Characteristics of Christ

Instead of having days of Thanksgiving, Beka had an idea to study attributes of God each day. It was great to look through the word and study His countless attributes. I encourage you to do it do!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The first of November:
Patient
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The second of November:
Protector
Psalm 5:11-12
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

The third of November:
Faithful
2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

The Fourth of November:
Merciful
Exodus 34:6
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."

The Fifth of November:
Healer
Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.

The Sixth of November:
Trustworthy
Psalm 93:5
Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.

The Seventh of November:
Holy  
1 Peter 1:15-16
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

The Eighth of November:
All Knowing 
1 John 3:19-20
By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and he knows everything.

The Ninth of November:
Savior 
Psalm 25:4-5
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

The Tenth of November:
Gracious
Isaiah 30:18
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.

The Eleventh of November:
Counselor 
Jeremiah 32:18-19
O great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of man, rewarding each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds.

The Twelfth of November:
Friend 
John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

The Thirteenth of November:
Forgiving
Colossians 1:13-14
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Fourteenth of November:
God the Father
Psalm 68:5
Father of the fatherless and protector of the widows is God in his holy habitation.

The Fifteenth of November:
God the Son
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

The Sixteenth of November:
God the Holy Spirit
Luke 3:21-22
Now when all the people were baptized and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved son, with you I am well pleased."

The Seventeenth of November:
Good Shepherd 
John 10:11, 27-30
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep...My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.

The Eighteenth of November:
Judge
Ecclesiastes 4:16-17
Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.

The Nineteenth of November:
Servant
Philippians 2:6-8
Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The Twentieth of November:
Lamb of God
John 1:29
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

The Twenty-First of November:
Alpha & Omega 
Revelation 1:8
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

The Twenty-Second of November:
Love
1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

My Family in Korea!

For those of you that have ever lived away from home, you'll be able to rejoice with me as I give a recap of my mom and grandma's visit to a land far far from Kansas.

It was such a blessing to have them visit. To tell someone about your experience and to show someone your experience are two completely different scenarios.

They arrived Saturday evening, and despite having traveled more hours than one would like to count, their trip wasn't over yet. We had some difficulty trekking back to my island but lo and behold, we made it! My mom braved the morning so that she could go to church with me. 

Their first big adventure was experiencing first hand where I spend most of my time, at school! They joined us for a Korean lunch with my director, principal, vice-principal, Teacher Beka and Teacher Ethan. Kim-Chi and rice and tofu- oh my! Honestly, it was homemade kim-chi that my principal made and it was really good! That was the first and perhaps the last time to eat it. Throughout the afternoon they visited all of my classes and quickly realized why it's such an exhausting job.

Their first adventure led to their second adventure. My principal asked if they would like to join us for our field trip the following day to a vineyard. It was awesome that they could join me for two days of school! 

We also saw a traditional Korean home. 

It reminded me of Cowtown, Korean style!

We walked around my city, and I took them to my favorite restaurant, Dehli. 

Who knew I would come to Korea to crave Indian food?! 

One day while I was working, Cherrel took them to 

Tongyeong to shop and to go to the pearl museum! 

Over the weekend, we went to Busan. Here's a picture from 

inside the tower and in front of the tower and flower clock.  

On Sunday we went to a temple on the coast. Little did I know that it would still be typhoon season when my family planned their trip. Needless to say, a typhoon was coming and we made it a fairly quick visit.

We went to the Busan Aquarium to get out of the wind and rain! 

Due to the typhoon, we had Monday off work! We stayed home, relaxed, and played card games. 

Tuesday and Wednesday night my mom and grandma stayed at a pension, 

which would be similar to renting a beach house. 

Emily and Michael went to lunch with my mom and grandma one day! It was hard to work knowing my family was in town, but I'm thankful for amazing friends that spent time with them and showed them around! 

My director picked them up when they checked out of the pension. He took them on a tour; they visited a pebble beach and saw lots of rice fields! 

Friday night we went to eat bibimbap, a popular Korean dish. It was a traditional experience with new food, chopsticks, and floor seating. 

And then before I knew it, they were heading to the airport. Having them visit was the best gift! Thank you again, mom and grandma, for traveling so far to visit! I love you! 

My Birthday!

Hello!!! I know, I know, it's almost been a century since I've posted. This blog will be sweet and to the point and hopefully sooner rather than later I'll post more.

My birthday is coming up! December 8th to be exact. If any of you would like to send a gift and have yet to purchase anything, please consider supporting my friend, Sharisse instead. She is doing the World Race and is currently with her team serving orphans in Swaziland. Here is a link to learn more: http://www.theworldrace.org/

She needs to raise $2,200 by December 1st. 

Here is her blog link: http://sharissemeyer.theworldrace.org/
On the left hand side you will see a link that reads HELP! (Thank-you!)
Simply click there and it's easy to support her! If you are unable to help financially, she most definitely needs prayer support too!

