When You Lose Sight of His Hand, Trust His Heart.

Last Two Weeks With Dandelion Class

2010-08-24T14:44:00.001-07:00

We had a home "party" with one of my special needs kids. Basically, they invite 2-3 other classmates to the special needs student's house to play. Here's Jeong Yoon, Joyce, Emma, Seong Ho, and his twin Jeong Ho.

ahhh crazy kiddos

my precious little Emma... love her so much :)

Jeong Yoon enjoying the swings!

Isn't she sooo cute??

Kay Won reading his book so nicely

Eun Chan on swimming day!

Andrew... oh Andrew. Always in his own world... his swim cap says "Mr. Cool" I love it.

Daniel looks like a pro

all the girls lined up to go swim!

Sarah! I love her suit!

My little Emma... so precious!

Diana, Teacher Sunny, Kelly, and Lina playing with chalk outside

Diana drawing a church

My sweet Lina

June playing in the bubbles

One of Caroline's kiddos, but I love this picture!

One of Erin's babies, but I love love love this pic! Probably one of my favorites I've taken in a long time...

Little Lina playing in the bubbles

my beautiful Kelly playing in the bubbles

Team number 2 boys getting ready to go swimming! From the left, Paul, Andy, June, Joshua, and Jeong Ho

Diana and Daniel reading a book our last day of school

Emma playing a game with her pals

Sarah playing some games

Daniel playing at art center

KayWon is a super star student!

My going away cake for my last day with my kids

Our party my last day

This is my little Paul. He cried my whole last day because he was sad I was leaving. I was so shocked because I didn't even know he liked me haha. This was a rare moment when he wasn't crying.

Lina playing with her bugle like chips

Emma playing with her food

last pictures with my kiddos... Emma, Grace, and Andrew

More pics with my kiddos... June, Lina and Diana.

I already miss them so much! I hope that they are doing well with their new teacher! I will never ever forget you, my Dandelions!

Random Outings with Friends in July

2010-08-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm way, WAY behind on blogging right now. I don't think I've ever gone over a month without updating, but let's just say things have been more than crazy. I'm back in the States for good, but we're going to back up to July to catch up on some things... These are basically our last fun things with Stephanie before she left, but there's some other things mixed in there.

Stephanie wanted to eat at Outback for one of her last meals... which is kind of funny since she was moving back to the States! Here's Steph, Kathy and Me enjoying a yummy lunch!

Cameron, Stephanie, Kathy and Anthony at Outback

After lunch, we went to the Board Game Bang (room), and played games for a while. Obviously Kathy lost here, and I'm not sure why Stephanie was so serious :)

Juan, Stephanie, Kathy, and Anthony... we were playing rummikub

So after the board game bang, we must've been extremely desperate, so we decided to play a game in Homeplus grocery store. We played girls against boys, and each team created a list of items to find in the store for the other team. There was a time limit and whichever team found the most items the fastest were the winners. Unfortunately, the boys dominated because Homeplus does not carry pregnacy tests or pink shoelaces. Who knew.

After the game, we decided to get some Ice Cream. Yum!

Erin and I after a fun day of shopping :)

Stephanie's very last night in Korea :( after dinner we all went out to a coffee shop. Stephanie, Cameron, Kathy , and Juan.

Cameron, Juan, Erik, and Kathy

Pak In, Anthony, Me, and Steph... bye bye Stephanie

One Saturday, Kathy, Erin and I went into Seoul to see a little fun neighborhood that Erin wanted to show us. Here's Kathy and Erin at our first stop, Butterfingers (it's the only place that serves pretty authentic American breakfast)

There was a horse, therefore I made Kathy sit on it for a picture.

We got some yummy, pretty cupcakes...

Kathy got raspberry, and I got chocolate!

Me and Erin... she got a yummy blueberry

It's hard to say goodbye

2010-07-16T07:06:00.001-07:00

I had to say goodbye to my kids today. Thankfully, I was able to tell them that I was leaving. Before, they were just going to send a letter home with them which I thought was shady shady.

Anyway, It was a short day, only until 12. Normally, this would make me very happy, but today I just wanted to savor every giggle, every snuggle, every "Teacher Ashooly," every smile. I found myself just staring at these children and thinking about how beautiful they were and how special God made them. It has been more than a privilege to share my time with these precious children.

My coteacher, Sunny, and I didn't even make it one minute before we were both crying when we told them. She asked me to say some last words to my kids, and I couldn't even get anything out. It's a kind of goodbye I've never had to do before. The one where it's goodbye forever. I think I sputtered out the words "I've loved being your teacher, I'll miss you, and I love you..." but no other words would come. I had two kids that cried the whole rest of the class. One of them was a boy that I often questioned whether or not he even liked me. I guess he was impacted greater than I would've ever known.

My prayer is that they learned something from me. That I represented the love of Christ by loving on them each day.

I'm really going to miss their free spirits and unconditional love. I'm going to miss the way their little hands feel in mine, and the way that they giggle at the silliest things.

I'm also really going to miss my coteacher, Jisun. Like she always says, "we share the same heart for our children"... She has loved on me and taken care of me, encouraged me, and looked past my many mistakes and shortcomings as a teacher. I love her, and will greatly miss her friendship. I hope she will come visit me in Texas soon!

I only have a week and a half left. So much to do, and all I want to do is play with all these wonderful people that I will miss so much! Please pray that I have a VERY productive weekend :)

Mom, Dad, and Amy, see you in Hawaii in 12 days!

Closing A Chapter

2010-07-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

The "Korea" chapter is coming to a close. I feel like it's going to be a part of my life that I look back on one day and think to myself, "did that really happen?"

I really am going to miss this place, but I know it's definitely time for me to go home. Everything about the decision to return to the States feels completely right. I finally feel a peace that has been so unfamiliar to me. These 18 months in the far East have been the hardest times in my short 23 years, but it's through these times that I learned the most. I feel like I've really gotten to know me. The me who exists outside of the identity I found in my college, my friends, and my family. I also figured out the me I don't want to be. The me who is so consumed in a relationship that once was; the me who can't figure out who I am outside this person. The me who never felt like enough. The me who waited for nothing but lies and disappointments. What a feeling to finally let go, and start over.

I am so grateful that the Lord has given me an opportunity to go home and start over.

This is the question I get asked like 19837498723 times a day, so here's the answer:

What are you doing when you get back???

1. Work on getting the photography ministry rolling. I was going to call it "window of hope ministries" but googled it and it's already taken. Hmm. I guess I'll have to keep thinking on that one. Basically, the ultimate goal is to teach full time during the year, and on summer break take trips for the ministry.
2. Get certified to teach in the State of Tejas. (Who knew this would cost a whopping $5000... EEK! I guess that's what I saved in Korea for!) It's a 6 month program, and I am wanting to get the early childhood general certification, and I'm going to go ahead and get my ESL certification while I'm at it since that's what I'm experienced in. Hey, what's another 2 tests right?
3. Hopefully get a teaching aide position somewhere near Keller. My resume, letter of interest, and letters of recommendation have been sent out to about 50 Elementary schools in Keller ISD, Carroll ISD, and HEBISD. Please pray that I get a job! It would be really awesome if I could get one in a preK class, but I'll take what I can get gratefully!
4. Revisit Spanish. Who knew that these days half the teaching jobs in the metroplex require you to be billingual??? Plus, you get paid more if you know Spanish. I gotta get crackin on those verbs!

That's the plan right now, professionally. Personally, the plan is to get lots of sun at the lake, bake and cook all the things I've desperately wanted to make here but couldn't, spend lots of time with my grandparents, love on my dear friends and family, get involved at IBC again, and repair the relationships that might've suffered while I've been away these past 18 months.

God is so good for getting me through all of this and giving me a fresh start. I can't wait to join all of you back in America in about 3 weeks!

16 days until I'm in Hawaii with my dear family :)

Goodness I started packing the stuff I hadn't packed yet, and it's going to be rather nightmarish trying to get it all home. Looks like I'm just going to have to buy a new wardrobe when I get home. Sounds terrible! haha.

Enjoy your week, and try not to miss me too much.

If you're bored here's a song by my fav Korean pop, girl group 2ne1....CLICK HERE

Also, this is probably my favorite Korean pop artist, Taeyang (member of Big Bang) he's super talented and oh so sexy... haha... CLICK HERE

Random Picture Update

2010-07-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

So these are all out of order, and really random, but I wanted to put them up!

These pictures are from Stephanie's "official" going away dinner, even though I think we had about 8 going away meals! haha.

At a really yummy coffee shop near Suwon Station where we ate Potbingsu! From the front left: Juan, me, Stephanie, Amanda, Kathy, Cameron, and Pak In

One more time in the coffee shop. From the left: Juan, me, Stephanie, Amanda, kathy, Cameron, and Anthony

Me and Stevie on her last Friday in Korea :( So glad we will be together again in Keller!

The next pics are from Alyssia's going away party earlier in the month... a little late :)

All of us at dinner... there are way too many people to list off everyone!

Don't worry, I wasn't seriously trying to pose like this... I was imitating some ridiculous pose Koreans use sometimes.

Me and Steph at Mr. Pizza

Next we went to Karaoke with the whole crowd... apparently she liked what Anthony was doing!

Alyssia on the stage doin her thing

everyone doing the macarena! hahaha

Kathy (and Stephanie in the background) singing something awesome I'm sure

Next, me and Stephanie went on a picnic in the park and reading! Such a WONDERFULLY PERFECT day!

Ready Whip is close to $16 here. Who would pay that much for whipped cream in a can???

The last pictures are from the last World Cup Game that Korea played in. Such a good game, but sadly they lost. We had quite the little party.

Kathy making rice crispy treats! Yum!

Juan, Anthony, and Tony decked out in their red waiting for the game to start.

I don't know what was happening here ?

Tony and Tony were matchy matchy in their couple shirts! haha

Me and Juan waiting for the game to start!

Lastly, I was riding a school bus last week, and look out my window, and see Jared Lyons on the side of a bus! hahahah. I was dying laughing... so random. I guess they took it when he was in Korea about 3 years ago.

Well even my parents stopped commenting these days, so I don't know who reads this, but if you are, have a wonderful week! 3 weeks from today I'll be on my way outta here! AH!

Zoo Field Trip and Bazaar

2010-07-04T07:15:00.001-07:00

So these are a little late... they both were sometime in Early June. Oops. I kind of forgot about these pictures, so here they are better late than never.

The first group is from our Zoo field trip at Everland. It was sad because it rained the WHOLE time we were there. Nothing like going to the zoo in the rain. Luckily they provided us all with awesome ponchos!

This is Daniel... one of my favorite little babies :)

Jemin and Sarah waiting to go in... staying (kind of) dry.

All our kiddos lined up to go in. It was next to impossible to tell which kids were mine and which belonged to another teacher... pure craziness!

Ian, Paul and David

Andy and Emma... Emma is sooo cute.

On the safari! It was super cool. There were Lions, Tigers and Bears (oh my!) and giraffles, elephants, and Emus I think. The bears came up to the drivers window and ate. Very neat!

Jeong Yoon on the bus safari ride

Joyce visiting the monkeys

Youna and Joyce in the monkey house

Grace with the fishies.

Paul... such a good looking kid and so smart. love him!

Andrew... he's always in "Andrew world" I wish I knew what was going on in his head. Apparently he's extremely smart. Like almost genius level. He can read full sentences in English while the rest of the kids are still working on letter recognition... whoa.

David and Ian at the fish tank.

This is a really random picture, but Amy sent me some things to make hair accessories, so I was just trying it out. These are the first 2 (and only 2 *^^* that I've made so far! haha)

The next pictures are from our school Bazaar. This was probably one of the coolest things CCA does. Mostly it's cool because it's a school day that we don't have to teach :)

Basically all the classes (every homeroom has a class name... mine is Dandelion class) have mom's that volunteer to think of a product to sell. Some fun ones were CCA umbrellas, swimsuits (most of the kids take swim class), hair bows, CCA safari hats, plants... basically all kinds of things! On the day of the bazaar, every class sets up their booths and sells their products. The profits go to help the school. For this year it was to remodle the gym, which definitely needs to be done, by the way. All the teachers are also in charge of working at certain things. Kindergarten was in charge of the Cambodia booth, where people could give money for missions.

Here's Caroline all dressed up for working at the booth...

While I wasn't working the booth, we were allowed to play and buy stuff. I was enjoying some pineapple on a stick here...yummy. Oh, and aren't these pastel orange polos fantastic?? I'm going to be wearing it all the time back at home for sure :)

Erin enjoying something Korean and noodly... haha

Part of the bazaar... it was super packed out!

I saw some of my kiddos (all CCA students are required to attend the bazaar at some point) while I was working the booth! Jemin is on my left, and Paul on my right.

Me and my Joyce... she had just visited the hair curling booth :)

Carolina, Me and Erin... love them!

Cassia, Halley, and Erin working our Cambodia booth.

