire, the report said.
The South Korean army also raised its alert condition, the report said.
Images of plumes of smoke were quickly broadcast on Yonhap television from the island of Yeonpyeong, but it was not immediately clear what the artillery had hit.
The island that was hit has a total of about 1,300 residents, a fisherman who lives on the island told Yonhap.


The South Korean government immediately called an emergency meeting of its security ministers.
The North Korean fire came as the South's military conducted routine drills in waters off the island.

It's not about me....

As we all know, Thursday is THANKSGIVING!  While everyone will be eating delicious, home cooked, homemade dishes, I will be teaching my students whatever lesson I have prepared for them that day.  Koreans don't celebrate Thanksgiving as Americans do; instead their "Thanksgiving" is in September and it is called Chuseok.

All jokes aside, as many of you prepare to be with family and friends this week, I ask that you please continue to pray for me during this adventure of mine, that I am able to do the best that I can to try and help shape and mold young minds despite the language barrier; pray for my own family that they don't worry about me, but are reassured that I am and continue to be covered on a daily basis; pray for my loved one for safe travels during this busy time; pray for the homeless who may not get a hot meal and enjoy their family; pray for Korea, the North and the South, that they may one day be unified, ending the long standing divide between the two.

Picture from the DMZ.
One side represents the North and the other the South. 

Thank you to EVERYONE who makes time to follow me and my Brand New Adventure.  It puts a smile on my face to hear that so many are following!

Enjoy and appreciate the time that you have to share with each other.  Have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

What's Wrong NOW?

I woke up this morning prepared to wash.  I walked out to the "patio" and turned my head the other direction, towards the hot water heater, only to find a small puddle of water. Mind you, the hot water heater controls both the hot water and the heat. My first thought, call mom and see if pops is still up! Thankfully, it was still early there and they were both up (watching my Rock Chalk Jayhawks)! He told me not to worry about it and that it would be okay until I was able to get someone to look at it.

My mom reminded me to make sure to get it looked at.  My original "plan" was to wait until tomorrow (Monday) to tell my co-teacher, because I just knew that no one could really do anything today since it's Sunday.

I went to my next door neighbors (the same neighbors who helped me with the Lights Out).  Even though we couldn't really understand each other, we did the best we could.  She noticed that it was chilly in my apartment.  She left and called the office for me.  I thanked her.

When she came back she gave me a little cake from the bakery and told me that the office was closed.  I called my co-teacher back so that my neighbor could explain what was going on.  She left and I thanked her.

Minutes passed and this time, unexpectedly, my neighbor came back.  She held up her cell phone (all cell phones have translators) and it said "lend".  She then gave me her electric blanket to borrow so that I wouldn't be cold tonight.  After I said thank you more times than I can remember, I told her as best I could that I would return the blanket as soon as I got home from work tomorrow.

She didn't have to lend me the blanket, let alone help me, but she did.  One more thing to add to my "list", kind neighbors.

Nothing but GRACE and FAVOR.

Someone did come and fix the hot water heater; however, the job isn't done.  He will have to come back to replace one of the little "gadgets".  No worries!  :)

Thursday and Friday.....of last week

Thursday was Pepero Day.  This day is similar to our Valentine's Day, but instead of receiving chocolates, small sticks covered in chocolate is given (it is VERY delicious!).  I bought a stick for all of the teachers and for my high school students.  I was surprised when my students had boxes of Pepero to give to me!  One of my 3rd grade boys came and found me in my "office" to give me a box first thing in the morning.

Thursday and Friday were the 2010 G20 Summit in Seoul.  This is basically a gathering of about 18 to 20 nations to discuss global economical issues.  Because I had to work, I was not able to attend, otherwise I would have been there!  I was interviewed back in September regarding my thoughts about the upcoming summit (at that time I had no idea what is was let alone what it was about).  I had an opportunity to video record a message.  When I asked who was going to see it, I was told all of the "big" people.  My recorded message was (of course) about education and giving more money to the rural schools.  Hopefully, it was seen and heard. 

President Barack Obama was in Seoul for the Summit.  A friend of mind was able to actually meet him and shake his hand!  They even exchanged a few encouraging words! How AWESOME is that! 

Friday I taught my 3rd grade students a "Merry Christmas" lesson.  Keep in mind, I secretly knew where I was trying to go with this conversation.  Every moment is a teachable one!  Here was our conversation:

Me: Do you know Christmas? 

Students: (with excitement) Santa Clause! (others) Yes! Happy Birthday! 

Me: Happy Birthday?  What mean? 

Little Girl and Boy: Happy Birthday Jesus! 

Me: (with my heart smiling) YES! Very good!  It's Jesus' Birthday!   

When you pray I ask that you not only continue to keep me in your prayers, but please also pray for my friends.  As Lexi prepares for the LSAT next month, pray that God gives her wisdom, encouragement, and continued direction.  And pray too for Yatarra, that God continue to lead, guide, and direct her steps.  

Enjoy the pictures.  These were the winners from the "Create your Own City" assignment that I had them do! 