I apologize for the short notice. Once a procrastinator, always a procrastinator.

I'm studying the book of James with my women's Bible study and fittingly, I'll leave you with this verse:

James 1:26
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Thankful!

I'm thankful that God has created a clean heart and a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 36:26) I'm thankful that although my flesh and my heart fail, God is the strength of my heart! (Psalm 73:26)

I'm thankful that Beka and I were sent here together! I wouldn't have made it this far without her. 

I'm thankful for our co-teacher, Ethan. He's one of the most positive people I know. 

Heading to Taiwan!

I'm beyond thankful for my amazing church in Okpo, Korea and the incredible people I've met there. I didn't really know what to expect to find for a church when I was preparing to come here, but I surely didn't expect this! It's a great community and I love the fact that I've met and bonded with people from across the globe. 

Thanks to Amanda for this picture! 

She set up a fun photo booth for Derik's birthday party.

I'm thankful for the beautiful sunsets on the bay! 

I'm thankful for my family, friends, and church family back home. It's a blessing to be able to stay connected through technology and snail mail!! 

The cards I've received in the last 6 months. 

I feel the love!! 

I'm thankful that Beka and I have family and friends that are not only willing to visit but are able to visit! Dave visited at the end of July and Beka's mom and sisters visited in August! Next month my mom and grandma are visiting!! In October, Sarah is visiting!! I'm elated for our upcoming visitors!

I'm thankful for the lovely rice fields! Maybe it's because I'm a Kansas girl and I'm used to seeing wheat fields. The fields help make a connection between Korea and Kansas and has allowed me to enjoy them. 

I'm thankful for my job and my kids. My patience is tested everyday but I love them! 

Sarah's birthday! 

Have I ever mentioned I'm thankful for food? Oh man I've never appreciated food so much in my life! I'm grateful that friends and family have sent and brought food and that we have a few foreigner's marts here. With that being said, I do like Korean food heaps more now than when I first arrived. I think I'll even miss some of it when I leave. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Yeongdeok Race

In July Beka, Este, Elisti, and I jumped on a bus to meet Tyson in Busan. We ate Mexican food and stopped at the beach for a bit before jumping in Tyson's car to head to Yeongdeok. It's about a 3 hour drive from Busan. It was our first road trip via car since we've been here. Beka and I felt like we were heading to Kansas City! Instead of the Flint Hills, we got to see more beautiful Korea scenery. Tyson even found an amazing Italian restaurant for us to eat at on the way there! Here are some pictures from the trip and race: 

Este and I ran the 10k together! 

Thanks to Este for this picture! 

Este, Tyson, me, Beka, Elisti 

Thanks to Este for this pic! 

Hooray we made it! 

It was a beach marathon so the scenery was great! 

Beach on one side, rice fields and mountains on the other. 

The half-marathoners! It was Beka's birthday weekend and 

they let them go down this slip&slide for free. :)

On the way home we made a stop at a lotus garden! 

The photos only capture a glimpse of their beauty. 

This picture is for friends back home that understand our shirts. KP <3 

Hello Monsoon!

Well if I wasn't convinced that it was monsoon season before, I am now! After visiting some friends, Beka and I were making the typically uneventful trip home. Was it pouring? Yes. Would we melt? No. We decided it was then or never so we headed to the bus stop. Let's just say we were drenched before even making it onto the bus. After we got off the bus, we had to cross a busy road and 1/2 of it was flooded. Beka lost a shoe for a short time, our umbrellas were caving in on us from the strong winds and we were cracking up!! I've never laughed so hard in my life over rain! I could hardly breathe. By the time we reached our destination, you would have thought we were without umbrellas the entire time. Beka ditched hers after realizing it was of little use. I had our Bibles and my camera in a bag so I continued to use mine. Needless to say, we had a blast!

 Wringing out my long skirt

Hello Monsoon, nice to officially meet you! 

If only for a season

Meet Sobi.

The best dog in all of Korea! 

We met Sobi about a month after arriving in Korea. It sounds really strange, mostly because it is strange, but right by our apartment there's a dog tank; people keep their dogs there sometimes. It's a small building with glass all around. She was always so friendly and excited to see us (unlike the other dogs, shocking, I know) so we started letting her out of the dog tank when we found her in there. One day we brought her up to give her a bath. She started visiting, and then occasionally spending the night. Well about 8 weeks ago she became a frequent visitor and we saw that she was pregnant, and 6 weeks ago she birthed a puppy in our bathroom! One single puppy. We decided to name her Rea.

Meet Rea. 

2 days old 

3 weeks old 

 5 weeks

It turns out, Sobi has Korean owners. And after a series of events, they came and took them away yesterday. We've seen Sobi twice since then because she has come to visit. We're sure this will remain the same. We're hoping to see Rea outside in a month or so when she's old enough; tomorrow she'll be 6 weeks old.  