Me and my Jeong Yoon... she was clearly happy to see me

Cameron came by the bazaar just in time to nail Ken in the face with a sponge at his booth. I'm not sad I didn't get to work this booth!

Well, that's all for this update. I should probably go to bed or something... No school tomorrow! Yippee! I can't wait.

It was weird, I posted my moving sale on facebook today, and it's making it feel more real that I'm leaving :/ I'm not sad, it's just a weird feeling to be closing this chapter....

I'll write again soon. Have a great week! 24 days left in Korea!

2010-06-25T08:36:00.001-07:00

So I know it's been so long since I've written. ALOT has happened, but not much I can talk about on here... for now at least.

The past 2 weeks have been SOOOOO busy. I feel like I haven't had a single second to catch my breath! I am definitely grateful to be home with nothing pressing for the rest of the weekend. Hopefully I'll be productive in some things... like, I have been sleeping on top of my comforter the past week because I've been too lazy to put my sheets back on! haha. Maybe I shouldn't admit that??

Last night I hosted our first ever English worship night at CCA. You could say it was a failure because 2 people from CCA showed up (but thanks to the DBU people and friends it was more like 10 people), but I think it was definitely a success because it was such a great time of renewal that I think we all needed during the stressful, busy week it's been. Kathy played guitar and led, I played piano (not well, might I add), and Daniel was AMAZING on violin. It's really fun to play with such talented people! Also, our friend Moses from DBU is here visiting his family for 3 weeks, so it was really nice to catch up with him last night as well!

My kids have been funny these past couple weeks. I should've been writing down their funny quotes.... I can only remember one: Me: "Hae Won, are you a puppy?" HaeWon: "No teacher, I'm a baby dog." I love it. Today we talked about land pollution (I know, right?? kindergarten EFL classes.... of course you should cover pollution) Anyway, our activity was picking up trash around school. I put them into groups and kind of made it a contest to see who could fill their trash bags the fastest... oh man were they excited. I've never seen anyone so excited about picking up trash, but they were running around like crazy kiddos. So, if you have small children and want to keep them occupied, maybe it might do the trick for yours too!

I don't really have anything cool to say, but it's been a long time since I've updated...oops.

Can't wait to be home :)

Let Go. Let God

2010-06-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

So I'm finally ready. Really.

I've been afraid for a long time. I thought, if I let go, I'm going to be alone. I cried for a long time, wondering what my life would be like without the thing that I hold most dear.

It's time though. Time to let go.

It's time to realize that God is still filling every one of my needs, no matter what I think is missing.

I can no longer rely on the thing I was holding on to, but understand that God's love will take care of all that I can't accomplish.

I had to ask... where in my life am I holding back from fully responding to God? What's hindering me from hearing His voice? I asked God, but I already knew the answer.

God was saying, "Don't let your fear of letting go keep you from responding to my call. Come with me, let's start our journey. You will learn that I can be trusted."

So yeah. It's time.

"As children bring their broken toys
with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God,
because He was my friend.
But then, instead of leaving Him,
in peace, to work alone;
I hung around and tried to help,
with ways that were my own.
At last, I snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?" "My child," He said,
"What could I do? You never did let go.""

Mini vaca in Seoul

2010-06-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

So the weekend of May 21st we had a 3 day weekend (in honor of Buddha's birthday...haha), so week took a little mini vacation to the Hapjeong area of Seoul. We stayed in a hostel style house (my first time)... it was interesting! The first night was Anthony, Kathy, Stephanie, and myself, and then Cameron joined us for the second night. It was a really great little vacation!

Day one:

At Suwon Station waiting for the train to Seoul Station

Tones and Stephanie

They said I looked like I was going hiking. Fine. Maybe I did.

Our lovely room... bed number one... notice you can see anthony in the mirror. Totally not planned, just creepy.

The other two beds...

Before we started our adventure, we decided we needed to stop for Potbingsu. You can never go wrong there!

Oh Kathy and Anthony... they can't take normal pictures really.

walking around the Hapjeong neighborhood area...

Praha Castle... don't worry, it's just a bar.

On our way to Seonyu Island.

View of the Han river from the brige to the island...

me, Kathy, and Stevie on the bridge

This is called the rainbow bridge. Apparently it was a grift from France.

In the gardens at Seonyu Island.

Kathy making a scene... haha

woohoo for timer shots!

remember what I said about them taking normal pictures?

to this day, we're still unsure as to what this girl was doing?? But it looked like a photo op to us!

looking out over the river

almost normal picture in front of the cool graffiti wall.

this picture is lame. I'm aware.

Heading out of Seonyu Island

Next, we headed to the trendy Shinchon area of Seoul. This is a puzzle cafe! So fun! If you order a drink, you can do puzzles for free. You can also choose to buy bigger/harder puzzles and work on them, leave them, and come back however many times to finish them. Such a fun idea.

We had a race between Anthony/Steph and me/kathy to see who could finish the small puzzle the fastest. Let's just say Kathy and I dominated. Woop!

Day 2:

Day 2, we headed out to Namdemun market. It was HUGE and crazy. I can't believe we had never been there before. So fun though, I definitely want to go back.

Anthony would have the urge to put on a creepy pig mask.

I don't think this one really needs words! haha.

After Namdemun, we met up with Cameron at Seoul station and headed back to the hostel.

Anthony, myeslf, and Cameron waiting for the subway

the girlies

sadly, it rained on us for the rest of the day...

Next, we went to have dinner at an Itallian? (I can't really remember) place.

Yes, we went to the dog cafe. They had never been and it was right by our hostel, so I took one for the team and went with them :)

wolf dog! He wasn't there when I went... most of the dogs were different actually then when I went before with Lauren. Interesting... they must rotate them out, which makes sense or it would probably be really bad for them..

Anthony is expecting.

We were all wearing fun socks, so it merrited a photo... guess which feet belong to each person?

Day 3:

In front of Kim's Guesthouse... our hostel for the weekend.

We went to Yeoido Full Gospel church. It's apparently the largest church in the world. As of 2007, there were around 870,000 members. It was crazy. They had translation in like 8 languages. It was huge and crowded.

On our way back to catch the train :(

Last picture of the trip on the train home. Good thing I got you to buy that awesome purple shirt, right Cameron?

So I finished a great book today if anyone is looking for an easy, really good read... it's called Embrace Me and it's by Lisa Samson.

It was a fun weekend filled with lots of girl time that I desperately needed. I'm definitely starting to get really homesick... it's been over 4 months since I've seen my family. I'm more than ready for Summer break to come!

Also, in case anyone didn't hear yet, I have to say CONGRATULATIONS to my BFF Amanda who got engaged a couple weeks ago! YAYYYYY! Congrats Amanda and Mike! They're getting married December 19th in Arlington!

Have a wonderful week!

Botanical Gardens field trip

2010-06-04T07:22:00.001-07:00

We went to the Seoul Botanical Gardens in May.... here's a few snipets from the fun field trip :)

Aren't they the cutest?? My babies really are the best!

missing.

2010-05-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

far away life in a bubble

missing so much, missing so much

go through the motions to get through each day

missing so much, missing so much

feeling one far step behind

is it too much? is it too much?

watching life pass by without me in it

is it too much? is it too much?

all of the colors are fading to grey

wasting away, wasting away

precious time slips through my fingers

wasting away, wasting away

chasing dreams that weren't meant to be

why can't I see? why can't I see?

blinded by doubt and my selfish pride

why can't I see? why can't I see?

desperately searching for peace and renewal

needed so much, needed so much

hands of grace please reach out to me

needed so much, needed so much

Direction.

2010-05-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

So, tonight at Bible study, a close friend of mine said this:

"I want to be used by God in the way He made me."

It really got me thinking. Alot. You know, we're all created so uniquely and individually... each with our own spiritual gifts. I feel like I haven't quite figured what mine are exactly. I know what people say I'm good at, and maybe what I'm "supposed" to be doing, but I haven't felt that direct calling from the Lord. I keep saying, "Lord! Lord! I'm waiting and willing! Please use me!" but I'm stuck in that in between, not really knowing what's next, and not really knowing where to go from here. Like my friend, I desperately want to be used by God, and I want it to be in the way He intricately designed me to be used! I guess for now I'm patiently waiting for that moment when God decides to fill me in, and the one thing I know for sure is I want to be able to say, "I'm ready!"

I want to share this exerpt from my quiet time tonight as well:

"The good will or plan of God is precisely what Jesus clung to as he endured persecution and faced the brutal reality of the cross...God was reconciling the world to himself through the ageless plan of redemtion. The same Father has crafted a noble plan for you. It may cover some perplexing terrain, but it is the best possible plan you could conceive, perfectly designed by a loving God. He promises you eternal and abundant life (John 10:10), a life so rich and rewarding that it exceeds your wildest anticipation. All he asks is that you turst him moment by moment to execute his purposes while resisting feelings of despondency and despair. The Hold Spirit will renew your mind with the encouraging power of Scripture, and you will progressively come to know and experience the good, acceptable, and pleasant will of God--His best for you." -Charles Stanley A Touch of His Goodness

Lovely times with Lolly

2010-05-23T00:52:00.001-07:00

So I know I'm really late in posting this, but here's the pictures from when Lauren visited!

Lauren's first night in Korea... eating Pork Kalbi for dinner! Yummy!

Steph, Caroline, Me, and Lauren... so fun!

Day #2... out on the town. Daniel, Cameron, Juan, Stephanie, Me, Lauren and Kathy. I call this party street because I don't know what it's really called

Liiiiiiiittle bunnies in liiiiiiiiiiittle t-shirts

Eating dinner... Samgyupsal at Bulzip... so good! My favorite. Cameron and Daniel- we had to waste some time while we waited for people, so we played cards.

BESTIES!

We tried to get waffles, but the place was too crowded! We went for Potbingsu instead. YUM!

One more time minus Juan+ Me

Day 3! Waiting for the train to Seoul!

Lauren enjoying her first train ride!

We made it to Seoul Station

We stayed at Ibis Hotel, Myeongdong! SOOOO wonderful! The location was absolutely ideal!

NO FORGET THEM!

Waiting in the ridiculously long line to go up to Namsan (N. Seoul) Tower.

Posing like the cute little Korean that she is deep down.

I was trying to run away from all the pushy people! Goodness! We were going crazy!

On our way down the mountain...

We were making fun of someone we saw take this picture I think...

Lauren with all the Love Locks!

Me with the thousands and thousands of locks!

Day #4: Dog cafe. On our way we decided to have Potbingsu... I of course got it on me....

We needed to waste a couple of hours before the Dog cafe opened, so we toured Yonsei University. It's one of the top schools in Korea.

It's very ivy league...really beautiful campus

DOG CAFE: so... a dog cafe. What is it? you might ask. Well, no, you don't eat dogs there. You play with them. Lots of them. They run around the tables and sit on you and everywhere else. Pure craziness. I definitely went so Lauren could have the experience... not because I wanted to! This dog's name was Annie.

Surrounded by doggies. She loved her life.

I, however, did not... totally freaked me out at first.

Then, I decided I liked them. This fluffy husky was awesome.

The end of our dog cafe day...

Day 5: Gyeongbukgong Palace.

notice we're behind the ropes... it was the only way we could get a shot using my timer :)

Then a nice man took our picture :)

Day 6: Shopping day and Olympic Park Day... Potbingsu... again.

Another lame timer picture at Olympic Park

Where the 1988 Summer Olympics was held!!

Woohoo! It's such a cool place!

So fun!

That night, Cameron came to meet us for dinner... so nice of him!

The last night :(

So, there's a lot more pictures, but I hope you enjoyed the hilights! It was definitely a really great time! I'm so grateful she was here! So refreshing!

Ok, time for bed soon... I hate Mondays! I'll post ASAP about my wonderful weekend getaway!

