Times of Refreshing

You bring times of refreshing,

You bring times of refreshing to my soul!

Yesterday night I was webcamming with June and all of a sudden I heard a loud boom boom. June heard it seconds later and we were both scared out of our minds! But it turned out to be thunder and it started to pour. This morning, it was so nice to wake up to the sound of rainfall and the reminder that He gives us times of refreshing.  🙂 Thank you Jesus for your sovereignty!

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Over the past week I finally had the chance to develop a schedule to follow week by week. 🙂

My mentor teacher felt that volunteering at the orphanage alone was not a good idea. So she gave me an opportunity to visit students’ homes and help around. One of the students that I’ve been tutoring was one of the few she mentioned I could go and visit! I’m so excited to be able to help the community in some way. I know it’s not much, but I will do my best to show the Gospel through my actions and words. Last week before I was suppose to teach Kindergarten English, I went into their classroom to let the teacher know it was time to start English class.. the students were so excited and ran up to me to give me hugs. I really wanted to volunteer extra hours in Kindergarten and the teacher is letting me visit their class everyday! 🙂 My mentor teacher needed help with the 4th graders.. so I’ll be able to help out with that as well!

Yesterday I officially paid 50 thousand  won to join the Haenam’s teacher’s vball team! I’ve been practicing with them twice a week and I even made a really good friend there! She’s a 1st grade teacher somewhere near Haenam and we’re going to hang out sometime next week! 🙂

This weekend, going to Mokpo to visit Jee-Hyun and then Gwangju to watch my FIRST baseball game in Korea! And then church!! 🙂

Praise God for a great week! Praise God for never failing to provide. He is soo good! ❤

In my weaknesses You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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Over the past weekend, I went to Seoul for Jee-Hyun’s 21st birthday. We went to the jimjilbang (spa room) and Lotteworld! It was so much fun to see everyone from different provinces.. but most of all I was so glad to finally be reunited with June, Jee-Hyun, and Liz. We didn’t sleep until 5am because we spent the entire night catching up with each other. On Saturday night, we stayed in the jimjilbang. Got to know some of my brothers in Christ. They remind me of my brothers in Christ from home.. Out of the many conversations we’ve had, the one that stood out to me the most was the one about our futures and what we would be like 10 years from now. But a reunion is much needed to see what we’ve been up to. 🙂

It’s been such a journey and adventure with God in Korea. I came to Korea with the only expectation to improve the way I taught and become a teacher. Never would I have guessed that God is slowly revealing His plans to me one by one.After tons of prayer, I have come to a difficult conclusion that teaching is something I don’t want to do for the rest of my life. Over the next year in Korea, I am going to apply to go back to school. I will actually put my BA in psychology degree to good use. I’m applying to The Master’s College in California and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia to pursue a Masters in Arts in Biblical Counseling. Not only will I get the chance to study the Word in more detail, but it will equip me as I strive to become an orphanage director.

Lovers leave and friends forsake
But there’s one thing that I know
My heart will heal and my heart will break
But I’ll never be alone

There is None Like You

There is none like You
No one else can touch my heart like You do
I could search for all eternity long
And find
There is none like You

Your mercy flows like a river wide
And healing comes in Your Name
Helpless children are safe in Your arms
And there is none like you

Overall this week has been so good. I feel super blessed to have such amazing and caring staff. One of the admin gave me face masks, tissue when I was sick, dropped by to give me some food and soup, gives me rides to town, vball, paid for my ARC and a whole bunch of other stuff, my mentor teacher has been soo loving and caring by talking to me and helping me, and my principal knocked on my door to give me apples and bananas. I feel like all this is out of their own time and money, but I will try to be the best that I can be as an English teacher.. that’s the least I can do for them.. and also attend vball with school staff. Although I have the opportunity to request to relocate schools and cities.. I think I going stick with the original plan  and stay here for a year and get to know my staffs better and share the Gospel with them :). Who knows, I might extend my stay in Korea for another year.

Throughout the last two years of college, I enjoyed making the best out of the college experience. Often times I relied on my planner because it was so hectic and busy. In fact having a planner was not enough.. I even made lists of what I had to do when I had free time. Despite being super busy, I enjoyed every bit of it! Being busy made me appreciate the moments I spent with God while walking/driving to and from places. Being busy for the past two years non-stop has given me an opportunity to juggle 5 classes, 3 jobs, housemates, fellowship, family, friends from home, fellowship from home and quiet time. One significant memory I had was riding the bus to school physically destroyed and my friend saw me and stated that it looked like I a single mother trying to put food on the table for her kids. I believe that God places us in situations to help us grow in different ways. Being in Korea has been a major transition for me. While I teach 3 hours a day (15 hours a week), lesson plan (6-8 hours a week), extra tutoring for some kids (to be determined), play volleyball with Haenam town teachers (6 hours a day, two days a week), play some more volleyball with my school staff (3 hours, once a week), hangout with a couple TaLK scholars a week (2 hours), go to the city during the weekends…. is the complete opposite of the life I had back in the states.

