since i've been back several things have changed. i still teach bible to the middle schoolers, but we've changed it up a bit. now we're coteaching where the korean english teachers sit in on my classes and i sit in on theirs. its actually been really really awesome. my days are busier...a lot busier but it is good. i also picked up an advanced composition class for the high schoolers. its not what i expected, but i think its going to be good.
these days classes have been cut 5 minutes because we spend an hour a day walking to prepare for our trip to Jeju at the end of April. we're going to hike the mountain there for four days...all of us. all the teachers and 250 students.
i will climb this mountain.
jeju. be jealous.
outside of school, well, there's more school. i'm enrolled in two online classes at Covenant. one "apologetics and outreach" and "old testament history and theology." both have been fascinating and have taught me a lot. it feels good to be back in school and learning the things i love to learn and flourishing the gifts God has given me. but its definitely busy.
when i'm not working my 50 hour weeks and doing homework, i've been enjoying the pleasant company of my korean and fellow foreigner friends. the time with them can range from having coffee to visiting trick eye museums and coffee shops with sheep. its a good time. i also just started meeting with some people and a korean pastor for a bi weekly informal bible study.
when that all isnt going on, well, i love to spend my alone time hiking the mountain behind my house, reading, and skyping with people as best i can.
of course, intertwined in all of this God is growing david and i's long distance relationship. its been almost 8 months since we'd decided to do this thing. i don't regret a single minute. it hasn't come without hardships and trials. the distance sucks. but its been a beautiful thing to watch both of us growing independently and with each other even though separate. its a part of my life i constantly still cannot believe is mine and real. its too good to be true...except it is true.
those of you reading this who have a relationship with jesus, please keep me in your prayers with all of this. on the surface it may appear that i have the greatest life...i'm not gonna lie...i kinda believe i do. but its not without hard times and it gets very lonely without my dear ones beside me.
being the only foreigner a majority of the time can be exhausting on so many levels. these days, i've found myself experiencing 'culture shock' again. my heart is critical towards these people i am called to love and i'm constantly fighting becoming easily frustrated and irritable on and off the job. i know its a common thing to experience, but i feel really guilty about it and want to get over it fast.
spiritually, God has been teaching me a lot about trust and belief. it is humbling to see yourself asking those you teach to do what you can't. i want to trust and believe what i do not see and what i can't logically control and fit in my analytical box. i'm also struggling with my life long need for perfection. its a terrible sin, i have not yet confessed and repented of. so here i am now, in public, to everyone and obviously before the Lord. i no longer want the burden of perfection on my shoulders. i want to be set free. i'm sorry because in many ways i've burdened so many in my life because of this sin and have kept my guard and distance because of it or worse, i've expected it from others. i want to be free from it and rid of this for good. i know it won't happen completely 100% instantaneously, but i know from this moment it can and will change because the Holy Spirit is that powerful. if perfection is what i aim for jesus didn't die, and that is a terrible offense to what i claim to believe.
ok, well there's my update on the last couple of months overall. here's my last weeks adventures. enjoy.
on one of our mid day walks at school. that's a lot of students.
easter sunday with the dyes. cuddle time with shauna.
the treasures of the easter egg hunt.
a day off of school that involves a cafe with hand drip coffee and sheep.
and the 'trick eye' museum.
and today. a beautiful day to walk around banpo park.
the pictures i didn't take were of gloria and i grading quizzes on a friday night, and our wonderful brunch for bible study at jacob's house. also, my neighbor cecilie went out last night for fries at a 'baby guiness' pub right by our house. unfortunately, i've felt sick all day so i'm not sure they set well....
cheers and enjoy,
lauren
song of the week: "sorrow" by flyleaf
verse: "john 8:31-32 "if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will se you free."
abide: continuing obedience and trust shows true discipleship. by this you will know truth: by continuing to believe and obey his words which frees from sin.
wow! it does sound like you are busy. I will definately keep you in my prayers:) Love the pictures. I miss you and can't wait to see you in July!
ReplyDelete