50 Things I Love

2010-05-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

So my dad turned 50 on May 13th, so I decided I needed to make a 50 Things I Love About My Dad list (sorry it's a little late)...also, alot of these apply to you too Mom so don't feel left out :) haha

1. He taught me how to love the Lord.
2. He works with integrity.
3. He loves my mom.
4. Recently at Christmas he's been getting us only from Dad gifts... this year we all got Pumas, last year we all got Vans, the year before, I think we got books... so fun.
5. He has 2 small bowls of ice cream every night, rather than just eating one bigger bowl.
6. He sacrificed for me to go to the college of my choice.
7. He doesn't play card games that don't require thinking.
8. When we were little up until probably middle school, he would make our beds on Sundays. Every now and then on a Sunday morning I'll get out of the shower to find my bed made.
9. He researches everything so thoroughly before making a purchase.
10. He always had time for us.
11. He never missed a dance recital, choir concert, or church performance.
12. He always encouraged me in the things I was passionate about... playing keyboard, dancing, photography... the list could go on
13. My first car he got me was a Porsche. Unfortunately it didn't last until I turned 16. I think I was just his excuse to buy one :)
14. I've always known he's proud of me.
15. Sometimes he would let me get away with things mom wouldn't...
16. He let us have a dalmation after we watched 101 Dalmations and we even got to name her Penny.
17. He works really hard, but never let it affect our home life.
18. He was the best small group leader at Student Life Camp, and was always passionate about the youth he taught in Sunday School.
19. He's never too hard to please. I never feel inadequate.
20. He bought me my first camera, essentially instilling in me one of my great passions.
21. He's always encouraged me to see the world.
22. He is SO good with kids. So much fun to be around.
23. We have the bond of pickiness with food.
24. He's ok with just sitting on the couch at night and watching our family TV shows.
25. He loves to read, so I love to read.
26. If he ever gets mad, it is for about 2 seconds, and then he speaks reasonably.
27. He takes the time to read my blogs and comment on them :)
28. He takes us on trips.
29. In college, he sent little surprises in the mail to let me know he was thinking of me.
30. He's always willing to teach me.
31. He can't sit still to save his life! Always going going going, just like Big Daddy.
32. He loves to talk about whatever he's passionate about.
33. He can fix anything.
34. He can build anything. Really.
35. He never gives up when it gets diffucult.
36. He's a good friend.
37. He plays games with us, even if there's a game on he wants to watch.
38. He takes us to Baseball games.
39. He loves Mexican food, just like me.
40. He respects my mom.
41. He goes out of his way to help people.
42. He never lets me get left behind.
43. He taught me how to wakeboard.
44. Any time he heard me talking bad about my friends, he would tell me not to.
45. He taught me how to pray.
46. He lets me be who I wanted to be.
47. He's always patient with me.
48. He learned to skateboard once! haha
49. He taught me how to love others.
50. HE LOVES ME!

The End. Happy 50th, Daddy! I love you and wish I could've been there to celebrate with you!

Parent's Love...

2010-05-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

So I know it's been abnormally long since I've written, but let's just say I've been a little busy lately. Whew... May is FLYING! But I can't say I'm complaining right now...only 77 more days until I see my family! I'm definitely counting down to that day!

I wanted to share a story of an encounter that Lauren and I had last week while she was visiting (which was amazing, btw... more on that later).

On Saturday, Lauren and I decided to venture out to Olympic Park where the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics were held. It's a really cool place, and it was so fun to think about all of the world coming together in the very spot we were walking. So after we walked a while, I decided it was time to introduce Lauren to the ice cream waffle that Korea so proudly boasts. Conveniently, there was a restaurant in the park, so we were able to sit outside and enjoy the absolutely beautiful weather we were having that day.

So we're just sitting enjoying our waffle when an old man begins to approach us. I thought to myself, "oh no, here we go again... another crazy wanting to speak English." He began talking to us casually, introducing himself as Mr. Seong. I was a little bit startled at first because he was just going on and on about how beautiful we were and how he couldn't believe we didn't have boyfriends or weren't married. But then, the conversation shifted from something light and weird/funny, to something more serious. He started to explain that Saturday was Parent's Day. He asked us about our families, and wondered why I would be so willing to leave my family behind. He then began talking about his own 4 children, especially his youngest daughter who lived so close, but never came to visit. "Do you know how much your parents love you?? Don't you know that they love you more than anything?? How could you leave them so easily??" He kept saying over and over. Tears came to his eyes as he explained how we could never understand the love our parents have for us. This little old man just broke our hearts right there. The saddest part, is we knew it was true as he was walking through the park alone on Parent's Day, his children unaware of how much he wanted just a little bit of their time....

I'm grateful for this chat I so randomly encountered with this man. I'm so thankful for the reminder of my parent's love, and the sacrifices they've made for me.

Happy (belated) Parent's Day, Mom and Dad... you are 2 very, very special people. Thank you for loving me more than I can know or understand :)

Kinder Teachers Outing

2010-05-01T20:35:00.001-07:00

So a couple weeks ago (I'm sort of going backwards here) all the kindergarten teachers went out to dinner, then came to my apt for dessert and coffee/tea. Catharine, myself, and Caroline eating dinner...

Dinner... first we had Samgyupsal (pork), and then they take all your left over veggies, chop it all up and turn it into fried rice on your grill. It was surprisingly very yummy!

Rachel and Angie

Sungyeom and Erin (Sungyeom is getting married in 3 weeks!)

The whole group at my casa for dessert and drinks!

The whole group this time with Erin

Well, all I can say is LAUREN GETS HERE TOMORROW! I can't believe that this time tomorrow I'll be sitting in the same room with her! I absolutely cannot wait!!!! I have a lot of cleaning and prepping to do though :)

Have a wonderful week! I'll try to post updates of Lauren and I's adventures while she's here!

Perfect Day!

2010-04-25T03:22:00.000-07:00

waiting for our train to Seoul station... we were on our way to Yoinaru Stn to go to Hangang Park!

the boys waiting for the train...

we found a cool sculpture? on a detour we took.

Kathy, me, Steph, and Daniel... a jumping picture of perfection

renting our bikes!!! Yay!

It's always been me and steph's dream to ride a two person bike! It really is the funnest! You're never alone! haha. So much fun!

Stopping to enjoy our picnic of sandwiches, fruit, and chips!

Eating right on the water of the Han River! So beautiful!

boats...

Kathy and Steph were spinning in excitement

Kathy got the cutest red bike ever... too bad it was rather difficult to ride

Anthony and Daniel got boy bikes.

Daniel decided to give the two seater a try

Cherry Blossoms!!! So wonderful!

Beautiful ladies with beautiful flowers :)

I really have no idea what this means?

Stephanie and Kathy rockin the two seater

We found a park on our bike ride and decided it was the perfect place to stop and have some fun!

Anthony and Stephanie jumping..

Kathy and Daniel's jumps

Grassy area full of... wait... what are these called again?

Me and Stephy

On our way back to the subway station! What a PERFECT PERFECT day!!! Definitely my favorite in Korea thus far!

Plugged.

2010-04-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

So I decided to accept the embarrassment that is sure to come with this story, solely for your amusement.

This morning was like every other morning. Hear the alarm. Push the snooze. Push the snooze again. Push the snooze one more time. Still sleep for 5 more minutes without the snooze, and end up sleeping 10 minutes. Look at the clock and realize I have 20 minutes before I need to be leaving the house. Literally jump out of bed frantically and run to the bathroom. Brush teeth. Contacts. Choose hair accessory. But wait. My ears feel like they need cleaning. Do I have time? No. Do I make time? Yes. Do I regret this decision? Yes.

In goes the qtip, out comes the qtip. I look down, and something strange has happened. The qtip no longer has the cotton. Oh my goodness it's in my ear. What do I do? Like any other person (or is it just me?), I immediately start freaking out thinking that it's going to be stuck in there for life. I try everything... fingers... tweazers... nothing. By this point I have 5 minutes to do my makeup, get dressed and run to the bus stop. I try to forget that there's a piece of cotton stuck in my ear, but it's a little difficult to forget something like that.

I get to school and debate quietly in my head whether or not I should tell anyone this story. But it was too ridiculous of a story to resist. I tell Caroline, and she immediately starts freaking out and tells me I need to quickly go see the school nurse. Of course, I make her come with me.

I feel like a child who has stuffed a marble into my ear as I step into the nurses office, afraid to tell her my story. With the help of my favorite translator, the nurse chuckles and she reaches for her ear checker, for lack of better words. She peers into my ear, and chuckles some more. There's nothing in there she says. But just in case, she lets Caroline look into my ear to see if she sees anything. "Nothing but wax," she says. The nurse explains that it probably came out or was never stuck in there in the first place, and that the pressure I feel is probably psycological. At this point, I feel like the lamest, most ridiculous 23 year old on the planet.

I go through the rest of my day, as normal as possible, trying to forget that I might be imagining something stuck in my ear. Lucky for me, today just happened to be a super long day filled with meetings, a bridal shower, and a practice. By the end of all this, somewhere around 5:30, my ear starts pulsing a little bit. I feel a lot of pressure, and I'm certain that I can't be imagining it. I tell my trusty coworker, Carolina, and once more, she tells me this is an emergency and I should high tail it to the nearest doctor.

I heed her advice, and quickly rush over to my neighborhood ear, nose, and throat doctor. As I sit patiently in the waiting room, my anxiety continues to build as I try to come up with a reasonable story for why there is something stuck in my ear. I conclude that honestly truly is the best policy, and come clean of the morning's happenings. For the second time that day, I am laughed at by a medical professional. He looks in my ear, chuckles some more, and shoves something practically into my brains (or so it felt like it). Suddenly, my hearing, which I didn't realize was suffering, magically reappered. On the tip of his prober was the small, fluffly, round, cotton that made it's home in my ear canal for the day.

Moral of the story: Never trust a Korean Qtip.

The End

INTRODUCING: DANDELION CLASS 2010

2010-04-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

Aren't my kiddies just so precious?? I love them all dearly :) Have a wonderful week!

Picture update

2010-04-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures from my birthday party last week....

Lucky me, I got to wear this huge bow while they sang to me

The Friday's staff singing to me...

all the peeps

Happy birthday to me!

With Tony and Steph

Anthony and Ken came!

Kathy and Daniel too!

and me and Juan... he's so fun

And then... the next night my coworkers took me out :)

Carolina and Erin

Krista and I... not coworkers anymore, but still are at heart :)

I'll post again this weekend... I have SO many pictures to put up... but generally speaking I have no life on the weekends, so I should have ample opportunities to update. Miss you all... GLEE tomorrow! AND Lauren comes in 18 days!!! YAY!

All We'd Ever Need

2010-04-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

Listen HERE

Boy it's been all this time
And I can't get you off my mind
And nobody knows it but me

I stare at your photograph
Still sleep in the shirt you left
And nobody knows it but me

Everyday I wipe my tears away
So many nights I've prayed for you to say

[Chorus]
I should've been chasing you
I should've been trying to prove
That you were all that mattered to me
I should've said all the things that I kept inside of me
And maybe I could've made you believe
That what we had was all we'd ever need

My friends think I'm moving on
But the truth is I'm not that strong
And nobody knows it but me

And I've kept all the words you said
In a box underneath my bed
And nobody knows it but me

But if you're happy I'll get through somehow
But the truth is that I've been screaming out

I should've been chasing you
You should've been trying to prove
That you were all that mattered to me
Oh you should've said all the things
That I kept inside of me
And maybe you could've made me believe
That what we had girl
Oh that what we had, what we had
It was all we'd ever need

It was all we'd ever need

Happy Birthday to Me

2010-04-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139:13-18 (New Living Translation)
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I’ve born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, Oh God.
They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up in the morning,
you are still with me!

So, I thought in celebration of my 23 years of life, I would write a list (I know, I just wrote one) of the things I hope for the next year:

~I hope that I will learn a lot as a teacher at CCA and work hard to improve every day
~I hope that I will have a close relationship with my kiddos by the time this year is finished
~I hope that the relationships that I have will continue to grow deeper
~I hope that God will be merciful in my shortcomings
~I hope that God will continue to break my heart for the nations
~I hope that I will continue to grow and mature through the Word of God
~I hope that my best friends will have jobs they love and are passionate about
~I hope that I can have an even deeper relationship with my family members
~I hope that the Lord gives me direction for post-Korea
~I hope that I can find a church that I really can grow in and feel a part of
~and most importantly, I hope that God will be gracious in providing me a husband! *^^*
~and even more importantly, I pray that I will live a life worthy of the calling I have received!

The End. Here's to 23 wonderful years.

From then...

me and the big sis :)

To now...

Top Ten

2010-04-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

Top ten things I miss most right now:

1. Being at the lake with my parents.
2. Hanging out at my sister and brother's house and "doing nothing" (according to mom haha).
3. Being able to talk to people in the same time zone.
4. Hearing my best friend's voices whenever I want.
5. Going to church as a family.
6. Being able to wear sun dresses this time of year in Texas.
7. Diet Dr. Pepper.
8. Going shopping with my mom and sister.
9. A dryer... my clothes are so crusty this morning as I picked them up after drying on my floor...
10. HOME.

The Day That True Love Died

2010-04-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

So I watched The Passion of the Christ tonight. I only saw it once when it came out the first time in theaters. It's not exactly the light-hearted Friday night flick. I'm really glad I watched it though. I definitely needed this reminder that was just so real. When you read about the crucifixion in the Bible it's like 3 lines. This is a 2 hour graphic reminder of the great sacrifice that was made for us. Yes, broken me. Amazing grace. I wish I was home with my family on this holiday, but I'll be ok...

Isaiah 53:5 ~"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Song for today:
Phil Wickham~ True Love (Listen HERE)
Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave His only Son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers Broken Heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died

Search your heart you know you can't deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave His only Son just to save us

The Earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt The Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died

Now, Jesus is alive

Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Oh, He is alive
He rose again

When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died

Come close listen to the story

Trip To Seoul!

2010-03-28T00:48:00.001-07:00

So yesterday, Erin, Steph and I went into Seoul. It started out with a horrible bus ride complete with being filled to well over maximum capacity, and then the heater on so high everyone was sweating. It was horrible. But, everything got better when we reached our first stop, Dos Tacos.