Culture Trip

This weekend was our (EPIK teachers in the Gangwon-do Providence) culture trip.  It was packed with eating, various events (Nanta performance, History of Seoul Museum tour, Police Museum, Lantern Festival...to name a few...), eating, visiting palaces, eating, a little bit of shopping, and more eating.  

I do not remember all of the palaces that we visited, but one was Gyeonghuigung Palace and the other was Gyeongbokgung Palace (this was the biggest by far).  Near this palace was the President's residence, which is called "The Blue House" (see the very last picture).  

Palace tour guide....

A few of the tour guide's students who briefly interviewed me....

One of the many palaces visited......

King's Quarters.....

And another....

I'm starting to enjoy photography.....

Seoul Lantern Festival......the amount of people present was unbelievable!
All of these are lanterns....definitely works of art to say the least.... 

Me being silly during some down time....

The President's residence.  On the other side of this mountain is
North Korea.....they tried to invade to assassinate him, but failed.  The security is very heavy.

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On a sad note, Baby Harper, for whom I asked you to pray for, passed away Wednesday.  Thank you for all of your prayers and I ask that you please continue to keep her mother and father in your thoughts and prayers.

...And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him... Romans 8:28

The Shack and.....

I just finished one of the greatest books.....The Shack by WM. Paul Young.  This book is fiction, yet is SO real.  Through Young's words you are able to visualize all that he is talking about and may even be able to relate to some of what Mackenzie (the main character) battles with.  I couldn't help but get teary eyed from time to time as I read about the goodness, grace, and mercy of God that was shown throughout the book.  This book will cause you to do a "self check" and reflect on your own life.  Books that make you do that, in my opinion, are well worth the read!

On a different note, I ask that you please pray for some friends of an old, dear friend of mine from high school.  I believe in the power of prayer and this family needs it during this difficult time.  I don't know my friend's friend, but it doesn't matter.  If you think about it, Jesus healed many that He did not know and whom did not know Him, but that never stopped Him.....

Below is the information regarding my friend's best friend:


Last night my best friend, Sarah, was rushed in for an emergency c-section at just 26 weeks. Harper was born at 9:12 last night in critical condition. Tests have shown extensive bleeding in the brain and doctors have said that she needs a miracle. Please pray for Harper and for Dana and Sarah that the Lord would be close to them in this time. 

Sarah and Dana will be making tough decisions in the next few days, weeks, etc. Please pray for peace, wisdom, and sleep for them.

Harper is a fighter. Please pray for healing, life and a miracle.

From Dana before the test results came back: “Harper just had a brain scan to determine if there is activity. Please pray. She is such a miracle, and we lover her so much. Sarah is doing well. She is very sore, and has only seen Harper last night for a few minutes. Pray for peace as her mother’s heart is breaking…”  

I thank you in advance.....

slm

Goodie, Goodie, Gum Drops!

Goodie.........


As some of you may know (or not know) I am going to go back to the states for my winter vacation.  After the "teachers' meeting", of which I had no idea what was being discussed, I was asked if I had gotten my ticket.  I could have lied and said yes, but I told the truth and responded, "I am in the process of getting it."  Mrs. Young, my co-teacher went on to explain that the dates of my vacation would possibly be changing because of a change in date of the school's English Camp (I will be teaching at the camp).  My mouth dropped....literally.  My face started to get frowned up (kind of like how my dad's gets...lol), and she knew that there was a slight problem.  She asked me to hold on a second.......

During this second all I could do was pray.  I needed to pray not so that I would get the vacation time that I wanted, when I wanted it, but instead I needed to pray that God give me patience when working with Koreans, I asked that He help me with my attitude, and that He continuously help me to practice all 9 fruits of the spirit.

After a second (an hour later), Mrs. Young told me that I would still get my winter vacation and that I could actually leave early and not attend the Closing Ceremony for the school year or the teacher field trip.  (We start our new school year in February).  I told her that I wanted to attend both and that I didn't want them to have to change anything on my behalf.  She smiled and seemed not only pleased, but happy that I (actually) wanted to attend and was willing to push back my leaving to go home.

End result.....my vacation time remains the same.....  

Goodie....


As all of this was happening, I couldn't help but to shoot an email to Ivory and briefly explain to him what was going on.  In his understanding of the situation, he was more calm than I was and offered some reassurance.

Gum Drops....


I received a very nice package today from my mom and dad! I was too excited because I know my mom always puts her "special touch" on whatever she sends.  What did I get?  Oh some much needed items!  My winter coat (which is the greatest by the way, if you have never ordered from Columbia Sportswear, you should really look into doing so...if you live in cold places!), some lemon pepper, a beautiful little black girl figurine, flashlights, and a Christmas Devotional in which my mom was a contributing writer.

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On a different note, as we enter into the month of November and the "season" of Thanksgiving, I challenge all of you to find something new to be thankful for 365 days of the year and not just in the month of November or on Thanksgiving day......I always practice what I preach.......

Pictures from Hiking Namsan Mountain

View from the top! 

My friend Sunette from South Africa and I at the top

At the top of Namsan Mountain....it reads "Namsan"...412.7 km