This week has been super calming and being still for God. After getting dinner with a TaLK scholar, I hopped on the bus at 7:40pm..bus dropped me off at 7:50pm and I kid you not.. it’s dark out. With a few streetlights from a couple miles ahead.. I looked up into the sky and I saw sooo many glittering stars. This is probably the first time in a long time since I had last basked in God’s beauty and glory. To just know that God, the creator of the universe would love me so much to send His one and only Son to die on the cross for my sins.. I’m such a wretched person who deserves condemnation because God is a just God.. but rather, knowing that He loves me.. is so mind-blowing.. Walking back to my room is no longer scary.. but knowing God is walking by my side and guiding my every step. (+ my mentor teacher gave me her flashlight!)  There is none like You. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search for all eternity long and find there is none like You.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Such an encouraging & convicting passage. My first time actually reading it thoroughly.

Thanks Stephanie Wong for the video! 🙂

Check it out!

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

10 1 An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She dresses herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,

for all her household are clothed in scarlet

22 She makes bed coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.

With Hope

I woke up to an email from Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) regarding China’s Forced Repatriation of 31 North Korean Refugees.

Below is the email from LinK.

China’s Forced Repatriation of 31 North Korean Refugees

Dear friends, 

We are sad to convey that the North Korean refugees that had been detained in China have been forcibly sent back to North Korea.

The group, numbering at least 31, included a teenager whose older brother and sister were already in South Korea, a father with his daughter, a mother and her two children, an elderly woman of 70 years old whose daughter was waiting for her in Seoul, and a child of just 5 years old.

Our North Korean refugee friends consistently tell us that they fear for their lives when they leave the country, but they do so in the hope of escaping extreme impoverishment and government repression, and for some, to have the chance to reunite with their family members in South Korea.

We know from our partners on the ground that security has recently been heightened on both sides of the North Korea-China border. This has made it even more dangerous for North Korean people to try to escape the country and has also made it more difficult for North Korean refugees hiding in China to travel on to countries where they can safely resettle.

The relatives of the repatriated refugees first tried to secure their release through quiet diplomacy. It was only when it became apparent that the Chinese authorities would imminently be sending the refugees back that the issue was publicized in a desperate last ditch effort to save them. What started as a small campaign in South Korea quickly grew and garnered an unprecedented level of attention from the international community, and over 175,000 people from around the world joined to voice their support for the ‘Save My Friend’ campaign. Despite this, the Chinese government decided to side with the leadership in Pyongyang and repatriate the refugees.

We are extremely saddened that the Chinese government has taken this course of action. The North Korean people are currently suffering from even more restrictions during the transitional period and the new leadership is reportedly ordering even harsher punishments for attempted defectors and their relatives. By actively cracking down and forcibly sending North Korean refugees back to face severe punishment, the Chinese government is making itself complicit in North Korea’s horrific human rights abuses.

We have been moved by the strength of compassion that has been shown around the world for the North Korean refugees. We believe it is more important now than ever to come alongside the North Korean people, to advocate for them, and to demonstrate to the Chinese authorities that people and governments all over the world are increasingly concerned and are willing to stand up for the basic human rights of North Korean refugees.

In our dedication to the North Korean people, we will also continue to work directly with our partners and staff on the ground to help North Korean refugees leave China and make it safely to countries that will protect them.

With hope,  

The LiNK staff

Being in South Korea has made it more real to me about the current situation that is happening in North Korea. Let’s pray for the 31 North Korean refugees and their families. These people are not just people. They have families waiting for them on the opposite side of the borders. As mentioned above, there’s even a 5 year old North Korean refugee who will also be punished severely. 😦

God is Able

God is Able has been one of the most overplayed songs in my playlist. I miss spontaneous raw worship sessions with only the acoustic guitar. But this video will suffice!