My very tasty burrito. YUMMM. Yes, I'm sure you're wondering where the veggies are... but this was so perfect to me!

Me and Steph outside the Kyobo building.

Erin and I. I just really liked this art piece behind us!

Next stop, 신세계 Shinsegae. This is basically just a huge department store... 10 floors of every designer for women, men, and kids you could think of. It was really beautiful. I randomly got a $40 gift card to here, so it was the whole reason for the visit to Seoul. Since everything in there costs a fortune, I ended up spending it on a super cute Coach purse scarf for my black Coach bag. It's pink polka dots and it makes my purse so much more fun. Love it! Plus, it was like half free from the annonymous gift card sender...even better.

Next stop, 명동 Myeongdong. We went to Forever 21 and I bought my birthday outfit. So fun.

Then of course, we had to hit up Krispy Kreme. YUMMM!

Erin also decided to try some street food...

This is so cute/strange. It's called egg bread and it's like half bread/half egg. Eggs are not my favorite, so I didn't try it :)

And finally, the train home. I had to get back by 7 to meet up with Cameron, so our night was cut a little bit short. Such a fun day though!

Me and Steph on the train... SO much better than the disgustingly hot and horribly crowded bus. Thank goodness.

I hope you have a great week! Just gotta get through this week, and then two short weeks in a row!!! Thank you home visitations and field trips! Woohoo! Now I'm going to buy my sister some cool stuff to go in her package!

Song for today:
One Of It By Milow (Listen HERE)

you came over
like a midnight appetite
nobody believes me now

i ran across and
saw thousand people on my way,
on my way, on my way out

one of it, two of it
one of it, we'll make the most of it
you'll love it
one of it, two of it
one of it, we'll make the most of it
you'll love it

you left me out there
in the early morning rain
why would you believe me now
I'm only trying
to protect my point of view
I want you to let me in

Blizzard

2010-03-24T04:20:00.001-07:00

So we randomly had a blizzard on Monday. Not really a blizzard, but more snow falling at once than I've ever seen... that's not saying much I guess, since I'm a Texas gal. Enjoy the pics!

You can barely see the snow behind them, but this is some of my kiddos

We decided it was more beneficial to let them play in the snow then to have English class... I thought so too :)

We were both super excited!

They were trying to catch snow in the umbrella bags! haha Oh, kids.

The snow flakes were huge. Like bigger than a quarter... amazingly beautiful!

I had a pile in my hair afterwords

It was so pretty! The view from my classroom.. I love our big windows!

After school... on our way to dinner... little did I know that this small trip would bring back my sickness.. BLEH

We thoroughly enjoyed all the snow~

Oh, and the big announcement! LAUREN SIMON, aka bff, IS COMING TO KOREA MAY 2-10!!! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. That's only 39 days away! Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! I need this visit so badly right now. This week is going by super fast, so I'm so grateful! I'm sure April is just going to fly by too! My birthday is 2 weeks from today... be thinking about what you're going to send me ;) haha.

I have nothing else cool to say. Enjoy the rest of your week! Love you all!

Song For Today:
Your Love is Extravagant~ Casting Crowns
I heard this song on my way home from work. Every time I hear it, it just clams down my heart and is so refreshing. The lyrics and melody are so simple. I'm so grateful for His extravagant love.... (Listen HERE)

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant

Chorus:
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Your love is extravagant

Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate

No news

2010-03-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

So I really wanted to update because my last entry was so depressing, but I have nothing cool to talk about. There is something really exciting happening, but it isn't final yet, so I can't talk about it today. When it's for real, I will definitely write about it.

Basically I spent the whole weekend locked up in my apt. I went home sick Friday at about 2pm from school because I felt like I was dying. My throat hurt worse than it has in my whole life probably, and I felt very feverish. I was definitely a lousy teacher on Friday. I hid in the Lego corner during play time so that I could just rest and look like I was playing! haha. I asked to go home at lunch time, but my principal insisted that I teach my phonics lesson before I went home (even though at this point I could barely speak, mind you). Such is life in Korea... there's no such thing as calling in sick or taking a day off. Anyways, at 2pm I bolted as fast as I could out of there and went straight to the ear, nose, and throat doctor. After a very uncomfortable check up of prodding in and out of my nose and throat, he said I had tonsillitis, and another "itis" I couldn't understand through the broken English. I got pills for about 5 days, and a gargle.

After doing nothing but rest, watch movies, and read for the whole weekend I am happy to say I am feeling much better. Definitely not 100% (I still can't talk very well), but I think I'll be fine to go to school on monday... not that I have a choice.

I hope everyone had as cool a weekend as me... be jealous.

Maybe I'll have something cool to talk about next time. Sorry for tricking you into wasting your time by reading this.

Here's a song for today:
"Running" By: Kari Jobe and Klaus (Listen to it HERE)

I hear the voice

It’s the voice of the One I love

He’s callin my name

I hear the voice

The voice of the One I love,

Hes callin my name

Hes sayin…

"Come up higher

I hear the angels sing

Come up higher, my beloved

Come up higher and leave this world behind

I find you to be beautiful"

I am running, running after You

Youve become my soul’s delight

I am running, running after You

Here with You I find my life.

There Must Be More Than This... Oh Breath of God Come Breathe Within

2010-03-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not even sure what I want to write about right now. All I know, is I'm going through a lot. I've been having an extremely rough time here in Korea this year, and every day I think that I made the wrong choice to stay one more year.

I've become a bit of a shut-in these past 3 weeks or so. After working 11 hours pretty much every day (8-7 with no breaks is the new norm), life has become mundane, exhausting, and full of anxiety. Basically, my work has spewed into every part of my life, and there is pretty much no separation between inside/outside my workplace. I don't have time for anything, and when I do have time, I'm too exhausted to do the things I love. I've spent my life promising myself that I would never be that person who let their job be who they are. I'm becoming my own worst nightmare. I spend everyday counting down the days to Saturday... my one day of freedom. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?? Not that I can see right now.

I don't write this so that anyone will worry, or feel for me. But, if you think about it, please pray for all of us here in CCA kindergarten. I'm not the only one having a really hard time for sure. Pray for peace, for unity, for wisdom, for hearts that love our kiddos, and for REST.

I also do want to note, that I'm learning ALOT. My heart and my character is being molded deeper and deeper in my relationship with the Lord. I'm pretty sure God has brought me to this place to break me, and to restore me for the better. I am definitely learning that God designs our limitations just as carefully as our strengths, because who we ARE NOT makes us who we ARE. I also believe that accepting my circumstances is a part of accepting who I am. I know with everything that I am that I am supposed to be here, and God carefully and purposefully ordained this time of trial and hardship.

Here's my song for the day:
CONSUMING FIRE: TIM HUGHES (Listen HERE)
Verse 1:
There must be more than this
oh breath of God come breath within
There must be more than this
Spirit of God we wait for you
Fill us anew we pray
Fill us anew we pray

Chorus:
Consuming Fire
Fan into flame
a passion for your name
Spirit of God
fall in this place
Lord have ur way
Lord have ur way
with us

Verse 2:
Come like a rushing wind
Fill us with power from on high
Now set the captives free
leave us abandoned to your praise
Lord let your glory fall
Lord let your glory fall

Happy White Day!

2010-03-13T23:16:00.000-08:00

So today, I thought I'd give you all a lesson in Korean holidays that I find quite obscure. Today is White Day, after all.

The first holiday you all know, but it's celebrated a little bit differently in Korea. The day is celebrated February 14th, and is known as 잘렌타인 데이 (Valentine's Day). Valentine's Day in Korea is celebrated by the girls giving their significant others gifts, and girls do not traditionally receive anything on this day.

The next holiday is celebrated exactly one month later on March 14th. This holiday is known as 화이트데이 (White Day). This day is celebrated by guys now giving the girls gifts. Some people go seriously crazy during this holiday treating these Korean girls like princesses (not that they ask for anything less!).

The final holiday in this series is celebrated exactly one month later on April 14th. This holiday is called 블랙데이 (BLACK Day). Black day is a "celebration" for singles, if you can really call it that. Basically, it's for all those who didn't participate in VDay or White day because you are without a significant other. Black day is celebrated by going out with your single friends and eating 짜장면 JaJangMyun (black noodles).

So that's it for today's culture lesson on Korean holidays for couples and singles. Enjoy white day today, and for all you singles out there, get ready for April 14th!

애슐리 선생님 (Ashley Teacher's) Classroom!

2010-03-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

So I finally got a chance to take pictures of my classroom! Since I'm sure you've all been anxiously awaiting these pictures, enjoy! Oh, and just as a preface, there's not a lot on the walls because the church uses our classrooms for Sunday School, so we're not allowed to put very much up on our walls, and most of what we do put up, we have to take down every Friday. Also, all the furniture, carpets, and shelves have to moved every Friday and taped off into one corner in the room so the church doesn't use our supplies. It's extremely obnoxious taking apart and resetting up your classroom every week... :/

The Carpet for circle time, and for playing games during play time.

Our big bulletin board...

My David Goes To School bulletin board. It's supposed to look like one of the pages in the book where David is staring out the window daydreaming in the clouds. He's looking out the window, so what you're seeing is the back of his head (that's why there's no face). Our first day activity was decorating their clouds. They can't write their names in English yet, so they just colored them :)

I'm really proud of this bulletin board! It made me feel super teachery, if you will. You can't see it, but the clothes pins have little lady bugs on them! So cute!

English center is behind the piano :)

Cubies for backpacks and folders, and where they hang up their jackets. Also, Jisun teacher's desk.

Sinks and water fountains.

Me and my partner teacher, 안지선 선생님 (Jisun Teacher... or her English name is Sunny). For those of you who don't know, I teach in a full Bilingual classroom. Every aspect of the program is completely bilingual, meaning the day is half in English, and half in Korean. I really love my job this year so far, and I really enjoy working with my partner teacher. We're going to have such a good time this year!

Jisun and I again... she's so cute!

One more time. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I really have the cutest kids of life this year. I can't wait to get to know them, and enjoy being with them all day! Yay! High hopes for this school year!!!!!

Rough week...

2010-03-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

So I've had an unbelievably rough week. Probably one of the hardest weeks I've had in a long time. From working 11 hour days all week, to a crazy first day of school, to losing a dear family friend, I just am so ready for this week to be over.

It's times like these when I just want to be home with my parents. Laying on the couch with my head in my mom's lap, while my dad eats ice cream out of a coffee cup (X2 haha) in his chair next to the fire, while we watch the Biggest Loser or American Idol or something silly like that. I feel like a child saying that, but I don't think you're ever too old to go home.

Here's to hoping for a restful weekend, and a week full of new things.

Useless...

2010-03-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

I have to be up in 6 hours.

Tonight I find myself restless, and unable to sleep. I feel as though my mind could explode any minute because of the thoughts racing around and around in my head. I kept praying and begging for the Lord to let my mind rest so I could get the sleep I need for tomorrow. But God had other plans for tonight then sleep, and has been stirring my heart for a reason.

As I was lying in bed, attempting sleep, I began to reflect on what my life is like here. My day-to-day centers around myself. I am helpless to the questions that haunt me: How can I make myself stand out at work? What can I do to make people like me more? What’s wrong with only doing the things I want to do? How can I be the best teacher? Why should I ever get uncomfortable?

I’ve realized that I don’t like being uncomfortable. Much like the 5 year olds that I teach, I thrive on routines, schedules, and things going the way I plan them. When they don’t, I am thrown off enough to at times throw a fit to my Father, just as they throw a fit to their teacher. I have also realized that I’m much more introverted than I thought, meaning that I need time to myself at the end of the day to re energize, rather than the extrovert who relies on the constant presence of people to re energize. It’s amazing how much you learn about yourself by isolating yourself in a faraway land.

But when has being a believer ever looked like this? God never promised routines, and definitely never promised that things would always go my way. I believe that the major disadvantage to being a lowly human is the inability to see the big picture. I can’t see what the Lord is going to bring out of my messy life, and I certainly can’t understand why He would even think about using someone as broken as me.

That being said, God has been showing me that the gaping hole in my life right now is service. I’m way to caught up in me right now. It’s funny because no one likes to think of themselves as a selfish person, but as a broken people, we can’t help ourselves. The Lord is ripping at my heart, begging me to serve Him by serving His people. Who knew He sent me here to serve Him? It’s amazing how tainted our vision can become when we let ourselves get in the way…

Our Tuesday night Bible study has been brain storming a lot about how we can better become God’s hands and feet. We started last week by prayer walking around Suwon Station instead of our normal routine. Tomorrow, I’m going to propose a new ministry. That’s the reason God kept me awake tonight…

I’ll get you all the details as soon as I can. Hopefully my heart and mind can rest now so I will at least be somewhat useful at work tomorrow *^^*

Staff Retreat with CCA

2010-02-27T00:34:00.000-08:00

So I know I've written 3 posts today, but I actually had time, and wanted to get completely caught up on my blogging. Last week from Sunday to Tuesday we had a staff retreat with all the staff members of CCA. I was as excited as I could possibly be about a school function, but was grateful to be retreating rather than working! I had very little expectations since last years retreat was horrible, but I really hoped that this year would be better. In my review meeting at the end of last year, I had told them about my experience with the retreat being the only English speaker in my room and unable to understand/speak Korean, and they listened! This year, they put all the female English teachers together in 3 rooms. They mixed us all up so that we weren't with anyone from our minis, so that was also exciting because it meant that we got to get to know some English teachers that we might not get a chance to spend time with otherwise.

