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.