God is Able
He will never fail
He is almighty God

Greater than all we seek
Greater than all we ask
He has done great things

Lifted up, He defeated the grave
raised to life, our God is able
In His name, we overcome
For the Lord, our God is able

God is with us
God is on our side
He will make a way

Far above all we know
Far above all we hope
He has done great things

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The Greatest Joy in My Life

Looking back to my first day in college and where I am now.. I feel so blessed for seasons of growth. My flesh is so weak but He sustains and reminds me that I was created for a greater purpose. Freshmen year in college, I wanted to become an architecture and interior design major and make big $. There are also days when I dwell in self pity with the unfavorable situations I was placed in.. and I fail to see how much GRACE He has placed in my life. It’s so easy to get distracted and lose focus, but praise GOD for pointing me back to the cross!!!

I am reminded of the song All I Have is Christ by Sovereign Grace Music.

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

During small groups a couple months ago.. my Merced mommy asked, “What makes your heart sing?” I wasn’t too sure, but I told her I loved serving freshmen in college and the kids at my workplace. But I now know for certain that what truly makes my heart sing.. is serving children in impoverished areas. Loving on them and sharing the Gospel with them. Expecting nothing in return and to walk the extra mile for them. I feel like moving back to the states is something I do not want to do for the rest of my life. Being in Korea has given me a clearer vision on what I need to do to become an orphanage director. I hope to go back to school and earn my credentials or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), go to Bible school and earn my Masters in Biblical Counseling or Biblical Studies and go on missionary trips to orphanages to learn more on how to run one. It’s scary to know that I probably won’t live in the comforts of the states. I probably won’t live in a fancy house. I probably won’t drive a nice car. I probably won’t own the latest handbag (not that it matters now lol.) I probably won’t be able to see my family and friends in the states as frequent as before. But what I should fear more is not answering to God’s will for me.

God is the greatest joy in my life. I smile only because of Him. He sustains me.

All for His glory. I love You.

*Edit*

Sunday:

Spent a few hours with June! 🙂 Soo nice to catch up. Even though we’ve known each other for less than two months.. it feels way longer. We grabbed some fro-yo at Red Mango! Sooo yummy! Almonds are so good! Reminds me of home.

My dad and sister visited me for less than half a day. But I cherished every moment I had with them! Walked around Myeongdong and ate some yummy foods! 🙂

The Intricate Planner

Wow, what a week!

From Tuesday to Friday I was able to finally teach my first week of classes! Sometimes I forget my purpose for being in Korea in the first place.. but wow this week I have realized how much I enjoy teaching! While every class that I teach have different dynamics, I realized how teaching kids brings so much joy in my life. 🙂 Although it can get discouraging because of language barriers, I won’t give up on these kids! One of the most challenging classes so far are third graders. 90% of the class are below basic in terms of English speaking proficiency. Because students do not understand me, they are all over the classroom. However, one student in particular really stood out to me. His English is best out of the entire class and I later found out about his current state at home. His dad was a pastor but his health is slowly deteriorating and he is growing more blind everyday. The 3rd grader practices English at home with his mom. He is a big  help for me by telling the kids to be quiet and for setting a good example by sitting quietly in his seat. I really want to help him succeed.. so hopefully by God’s grace, I can help tutor him for free and be a light to him.

During the weekend, I went to Gwangju (1.5 hours from Haenam) with a few TaLK scholars from Haenam and my mentor teacher. We ate pizza at the bus terminal in Gwangju and met up with a few other TaLK scholars who are residing in Gwangju. I also met a Cantonese friend who is from London and we became better friends over the past weekend. It was so nice of her to let me spend three nights in her “flat”. She has been such a encouragement to me! We went to church on Sunday and I believe I am going to make Dongmyong Church my home church for the next year! Despite the commute, I’m super excited to see what I can do to serve in the church. Yesterday the church announced a visit to the orphanage every third week of the month. I then spoke with one of the organizers and it turns out that I’m going with a few other TaLK scholars and church members in the English worship service! I’m so excited!!! Volunteering in an orphanage is something that I’ve wanted to do in the past few years! 🙂 The organizer also gave me the contacts to an orphanage director who speaks perfect English and he can share with me more on what it is like to run an orphanage. 🙂

I have to go teach my students in half an hour. So hopefully I can update more later! 🙂 Thanks for reading!

So to tie it all in, I believe God is such an intricate planner.. he never ceases to amaze. ❤ He is worthy of all the praise and glory!

Oh and it took me like 2 hours to figure out how to work the laundry machine.. I found out that I needed to turn on the water supply. Gg. I’m such a noob.

AND! My sister and dad are visiting me next week in Gwangju! I’m sooo excited! I can’t wait to show them around despite my limited Korean:) Ohh myy.. my dad got me an IPAD 2 too!! 🙂 YAYYY!  Skype and facetime FTW!

Peace out.