Day 1: We got there and went straight to a dinner place at the retreat center. Next, we went with our teams and put our stuff in our rooms. As soon as we got settled, we went straight to our first session. Caroline graciously translated for me, so I was able to understand what was going on :) I actually really enjoyed the speaker this year... she was lively and engaging as opposed to the most boring man ever last year. Each session we had worship too. We sang songs in Korean and English. I really love the sound of worship happening in two languages simultaneously. It just reminds me that the Lord is all knowing and so intimate with all his people no matter what language they speak! Then we went to our rooms and got to know each other a bit, and went to bed around 12am.

Day 2: We woke up and had breakfast together (all the teams brought their own groceries with money the school provided us for meals) and then went to the morning session at 9am. Amy translated for me for the rest of the retreat and did an amazing job. After the session it was free time! So I chose to ski, I mean how could I pass that up?? Lift tickets, ski rentals, and pants rental only costed me about $45. It was amazingly cheap fun. I mostly stayed with Caroline who was snowboarding, but we ran into Daniel about halfway, so we stayed together the rest of the day. Daniel encouraged me to do some of the harder slopes, and I actually did it! I was so proud of myself. I think I'm finally becoming a decent skiier (sp?). We saved a really challenging run for last, and I was really nervous. However, I actually managed with ease... I can't say the same for Daniel, he was tumbling down the mountain about halfway through! haha. But he's much more daring than me, always trying a new trick or something. All in all, it was a fantastic day! That night we had another session, and then I hung out in Erin's room until about 2am. Eeek! I was so tired the next day...

Day 3: basically we just had a morning session and then hit the road. We stopped at a super nice rest stop on the way back to Suwon and had lunch there. We got home about 3:30 and I went right to my bed for a 3 hour nap. It was wonderful :)

Here's some pictures from the weekend...
The view from our condo :)

more views from our balcony...

The inside of the chapel we had our sessions in

playing some kind of game to see who could not have any reaction by being flicked in the face... so interesting...

Carolina on the ski lift!

Me on the ski lift!! It was sooo fun!

Daniel putting his board on at the top of the mountain getting ready to go down...

Caroline ready to go down the mountain... this was our favorite run.

Daniel and Caroline on the ski lift going up the mountain...

An easier hill, but it got steep towards the bottom. Still fun though... lots of people fell on this one though because it was the only somewhat beginner coarse, so it was hard to dodge the unpredictable...

At the top of the mountain!

The scary slope part one...

The scary slope part 2...

Woohoo!

I ended up having a really great time, and got to know some more people better. It was nice to see all the staff out of their element and just enjoying themselves. I am SOOO grateful to Amy for translating for me for most of the weekend. It's such a gift to be able to translate simultaneously like that, and she was awesome. It's a really difficult/frustrating feeling to not be able to understand most of the time, and she gave me the greatest gift of being able to understand! God was able to speak to the speaker, then to Amy, then to me. I'm so grateful. I know it must've been really hard to talk for those lengthy 3 hour sessions, so I'm really really appreciative. I learned a lot of things, but the most important one being about acceptance. Basically you never know where people come from or their previous walks of life. All people really want is to be loved and accepted, and God calls us to do just that. I DEFINITELY needed to hear that, so I'm thankful that God used this retreat to teach me.

I'm looking forward to the new year at CCA even if it has been extremely difficult already.

I met all my kids and their moms last week during our kindergarten orientation, and it made it all finally feel real. I'm a homeroom teacher. Same 22 kids all day. I can't wait. Plus, I got all the cutest kids :)

Today is Stephanie's birthday, so HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY STEPH!

We have Monday off thanks to Korean Indepence Day or something along those lines, so I'm excited for the break. Then the kids come for real on Thursday! AHHHH am I ready??? I hope so!

This is a video of Daniel and Caroline boarding... Daniel is in the brown jacket and Caroline in the bright green. Enjoy!

I hope you all have the most wonderful week! I haven't done any lyrics for a while, so here ya go:

Nothing Left of Me: Joel Engle
(Listen HERE sorry the video is kind of weird... but that was the only one there was)

Your sacrifice is brokenness
A heart that's full of
Tenderness come and break me Lord
To seek You in Your righteousness
To find You in Your holiness
Come and take me Lord

That I could learn to trust You
In every way to love You
Strip away all that remains
for Your glory and Your
Name 'til there's nothing left of me
Burn the kingdoms I have made
that You would shine
And I would fade 'til there's nothing left of me
'til there's nothing left of me

Your Spirit is the only One that can conform me
To Your Son let Him move in me
Your grace is written deep in me
You've signed my heart to purity with Your holy blood

구정 Lunar New Year Adventures

2010-02-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

Anthony was very happy to celebrate the Lunar New Year.... I believe this was Friday night at TGIFridays. Yeah, Anthony didn't ask permission to use this hat, all the waitresses were staring at us. It was awesome.

Fast forward to Sunday night. The actual day of New Years. We went for Samgyupsal mostly because it was one of the only places open. I've never seen this kind of dome grill, so I thought I needed a picture.

Kathy wasn't eating, so she served us our food. So nice :)

The other side of the table... Anthony had cold noodles, and Cameron and I ate Samgyupsal. Yummy!

At a place called CanMore or something like that. They have potbingsu... my FAVORITE desert in Korea. And, it's so fun because the chairs are actually swings hanging from the ceiling. Kathy and Anthony were on this side...

And Steph and I swinging happily together on this side...

Cameron got rejected to sit in the swing with us, so he had to sit in a rocking chair on the end. Muahahaha.

Our wonderful treats! They gave us toast and whipped cream. I thought that was so interesting, but it comes complimentary. Holla! The front one is basically a pile of shaved ice, ice cream, cereal, and fruit. Anthony got fresh kiwi juice, and the back one is a fruit potbingsu. YUMMM!

So it was during this meal that we were contemplating what to do on our Monday off the next day. We talked forever with no conclusions, so we came up with a compromise. All five of us would choose one activity they would like to do, and we would spend the whole day doing those activities. So, it was decided like this: Kathy-Ice Skating, Stephanie-Cake Decorating, Cameron-stamp hunting competition(more on this later), Anthony-Boba Tea, and Myself-Karaoke (I hadn't been in Korea in a Lonnnnng time).

And so the adventure began....

We met Monday morning at my house at about 9:30 (without Anthony because he had plans, so had to join us later). So here we are ready to start our day of adventures.

Kathy and Cameron riding on the bus to the ice skating place...

Stephanie and I on the bus to go Ice Skating. This was quite the adventure finding the place. We knew what bus we needed to take, but once we got off the bus we had NO idea where we were going. We walked around for a while, and thankfully Kathy was kind enough to ask someone for directions :)

KATHY'S ACTIVITY:
After we got our helmets. You HAVE to wear them sadly. But Hey we looked really cool right? We even all had a different color! haha...

Cameron and I working our magic on the ice...

Kathy and I during our couples routine, we were amazing.

All the special kids lined up in a row...

After we finished... we were tired already! (Please see the bottom for some very special videos of our ice skating time!) Next, off to decorate cakes!

STEPHANIE'S ACTIVITY:

Step 1: Choose your type of cake. We went with Chocolate with white icing. Kathy and Stephanie waiting while our cake was iced by the professionals... I'm grateful for that or it might have been hidious :)

STEP 2: You can choose all kinds of phrases, words, and pictures to get put on your cake. It's basically just a stencil and they sift cocoa powder over it. So cool.

STEP 3: Choose your decoration icing. We went with chocolate. It was soooo yummy. We might have ate a little out of the bag :)

STEP 4: Start decorating! We took turns making the border with our star shaped tip. It was really really fun.

Cameron getting in touch with his masculine side... haha. He surprisingly did a fantastic job.

Next, we made a border around the Happy Forever with our tubed icing.

STEP 5: We decided to make little people to represent the 5 of us. This was me :)

STEP 6: Put all our little peope on our cake.

STEP 7: Putting chocolate shavings in each star and around the cake...

It was so fun, they have little tweaser type things so you can carefully arrange the chocolate pieces on your cake...

FINAL STEP: Writing our names beside our little people to personalize it.

Steph writing her name next to her mermaid I believe we called it! haha.

Like I said, we might have ate a lot of the tubed Icing... Kathy literally squeezed it into her mouth at one point. It was kind of awesome...

Our final product! It was so cute!!! Kathy did Anthonys, that's why it was the best... such a talented little Korean.

The fabulous cake decorators with our masterpiece. If anyone in Korea is reading this, please go do it!!!! It's SOOOO much fun! It's a perfect date place, and fun place for friends too! For everything, we only spent about $20 bucks, so only $5 each, so it's a really cheap activity! Next, Anthony finally met up with us, so we were off to start Cameron's activity.

CAMERON'S ACTIVITY:
.....
.....
......

There's nothing here because Cameron's activity kind of crashed and burned.... Basically, what happened was that one day Alyssia had told them at work about a Stamp Hunt she had gone on previously. It's basically these big Korean stamps that we understood as being hidden all over Suwon Station. So, we decided we would split up boys vs. girls and see who could find the most stamps in an hour. However, much to our dismay, there were no stamps to be found :( So at the cost of Kathy looking so silly asking Koreans about these hidden stamps that in fact were not in Suwon Station, we didn't get to do Cameron's activity. We later found out that they were actually hidden all over Hwaseong Fortress, not Suwon Station. Minor misunderstanding. Nontheless, we had to take a rain check on Cameron's activity!

ANTHONY'S ACTIVITY:

After the searching of the stamps, we were all tired of walking around, so we decided it was the right time to do Anthony's activity, getting boba tea. However, we were unable to find the place we were looking for, and again, after much searching, we settled on another place. This place could quite possibly be the pinkest, laciest, girliest, couplyest place I have ever been too. It was really ridiculous, and quite funny that it ended up being the place we went for Anthony's activity since it was so girly.

Jake joined us, and so him and Anthony sat together since they both still needed to eat lunch. Each table came comlete with a cute little lamp, flowery table cloths, and gaudy chairs.

Kathy and Cameron... as you can see, we even had lace curtains over our table like a canopy... so funny.

The non eaters, only drinkers table... we also ate our cake that we had just made. It was so yummy! I was very surprised since cakes in Korea are usually extremely disappointing.

Oh, and this was a treat that we got to see on our way out of the cafe....

I think this guy (yes it's a boy...) most definitely lost a bet. He was dancing in the street. It was kind of awesome... haha! Now, on to the last activity of the day, Karaoke.

ASHLEY'S ACTIVITY:

Kathy singing 1,2,3,4 by Plain White Tees... such a cute song.. Listen to it HERE.

I don't know what they were singing... but it must of been good for Cameron...

Singing Backstreet Boys I'm pretty sure...

THE END.

To finish up our day, we met up with a friend, Sung, that we met at DBU.

Eating Itallian food... from the left, Sung, Cameron, Me, Stephanie, Jake, and Tones... Kathy was taking the picture.

These last few pictures are just random from Steph and I's adventure to Seoul last Saturday. I just wanted to get caught up on blogging :)

We were excited to take the train home instead of taking the bus back to Suwon, it's a little bit more expensive, but sooo much more comfortable than taking the bus. The people in the train probably thought we were crazy because we were so excited.

About to get on the train....

Woohoo! So fun!

And like I said, these are the videos of ice skating... Enjoy!!!

Kindergarten Graduation

2010-02-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

Graduation Day! It snowed ALL day! It was so wonderful minus the fact that I was walking in heels in the snow... that was a little scary :)

The pastor beginning graduation...

Caroline's class during their performance... each class prepared their own mini show. They were all so cute!

A really weird fruit that I tried after graduation... it wasn't bad, but I just couldn't get over how weird it looked...

Rachel, Krista, and Erin at lunch...

Me and Carolina at lunch afterwords...

Graduation day! Caroline, Me, Kelly (our 2009 Principal), Erin, and Krista

The fabulous four CCA Kindergarten English Teachers. We REALLY miss Krista!!!

The whole kindergarten staff for 2009 at our celebration lunch afterwords. Starting from the left front row: Mrs. Kim (special needs), Grandmother (helper), Mrs. Han (Kinder), Kelly (principal), WonNae (PreK), Wendy (PreK), Krista. Row Two Left: Erin, ChanMi (special needs), Ms. Cha (Kinder), Cassia (kinder), Caroline, Jisun (PreK), Rachel (Kinder), Halley (PreK), Catharine (new ET), SungHee (PreK). Back Row left: Mrs. Won (new principal), Me, and SunGyum (PE).