Beka and I kind of feel like empty nesters! We were glad to have them, if only for a season. 

The Art of Walking as Transportation

In many parts of the world it's common not to own a car. Here in Korea, a lot of people do, but we've decided not to take that plunge. I wanted to have a year off from driving and improve my carbon footprint. (What is that, you may ask? check out this site http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx ) You can calculate your impact on the environment - it asks questions ranging from modes of transportation to your food choices to your shopping habits. If nothing else, just look at the site, it can make you more aware of the impact you're making on our environment. 

Here, it's really easy not to own a vehicle. We're literally a 4 minute walk from school, 7 minute walk from a grocery store, and a 20 minute walk from the strip in Gohyeon or Homeplus. In addition, taxis are available for rainy days in town and we have the bus to go the extra distance to Okpo for church, Bible study, and other gatherings. And then there are friends that transport us too - thanks to Anders, Chelsea, Amanda and Derik! 

Not surprisingly, countries with higher rates of walking and bicycling as transportation have lower rates of obesity and diabetes. It's slowly becoming more common in the states especially on the coasts. Even Wichita is making strides by adding bicycle lanes. I will admit it's trickier in a lot of American cities as we build out, not up - but it's doable. Sure it may take extra planning and a little more time (and trust me people, I know that's not easy!) but think of the benefits: it increases your physical activity, it's better for the environment, and better for your bank account! 

So I challenge those of you that depend on your cars or motorbikes daily to give it a break one day this week. Who knows, maybe you'll make a habit out of it. 

In a world where chips & salsa are a novelty...

(Or to me, a luxury!)

...You will go great lengths to get it! On Saturday, Beka, Harriet and I hopped on a bus to Busan (1 hour), explored a bit of the city, and then headed to eat Mexican food via subway (45 minutes.) But it was worth it with guacamole made right before our eyes, and yummy burritos to follow! Below is a picture of us taken at the beach near the restaurant. Next time we're planning to spend the day at the beach and fill up on Mexican before heading back. 

On an opposite note, Beka and I ran a 5k yesterday. It's been a while since I've ran but it felt good. Looks like we're running a race on July 22. Hopefully it won't be too terribly hot. 

I'm going through a much needed devotional on joy right now. Yesterday I read 1 Peter 4:12-13 which reads, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 

I'll just have you note, verse 12 does not say, do not be surprised at the trial if it comes upon you, rather is says, when it comes upon you. 

Which brings me to the next part of the reading, just a chapter later in 1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 

Recap - trials will happen, be on the lookout, and stand firm in faith because our enemy the devil wants to take us down. 

But don't stop there..verse 10 reads, And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

Thank you Lord for restoring, confirming, strengthening and establishing us! 

Let summer begin!

Since my last blog, I've been to the world expo in Yeosu, went on my first night hike, hiked Okpo to Deokpo, went to Gujora beach, went to Tongyeong to ride the cable cars, and gave our principal and director the translated letter! 


The expo was an exciting life experience as I don't really plan on going to any other world expos in the future. It was just so convenient to go, we couldn't pass up the opportunity. The theme was "The Living Ocean and Coast." Each country represented had a pavilion centralized around their coasts and ocean(s). We were there for the entire day and probably only saw half of it. It inspired me to travel more; there are so many beautiful places in the world to explore! 

The Big-O

Last weekend we had fun on a night hike right by our apartment. It was so peaceful to sit and view the city lights. The next morning we got up early to hike Okpo to Deokpo which are neighboring towns. It was nice to actually get up and see the morning as most days when we can, we sleep in. 

We had Monday off for Buddha's birthday. We took advantage of the time off and went to Tongyeong with Anders. It's about a 30 minute drive from where we live. They have cable cars that take you to amazing view points. There's the option to hike down but we opted for the ride back down this time. Being a holiday and all, it was extremely busy. Our number was 8500, and they were only on 5500. We thought, "Oh boy, this is going to take a while."  We decided to buy some ice cream but before I had a chance to order Beka told me we were going on. Turns out someone asked Anders how many were in our group and let us go ahead! After spending 1 1/2 - 2 hours there we came back down to find that we still would have been waiting! We wanted to thank the employee somehow so we bought him a Powerade. He gave us a heartfelt bow and thanked us. To my island friends, I definitely recommend the trip! 

 If you look closely, you can see the cable cars. 

 Probably my favorite picture of the trip.

Beka, Anders, me!

We're thankful because we also get a day off this week, on Wednesday. After that we'll have to persevere through June. It will probably be our most stressful month with Open House the last week. Open House here translates to a time to be critiqued by parents as they watch us teach their children while we try to impress them. Dear Lord, help us! ;-)

Last but definitely not least, a friend of a friend was able to translate the letter for our principal and director. We printed it off and gave it to them yesterday with a Korean Bible. We're praying for God to move in their lives! 

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.