Whirlwind first week

This week has been very busy! I had orientation every day and began learning a little about Korean language and culture. I can actually say a few things now and I don't feel as uncomfortable as I did in the beginning trying to use Korean words. Yesterday was my favorite part of orientation because I got to go visit the school that I will be teaching at Monday! The school is called Cheonan Namsam Elementary and it has around 1200 students in 1st through 6th grade. The kids were very excited about the new "foreign" English teacher coming to the school, but also a little apprehensive because I am a native English speaker. I visited all of the different floors of the school and it almost felt like I was a celebrity. The kids would surround me and say "hi"! They gave me hugs, some shook my hand, and others brought me a piece of paper and asked for my signature. I probably signed 50 papers while I was there. Some were too shy to talk to me, but seeing their smiles calmed my nervousness. I teach at Namsan Monday-Wednesday and then I teach at another elementary school called Sin-an on Thursdays and Fridays. I don't know very much about my second school, but I learned today how to take the bus and walk to the second school on Thursday.

Tomorrow all of us will meet with some Korean pastors or Sunday school superintendants from Korean churches for lunch and work out carpooling to church on Sunday morning. The tradition in Korea is for all churches to begin at 11 a.m. and eat lunch together after the service. I possibly will have the opportunity to share a Bible story for the children on Sunday morning, as well. On Monday morning, there will be an assembly for all the students and teachers at my school and I will have to introduce myself to everyone. I am a little nervous, but I am confident that God's grace will give me strength. I have thought a lot over the past few days about why I am here. I know I came here to be an English teacher, but I also came here because God called me to serve in Korea. His purposes are much greater and far more vast than I could ever grasp or imagine. As a follower of Jesus Christ, my mission is always to have the mind of Christ, be willing to testify about what He has done in my life, and to share His love with everyone I come in contact with on a daily basis. My job here may be a teacher, but I am first and foremost Christ's disciple living in a world in need of the hope found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Starting my new life in Korea...

So I have been in Cheonan for 5 days now and I am finally beginning to adjust to the 13 hour time difference. I am surprised that I have been so adaptable to the time difference, the difference in food, and the inability to carry on a conversation with anyone except the "foreigners" in the city. One of the main things that I think has made it easier is the complete peace that I have felt since I stepped out of the plane onto Korean soil. I have not once been apprehensive about it or frightened, like I was when I began to make the decision to change my entire life and move here. I will definitely say that everything has been completely ordained by the hand of God. His presence has been very real to me and I am very excited about allowing Him to lead and guide me on this new journey in life.

Sunday was an interesting experience for me because I went to my first Korean church service at Sung Moon("Holy Gate") Church of the Nazarene in downtown Cheonan. The entire service was in Korean, so for the most part I was totally lost and had no idea what was going on. During the music, I recognized "There's Power in the Blood" and "As the deer" which I sang along with in English. The District Superintendent who was also the Pastor preached from Jeremiah 33:1-3. Other than that, I have no idea what was being said during the service. Despite the language barrier, the Spirit of God moved me in an incredible way. I did not need to know the words that were spoken during the message, announcements, or the prayer. I only needed to use that time to be in communion with God and worship Him with my whole heart. It was actually one of the most meaningful worship experiences I have had because I realized it was not about the words, the songs, or about me at all, but it was about God and giving total honor, glory, and devotion to Him.

Today began my orientation as an English teacher in the public school system in Cheonan. We all started our day with a health check-up at the local hospital. It involved checking our weight, height, blood pressure, an eye exam, an x-ray for something, as well as a blood test.

We didn't really know what to expect and of course didn't really understand what any of the nurses or technicians were saying, but it went very smoothly after some confusion. We were then taken back to KNU for lunch as well as a brief introduction into the mission and emphasis of the university. It was amazing to hear of the technological advances that KNU has made specializing in service to people with disabilities and handicaps. There is definitely a great ministry here that reflects the compassion that Christ had for those who are blind, deaf, mute or unable to walk.

I am excited about what God is going to do in my life this year as I adjust to life in Korea, learn a new language, and begin teaching elementary students! My prayer is that my life will reflect the love of Christ and be an example of a life changed and being changed by God!