We had such a wonderful year, and graduation was definitely a success! ALOT of time went into making it great! The teachers and students worked really hard. I already miss my kids from last year, but I know this year will bring new and exciting things!

First weeks back in Korea

2010-02-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

For one of our teacher's baby shower, we went to the restaurant called "Ashley's". The board said Ashley's homecoming, so it was definitely necessary for me to take a picture in front of it.

Cameron and I eating at a really yummy rib place near Ajou University. You get to wear a glove and everything so your hands don't get dirty :)

Kathy and Anthony the same night. They're so cute right?

The ribs cookin... YUM!

Cameron lost control of his rib while eating it, and it landed in my water. Disgusting.

Then we went out for ice cream... they got waffle and ice cream pitas... kind of... This place is really cool though... I think we will be frequenting it :)

At the ice cream place... it has graffiti all over the walls

Going to Seoul with all the new DBU peeps, and to celebrate Erik's birthday. Since there's newbies, I'll give names... from the left and around, it's Anthony, Jake, Juan, Stephanie, Tony, Alyssia, Erik, Cameron and Myself... Kathy was taking the picture.

Group pic at COEX... from left, Kathy, Alyssia, Tony, Me, Juan, Stephanie, Cameron, and Jake

Giant converse!

Anthony and I in the aquarium at COEX

Anthony, Me, Steph, Kathy, and Tony

Aquarium in the coke machine!

Fishies in the toilet...

Me and Kathy with the piranhas

Stephanie holding a (dead?) starfish...

Anthony and Kathy with the school of fish! So pretty!

Me and Erik! It was so fun!

uh oh.... it got Anthony...

Tony, Anthony, Alyssia, and Kathy on the moving sidewalk...

Moving sidewalk through the Aquarium! Tony, Anthony, Me, Alyssia and Kathy

Anthony surfing on the moving sidewalk. Yes, everyone was staring at us when we took this picture in case you were wondering... haha.

More updates soon! I'm going on a retreat tomorrow with school, so I don't know when I'll update again, prob not til Tuesday when I get home!

Miss you all dearly.

A look at last year...

2010-02-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

So I haven’t written a “feely” post in a while… it seems it’s time for one again. And, I’m too lazy to make a post with pictures right now. Haha. I promise I will soon.

As you may know, Sunday was Valentine’s Day, but more importantly it was also the celebration of the Lunar New Year. To be honest, I’ve never cared about this holiday before, but I’m using it as an excuse to write my year reflection that I never wrote after New Year’s in the States.

This past year has been so many things… crazy, disappointing, exciting, fun, tiring, draining, filled with surprises… to name a few. Every emotion humanly possible I have felt this past year, I’m pretty sure. Feb 10th was my 1 year anniversary of moving to Korea. I actually didn’t think I would be reflecting on this time during a second year in Korea. I never thought I’d be here for another year, but alas, here I am. In Korea. Wondering if I made the right choice.

Basically, this is just a list of the things I’ve learned this year. I hope you enjoy….

~Nothing turns out the way you think it will. It’s best not to have super high expectations… those can very easily lead to disappointments.
~That being said, life is full of disappointments, learn to move on and give them to the Lord. He never disappoints.
~Don’t wear shirts you like on art day. You will most definitely end up with orange paint all over the front of your shirt.
~Don’t wear necklaces you really love when teaching 5 year olds. For some reason they’re attracted to sparkly things that dangle from your neck… you will be sad when you go home with a necklace in 2 pieces.
~Boys never grow up? Somehow I’m finding trouble differentiating between my 5 year olds and 23 year olds….
~You can’t learn a language in a year. Especially if you don’t work very hard at it… Sadly, you will not become fluent by immersion or positive thinking. Thomas the Train was wrong.
~Don’t give up the things you love because you don’t have time. Find time to do the things you’re passionate about. God gave you those for a reason, and they make the best stress relievers.
~There’s nothing wrong with riding a pink bike with a white basket at 22 years old.
~For the low price of $6 you can buy half a pound of imported ground beef…you will learn to cook with chicken, that’s for sure.
~No distance is far enough to separate a family.
~Don’t be offended when children call you a tomato because you are so round.
~Flexibility is definitely a learned quality after figuring out that nothing in Kindergarten will EVER go the way you think it will.
~Living in a cubicle can lead to near insanity.
~You can’t always get what you want.
~You should probably ask your boss BEFORE booking plane tickets.
~Swine Flu scare equals probably a month total of vacation between school closing and quarantines. Thank you very much little piggys.
~Life without friends is no life at all. You cannot survive in a foreign country without them.
~You will learn that being alone is ok. There’s nothing wrong with having a night to yourself. You will not be at risk for removal off the cool kids list.
~If you can’t work with all kinds of people and with all kinds of crazy personalities, you’ll never make it in the real world.
~Appreciate others for the gifts and talents they were given if you want to appreciated for yours.
~College and the real world are very, VERY different places.
~Money always disappears way faster than you think it will.
~Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet.
~Losing children on field trips doesn’t go over very well…
~There’s nothing wrong with keeping your high school friends forever... especially if they're as amazing as Amanda, Lauren, and Samantha ☺
~A life without oversized Korean glasses is certainly no life at all.
~Every day will be a day when I don’t understand the conversations around me. Patience. Patience. Patience.
~There’s always going to be someone who completely drives you bonkers. Live with it, and avoid them at all costs ☺
~Eating with chopsticks is way cooler than using a fork.

That’s all I can think of right now. I’ve learned a lot in these 12 long months. I’m sure there is so much more to be learned this coming year, and I can’t wait. a

The Lost Photos of My journey to Seoul in January

2010-02-16T01:25:00.001-08:00

Here I am in Las Vegas... you can barely see the slot machines behind me. I won $10 and decided I would cash out while I was ahead :) Little did I know I would be in Vegas for FOUR hours waiting for my flight to San Francisco to catch my connecting flight to Seoul. Well, we finally got on the plane after waiting forever, and when we got on the runway, the pilot told us we were going to have to sit for another hour on the runway. I was worried about missing my flight to Seoul beacuse I only had 30 minutes from the time the plane would land to catch my next flight. When the flight landed in San Fran, I pushed my way through the crowd and started running (with my huge carry ons mind you). Unfortunately, my new flight was on the complete opposite side of the airport. When I got to the gate, I had missed the final boarding by 3 minutes. I was told there was no way for me to get on the flight. I left the gate slowly, feeling so exhausted, and very worried. Here I was, by myself in the San Fran airport. I reported to United ticket counter as directed, and was told that I would be unable to be on another flight until the next day in the afternoon. I walked away almost crying, but I held it together, so I was proud of myself. I spent about an hour back and forth with my mom on the phone, and finally decided I would just stay at a hotel we had stayed at before in San Fran since we knew it was safe. This was fine with me because I LOVED that hotel! So, I have to admit, I got a little excited about the prospect of my own little adventure in San Francisco. Unfortunately, the weather was HORRIBLE... so cold and so rainy. I had no jacket and no umbrella... let's just say it was quite uncomfortable. BUT I finally made it to my hotel via shuttle, and I was sooo happy!

This was my cute little room :)

I was so excited by this point! It was actually really nice to have a chance to rest before my LONNNNG plane ride to Seoul.

The dark and rainy Fisherman's Wharf...

Some more fisherman's wharf.

The next day I caught my flight to Seoul with ease, and you guessed it, made it to Seoul safely. The End.

The pictures you've all been waiting for... Enjoy ^^

2010-02-11T01:08:00.001-08:00

Drying my clothes on my heated floors last week... no dryer :(

And FINALLY, the pictures of my new apartment... Enjoy them...

This is our new building... Acropark

Our built in shoe rack in the entry way...so convenient

The entry way

My bathroom

Yay, a real shower!!!

More of my bathroom

My room doesn't have a closet, so I call this my closet room, but it's also a storage room for us. I love that I actually have room to hang everything up!!! It's amazing!

Scarves hanging... isn't the wallpaper beautiful??

and the outside storage area of the closet room with all of our suitcases... I was pretty proud of myself for thinking to hang all my backpacks out there

Living room... couch... I surprisingly found these sparkly pillows here for like $12 each. I was amazed. Home stuff is usually so expensive

TV area...

The kitchen is open to the living room, and I love the openness. I know everyone is going to think I have a dishwasher next to the sink, but rest assured, it's a kimchi fridge that we'll never use. Mostly because it smells like kimchi, therefor making everything that goes in there smell and taste like kimchi. Pass.

Table/ washing machine area...

our minuscule fridge... and microwave that's apparently an oven too

Hallway to our bedrooms, April's is on the right, mine on the left... if it looks like the wall hanging is weird, it's because it's my sad attempt to cover up the hideous painting that lies underneath... see photo below...

Seriously, who would paint a dying flower on their wall for all to see??? It's so disgusting.

My bedroom :) I am actually kind of proud of how it turned out. I still want to put more things on the walls... it's looking pretty barren right now.

Storage boxes for games/ purses...

My lovely desk... it's really great. So much storage... I bought it off an English teacher leaving CCA for about $90 total. I was def happy...furniture in Korea is SOOO expensive.

This is what you see when you walk into my room...

Well that's about it for this tour. I hope you enjoyed your look into my new life here in Korea... I have so much more to update, but I'm tired of blogging right now. The End. Oh here's a bonus picture....Many of you have requested the spandex man. Here he is:

Not really... but he is just as scary.

Memories from break...

2010-02-07T04:31:00.001-08:00

Family picture on Christmas Eve at Gran Gran's House...

So happy to come home to our house all decked out for Christmas...

Great job, Mom... it was beautiful

Amy and I on Christmas Eve

Dad's side of the family on Christmas Eve

Woke up to snow on Christmas morning... we were so happy! That's never happened I don't think...

Amy, Gran Gran and I on Christmas Eve...

All the cousins on Mom's side playing football at the lake... it was really fun actually

Gran Gran teaching me how to make pecan pie!

Amy and Brandon when we went bowling on New Year's Eve

Family time at the lake... I was so excited they put in a fire pit!

Amy, Me, and Brandon after a long day of rock climbing

Girls weekend!!! Breakfast after the first night... Amanda and I at Snooty Pig

I took the besties to have a Korea themed night... first we at a Korean food place and had Samgyupsal (Samantha and Me)

Then we went and had the Korean desert, potbingsu... they really liked it! I love it!!! It's basically ice chips, ice cream, fruit, rice cakes, and sometimes cereal. Oh, and it usually has red bean in it, but we opted out :)

Then, of course we had to do karaoke! We had so much fun!!! Me, Lauren, and Amanda

Last night together :(... Lauren, Amanda, Me, and Samantha. How I love these girls!

I promise I'm alive...

2010-02-04T22:29:00.000-08:00

I have never gone this long without blogging. Sorry! I'm disappointed in myself too :) Now I have a lot of catch up updating to do. Basically things have been absolutely crazy being home in January and coming back to Korea and going back to work. Also, I don't have internet in my new place, so I'm updating from my work computer, so it won't have pictures. I'll update with pics as soon as possible.

I don't even know where to begin. Basically everything I want to talk about requires picture updates, so I'll just talk about my first gym experience in Korea from yesterday.

So my coworker, Erin, mentioned to me last week that she was interested in joining a gym, and wanted a gym buddy, and I gladly volunteered... I've been called fat way too many times living in this image-obsessed country. We got a recommendation from some other English teachers here at CCA, so we checked it out. I was soooo surprised at how amazing this gym was. It's only about a year old, and is VERY clean and nice. There's two floors, and a big selection of classes offered. So, Erin and I decided we wanted to join, and went back yesterday to sign up. We ended up spending about $350 for a 6 month membership with access to classes and the sauna (which I will NEVER use... way too many naked ladies...more on that later).

Erin and I were both frightend at the idea of going to a gym in a foriegn country... especially in the land of kimchi, aka, the land of skinny people. We arrived at the gym already feeling anxious and self conscious. The first thing that we were aware of was the fact that our work out clothes didn't match anyone else's. We were thinking, "how are all the guys wearing the same blue shirt?" Then we discovered you can rent work out clothes for the low price of about $8 a month. I of course obliged, seeing as how that would save me doing an extra load of laundry every week in this dryerless country. Upon checking in, we recieved an electronic bracelet of sorts that would give us acess to a locker. This is where the fun began. We walked into the women's area on the second floor of the gym. Naturally, we stopped at the first set of lockers we came to. However, we noticed that the lockers had actual locks on them, unlike the swipe pad we expected to match our electronic bracelet. I wish I had this on video... Erin and I frantically trying to figure out how these bracelts matched the lockers. We seriously walked around for like five minutes, checking lockers and trying to solve the puzzle. The best part was when Erin and I screwed off one of the locks thinking that maybe there was some sort of secret behind it that would unlock (literally) the mystery of the lockers. There wasn't. Luckily, an unknowing Korean lady came into the locker area, and Erin asked her what to do. She basically looked at us like, "oh, you silly young girls, don't you know you're in the wrong place?" and the lady pointed us to the direction of a mysterious purple curtain that we had been too scared to look behind before.

Once behind the purple curtain, we were in another world complete with ALOT of naked ladies blow drying their hair, putting on make up, and hanging out watching tv. We were like, why is no one wearing clothes!?!?! Oh, and bonus, this room contained the long lost electronic lockers that matched our bracelets. Lucky for us, it means we can't ever avoid the naked room. Quite unfortunate.

After that ordeal, we were too late to go to the 6:00 class we had planned on attending, which is unfortunate because it was 글럽댄스 (club dance... bow chicka wow wow). So, we opted for the treadmill until the next class at 7:00. I thought the treadmil would be pretty self explanitory, but much to my dismay, I was proven wrong. Erin got on one that was already on, and I of course got on one that wasn't. So, I pushed all the buttons, including the START button, and remained stationary. I felt like a tard and was sure that everyone in the gym was watching me. They weren't...I eventually got on another treadmill and the work out commenced. 40 minutes passed quickly, without any more mishaps, and it was time to go to our class. We waited anxiously outside of the classroom for the 버디컷 (body cut) class instructor. We spotted a man that was very cut in basically a spandex shirt, that looked absolutely frightening. We were praying he wasn't going to be the instructor... but, you guessed it, he was. It was us, and like 4 other really whimpy looking Korean girls and this totally jacked, scary looking man.

We were told to get two dumb bells and a bench press bar (I don't even know if that's what it's called). Erin and I both got the minimum amount of weights available, doubting our upper body. The scary man in spandex proceeded to tell us that we would be working our back, arms, and shoulders (all this I know via translation from Erin). It was after the introduction that the spandex man came up straight to me and began attempting to speak to me in English. As much as I hate to say it, I could seriously not understand anything he was saying to me. So, then he tried telling Erin in English/Korean, and she tried translating to me... she was like Ashley, "do you know of like a 'Golden World Gym' or something like that?" Apparently he was trying to ask us if we knew the 'world gym', but we couldn't understand his accent. The scary man in spandex turned out to be a really goofy guy, so we were grateful for that. The best part lost in translation, was when he was showing me how to do an exercise he said, "fat, and relassssss. Fat, and relassssss." Erin and I giggled of course, and later figured out he was saying "fast, and relax. Fast, and relax." HAAAAAAA. So good. We ended the class in severe pain brough upon us by the goofy, scary, spandex man. The jury's still out on whether we will return to that class or not.....

The End.

My kids and teachers are cute...

2010-01-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

Last day teaching my PreK kiddos

More PreK kids... I love them :)

Ha Eun before after school class

I love her ear muffs :)

JooWon and JaeJoon before after school class... these two are the boys all the lady kindergarteners go after... they're going to be studs one day. The kid on the left comes up to my shoulders. He's 6. They're breeding giants in Korea.

I think these girls are so pretty. They're both pretty loving until you do something they don't like, then Raewon (on the left) will call you fat teacher. The girl on the right is Alice, and I love her.

Yoonah and Haemin. These are Erin's kiddos.

Joowon and Lion. Yes, Lion is the one with the furry mane. Hahahaha.

I thought I needed to try on the ear muffs as well.

My last day of elective classes with my kindergarteners... They're so cute!

We made cookies in kindergarten the last day I was there for all the caf workers and bus drivers. So cute. It was funny, all the classes had the same recipe, but they all turned out so differently.

These next pictures are from the talent show that some of the kindergarten teachers participated in, myself included. It was goofy... we did a dance to a Korean pop song. We got 3rd place and won 100,000 Won! Haha.

Practicing their dance moves. On the left is Mrs. Kim who teaches PreK special needs kiddos, and Wendy who teaches Daisy Class PreK. They're so fun.

Wendy's awesome outfit!

Sungyum (PE teacher) trying to fit into a really little skirt! haha it was so funny!

Costumes... From the left Mrs. Kim, Sungyum, Caroline, and Chisan (Sunflower teacher PreK)

During our performance... I look gay, but it sure was fun!

Christmas Time in Kimchi land

2010-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while... it's been a little crazy. But I'm back in the good ole US of A, and I thought I would rewind for a bit and put up the pictures from the 3 Christmas Parties I went to before I left. Enjoy... even if it is past Christmas :)

These first pictures are from the DBU Christmas party....

All the presents for the gift exchange....

All the single ladies, all the single ladies... Kathy, myself, and Stephanie

Cameron and I

The presents again... and the opening begins:

Erik and Jake got the girliest presents Haha. And it was totally accidental that there were two of those blankets, Kathy and Steph bought the same gifts without knowing it

Another weird coincidence, Alyssia got a hat that matched her sweater to the tee. So strange.

Enny got a hand warmer from Cameron! haha

Anthony got a cute tea cup set... perfect for him! haha.

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These are from our kindergarten Christmas party with all the kindergarten teachers at CCA. I didn't take many pictures.

The present I made for my Secret Santa. I was pretty proud of it :) Pretty good for using newspaper to wrap right?

There were pink pickles at the restaurant. So weird.

All the Kindergarten English teachers.

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These are really random pictures of my kids when we made smiles out of apples, penut butter, and marshmellows (we substitued the marshmellows with rice cakes... haha... only in Korea)

Joon Ha with his smile he made :)

Me and the boys table with their smile snacks.

All the Kindergarten ETs in front of the Christmas tree in the pie shop

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And lastly the CCA English teacher party. My last event of the school year as social coordinator :) We ate at the WONDERFUL Indian food place! So good, as always.

The whole group... From the left: Krista, Erin, Esther Hong, Amy, Eden, and John Turner, Ken Jun, Myself, Sara Ma, and Caroline. (we were missing quite a few teachers)

All the presents lined up ready to be opened...

I got a really cute Starbucks mug from Esther!

The whole group with all of our gifts!

I'll post again soon. Maybe even today... I need something to keep me busy while we watch the Cowboys game. Also, I think I have enough pictures right now to post everyday for a week...

Packing it all up!

2009-12-20T03:36:00.000-08:00

So if you haven't heard the amazing news, I'M MOVING TO A NEW APARTMENT! YAYYYYYYY! How did this happen you might ask??? Well, at my end of the year review mtg, I mentioned that I had a really hard time living in my apartment because it's TINY. I just explained that I might not want to stay at CCA one more year if I had to stay in that place. I really didn't think it would do anything mentioning it, because that's kind of how things go around here, but it made me feel better just to talk to them about it. BUT much to my surprise, I got a phone call two days later saying they had a new apartment for us! Woohoo! It's in Acropark which is AMAZING. It's so beautiful and I can't wait to show you all pictures when I move in. The kicker though is that I had to have everything I own here COMPLETELY packed and ready to move by Tuesday. I have a big thing Monday night, so that only gave me Saturday and Sunday to pack. Let's just say I procrastinated on Saturday and I might not have done any packing, so I did all of it today. The only thing I have left to pack is my desk, and that shouldn't take too long. Also, I have Caroline to thank for helping me pack up the kitchen on Friday night! I'll be home in 2 days. I absolutely cannot believe it!!! CRAZY! It's going to be a whirlwind these next two days before I make it home. I have to dance in a talent show at CCA with 7 other kindergarten teachers. AHHH. Scary. Hopefully no one I know is there! haha. If you're lucky, maybe I'll get someone to video it :)

So, I got my haircut this week. It's really short. I'm turning in to my sister... every time she gets her hair cut it gets shorter and shorter! haha. And this is post packing all day... so don't judge me! Have a great week! See you REALLY soon! Oh, and sorry there's no pictures, I accidentally left my camera at school on Friday...

CHECKED OUT

2009-12-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

So, I'm at school right now enjoying a wonderful cup of coffee compliments of Ken Jun. That's the only thing that's entertaining me right now. I'm so bored it's kind of unbelievable. We're finished planning, and I'm officially done teaching preK until next year. I have one day of teaching left for this semester... so you can't blame me for being checked out mentally and emotionally from this place. I'm so ready to get home it's not even funny, but amazingly enough, I'm actually excited about coming back too. Wierd. I'm just ready to experience all the new things to come next year. I had my end of the year review mtg with all the admins yesterday, and it was mostly positive, which I'm grateful for. I have to say goodbye to John, Amy, and Eden Turner tonight, so that's sad, but I wish them all the best... I'll see them over Christmas break though :) I'm getting my hair cut tonight, so I can look so fresh and so clean clean when I get home on Tuesday. Hopefully it doesn't turn out bad, or I'll be really sad when I get home! haha. This weeks 3 gift exchanges have all been a success... pictures to come soon.

See you all in 5 days!

Visit to Seoul... Round 2

2009-12-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

So yesterday Ken, Cameron and I ventured into Seoul again just like last weekend. We still had some things we needed to pick up, thus the round 2. Enjoy~~

So, Ken fell asleep on the bus. For a long time. We couldn't resist :) Sorry Ken...

Christmas photo op!

Ken buying ice cream when it was 30 degrees outside. This was after he dropped the first one :)

Ken and I with the pretty Christmas decorations!

Ken and Cameron got Sausages on a stick. No thank you.

We went to eat at a Pub in Itaewon. The hamburgers were yummyyyyy. Too bad it was so loud in there we couldn't talk to each other!

Stephanie joined us for dinner!

Cameron enjoying his monster hamburger!

That's all for now! I'll be home in 9 days!!!! Oh my goodness!!!! YAY!

Open Arms

2009-12-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

As I was hanging out with one of my kindergarten classes today, they were working on a bead activity that required a certain precision for their little hands. One of my students, Sung Seo, would get about half way through with her project, and decide to change tables. As she sat down, all the beads would move and she would have to start from square one again. I said to her, “Sung Seo, there is a better way, please be more careful,” and showed her by example the correct way. Even after I showed her the way, she continued to make the same mistake. Every time she did, she would breathe that exacerbated sigh of frustration, knowing that she had made the same mistake again. Once more, she would have to start from the beginning. I was thinking to myself, “Why hasn’t she learned that she will mess it up every time she does that? Why doesn’t she listen to my instructions?”

Reflecting on the actions of my kindergarten student, I am only reminded of myself. As I sat and watched one of my students make the same error over and over again, I can’t help but think my creator looks down on me and sees the same thing. I wonder if the Lord is thinking, “When is she going to learn? Haven’t I shown her a better way than this?” After my mistakes, I have also found myself breathing that same exacerbated sigh in frustration, knowing that I had made the same mistake again.

When will I learn that my way is never going to be the best way? Why can’t I see that the Lord has shown me the way with purpose and precision? In Proverbs 21:30 it says, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.” No matter what I do, or plan to do, I can’t compete with the Lord’s plans for me. Why do I choose to ignore his infinite wisdom and somehow justify to myself that I have it all figured out?

All I can say is that I am so grateful for new mercies everyday. I am grateful that even though I continue to make mistakes, and decide that my way is best, the Lord opens his arms wide at the end of every day. He graciously shows me the way again, knowing that I may make the mistake over and over again. What a patient and loving God we serve.

Falling is cool

2009-12-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I fell. Twice.

It was awesome, and I am awesome.

The first one was the best, so I feel like I should describe it in full detail. Here's the scene. I am walking to the dry cleaners after school, so I'm carrying a giant neon green bag full of dirty clothes. That in itself has to look pretty cool. Then, I hear someone yell, "where are you going?!?" I turn to find that it's another kindergarten teacher driving home in her car (I won't name names because she was sneaking out early!). I tell her, and she asks me if I would like a ride. Of course I accept, and in my excitement, I run towards her car. Only my shoes (new ones btw), did not agree with my running, apparently. I proceed to fall on top of the hood of her car (with a loud thumpt) and then proceeded to fall onto the road. I quickly recovered, playing it "cool" to hide my hurt and embarrassment. Nothing can beat the look of shock on that teacher's face when I got into her car. I know she was thinking, "OH MY GOODNESS, did that really just happen???" (In Korean, of course). It was truly one of my finest moments while living in Korea. The real travesty is that I ruined my new pair of boots by scraping them on the pavement. :(

Round two happened in my neighborhood after seriously freaking out a lady by trying to carry one of her really heavy bags. I guess that's what I get for trying to be helpful. Korea said no, no, no, you should fall again. That's the last time I try to help someone with their bags.... :)

The end.

Oh, and another super cool thing happens this week (this really is cool, no sarcasm here). Basically, CCA wants to encourage their employees to better themselves (whether it's travel, health, entertainment, etc) so once a year they allow you to turn in reciepts from stuff you've done to better yourself. Up to 300,000 Won! That's around $300! Woohoo! Lucky for me, I never clean out my purses, so with a little digging, I was able to scrounge up over a hundred dollars worth of movie tickets, bus and train tickets, and sight seeing tickets after digging through all my bags. Apparently it pays to not throw away your trash around here! And after I include my reciepts from my Hong Kong trip last semester, I will have definitely acquired 300,000 Won. Woohoo! That's like an end of the year present from CCA! So excited.

That's all now. It's late again. I need to stop doing this. I'll be at home sleeping in my own bed at this time two weeks from now. Hooray!

Can't sleep...

2009-12-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I hope this finds you well. It's 1:30 in the morning and I have to be up at 6, so that's neat. This morning I slept through my alarm and woke up at 1:30 pm. I must've been DEAD. I didn't wake up once in the night. I was so shocked when I woke up and realized Sunday was half way over. Ooops. And now, I am paying for it. I did an intense cleaning/organizing of my room and closet, and I'm still not sleepy. Oh man. Have I ever mentioned how much I LOATHE Mondays?? Only 3 more of them until I'm home. Yippee. I don't know who's idea it was to put 7am chapel on a Monday, but whoever they are, they are bonkers. I don't think any CCA employee would say they enjoy being at school by 7am on a MONDAY morning. Ridiculous.

Anyway, I had a fantastic weekend. Well a fantastic week really. Mostly due to being reunited with a friend here that we haven't seen much of in a long time. I'm pretty sure we've hung out everyday since last Friday, and it's been so good. So thanks, Ken. He is responsible for my new addiction to the show Glee. If you don't watch it, you should. I find it so hilarious. Maybe that's because it's about a show choir, and I was in a show choir, but who really knows? It's like a TV show that's a musical. That's just magical to this music lover. Basically I got no sleep this week due to late night game nights and nights filled with watching Glee and hanging out, but it was worth it! I finally feel like I have a life again here, and I can only praise God for bringing an old friend back at EXACTLY the right time. I was starting to feel so issolated here, but these past couple of weeks have been fantastic. Praise the Lord.

There's a lot to look forward to these next two weeks as well: tomorrow night... girls night (dinner, sharing time, and working out!), Tuesday night: prayer walking in Seoul, Wed night: finale of the Biggest Loser!!!!!!, next Monday: ET Christmas party/gift exchange, Tuesday: Kindergarten Teachers Christmas Dinner at a fancy restaurant... and I'm sure there will be much fun to be had in between all of the above! We have to finish our season of Glee as well :)

So this weekend we planned a trip to Seoul to do some Christmas shopping (which I failed miserably at), and it turned out to snow!!! I was waiting for Cameron and Steph at the bus stop, and all of the sudden it just started snowing! It was sooo beautiful to see the snow coming down soooo hard for a while there. I felt like I was in a Christmas card. Then we went to Insadong, and Myeongdong, and it was magical! It FINALLY felt like Christmas! Here's some pics from the weekend... Enjoy :)The snow... the pic definitely didn't do it justice... it was REALLY snowing!

Cameron and Steph before we got on the bus! Oh, and yes, Cameron's hat has reindeer on it.

Cameron and I in Insadong. It was soooooo COLD. I had to by a hat, scarf and mittens. I was clearly not prepared.

Post buying my hat (comeplete with llamas on it), massive scarf, and mittens. This is in front of Forever 21 in Myeongdong.

Ended the night with Quiznos. Oh my goodness I loved my life so much at this point. They had ranch. It was sooo tasty... almost just like home! Then, we got free Krispy Kreme donuts. Amazing day filled with shopping, western food, snow, and good company! Yay!

Well that's all for now! I hope you have an amazing week! I miss you all sooo much! T-minus 15 days til I'm HOME! I can't wait! Pray that these last two weeks fly by!!!

Song for today:
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Steven Curtis Chapman (Listen HERE)

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had roll'd along th' unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

In despair I bow'd my head:
There is no peace on earth, I said,
For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.

Thanksgiving in the Land of Kimchi...

2009-12-03T03:35:00.001-08:00

I have a lot to say, but first, a picture update is definitely in order. These pics are from the last 2 weeks here.

The first two are from my weekend in Daegu getting my TESOL certification with Caroline

We were clearly excited about our fancy room and robes! This place had the BEST shower ever, and coming from my apt, it was soooo refreshing! Also the beds were so fluffy and warm which is really unusual for Korea...

When we first arrived, we were so excited because there were Christmas lights!
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These next pics are from our DBU Thanksgiving celebration last Tuesday. It was so lovely, and we had a surprise guest (Gracie), so it was such a wonderful time with my family here in Korea.

Kathy the cook. As usual.

Enny did a great job cutting our "turkeys" that were really chicken.

Anthony and Alyssia entertaining the kiddos (Helen and Peter Lee's). Looks like they were seeing what they could do with their hands?

Then they played Jenga...

The spread.. complete with mashed potatoes, chicken, gravy, cranberry sauce, corn, green bean casserole, stuffing, bread, sweet potatoes, and apple cobbler. YUM!

I think Anthony really missed gravy.

Don't be fooled, this is not my plate. Mine was much emptier, just like it would've been at home :) I just had already finished my food.

Cameron and I...

Anthony and I...

Cameron, Me, Gracie, and Anthony right after she told us she was Engaged!!!

Yay! Gracie's getting married in Jan! She's so cute!
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The next series are from Friday. Stephanie, Cameron, Anthony, Me, and Ken ventured to Seoul to eat at this REALLY yummy meat place Ken had told us about. Thanks tour guide, Ken! Basically at this restaurant, they just walk around with all kinds of meat on skewers, and you can have all you want. It's my dream restaurant! You don't even have to think about eating veggies!

One side of the table... the cool side we'll say.

The other side of the table... the uncool side, we'll say.

The first thing you get is a steak. YUM! It was sooo good.

The next thing we got we got was sirloin. It was the BEST by far, but we only got it once... they ran out :(

Me enjoying my meat! So good!

Outside the restaurant. Ken, Steph, Anthony and Cameron.

Anthony, Me and Ken somewhere in Seoul...

Me and Tones in front of pretty lights!

Texas Moon! We were excited at least...

We ended up in a Board Game Room. This is awesome, and America should have them. Basically, you pay like $2 an hour and can play any games that they have. I want to go every weekend. Love it.

All the Koreans were playing poker type games, and we decided to play Tumbling Monkeys. Jeaouls? Anthony was mesmorized, apparently.

Stephanie, Cam, Me, and Ken before we played Jenga.

They give you a hammer with Jenga so you can beat the loser. Muahaha.

So we played Jenga with consequences. I'm very proud of this one that I made up. If you made the tower collapse, you had to go hug the life-size nutcracker that was right by the doorway, pretty much in front of the whole room. It was awesome. Stephanie lost first! It was soooo amusing watching her do this.

It's not the clearest picture, but this is Steph hugging the nutcracker. YES.

Tones is the Jenga master. Seriously.

Stephanie afraid she will have to hug the nutcracker again... will she?

Sucess! Ken ended up hugging the nutcracker too... I missed the photo op though... sad day.
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These last pics are from our CCA Thanksgiving celebration... We could bring friends, so I brought Anthony and Cameron. This was my first big event I planned as Social Coordinator, and I felt like it was a success! We had about 30 people show, and there was plenty of food! That equals goodness to me!

Mark this day, they peeled potatoes! They did a great job helping with the Cheesy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Anthony's going to be a good Daddy... so cute.

Ken and Cameron...

Me and Tones! Someone told us we looked like siblings (He is the closest thing I have to a brother!) because we smile the same and we smile with our eyes... we've never gotten that before, but I'll take it as a compliment :)

Carolina and Cameron enjoying the appetizers.

The spread! It was soooo good! So many different foods! I didn't know we could pull it off so easily in Korea.

More of the food!

Me, Cam, and Anth. What a wonderful way to spend a Thanksgiving away from home! I love them!
The whole gang minus all the kiddos and Cameron (he took a bathroom break at the wrong time)

Whew. This took forever. Hope you enjoyed! So glad it's Friday tomorrow! 2 more weeks of teaching until I get home!!! I can't believe it! YAY!!!!!

Faithful One

2009-11-25T03:13:00.000-08:00

God has been constantly reminding me of His faithfulness. Something tells me that's what He's trying to teach me right now... hehe. So many things have been happening in my life lately that just completely point to the Lord's faithfulness. The biggest thing is just that lately I've been feeling really really isolated and alone. I'm constantly reminded of just how alone I am in this far away land... but at the same time I am constantly reminded of His presence here. I've been super busy with work and have been out of town a couple weekends, and I just kind of feel like my friendships here haven't been what they were. I feel like I'm in a constant battle to keep myself in with the DBU crowd here... it certainly makes a difference when you're the only one working somewhere else. I've learned that things will never be what they were, and I need to let go. It must be part of this wierd phenomenon called growing up eh? The past couple months have been ones filled with being broken and restored. Constant molding. BUT, can I just tell you? I am sooo grateful for the things I'm being taught here. I'm learning that it's ok to be by myself. It's ok to FULLY rely on my savior. It's ok to focus on taking care of me. It's ok to be in the background of friendships instead of up front. It's ok to be broken. I'm learning that there is no shame to not having it all together, and I can in fact rejoice in that!

Also, being issolated here has made me aware of how painfully single I am :) I'm prayerfully and patiently waiting for my Beloved... and I know that God is going to be faithful in taking care of me on that level. Two very real examples of this, are two of my dearest friends Chelsea, and Gracie. These two ladies have been a HUGE example for me in the realm of patience. I have spent many a conversations with them on what it means to wait for His timing. I am so grateful for their examples of what it means to be a woman after God's heart. THANK YOU to both of you, and congratulations on your engagements last week!!!!

The beautiful Chelsea and her FIANCE! So excited for you love! Getting married March 6th! Yay!

And precious Gracie. Getting married January 23rd!

Aren't both of these women just glowing so beautifully knowing that they're about to marry the ones that they have waited so patiently for their whole lives for??? And how exciting is it to think about that God created that person JUST for you, knowing exactly what you would need?? GOD IS FAITHFUL!

I'll write again soon :) 26 days til I'm home for Christmas! yay!

Song for today:
Hillsong: "Desert Song" (Listen to it HERE)

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

Photo dump

2009-11-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

So I have a lot of pictures I haven't posted yet from the past couple of weeks. Enjoy :)

Anthony turned 23 November 5 and Kathy threw him a surprise birthday party. I was really awesome. Mostly because we finally got to watch SNL's "Surprise Party" skit... we've been missing it... we can't watch it online here because we're in Korea, so Kathy bought it for him on itunes. If you haven't seen the surprise party skit, PLEASE watch it by clicking here. Be prepared to laugh harder than you have in a while.

Here's the birthday boy himself with his bestie Pak In.

Annie decided to come too. She sent a package full of party supplies, complete with pictures of herself on sticks. It was awesome.

We like to call this the language corner. Jake and Alyssia rarely speak in English. No one ever really knows what they're saying...

Narae, Roori, and myself. Love these girls :)

Something was clearly funy... I don't know what? But it was the most glorious cake.

Again, something about a presesnt he was opening was really funny. I think it would be the couple shirts someone gave Anthony for him and Kathy. Really awkward slash really amusing for all.

AWESOME gloves. If you want any of these for Christmas, just let me know.

I definitely had to try these out.

Anthony and all his church friends.

The DBU group.

The special crowd.

Pak In, Anthony, and Pak In's girlfriend, Halla.
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The next group of pictures is from the Jubilee women's retreat I went on a couple of weeks ago.

The Jubilee women's ministry logo. I'm the second person on the bottom of the right leg of the M.

The whole group. Can you find me?? haha. I'm the 3rd from the right on the front row.

Two girls from my small group, Dabin and Heidi.
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These pictures are from the mini birthday celebration we had for Krista at the Indian food place. YUMMY!

Amy, Eden, Krista, Me and Caroline... Erin was taking the picture

Krista blowing out her mini cake

The whole group of present and previous CCA kindergarten English Teachers.

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A couple of weeks ago, my friend Daniel and I figured out that we both attended small group Bible studies... his made up of Baylor people and mine made of DBU people, so we decided we should all meet each other. So, my group ventured out to Seoul (BangBae) to meet Daniel's group. It was a fantastic night! We're hoping to all meet again soon before Christmas.

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And lastly, I went to eat Indian food again... like 2 days later. I LOVE it so much. I crave it all the time, so thankfully my friends indulged my craving, and we all went out to have it.

Stephanie, Anthony, Pak In, Pak In's friend, Jake, and Cameron. We had our own room... I'm pretty much a celebrity at this place. They always give us free stuff now, and I'm pretty sure it's because I come here way too much.

I feel like I shouldn't been interrupting whatever they have going on in this picture...

The whole gang. Oh, minus Cameron...

The end. I hope everyone is doing well. I'll be home in 33 days. Not that I'm counting. I'll be in Daegu for the next 3 days for an ESL certification, so don't try to call me or anything. Miss everyone so much!

Memorable quotes from this week:
My student, Min Joon, looked up at me, pointed to my hair, and said, "Teacher, wig?"

Oh, and today, we were reading the book Giraffes Can't Dance and one of my students said, "Teacher, you are elephant." Thinking this was another fat joke, I said, "JinHee, why is teacher elephant?" she simply said, "the elephant is gray. Your shirt is gray." I was sooo shocked. hahaha. No fat jokes this week? This is too good to be true.